I prefer small “hometown” races as opposed to those big “for profit” ones. The Grand Junction Colorado Dreamcatcher Half Marathon met this criteria.
They answered email questions quickly, they had a warmth at the packet pickup (and later at the finish line) that only happens with smaller races.
Parking was a breeze-adjacent to the start line at the Riverfront Park. The start/finish restrooms were part of the Riverfront Park property. The Riverfront Park trail had restrooms for us to use also.
Each water stop had awesome encouraging volunteers with lots of different snacks – Oranges, Twizzlers, Gummy Bears, etc. Enthusiastic volunteers, including the race director herself who remembered my name from packet pickup, cheered even those of us “back of the packers” over the finish line. There were some small snacks at the end but the registration included a meal and craft beer at a local brewery just a block from the race event. Very Nice Touch and allowed for time to celebrate and visit with other finishers from not only around the area but from as far away as Georgia, New York, and Canada. I loved this perk!
The race route was stunning. 99% of the course uses the Riverfront paved trail, alongside and over the Colorado River. (It has a very short segment on a residential street.) The course is flat except for a short segment at Mile 1. The background included those majestic Colorado mountains that were powdered with snow and ducks squawking their “encouragement” to just keep going.
The weather was overcast and in the 40s so ideal running weather. Course was open for 6 hours so very friendly for walkers!!!! (The Director said she made it 6 hours because she is a walker.)
Grand Junction is the beginning of “Canyonlands” so don’t miss visiting Colorado National Monument and with more time Arches National Park, etc. I flew into Grand Junction but you could drive from Denver.
I understand from the Director that this is the last year for this race but hopefully someone will pick it up because it is a gem to run and it is hard to find a half marathon in Colorado in March.
I definitely recommend this race!!!!