-
-
Polls
Loading ...
2008 Littleton Stride - 5K/10K
So have you even heard of this race? I didn’t think so. It’s small and not advertised much outside of Littleton Public Schools. But, my friends, it is definitely worth looking into.
When I stumbled on this last year, I happened to read a little blip on the Littleton Public Schools website saying something to effect of “For the experienced runner, this is the most challenging course in the Denver-Metro area”. Being the snob that I am, I instantly thought “Psssh. Whatever, Littleton Public Schools.”
Yeah. They weren’t joking.
The event benifits (um, obviously) Littleton Public Schools and consists of a 10k run, 5k run, 5k walk, and 1k fun run. While I can’t speak for the 5k or 1k course, I can absolutely attest to the beastiness of the 10k course. It is hilly. And when I say “hilly”, I mean borderline mountainous. I consider myself a strong runner and this course just rocked me. After the first two miles my legs felt like marshmallow fluff, my lungs felt like they may be bleeding, and I found myself wondering why I payed money to put myself in such a position. If it means anything to you, I finished in 43:30… and I won (okay, okay, I was the first female, but 6th overall).
What I didn’t see this year was Derek Griffiths of Colorado Runner Magazine out taking pictures… Ya know, high school volleyball players seem to get more press than even the fastest runners in Colorado, so a nice little shout out in Colorado Runner is pretty awesome (even if it’s a bad picture, which it will be ’cause this race doesn’t make anyone look pretty). So I don’t know if that happened this year or not, but I’m pretty vain so I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
Either way, it’s suuuuuuuch a good race. When you’re done and you get over the strange and disturbing burning sensation in your bronchial tubes, you feel like you should be hanging out with the X-Men. The Littleton Stride also seems to be pretty well organized - there’s a ton of parking, plenty of port-a-potties, a fair price tag, and a well marked course which employs a lot of high school students to cheer for you (which they do quite well - thank you to all the girls in the tie-dyed shirts and the folks on the corners going “First Girl!! Woo!!!”).
This is one tough but tasty cookie. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t, and I will leave you with a bit of advice: hill repeats are indeed your ally, and keep your eyes peeled for folks jogging with strollers and dogs. Hope to see some more of you out there next November!
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.
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!
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!
