Men Chasing Women… In A Race? For Money?
The battle of the sexes takes a unique twist on this Denver 5k run. Embracing both the physiological and primal hormonal differences between men and women, the Skirtchaser 5K in Denver has $500 up for grabs in a winner-take-all race to the finish line. When the starting gun sounds, the men must wait 3 minutes while hundreds of skirts take off running. Then it’s a full on race to the finish in a winner-take-all competition, with the first across the finish line - regardless of gender - taking home $500.
The Skirtchaser 5k race brings up numerous questions of fairness. Is it fair to give women a 3 minute head start in a 5k run? Is it wrong to make (let) women run well while being chased by a bunch of sweaty, panting men? As a male, is it not the ultimate cruelty to be placed in the position of chasing what he desires (dolled up in an athletic skirt, no less) yet knowing he’ll never catch her? Talk about living the perspective of those dogs at the race tack!
Actually, this one will be more of a flirty affair. An environment where you’re more likely to hear, “Oops, you caught me - here’s my phone number… call me!” and less likely to hear, “I caught you! Wait! Don’t taze me!!” Regardless of your libido level, it’s a rare chance for both genders to experience the thrill of the chase.
With a post-race block party that includes happy-hour style food and drinks, dating games, music and a fashion show, this unique Colorado race the evening of August 29th is sure to be a memorable one. Visit www.skirtchaser5k.com for details.
Loveland Classic 10K, 5K Shows Promise
Kids & parents testing their mettle
With the exception of a mismarked 5k route, the Loveland Classic at Centerra is turning into a solid race in northern Colorado. With over 320 finishers between the 5K and 10K, the race is building on its previous success. Held at the autoplex at Centerra, the course was good, and the clear weather at an early 7:30 start helped make it a nice summertime race. There were also a .5 mile and 1 mile run for the kids as part of the Healthy Kids Series (check out our Facebook page to see some pictures). With a very family-friendly post race expo with food, and some kind of non-dairy frozen non-ice cream - it really was tasty - , it’s a great family event.
Race organizers did commit that ultimate (and unforgivable to some) sin of a mis-marked 5K course, causing some to run off course before being rerouted back on track. The organizers responded as appropriately as they could in a situation like that, adjusting the times of all affected. While they may lose some fans for the error, the field would not be considered one of the fastest (take note, age groupers looking for a podium spot!). An errant course is something that most races don’t repeat more than once (don’t bring up Colfax Marathon here…), and assuming course markings will be double and triple checked next year, the race will continue to grow and become a highlight on the northern Colorado runner’s annual calendar.
Bolder Boulder ‘09 - Twitter, Tech, and Bacon
Photo by Brian Scaglia, www.scaglia.org
Beer, bands, belly dancers, bagpipes, and yes, even bacon (at a presumably “unofficial” aid station) were all featured in the 2009 Bolder Boulder. These are among the things we expect in Boulder on Memorial Day. One element that Bolder Boulder is known for is the “unexpected”, generally in the form of costumes and antics of runners and supporters alike. Another element that changes from year to year is the role technology plays in the race.
Of course there’s the component most obvious to the runners, the RFID shoe tag. The race has stumbled in this area in the past, but this technology for timing runners seems to be getting more reliable. Results were available immediately after the race (and as of this posting, still are) here. Runners are provided with several pieces of data, including overall time, mile splits, and average pace, in addition to place in division and overall. Verizon also jumped in the fray, offering race results via text message. Text bib to Verizon at 66196.
Television coverage of a mass amateur running race is what it is. Although I didn’t watch, channel 7 was to have live cut-ins within its newscasts all morning, with cameras at the start and finish lines. Streaming video via Internet is getting easier, and the race featured live feeds from about 3 points on the course. While it was a reasonable attempt, the live Internet coverage was only fair. The cycling world has really taken some good strides in presenting live coverage via Internet, as demonstrated in this year’s Tour of California, and even the recent collegiate nationals in Fort Collins. Certainly Bolder Boulder will catch on.
Twitter users were actually a group that provided some real time feedback. Using the hashtags #bolderboulder and #bb09, runners ‘tweeted’ (I hate that word) their experiences, from the crowd, to rice and adzuki bean chips provided in the lunch. Several runners made use of Twitpic to publish their photos, including the popular bacon station. Curiously, the race’s Twitter account, @BolderBOULDER09, posted only 1 tweet (I still hate that word) after their announcement, “6 days to go”.
With all the tech in the background, my sincere props to those who just laced up their shoes, went out, took in the Boulder air, and raced their hearts out, regardless of technology. No iPhones, iPods, i-anything - just the real run that is the core of Bolder Boulder… plus the bacon!
Colorado St. Patrick’s Day Run - Green Through The Frost!
Need a break from the Winter gloom? This year it hasn’t been the snow as much as the wind that tries to take the fun out of training. Fortunately it’s time for our annual break in the gloom with a tip of the Irish derby to St. Patrick, patron saint of Springtime athletics. Although none are actually on St. Patrick’s day, some good options for a Colorado St. Patrick’s Day run include:
- Colorado Springs 5K On St. Patrick’s Day 3/14 - This is the 26th running of this classic St. Patrick’s Day run, and the first of the Colorado Springs Grand Prix of Running. A fast, simple course down Tejon St. They know how to put on a good race!
