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Washington Park Turkey Trot - Great Big, But Not Great
The turkey trot is as much a tradition for some as potatos and pumpkin pie. Next to Bolder Boulder, the local turkey trot is the most popular run. Almost any kind of race is available each Thanksgiving ranging from the informal club trail race to the “run with thousands of revelers” style. Good thing too, because as a good number of Colorado runners are learning, bigger is not always better.
The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot is a long-time tradition, drawing thousands of runners each year to Denver’s Washington Park on Thanksgiving to run and raise money for charitable causes. At four miles, it’s a good race for those who are more likely running (or Heaven forbid, “jogging”) but not really “racing”. But whether it’s Bolder Boulder or a crowd of thousands packed into Washington Park, those looking for a fastest race will have their work cut out for them. Along with winding around runners (or worse, being jostled when getting passed), the logistic issues of getting an accurate time from the starting line to the finish line require a really outstanding run to score your PR. Here are some comments of some of the Washington Park runners from the beginningtriathete.com forum:
Holy cow!!! My husband and I went with our two boys in the double BOB and we had no idea there were going to be so many people. I think the announcer said 8000 people!!!!!!!!! It was insane.
I’m all for helping a good cause, but I find it hard that they have been doing it for 30+ years. The finish line was a mess. There were so many people that we actually had to stop running 15feet before the finish. Then, what a mess with the timing chips. Why was it timed anyways?? There’s too many people for that. I could see it were ALL runners, but there were families, kids, older people, lots of walkers, etc.. I think they should have a rule (like they do with The Race For The Cure) that all walkers stay to the right. It was crazy trying to dodge all the people with my stroller. Yikes!
…next year, we’ll donate the money to a cause and run our own path. It’s just a little too difficult with two young kids-ya know?
I had heard amazing things about this race, but was a little unimpressed. The whole finish line fiasco did not help. There were WAY too many people to have 1 shotgun start. I am happy I did it as it is for a great cause, but not sure I’ll do it next year.
The WPTT supports a good cause but I’ll pass. The Turkey Run at Highlands Ranch is much more manageable…about 1,000 runners.
It is a large race and I knew from last year a large turn out… I think most the people that do a Thanksgiving Turkey trot run are doing it for fun and not really competition.
I’ve never run in Wash Park but it seems to be the most generic place that everyone likes to hold their races at, i.e., pick a cause and throw it in front of “5k” and you’ve got a race. Might do the <Jingle Bell> “5k” in December and this would be my first Wash Park experience. But otherwise, no thanks…
2008 Heart Center of the Rockies Half Marathon
Pat wrote in a few comments about this Loveland race:
This one is a decent, small scale half marathon. Course is point to point, mostly flat, which is nice for speed. While it’s nice to have a course that doesn’t compete with the cars, racing on the bike path isn’t my firts choice. I personally prefer a dedicated half marathon without the 5K, 10K, Kids Run…. but I guess the race would be on the small side and I know the point is to profit. The race shirt was a white long sleeved tech shirt, with black ad logos which probably contributes to the $45 early bird entry fee. I thought there would be a little more happening at the finish line. The beach/park offer the potential for some post-race fun, but overall I can’t complain. A glass company had donated their service van to help runners get back to the starting line. Overall, no major snafu’s - I could do it again next year.
2008 Chatfield Five And Dime
Well my friends it was cold this morning. But not cold enough to stop a pretty good size crowd from rockin’ the trails at Chatfield State Park. Organized by the Colorado Masters Running Association, the Five and Dime consisted of a 5 mile and 10 mile trail run.
This was my very first trail run and it was awesome. As far as the level of fun had while running a race goes, this is way at the top of my list. The course started on a dirt road that wound through a field and turned into single track about 2 miles in. I was super nervous about rolling an ankle at first, and though the trails got pretty narrow, they stayed relatively smooth for the first 6 miles so I had a good chance to get comfortable with the course and my pace. This particular section (from about mile 2 to mile 6-ish) was so much fun to race on… and not just because nobody can pass you due to the narrowness of the track (hahaha to everyone stuck behind me)! It moved quickly through a lightly wooded area and had several turns and small but worthy hills to keep the legs limber and the mind active. After mile 6, the course took runners out into a field where the path itself was quite a bit rougher and involved some longer hills (including some sketchy and steep down hill sections) but did offer more visibility, and of course the prospect of the finish line.
