This is another race directed by 3W Races, who host majority of local races in the greater Denver area. Per usual, 3W links up with a local charity to support at each race and it was the Avanti House this time around.

Packet Pick-Up: Planet Fitness on Colfax. I found the Thursday packet pick-up convenient because I live nearby. A lot of people were at pickup so it didn't seem to bother many people. You can also pick-up at 8am race morning.

Communication: 3W is great at communicating with it's participants. In addition to a reminder about the packet pickup, 3W always sends an email the evening before the race with reminders of anything and everything (parking, awards, after party, etc.)

Parking: Sloan's Lake has 3 parking lots (2 opposite side of the starting line) and plenty of street parking in the neighborhood west of the park.

Race Route: The race took place on the concrete footpath of Sloan's Lake. Since the actually loop is only 2.64, they added an out and back on the jetty and extended the start/finish to ensure a 3.1 loop. The only elevation is crossing the 2 pedestrian bridges on the course. There was a water station at 1.5 but the park also has water fountains at two other points if you're desperate. There are also restrooms at the boathouse. While the park was packed with everyday folks, the cyclist who started the race for the runners did a great job of clearing the path for the racers. I didn't have an issue with non-racers. In fact, a lot of folks sat down on benches and became cheerleaders.

After-Party: 3W always has great vendors show up on race day. There was water, ice pops and bananas for races plus two food vendors, a local coffee shop (giving out healthy free samples) and a few other vendors to bounce around. There was also a live band.

Results: The results are posted almost immediately! You can sign up for a text or just check your email post race and you should have a link to your results and race photos.

Medal: Pint glass! I was surprised that every finisher received a glass. I've run a few races now with 3W and typically on the age group winners receive a pint glass.

I definitely recommend this to anyone looking to hop in on a local 5k. It was well executed and an overall great event.

The Northern Denver suburban area has a great running community. I decided to run this race as I love the community and the women I've encountered through running since moving here. Minus the weather, this is a great race. It's one of the hundred of races put on by 3WRaces each year and is very organized. Here's my breakdown:

1. Registration: As with most of the 3WRaces, I believe registration begins months before the event. Cost is relatively inexpensive; 3W also gives out multiple promo codes or free race entries leading up to their races.

2.Packet Pick-Up: Our local Road Runner Sports store is typically the packet pick-up location for all 3W races. It's great because it's one minute away from the starting line for this race, giving you an opportunity to configure logistics prior to race day.

3. Communication: 3W does not lack on communicating with their runners leading up to race day. Weekly emails keep you up to date with all info regarding the race and any last minute changes (which came in handy last year as there was a blizzard the day prior to the race).

4. Parking: The start of the Colorado Women's Classic is across the street from the Westin hotel in Westminster. The hotel is great and allows participants to park in their lot. If the lot is full, there is plenty of parking across the street at the Promenade.

5. The course: This race takes place on the Big Dry Creek path. As mentioned, there was a blizzard the day prior to the race so the race directors had to make last minute changes to the course. The course was an out and back with 3 lollipop loops mixed in. I run this trail often but this race took me off different paths which was fun. The course is hilly but I'd say average difficulty for folks used to running in this area.

6. The weather: While most of the country is welcoming spring in the beginning of May, it's a big possibility for Denver to receive snow. The past few years, there has been one last BIG snow storm the day/days prior to this race or on race day. Last year, the storm hit the day before leaving behind LOTS of snow and also giant FREEZING "lakes" as it also rained the night before. While we all like to run no matter what, just a heads up if you rather not run in cold, messy weather.

7. After Party: 3WRaces always has a host of vendors show up to their races. For this race, there was a nice spread of burritos, salads and desserts. There is music at the start/finish line and it doesn't stop until couple hours after the race, which keeps people hanging around until the race directors begin to break down.

If you're looking for a great all women's race, I'd check out the Colorado Women's Classic.

The BolderBoulder has been voted one of the top ten 10ks to run and for great reasons! From signing up to being dropped off to my car post race, this race moves VERY smoothly.

1. Registration: Begins in January and starts at $50. Registration cost varies on the type of Helly Hansen shirt (or shirts) you want. Prices go up every month and a half leading up to the race, giving you plenty of time to pay early bird pricing.

2. Packet Pick-Up: Last year one of the local running store franchise, Runner's Roost, hosted the packet pick-up. During the registration process, you were able to pick the store closest to you OR you could pay to have your packet sent to you.

3. Communication: Prior, during and post race I received a number of emails from the race directors giving great details about day of events, parking, questions, etc.

4. Parking: Public transportation! The local RTD line that travels Hwy 36 from Denver to Boulder has select buses that shuttle athletes from the RTD stop to the STARTING line and from the FINISH line back home from 5am until 2ish in the afternoon. It cost me $5. Since the first wave begins at 7am, you would have to arrive really early to find parking near the start or anywhere in town as most of downtown is shut down until mid-afternoon (the last wave goes off around 11am).

4. Waves: BolderBoulder is for EVERYONE! You do not have to qualify for this race unless you wish to be in one of the first 31 waves; last year that was any time 72 minutes and under. The first wave goes off at 7am and then every minute and a half after.

5. The course: FUN! FUN! FUN! Boulder is a big little town. The course starts near one of the main shopping centers in town, takes you through some hilly neighborhoods, down the infamous Pearl Street and ends on Folsom Field (UC Boulder Campus). This is a race the ENTIRE town gets involved in. As early as 7am, there are house parties/barbecues going on. There are slip n slides, bands, belly dancers, jell-o shots and bacon available along the course (if you so wish to partake). Having lived and trained in and around Boulder for this race, I didn't find the course too challenging but be prepared for some rolling hills (and the really steep one).

6. After party: The BolderBoulder is an all day affair. The "expo" is basically after the race outside Folsom stadium. With your registration you get a snack pack and a beer/soda and are able to sit in the stadium and watch your fellow athletes cross the finish line. The elites are the last wave of the day, making the morning more exciting.

I think the BolderBoulder should be on everyone's bucket list. If you haven't heard of it, be sure to look it up!