The state of the sport is in great shape if the interest in this year’s Pike’s Peak Marathon has anything to do with it. When registration opened on March 1st, the Pike’s Peak Ascent filled up in 60 hours, which last year took 11 weeks. The Marathon closed in just four days, which took 22 weeks in 2004. Race director Ron Ilgen is thrilled. “With this being the 50th running, both the demand and excitement is abnormally higher than usual.” The grueling mountain races will be held in August.
Each year, more races are popping up in Colorado and many existing races are thriving. This year’s Platte River Trail Half Marathon doubled its numbers with more than 700 finishers this year compared to just 300 last year. On the same day in April, the Nellie Mae Scholarship Scuttle 5K was also held in Denver and had more than 230 finishers, making for a busy weekend of running.
The number of U.S. road race finishers has increased by 60% since 1993, according to USA Track & Field’s Road Running Information Center. They also report that marathon training programs are expanding.
As the sport continues to grow, Colorado Runner is happy to announce a new partnership with USA Track and Field, the governing body of the sport. The Long Distance Running segment of the group in Colorado is now going to publish information and articles in each issue of Colorado Runner. We are glad to be the official publication of the organization. You’ll find membership information on page 27. When you join, you’ll get our magazine as a member benefit. I’ve had a chance to meet with many of the officers and am impressed with their spirit, camaraderie and excitement to help the sport.
exploresurvey.com/bristolfeedback
I also want to mention that Colorado Runner is thrilled to announce a new line of running apparel. After successfully selling a line of SOS socks, we have worked with Ridoto to design high-performance t-shirts, singlets and hats that say – what else? – Colorado Runner! Check out the new logo below. Log onto www.coloradorunnermag.com to see a full line of products. We’ve had a lot of requests for t-shirts and singlets that folks can wear at out-of-state races. Now you’ll be able to have a shirt that lets everyone know where you’re from!
Happy trails!
Derek