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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.
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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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!
Blue Sky Marathon - New Colorado Race Gets Rave Reviews
Photo at Blue Sky Marathon site.
The reviews are starting up, and there’s lots of positive chatter on last weekend’s Blue Sky Marathon, a trail race in the hills between Loveland and Fort Collins.
The course is mostly single track and has a total elevation gain of just over 3,000 ft. With 46 marathon finishers and 64 half marathon finishers, the turnout was good for a first-year race. But with seemingly very competent organization, this one has potential for good growth in the future, although my understanding is that it was not a closed course (permitting can be a real chore for any race). Both the Fort Collins Trail Runners and Boulder Trail Runners groups have posted content from both participants and supporters. Here are some of the excerpts from first-hand participants:
- The course is a challenging combination of hills west of Horsetooth Reservoir, and a nice selection of fast, loops through the hogbacks in the Devil’s Backbone Open Space north of Loveland.
- … a beautiful course, enthusiastic and supportive aid statiions, and course marshalls to ensure that runners didn’t get lost.
- After the race there was a great assortment of refreshments
including delicious chili and chocolate soy milk (you don’t get that at every race!). The finishers ‘medals’ were really cool rock coasters, and the awards were rock monuments that had been quarried locally. I know many runners very much appreciated the free massages. - The race was everything you would hope for from a trail marathon.
- From a racers perspective, the race was an undisputed success. The vibe after the race was overwhelmingly positive, and I do believe a good time was had by all, despite the tougher-than-expected course.
- I’ve never encountered such enthusiastic and helpful aid stations!! And the finish area was great as well…
- The Smartwool hats were a great idea as well.
Although this one reads like a paid endorsement, the only disclaimer needed is that many of the comments came from Fort Collins Trail Runners members, which I believe is the club the organizers are affiliated with. Feel free to comment with any additional feedback about that race here.
Hop, Skip, & a Jump Start Race Review
This review of the recent Hop, Skip, & a Jump Start 5K in Denver was sent in by Sheri, who won the two race entries we awarded.
My 16 year old daughter and I ran the race. We had a blast! Loved all the Mom’s & Dad’s and the strollers! It was great fun! Kelsey and I felt a bit old!! HA It was a wee bit disorganized at registration. There were a lot of last minute people that of course all showed up at the same time. This delayed the start a bit. But overall it was very good!!!
After we completed the race there was lots of free food and drink! We didn’t stay for the family events. It was heavily geared for small children but it looked like fun! Maybe someday I will have grandchildren I can run with and then stay and play! J
Thanks for allowing me to participate! It was fun!
