Marathon Details - Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon

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Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon

Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon & Half Marathon, 5M Run/Walk

Breckenridge, CO USA

September 4, 2005

http://www.boec.org/marathon/

News

Marathon Results

By Year:

2005 2004 2003 2002 Top 3 Finishers

Contact Information

Name:	Helen Cospolich
Address:	PO Box 697 Breckenridge, CO 80424
Phone Number:	970-453-6422
Fax Number:	970-453-4676
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (4)

Course 4.8

Organization 4.8

Spectators 3.8

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Number of comments: 4

M. p. from Chicago, IL (9/6/2009) "Intense but Invigorating!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I absolutely loved this race! I ran the half as a training run for the Chicago Marathon (my home town). Being from the flatlands, the high altitude and steep terrain were definitely a challenge. The first 6 miles were more like a glorified hike, but prepare well for the trek downhill: it was very technical, and I've never done anything like it before. It took me over 4 hours, but I'll do it again in a heartbeat. What a rush!!
T. W. from Lakewood, CO (9/4/2005) "Just an incredible race!" (about: 2005) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I gave spectators 5 stars because the few that were around (understandable considering the course) were wonderful. This course is incredible. NOTE: I did the half marathon. Everything about it was top-notch. The aid stations had very helpful and friendly volunteers, and the selection of food items as well as drinks was enormous. The scenery is simply incredible. The course offers something of everything: soft dirt, packed dirt, VERY technical descents and ascents, a log crossing over a creek, wooden bridge, marshland, gravel, you name it. The other runners are very friendly, and you have plenty of time to visit with them on your long trek up the peak since you WILL be walking. Post-race food was fair. Would've liked to have seen some more of what the aid stations had, but there was still a nice variety of things for people. I WILL be back next year and plan on doing the full. Good idea to train for technical descents if you can. Ankle strengthening also recommended for that long run downhill.
Darren Crozier from Philadelphia, PA (9/8/2003) "Clarification On Above Review " (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Just wanted to be sure everyone understands I was being sarcastic with my above comments about the fans. In town, everyone was great. There was a large crowd to send you off. The volunteers that somehow got the water stations set up on route (at 10,000 and 12,400 feet) were great and offered a lot of encouragement. The biggest support during the race can from the other racers. Everyone watched out for each other. The last thing I wanted to do was leave the impression that there wasn't a lot of support. It's just a little different type of support than those found in the 'Rock-N-Roll' type of races. See you next Labor Day weekend! Darren Philadelphia, PA
Darren Crozier from Philadelphia, PA (9/3/2003) "A GREAT Race and Adventure " (about: 2003) COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Only 1 star for fans? - How many fans can there be up at 12,000 feet!!!... and who needs them with the view available! I've done the road race thing from 5K to half marathon, I've done the trail race thing from cross-country 5K to 20K, but the challenge, beauty, and adventure of running up, across and down Breckenridge's 'Ten Mile Crest' mountains was an unbelievable experience! There are three races: a 5-miler, a 12.7-miler and a 24.5-miler. I ran the middle distance of 12.7, so all of this feedback is based on that race - though the first half of the marathon runs the same course. You start in the town of Breckenridge and head out and up following wooded trails, Jeep 4x4 paths, and fire roads to rest station #1. From rest station #1 you really start to climb - I mean walking steep - not just a few people walking, I mean everyone! You are basically walk-racing. People are passing you... you are passing others. Don't forget to look around! - 'Hey, watch out for the snow blocking the trail.' I didn't bring a camera because I thought that was too 'touristee', but I wish I had - it was unbelievable. Once you reach the summit you run across the top of the mountain for approx. 2 miles to rest station #2. Here the marathon and 12.7-mile race split with the 12.7 race heading down the mountain while the marathon continues across the summit. After rest station #2 it's all downhill for the 12.7-mile race. You basically run down a switchback rocky road into Breckenridge. Big loose footing at the top, gradually becoming smoother the lower you get. Quad killer! From me - two hours up, one hour down.. Who should run this race? Let me tell you who I'm not - I'm NOT a 100-mile-a-week mountain adventurer who wanted to risk life and limb to get to the top of a mountain. I'm 37, with a 10K road PR of 45 mins, a 10-mile road PR of 1:15, I flew into CO two days before the race, and I wanted to get pizza and wings post-race! Was the altitude and course difficult? Yes! Did I have to stop a few times even when just walking near to summit? - Yes! Was it the best running event I've participated in? - Yes! If you need marshals and volunteers at every turn, mile markers, spectators cheering you on at every hill, a structured road type of race, then this isn't for you. If you read about crazy adventure races and running adventures and wish you could taste a little of that type of racing, then this is for you. A race with just enough support so you know that if you get in trouble, help can reach you, but a true mountain trail race with everything from crossing rivers on fallen trees (not a bridge) to running above the tree line and above snow in August at 12,000 ft. The event is well run - the volunteers at the aid stations are great - plenty of supplies. In 2003, there was a trail running forum the day before which provided a great amount of information.(Not sure if that's a yearly thing). Trail is well marked - for my race I always had people in sight, not right with me, but in sight. Not sure if that's true for the marathon. Bottom line - you don't need backwoods navagation skills, you just need to pay attention! I carried two water bottles, that I refilled at the aid stations. Temps started in the 50's in town, but on top of the mountain temps were closer to 30 (and windy). I carried my winter running hat and gloves with me and needed them on the mountain top. Half way back down I was able to take them back off. The biggest endorsement I can give the race - I'll be back next year (maybe even for the marathon...). Email me with any questions.... Darren Philadelphia, PA