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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.
Still Time To Enter For Colorado Mountain Running Giveaway
The weekend running package giveaway for the Mountain Chili Cha Cha Trail Race will close this weekend. You probably wouldn’t like a trail run through the beautiful San Juans, a chance to win cash, a weekend in Pagosa Springs, a festival with chili & beer, etc… But if you’re that rare individual who thinks that sounds like fun, be sure to check out all the details at RacingColorado.com and enter. All you have to do is give your opinions on what makes a good race. Promotion ends this weekend.
