The race started at 6:00 am and the start line was easily accessible. There was a ton of port a potties available at the start line, BONUS! No one likes to wait when they have to go. The first three miles were the easiest part of the race. This part of the run took you around Estes lake. Very flat not much of a challenge. Here it comes, mile 4, the first hill. It was a challenge ain't going to lie. This was one of the biggest hills in the race starting off with 7497 and then ending at mile 5 with an elevation of 7600. It was your shorts distance with such elevation gain. Then it was smooth sailing till mile 6 where we started our slow uphill climb from 7500 to mile 9 at 7900. This was exhausting. I felt drained when I got to the top. My lungs felt great though. I had no breathing issues with the elevation but it certainly is a difficult course. The last few miles were smooth sailing! I saw the marker for mile 11 and lit up, I knew I would complete my hardest run to date. So the inner beast came out! I was not letting anyone pass me. Especially a woman that looked to be in my age group. These last few miles were a lot of down hill miles. Mile 10 was at an elevation of 7760 then we went till mile 13 with an elevation of 7576. Just before the finish line was one small hill but nothing compared to what I just endured. Lol. There it was the finish line and it was amazing.

This was a great race the race company didn't miss a step in my opinion, they had aid stations starting at mile 3 then every 2 miles with water, Nuun, Fuel (energy gel) & port a potties. They had a ton of photographers along the course taking pictures, I actually ended up buying them, they came out phenomenal. They actually ran a 24 hour special when they released them for $20. For all your photos!! The end of the race they gave ya a box of goodies (snack bars, cheese, chocolate covered craisens, dried fruit, ext) chocolate milk (my favorite go to) I believe they had banana's also. The great thing too was the start and finish line were in the same area.

This company is also great for their award's they go 5 deep in the age group of both men and women. They also have a masters class and award the top 3 and I got an annual park pass for getting in that category.

The only complaint I think I could mention was there wasn't a great place to rest after your run. This was in front of the Stanley hotel in a huge open field. The problem was this field is used by wild animals so there was a ton of waste in the field.
FYI... Since this company puts on races in remote areas (national parks) their race expo is very small. Come prepared, this is not like a rock n roll or Disney expo. If you forget your running sneakers............sleep in!

I would highly recommend this race and this companies races.

So let's talk first about the start line. So I bought the $5 bus pass to take me from the finish line to the start line. Certainly a must. It was so easy to get to the buses and it was less stressful than trying to drive around an unfamiliar area early in the morning and park your car. Or even get dropped off. The bus dropped us off and there was a huge tent waiting with coffee and hot cocoa. Inside was warmer, not cause of heaters just cause it was a cold & windy morning. This company also does raffles in the morning. They give away some sweet swag. Even race entries, so get there early!
So it's go time. They had a drone flying around filming us as we ran this course. This video was well made and pretty cool to watch the run and then see yourself in it, is a sweet bonus!
So when that sun came up, Wow, what an awesome view we had running this course. Mountain landscaping all around.
There were a small amount of crowd cheer along the course, some passer by's in a car and others standing roadside by their car. This was a shared course with cars. Aid stations were well equipped and had very cheerful helpers. This companies races are cup free, their system is very easy to use and they give you a beverage holder (can see in picture posted) if you don't have one.
Our last few miles we ran through a neighborhood and then onto the side walk (I will talk later about this) to the finish line.
The finish line was awesome my hubby volunteered to hand out finisher medals. It was quite sweet for my husband to hand me my bling. The only problem I saw with the finish line was they had their volunteers standing way too close to the finish line. Me I need to catch my breath and gather some thoughts before I get my medal. They had a box of goodies, some chocolate milk waiting for y at the finish area. The area they had the finish line at was awesome, tons of space for you to move around or sit and enjoy this breathtaking scenery.
This company has great placement awards (more bling) they go 5 deep in the age group and have a men/women's masters division. So check your placement before you take off. They always post the results somewhere in the area of the finish.
Let's get back to where I said we ran on the sidewalk to the finish. When I finished and had time to rest I went up to where my son (volunteer) was directing people to proceed down the hill to the finish line. At the 2.5 - 3 hour mark this sidewalk became a pedestrian walk way for those leaving the event. There was of course runners still coming in and they had to deal with strollers or people who just didn't care and didn't pay attention to the runners still coming in.
Overall this is a 4.5 star race and I would do it again and again. Highly recommend touring this very scenic area. This company also puts on challenges after your run. You have 72 hours to complete and one of the challenges you can earn 50% off your next years race registration. Bonus!

Wow this is a challenging course. Certainly not for beginners! This is an out and back half marathon course. The elevation here could be a concern for some as it is at 4700. The scenery is absolutely stunning. There wasn't a crowd along the course but in a setting like this, the peacefulness of your surroundings is way more comforting. The aid stations were all done up in a theme which made it fun to run by. I didn't see much photography going on along the course, kind of a bummer considering the back drop. The main hill at mile 10 is a great photo opportunity (hint, hint) yes, they, had someone taking your picture up this killer hill, seriously it's a killer! It felt like I was walking instead of running, lol.
Let's talk about the start area, port a potties were not easily found. I saw one at the start line and waited 15 minutes in that line. I was then informed there were some up over the hill in the start line (Should of had a sign) the finish area was the same area as the start. I love that! I found the finish area very congested, with it being in a small area and everyone waiting for their runner or the runners themselves just hanging out after finishing. I took my drink, fruit and left. Their expo is on the small side and parking took a few minutes to find a spot in this (small) lot
I did love the fact that this was a smaller race, attendance wise. I really enjoyed this race, I felt such a great amount of pride that I accomplished such a challenging course.
Picture attached is of me (on the right) heading up the hill at mile 10.