Latest reviews by Maria Abramowicz
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Race Information
Name: DC Wonder Woman 10k Denver
Training
I’m lucky enough to be training for IM70.3 along side the race I do in between, so tis 10k was a nice way to change the pace from my local routes/the treadmill.
Race
Unfortunately I had to opt-in for race day packet pick-up because a major highway shut down on the way to Denver, and traffic would have been an absolute disaster. This was a bummer since I really enjoy expos and having the packet in time before the race.
The race itself took place starting in Civic Center Park, which is a beautiful area of Denver. Since I opted for the 10k distance, I was able to run around all of Downtown, which is a great area, but one I usually only get to drive through.
Highlights
Although I’m mostly a Marvel fan, I can’t help but to love the Wonder Woman character so this race was extra cool for me to participate in. The swag was exceptional and included a tank and armbands that I’m sure I will wear over and over again. It was also exciting to run alongside people in superhero costumes as it seemed a lot of runners really got into the spirit of the event.
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I'm a huge fan of "turkey trots" because it's a great way to build up an appetite for Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, you get to see your neighbors and be part of a local, community event. This race is no different. I chose this race because it's in my town and it offers a 10K distance (as well as a 5K and kid's fun run) which seems relatively rare for turkey trots in the area.
The course was 2 loops around the Broomfield Commons Park which offered gorgeous views of the snowy mountains. Although the course wasn't flat, it still felt like a good combination of rolling hills which I enjoyed.
As for the swag, this race offered winter beanie hats in lieu of a race shirt which I must say was a welcome change. The hat is awesome and made well, and I have already worn in twice since the race.
Overall I will definitely be doing this race next Thanksgiving and would highly recommend it to anyone!
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What? Hot Chocolate 15k
When? October 7, 2018
How far? 15K
Website? www.hotchocolate15k.com/denver
Pre-Race:
Packet pickup was at an expo in Denver’s National Western Complex. Because of the size of the event, there was no race-day packet pick-up available. The expo was a good size and was all running related which was nice. When picking up the swag bag, they had stations to make sure the hoodie fit and exchange booths in case it didn’t. This was a first for me at a race since it’s usually “you get what you get.”
Race:
Since most of my races are usually in the middle of no where (or at least they feel that way) it was really cool to run through Denver. The aid stations were well stocked, and the traffic control was on point. The weather was chilly, which added to the experience of wanting a piping hot cup of hot chocolate.
Post-race:
Ooh wee there was a lot of people at the after event! The finish line/post-race party was at Civic Center Park, which provided a gorgeous background of the Capitol building to each photo. There were plenty of photo opps available with inflatable Hot Chocolate themed props. Plus, you got a cool finisher’s mug filled with hot chocolate and other chocolate goodies.
Summary
This was a big race through downtown Denver. Everything was spot on and professional. I have to say that the medal and hoodie that came were the best I’ve seen so far. The quality is absolutely stunning. Overall the race was a ton of fun and it was great to be part of a positive and excited crowd of runners.
Note: I gave parking 1 star because it was nearly impossible, but that's also part of running in a city.
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What? UA Copper Mountain
When? July 14, 2018
How far? 10K
Website? www.uamountainrunning.com
Pre-Race:
Packet pick-up was at the course, but they also offered free same day pick-up which is nice since Copper Mountain is a drive for many people. On race day, the expo was open very early (starting at 5:30). Since this event took place at the ski resort, Starbucks was open which was a nice treat, but UA also put out free food and refreshments. It’s technically the off-season at Copper, so the base of the mountain was dedicated to the race expo which made it exciting and easy to navigate through. Another highlight was the free bag check, which I always appreciate since I start the early morning bundled up with layers that I don’t want to carry or dispose of on the run.
Race:
2 words: elevation and altitude. This race is no joke as you are literally climbing up a ski mountain for the first 3 miles. I’m lucky that I only live less than 2 hours from Copper, so the thin air did not effect me as much as I thought it would. But I passed many many people who were having difficulty getting enough oxygen on the climb. This race is not impossible and shouldn’t be avoided because of the altitude, but it is definitely something to keep in mind.
The good news is that all of that climbing led to an absolutely gorgeous view especially with the summer wildflowers blooming. Plus, after mile 3, it was (mostly) downhill! I say mostly because there was a steep hill around mile 5.5 that was about 0.25 miles. It did, however, lead to an aid station that was stocked with Honey Stinger.
Post-race:
The post-race was a fun time as all of the athletes really took advantage of the expo. They had a LARGE recovery zone with foam rollers and NormaTec boots. You also got a complimentary beer from 10 Barrell Brewing. I don’t drink so I didn’t take advantage of that, but I did have a free kombucha that was absolutely delicious!
Summary
This was an UnderArmour event, so I was expecting everything to be first-class, and it did not disappoint. The swag and expo were high quality, but the course was the star of the show. This is an event that offers a course for everyone (5K-50K). I will definitely be running this course next year and will tackle the 25K. Overall, this course was not just a race, but an experience.
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Race Information
What Arctic Prairie Dog Half Marathon
When: January 14, 2017
Distance: 13.1 Miles, Half Marathon
Where: Louisville, Colorado
Website: http://prairiedoghalf.com/winter---louisville.html
Pre-race
The Arctic Prairie Dog Half Marathon begins at Coal Creek Golf Course. Although parking in the gold course lot becomes full almost immediately, there is plenty of safe parking in the neighborhood. Race instructions were clear and there were plenty of bathrooms available.
Race
The race was mostly flat with some small hills, and varied between road and packed gravel surfaces. Most of the race is run throughout the open space areas in Louisville which provide beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and surrounding areas. Volunteers were excellent with aid stations and controlling traffic during a few crosswalks you had to run through.
Post-race
After the race, there was a small expo and awards ceremony. I ran slowly thanks to a pulled IT Band around mile 8, so by the time I finished, many of the festivities had already taken place. The race medal and pint glass were very well designed and I personally love that their Mascot is Peedy the Prairie Dog. Anyone who runs through these areas of Colorado is very familiar with the adorable prairie dogs that line the trails.
Suggestions/Critiques
Overall, this was a well-organized, and beautiful race through Louisville. My only suggestion would be to have a larger expo at the end; however, this is not necessary for an enjoyable race.