Distance: 10.00 mi
Type: Point-to-point, Road
Difficulty: 4 / 10
More Info: Visit Web Site
Address: P.O. Box 38235, Colorado Springs, CO 80937
Phone: (719) 473-2625
Filed Under: Running
This is a great road race with lots of challenging hills and fantastic scenery. It has a field of over a thousnd runners so the competition is good. And here's a bonus: no 5K race so everyone on the starting line is serious about distance running. Just like it was in the good old days.....!
The Garden of the Gods 10-Mile Run?, as part of the Triple Crown, has it all -- a spectacular setting, a physically demanding course, competition in most every age group, excellent runner support, unique finisher medals and great shirts. This is one of the most beautiful and challenging race venues anywhere! Year 2005 marks the 28th consecutive year for the running of this magnificent race and it will be the first leg of the 2005 Triple Crown Series -- three terrific races in the Pikes Peak region that will challenge and delight you from June through mid-August!
The course is on pavement (primarily roads with a few sections of concrete walkways) and it is a loop-back through the spectacular Garden of the Gods Park on the west edge of Colorado Springs. The rock formations and sourrounding areas are so unique and spectacular that they bring visitors from across America. By special permission of the Parks and Recreation Department the park is closed to vehicles and cyclists to allow us to conduct this race. This is the only summer event that allows runners to enjoy the magnificent surroundings without concerns about vehicles or cyclists! Elevation ranges from 6,250? to 6,550?. There are significant hills in the park while the first two miles have slight upgrades and downgrades. For a course map, click here.
Concrete walkways have replaced some of the roadway as you proceed through Gateway Rocks. Just past mile 3, after you turn east from Garden Drive to run between the Gateway Rocks, the new walkway connects to the end of the asphalt. It is a tight turn from the asphalt onto the walkway! Follow the walkway east for approximately 150 feet and then take the branch that goes slightly northeast (call it the left branch of the fork). That will connect to the "old" walkway that takes you over to Ridge Road by passing through the Gateway Rocks. The course will be well marked so all runners will be able to follow the course.
Clear, dry weather is the norm. Temperature at the start usually is in the low 60?s but once in the Garden the temperature will rise quickly into the 70?s and low 80?s due to the large rock formations and lack of shade.
There are eight water stations on the course near miles 2-9. Depending on water restrictions, several of the water stations will have cooling sprays. Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy will provide free post-race massage to runners (look for the sign-up table at the west end of the refreshment area). Many sponsors will have displays at the east end of the refreshment area at the finish. Plan a few minutes to enjoy the music and good times while sampling their products.
The start is on 30th Street ? mile north of the intersection with Garden of the Gods Road. Parking is available at the MCI facility located at the intersection of 30th Street and Garden of the Gods Road. From I-25, take the Garden of the Gods Road exit and drive west approximately 2 miles to the intersection with 30th Street. Proceed across 30th Street directly into the WorldCom parking lot.
Traffic on 30th Street north of Garden of the Gods Road will be blocked at 5am. Traffic on 30th Street from the south will be blocked at 6:30am. Please plan your time and routes accordingly as the race will start on time.
References and External Links
Posted by: Tom Edwards and last modified on Aug 17, 2006 by Tom Edwards
Comments
Tom Edwards said ...
This is a great road race with lots of challenging hills and fantastic scenery. It has a field of over a thousnd runners so the competition is good. And here's a bonus: no 5K race so everyone on the starting line is serious about distance running. Just like it was in the good old days.....!
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