- Ft. Collins Sharin’ O’ The Green 3/14 - Another nice 5K in downtown. Partners Mentoring Youth has done a great job of developing this increasingly popular run. Weather should be great this year!
- Brush Annual St. Patrick’s 5K 3/14 - It’s always a great day in Brush! A good draw for our active friends on the plains.
- Denver Runnin’ of the Green Lucky 7k/2M Walk 3/15 - At a full 7K, this is the longest of Colorado’s St. Patrick’s Day runs. A fun LODO event and good fundraiser for Volunteers of America.
- Highlands Ranch St. Patrick’s Day 5K 3/21 - While the holiday may have passed, this run helps keep the spirit going.
I know what you’re thinking… “What? A holiday with no Wash Park run?” Blashemy! If you know of one, let us know.
Although weather is unpredictable this time of year, at this point it looks like a couple of great weekends to get out in a balmy 50 degrees or so, get in a good early season race, and help make sure the green shows through the frost. Don’t forget a nip o’ the Irish whiskey or green beer (or your favorite green sports drink) to cap off your celebration.
Sweat With Your Sweetheart In Colorado Running Races
Valentine’s Twosome Relay - Pueblo, Colorado
This is a two person relay race. Costumes are encouraged. Each runner runs one lap, about 1.6 miles, around City Park carrying a baton. The race was designed for teams of one male, one female. We will allow two female teams. There will also be chocolate for the top three in each age division, and the team with the Biggest, Most Romantic, Most Creative, and Ugliest batons.
Valentines Day 5K - Durango, Colorado
5K along the scenic Animas River Trail. An out and back course.
Sweetheart Classic 4 Mile and Couples Race - Loveland, Colorado
Yep, Loveland. The mother of all sweetheart cities. With a hot air balloon rally, this one can’t be beat. Couples are to be male-female in relationship which offers lots of options: Father-daughter, dating couples, engaged couples, married… a true sweetheart’s event. Great door prizes too. Kiddos can race afterward for free. You can find contact info and forwarding links on the running calendar at Racing Colorado.
Those in the Colorado Springs region might join up with Pike’s Peak Road Runners for their 5M/10M Winter Series run. More info on their site.
Forty Furlongs - Westminster, Colorado
Forty what, you say? You know, a furlong. The length of a furrow (no spoiler here!). This Colorado Mater’s Runners Assn. race is held at Roadrunner sports giving you a chance to run and check out new gear to boot! Details on the calendar here.
Valentines Day 5k - Denver, Colorado
You didn’t think Washington park would escape a holiday without a run, did you? Keep in mind, this one’s actually on the morning of the 15th - perfect for those celebrating the holiday all through the night. And all in the name of prostate health.
50K Classic - Crested Butte, Colorado
Celebrate your love on XC skis! This informal race is free, but does require a trail pass. Ahh, love in the mountains…
Check in regularly to Racing Colorado event calendar for race info, registration forms, and links directly to your favorite event sites.
Fort Collins - Resolution Run Review
The 24th Annual Resolution Run was held December 31, 2008 in Fort Collins on the CSU Campus. The building where the registration/packet pick-up was held was small and there was some confusion with people trying to register, gather the packet, access the restrooms, and stay warm in such a tiny area of a building. They ran out of shirts (even for those pre-registered) during packet pick-up but I did hear a volunteer say that they had more people pre-register this year than they had run total last year. However, they did ask everyone who didn’t receive a shirt to write down their name, shirt size, and email address and they said we would be contacted (as of yet I haven’t heard anything).
The course was around the campus and there were plenty of volunteers marking the way and encouraging the participants! They allowed dogs in the race which to me was the best part about it because I wanted to end 2008 running with my dog and my husband and this race allowed me to do so!
Boulder’s Best XC Race on the Planet Now The Fast And Flurry-ous 4 Miler
A new name for a great race, possibly still the “best”. Held in Boulder’s Harlow Platts Park, this true cross country running race is a chance for those not in high school or college to get to race on the open terrain. It’s the kind of race where snow cover makes it even better. This has historically been an extremely well-produced race, and was the site of the ‘07 XC Nationals. Men and women will run separately, giving the women a chance to race in a segregated field and providing men the guarantee that they won’t be beaten by a girl… While the race is a good family event, there’s money in it for the fast one’s. Even if you’re not in the mood to race, this one will be fun for spectators too. So circle Jan 24th on your calendar and check out more race details at RacingColorado.com.
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.
Upcoming Colorado Events- MSC #8, Winter Park Pursuit
- 13th Annual Tenderfoot Mountain Du/Tri
- Bike with Pike Westcliffe Adventure 2010
- 24 Hours of Leadville Mountain Bike Race
- Bergen Peak Trail Race
- Elk Meadow Trail Race
- Tenderfoot Mountain Kiwanis Kids` Triathlon
- American Discovery Trail Marathon
- Aetna Park to Park 10 Miler
- Jog in the Bog
- Boulder Hometown Fair 5K/10K
- Five at Five 5k Run/Walk
- MSC #9, Fall Classic
- Boulder Sunset
- Marathon Training Series #2
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