So, the race itself was amazing. Getting to the race was… questionable. The CMRA website is a bit rudimentry and doesn’t include contact or registration information. It was only after I talked to a few people who had done CMRA events that I realized one can just show up to the race and pay. The only other thing that bothered me was that the location was listed as “Chatfield” and it took a conversation with a less than pleasant park ranger to find out where exactly in “Chatfield” the race was.
While I did hear a few people mention that course wasn’t marked well, I didn’t have any real problems finding my way around and felt pretty confident the whole time. In fact, I have to say I was impressed with how smoothly things went along once underway. And hey, for only $10, one can’t really complain.
Despite a few very minor glitches with actually getting myself to the race (old-school website, no contact info, etc), I think the Five and Dime was pretty well organized and the only thing missing was a t-shirt to commemorate the event (though, with that kind of price tag, I can probably make my own).
This is by far my favorite race this year - fun course, small race, laid-back atmosphere, cheap, good competition if you’re into that and plenty of folks just out for a good run - and gets my very selective and awesome stamp of awesomeness.
Denver Red Thread Run 2008 Race Review
Red Thread Run
Here’s a comment from Amy, one of the recipients of a free race entry from Racing Colorado. Nice job, Amy!
I ran the Red Thread Run with my comp entry Saturday (thanks Racing Colorado) and had a blaast! The course was changed from last year which was nicer, as we ran on the streets within the City Park the entire time and never had to run on sidewalks as we did last year. I was able to run with my dog, which really excited me!
The race shirt is long-sleeved (yippee). Kids submit drawings and one design is selected to be on the shirt. There were plenty of beverages and snacks after the race. A lot of door prizes (gift cards to Dick’s Sporting Goods and Safeway, etc.) were drawn for particpants at the end of the race.
This is a fun, small race with many participants being parents and small children (proceeds are for adoption grant programs) that is also trying to recruit serious runners with a $150 cash prize for the top male/female. I had a lot of fun and really enjoyed the gorgeous weather and surroundings!
Eerie Erie 5K/10K Halloween Race Review - Colorado Running Race Review
Stephanie is one of the winners of our recent promotional race giveaways to Colorado’s classic Halloween Run, Eerie Erie. She gives us a description of the race along with the goodies provided, and her personal suggestions for improvements. If you didn’t win, don’t despair! There’s still another chance to win a free entry to Red Thread Run on Nov 8. To enter for that free entry, you may either click here to take a short survey on what you like/dislike about races, or you may simply add a comment to any post on this blog. Say anything you like, just be sure to include something like, “… and please try to set me up with an entry to Red Thread Run.” Now to the race review:
We had a wonderful time at the run today! Of course, the weather couldn’t have been more conducive to creating a positive and happy mood in everyone in attendance.
We arrived about 8:30 and parked across from the Middle School athletic field. My husband was delighted to find a porta-potty conveniently located in the corner of the lot - happy man! We then noticed several others located randomly so that everyone didn’t have to line up in one location - nice.
We were greeted by smiling staff when we entered the “gathering room” where the numbers, etc were distributed. The shirt graphics are fun and I was given the size I had requested. I do wish that all of the sponsors names didn’t need to be plastered all over the back of the shirt, but know it happens on most race shirts - too bad, it ruins an otherwise unique and fun shirt.
I took a peek at the trophies and thought the witches were wonderful and then wondered if the same idea could be carried over to the lesser awards? i.e. instead of a shoe/runner, could the shape be that of a pumpkin or witch…to keep with your theme and to be totally unique… I use this type of award for my key chain and that would bring back fun memories.
The race route was comfortable and all the aides were cheery and helpful. The raffle offerings were amazing and my husband is very pleased with his gift certificate to Dicks.
We are filled with only positive memories of our first visit to Erie and our participation in the Eerie Erie 5K.
Thank you again.
