The Colorado Colfax Marathon and half marathon will be revamped significantly next May, a year after the race absorbed stinging criticism for a course-marking error and other problems.
Having been run from the Aurora Sports Park to the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood its first two years, the marathon on May 18 will begin and end in City Park, running west to Lakewood and back. The half marathon also starts and ends at City Park but runs east to Fitzsimons medical campus and back.
The old course climbed 800 feet from mile 18 to the finish, with little shade. Race officials convened an advisory group of runners after the race in May.
“This new course was designed with the help of an outstanding advisory group of runners and feedback from more than 1,200 runners who responded to our survey,” said Creigh Kelley, race operations manager. “It provides shade and downhill sections just when runners need it most.”
Olympian Jeff Galloway will come to Denver this week for four free running clinics at three Runner’s Roost locations and the Boulder Running Company in Littleton. He also will conduct a five-hour clinic ($189) at the Denver Athletic Club on Saturday. Those who sign up for the clinic can e-mail questions to Galloway as their training progresses.
“My clinics offer a unique system of elements that has reduced injury rate down to almost zero,” Galloway said. “Class size is limited so that each person gets individual attention.”
Runners signing up for the marathon or half marathon by Dec. 31 receive a coupon entitling a friend to register free. Dave Walstrom, president and chief executive of the Colfax Marathon Partnership, said the offer was being made “to encourage runners to make a commitment to their health during the upcoming holiday season.”
For Galloway clinic schedules or information, go to .
