Estes Park Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Mike E.
Pine Grove, CO

  (06-17-2010)

"I ran the 1/2 this year and want to thank the EP Marathon committee and all the volunteers! You put on another great race especially considering the temps and rain. The course for both the marathon and half are awesome and I would definitely recommend either event for anyone interested in challenging themselves in a truly beautiful setting. I will definitely be back for a 4th year. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Shannon R.
Colorado Springs, CO

  (09-03-2009)

"This has to be the BEST Marathon in the U.S., without a doubt. Even though it was my first marathon, I have lived in or visited all of the Major Marathon Cities, and the scenery just cannot come close to what you will get in Estes Park. If you're not sure where it is, it's just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). That means you get gorgeous mountain views for almost the entire course. This gives you inspiration, and motivation to keep moving.
Although it was my first Marathon, I have run several smaller races and Half-Marathons so I have an idea of how well-organized races should be, and this one was completely smooth. I love that it is a small crowd, because it gives you a chance to truly run your own race without having to worry about others surrounding you. The volunteers, staff and participants were all extremely helpful and encouraging. You might even get a chance to speak with the winner at the starting line just because it's such a friendly environment.
MY only drawback was that I did not hydrate enough. This IS the highest paved Marathon in the world, so you need more fluid than at sea level. If you are not an elite runner, please take your own fluid to hydrate in between the aid stations. The stations are aptly placed, so most runners should be fine if you don't get into trouble and find yourself walking long stretches.
The medical teams were awesome as well, but because they care, they will try to pull you from the race if you are in danger.
The course description on the home website is accurate, and helped me tremendously in my training. The downhills are pretty steep in some areas, so be careful not to burn out your quads on them.
My overall reveiw is A+! This has to be the perfect Marathon!
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Charles S.
Glendale, CA

  (08-17-2009)

"To: Belle Morris & Terry Chiplin

After the Estes Park Marathon today two of your finish line volunteers and I exchanged some heated words.

The first volunteer approached me and asked "How old are you?"


As a matter of personal policy I do not tell my age to some one who won't
tell me theirs. So I asked "And how old are you?"

She refused to answer, and I started to leave. She then said that it was about an age group award and I responded "I am over 60 and the top age group is 60-99." With my finish time of 6:32:59 it was pretty obvious that I was not an the 60-99 age group award winner.

She asked again and I responded again I am over 60." And again I started to leave. She quickly brought over another volunteer and this volunteer asked
me, "How old are you?" And I responded as before "And how old are you?"

This volunteer replied "I am 62". I then answered "I am 72"

She then said I won an age group award.

I said to her "I did not. For the Estes Park Marathon the top age group award is 60-99..." I quoted to her www.marathonguide.com for 2008, the on line 2008 results linked from the Estes Park Marthon web-site." Also the
2009 information on the marathon states



Start time for the marathon is 7.00 am Sunday June 14 Registration IS NOT ALLOWED on race day.
Age Group Awards for the Marathon & Half-Marathon: 19 & under, 20 - 29, 30 - 39, 40 - 49, 50- 59, 60+ Marathon awards will be presented in 2 sessions - for earlier finishers at 12.00 noon, and for later finishers at 1.30 pm on Sunday June 14 - both presentations will take place at the infield at the High School track, adjacent to the finish area View course map here.
View elevation map here.
All four races start and end in Estes Park at the public school facilities (elevation 7,550 feet). They take place on paved, professionally certified courses that are challenging and beautiful.
The course is marked with spray painted directional arrows on the roads and trails , and yellow directional signs when there are turns. In critical spots there will also be course marshals.
Here is obvious that the maximum age group is 60+.
(There is a minor difference from the results that state 60-99, and I assume you will address the issue of finishers 100 or over in the future.)

I am a member of the 50 States Marathon Club and our rules are very specific in stating the decision of the race director is final. I would take your
2009 web-site (copied above) that top age group is 60+ and that your volunteers were in error in presenting me a useless award that states "First place Male 70 & over" when on your official web-site there is no such age group.

I would suggest that you please counsel your volunteers as to your actual rules awards and not pass out unauthorized awards.
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Mike P.
Estes Park, CO

  (06-16-2009)

"Being at 7500' elevation, you will not get a PR in this race, BUT you will see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Great aid stations and volunteers.

Consistant views of Rocky Mountain National Park, and the surrounding mountains. Small and friendly field. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009