I’m a sucker for civic pride.
That’s why I root for the Colorado Rockies, who are making it easier this season. That’s why I welcome the city councilwoman when she comes a-canvassin’. That’s why I literally go the extra mile past Domino’s for Anthony’s pizza.
And that’s why I decided to run the .
As one of 820 marathoners who completed the 26.2-mile course through three cities along Colorado’s storied and sporadically sordid thoroughfare, I endured a long, long look at what I hope will become a local institution.
Inaugural events such as these can suffer their share of hiccups, yet this race was remarkably well organized. The race started on time. The aid stations were frequent and amply supplied. Traffic was capably patrolled. And best of all, the local community lent its support.
To all the folks lining the route in Aurora, Denver and Lakewood who shook a cowbell, strained a vocal chord or strummed a power chord in encouraging the during Sunday’s marathon, half-marathon and five-person relay along , I want to thank you. Those of you among the estimated 30,000 onlookers and 1,600 volunteers might never know how nourishing a clap of the hands or a “Good job!” can be for a runner simultaneously cursing the dolt who talked him into the endeavor.
Even the quintessentially down-and-out denizen of Colfax could not help but translate his street wisdom into a motivational speech à la Tony Robbins.
“Each step, you’re a step closer,” lectured the man from a bus stop that, on account of the race, would not see any service for at least a good while. “And don’t let nobody by you!”
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| Post / Lyn Alweis |
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Leaders of the marathon’s host cities, Lakewood Mayor Steve Burkholder, from left, Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer and Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper talk Sunday near the finish line. |
Expressing his own sense of civic pride was a young man – I’m guessing early teens – who rode a bicycle along the course with a camcorder. As he pedaled along side me early in the race, he asked for a mobile interview. He wanted some thoughts on the event and to learn of any personal ties to Colfax. I nearly wept with admiration. Godspeed, young documentary filmmaker!
Of course, the event was not all heart rates and flowers. The course is a humdinger. For runners from beyond Colorado’s borders, contending with the rarefied air was a handful – never mind the climb. Race organizers billed the course as gaining only 279 feet of net elevation. However, the last eight miles saw an elevation gain of 600 feet. For runners who neglected to consult the elevation profile, it was an obnoxious ascent.
I wouldn’t change the course a lick, however. I don’t think it’s possible anyway without defeating the race’s very theme. Runners ought to accept this course as the locals tend to accept what Playboy magazine once labeled the nation’s “longest, wickedest street.”
As is.
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In honor of the Colfax Marathon, a look at the history and influence of this storied avenue – with multimedia galore! Click to launch |
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An online exclusive that runs each Friday, examines the memorable, less visible and lighthearted aspects of Colorado’s sports landscape. DenverPost.com sports producer Bryan Boyle can be reached at bboyle@denverpost.com.
From the columns
“How improved are the Rockies? Clint Hurdle was asked Saturday about the team’s all-star candidates and he reeled off four names – and Todd Helton wasn’t among them. The four? Aaron Cook, Brian Fuentes, Brad Hawpe and Matt Holliday.”
From the mailbags
“The Ducks were just too fast for the Avs overall. They didn’t give any time or space to Avalanche skaters. The PK unit was great, and the Avs made too many turnovers, like the one Patrice Brisebois made that ended Game 3. But the Ducks pressured the Avs into those turnovers.”
From the message boards
“I hope the broncos keep three Quarterbacks. I’m pretty sure Shanny dosent think Cutler could handle things if Jake got hurt early in the season. Bradlee knows the offense now.” — bronco spike
From the online exclusives
The 2006 World Cup kicks off June 9 in Germany. This online exclusive previews the soccer extravaganza with a calendar, rosters, venue information, a quiz and much more. Click the image for the skinny on the world’s most popular tournament.
A look back
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| Post / Lyn Alweis |
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In this photo shot Sunday, Colorado Colfax Marathon racers head through the Aurora Sports Park on the way to Colfax Avenue and the long jaunt through Denver to the finish line at the Colorado Mills mall in Lakewood. According to race organizers, the inaugural event included 385 relay teams of five runners each, 2,189 runners in the half-marathon starting at Denver City Park and 967 in the full marathon starting at the Aurora Sports Park. |