We welcome your review of any Colorado cycling, running, triathlon, or winter sports event. Just email it to us, or use the same contact to let us know if you’d like to be a regular contributor/reviewer.
Autumn Riverwalk & Run Classic - Colorado Running Race Review
Here’s a repost by Marilyn from the Southern Colorado Runners list server forum. It’s a quick review of the Autumn Riverwalk & Run in Canon City earlier this month. Marilyn rates it an overall “save the date”.
This weekend my kiddos and I participated in the Autumn Riverwalk & Run Classic sponsored by the Canon City Parks and Recreation Department.
It was certainly a beautiful course, as this was a first time visit for us. There were a couple of glitches, i.e., my 10 year old ended up on private property, my 7 year old, my 8 year old, and I ended up on the 5 mile course instead of the 5k (They started all the runners (5k and 5 mile) together.
Although the glitches happened, we enjoyed the course and met a great unexpected goal of running 5 miles without stopping! The Canon City Parks and Recreation Department representatives were great. They were apologetic about the mix up and gave the kiddos tickets to enjoy Elitches before the end of the month.. What a great reward for them.
I just wanted to let you all know of our experience and another wonderful welcome as new comers. The course was filled with nature and right by the river…I would highly recommend your participation in this race next year …”Put it on your calendars”. It was another memorable experience for my family and I.
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2008 Denver Marathon
Happy Monday and congratulations to everyone who dragged themselves out of bed and ran the Denver Marathon yesterday! It was a beautiful day to run a great race. However… there were a few things I found irksome.
The first was the whole packet pickup nonsense. Once again, it was held downtown which (hello! duh!) is nearing New York in its ridiculous (lack of) parking situation. It was a pain in the ass only to be alleviated by the employees at the Convention Center riding around on Segway scooters, which was quite possibly the funniest thing I’ve seen. Ever. But, fine. Whatever. It was nothing compared to the complete clusterf-… complete circus that was the start of the Denver Marathon. The line to the port-a-potties was absurd! Who would have thought that 3000 people would all have to pee at the same time? Well, not the folks organizing the race. I would think that such an experienced race director would kind of have that figured out but… obviously not. I sure wasn’t about to wait in that line so i went ahead and cut in front of everyone. Sorry! But like the great thinker Mos Def said “While y’all was askin’ permission, I just stepped up and took it.” Word. But even if you made it to the bathroom in time, it didn’t exactly matter ’cause you couldn’t get to the start line - yeah, it was barricaded! I had to climb over a railing! I could have been injured! Jerks! And! When I was done with the race, they didn’t have the bananas out yet. Don’t you think i might have wanted a banana?! Yeah, I wanted a banana.
That being said…
This is a must do race. The energy at the start line is awesome and i love the crowd here - the runners, the spectators… Everyone is so excited to be there. The course is perfectly designed. It’s flat for the first 4 miles so you have plenty of time to warm your legs up (since you didn’t have time before - remember? you were in line for the bathroom) and settle into your pace without worrying about hills. City Park is gorgeous this time of year and really helps take your mind off the fact that the section that leads into and around Cheeseman Park will make you seriously question your abilities as a runner. It isn’t that steep, but, as many a runner in the Denver-Metro area knows, this 2 mile stretch owns you. But, when you get through it, you’re a better person and you’ve probably gotten rid of some weaker runners who were latching onto you to keep a good pace (bonus!). If you’re running the half, you have just over two miles to go and it’s on a slight decline so you have a nice strong finish. I haven’t run the whole thing but I can only imagine spectacular views at Wash Park (indeed, a quintessential place to run if you haven’t yet) and a great run down Santa Fe. The Denver Marathon draws a huge crowd, fast runners, and will put you in your place (OMG crushed egos everywhere!) among fellow Coloradans. Given that this is only it’s third year with sponsor monster ING behind it, the race can only stand to get bigger and better and it will continue to be a personal challenge of mine.
Eerie Erie 5K/10K Free Race Entry
** The race entry giveaway promotion has ended. Congrats to Stephanie W and Jennifer J, winners of free entries to Eerie Erie. Thanks to all who entered, and don’t forget our other free race entry promotion on RacingColorado.com for the upcoming Red Thread Run.**
Get your costumes ready because the 26th Eerie Erie is just around the corner. Even better, Racing Colorado gives you the chance to get in with a free race entry!
Eerie Erie is Colorado’s oldest Halloween race, and is a true all-comer’s classic. With runners, strollers, trotters, & even pooches decked out in costumes, this is a race to really get in the “spirit” of the holiday. Add in a real cemetery in the course (not the spot to start walking!), and you have the recipe for a fun, classic Colorado running race.
“Cool. So how do I enter for a free race entry?” There are two ways:
First, you’re automatically entered if you comment on any post in this blog and mention that you want an entry to Eerie Erie. You may have already noticed references to the free race entry in comments on other posts on this blog. These comments are from people who first heard about the free entry form in the Racing Colorado newsletter, which brings up the second way to enter… Anyone who uses the link on this page to subscribe to the free Racing Colorado newsletter is automatically entered for a chance at a free entry.
We can’t set up everyone, but if you’ve been staying in touch with us via RacingColorado.com, this RaceBlog, or the Racing Colorado newsletter you’ll know that free races are becoming a regular thing with us. Check out our latest promotions at our Free Giveaways page here. And free or not, Eerie Erie is a fantastic return on your entertainment dollar!
Denver Marathon is here! (plus a minor rant)
This weekend is the Denver Marathon. Good luck to all racers! Can you feel the Racing Colorado karma coming through? Those of you who are having flashbacks to miserable conditions of the past can relax. The weather should be beautiful!
I want to ask your indulgence in a little editorial/rant directed to those of you running the Half Marathon this weekend: It seems that every time I’m at a marathon/half marathon event, I meet people who are excited about the run, and then tell me sheepishly, “I’m just running the half”. JUST the half marathon? You’re no rabbit, and you’re not quitting halfway through the race. You’re competing in a full race! You’ve trained hard for this race of 13+ miles. Just because there happens to be a longer event at the same venue, don’t diminish your own efforts and accomplishments. You don’t hear sprinters talk about racing “just the 100 meters” or “just the 200″. You chose to train and contest the half marathon distance.
Admittedly, part of the problem is the name of the event itself. “Half” anything logically implies incompletion, and that there’s more. Like, “I ate half a doughnut” or “I’ll meet you half-way”. But you didn’t train with half-effort. You weren’t expected to pay half the entry fee. You don’t wear just one shoe, and you’re certainly not expected to run at half speed. The half marathon is not in the same category as the ever popular commercial phrase, “half the calories”. There’s nothing “half” about his race other than the name itself. Even if your goal is to finish, you’re running all the way to the finish line of a Full race that happens to carry the unfortunate word, “half” in the title.
Now say it proudly, and good luck in your race that’s 100% YOU!
Props to these Colorado half marathons that spotlight the distance and that are held independently from full marathons. I’m probably missing a couple good ones, but here’s a few to keep in mind:
Turquoise Lake
Heart Center of the Rockies
Horsetooth
Animas Valley
Slacker
Arby’s Rocky Mountain
Run the Rockies
Kendall Mountain Run
Teva Vail
Mountain Madness
Basalt
US Copper Mtn
Vasque Golden Leaf
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Compass Montessori Harvest Run - Race Review
Andrea Hill posted a personal review of yesterday’s Compass Montessori Harvest Run in Wheatridge on her blog. Although it was not the most beautiful for running races in Colorado, she was pleased with her overall 10K win. Congrats, Andrea! Here’s an excerpt from her review:
The course was a series of out-and-backs, and the 5K and 10K overlapped often, so it was a bit difficult to gauge how you were doing. At the first water-stop, (1.5 miles in), there was one woman ahead of me, and a few men. The 10Kers had a nice loop on some crushed rock surface around a park, when I had a few guys pass me. The surface was probably good for us, but I felt very sluggish on it. My second mile was a 7:36, and we’d hit mile 3 (7:47) before we left this quicksand-like surface and started our route back to the finish.
I was the first place female finisher in the 10K, third place overall (can you tell it was a small race?). My loot bag for winning was impressive; I received a running shirt, a $15 roadID GC and a $10 running store GC. Not bad for a $30 race!
