The Steamboat Marathon races are true classics in Colorado. I have run the past 15 years; 2013 will make 16! The Half Marathon is one of the few where the 1000-plus entrants get so spread out that you really feel the rural landscape that you are running through. The Half begins with a nervous shuttle up the beautiful Elk River Valley to the start. In the cool mountain air it’s always so nice to mingle with old friends as well as new ones that you made on the bus ride up. The race starts with a few short rolling hills before you get into a pattern of rolling and flat sections, at least what is considered flat for Steamboat!

The temps are cool at this point as you run past sections of beautiful ranches with the first flowers of summer blooming. The Elk River flows alongside the road through this section as you run into what I always think about as the halfway point at Mad Creek. This section is where you are much more exposed to the sun, heat and hills so save something for the last half. Many people make the mistake of going out too fast in the first 6 miles or so and then start to suffer in this last 7 miles, I know because I’ve been there!

The hills over the next few miles to mile 10 can take their toll; it’s the time to relax and finish strong for the end where the crowds are waiting.  As you crest mile 10-ish you will have a sharp downhill until you hit the final road section into town. Keep your head up your almost there and as you pass our beautiful library on your right you can begin counting down to the finish line at 5^th Street! The Steamboat Marathon has a great flow as the last 10K runners will be coming in with the first Half Marathoners and the same goes for the Half Marathoners and Full Marathoners. It creates a great flow of runner traffic where everyone has an opportunity to be cheered on with that wonderful Steamboat spirit lining the streets of downtown!

I love this race! It’s a road race that has a beautiful mountain feel to it because of the spectacular scenery for all 13.1 miles. You have green pastures and rolling hills with a good chance to see some wildlife as well.  For much of the race you will also have stunning Mt. Werner in your sights snow still covering its upper slopes. Good luck to all of the runners in 2013 and if you have not already signed up then you should do it, it’s one you won’t forget! You’ll enjoy this special race and the amazing town of Steamboat Springs!

Register for the Steamboat Marathon, Half-Marathon, or 10k

Blogger: Cara A Marrs

Tags: 10k, Half Marathon, run, running, running series, Steamboat Marathon

Marathons, they come in all shapes and sizes. The big marathons often weave their way through every corner of the host city, have aid stations at virtually every mile, and are often lined with thousands of spectators. I think these races are beneficial for people who want that communal motivation and thrive on the camaraderie; they also offer a great distraction to get you through 26.2 hard miles!

Then there are the small trail marathons that I love. In these races you are running for miles in between aid stations, often for long stretches when you are alone through beautiful mountains and often have to provide your own support. That type of race has an obvious appeal but is not always right for everyone.

What is farther in between these days is a well-balanced road marathon that offers up a little of both experiences.

The Steamboat Marathon, voted one of the most scenic marathons in the country by Runners World, has the cozy, friendly appeal that only a town like Steamboat can bring, but with the organization of a big city marathon. The SM is even a certified Boston marathon qualifier.

The Course

The SM marathon starts in the lazy town of Hahn’s Peak Village at 8,128 ft, which is dominated by the iconic cone shaped Hahn’s Peak. In Hahn’s Peak Village you are only about 20 miles from the Wyoming border, you are truly in northern Colorado up here! The race start is a cozy feel as runners gather and chat in the cool morning air waiting for the casual “ready, set, go”!

The marathon course takes you down beautiful county roads past green pastures dotted with the summer’s first wildflowers and grazing cows and horses. Friendly aid stations greet you every few miles, just enough to keep you motivated and fueled, but not too many to take away from the solitude. The swift running Elk River parallels the course for a few miles offering its rhythmic sounds and cooling mists.

As you get closer to town, Mt Werner’s snowy slopes dominate your view from the south, and as you start to enter downtown the crowds grow. I feel there are few events in Steamboat that bring out more people to cheer on local heroes and visitors alike, from the first to the last runners.

The Steamboat Marathon offers up a few challenges mainly in the way of the bulk of the hills arriving in the second half of the race. The marathon offers up the rare opportunity to enjoy a beautiful truly rural landscape for 24 miles that then finishes in a classic Colorado ski town with all of its amenities. The SM offers a challenge to the veteran or new runner and truly it’s a race where every runner is allotted their own experience and feels that they are celebrated!

Guest Blogger: Cara Marrs, Steamboat Runner

Join us February 6th – 10th to celebrate 100 years of winter tradition at the Steamboat Springs 100th Winter Carnival.

Not a Typical Carnival
Locals have been known to name their newborn “Winter,” often partake in snow dances, and a Powder Clause is typical employee handbook material. We love winter. This love is never more evident than during Winter Carnival, an event in its 100th year taking place February 6-10, 2013.

Mention a parade and fireworks and people say that’s typical. Talk about adults on shovels being pulled down main street behind horses or skiers jumping through fiery hoops and people stop to listen. In Steamboat Springs we do things differently.

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Tags: Dad Dash, Lighted Man, Night Extravaganza, Winter Carnival, Winter Carnival street Events

Ski the unparalleled Champagne Powder® through beautiful aspen groves as you experience some of the best tree skiing in Colorado.

This season marks the 50th Anniversary of the Steamboat Ski Resort and they are going all out for the celebration with fireworks, torchlight parades, free concerts, giveaways, and special events. Don’t miss the fun throughout the season this year!

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Tags: 50th Anniversary Steamboat Ski Resort, Winter Carnival

For many people, Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer and the start of fall or the school year.  For our family,Labor Day also marks my husband’s birthday and for the past several years, we’ve spent our Labor Day weekend doing one of my husband’s favorite summer activities: attending the Annual Wild West Air Fest at Bob Adams Air Port on the west side of town.

The first summer my husband asked if we could schedule Wild West Air Fest in to our Labor Day weekend plans, I jumped at the chance to plan something neither of us had done before.

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Tags: Family Fun, Labor Day, Wild West Air Fest

As a relatively new mom, I’ve come to realize that plans, plus a baby, usually equals a frantic dash to get out the door only to be very late or frazzled upon arrival to said plans.  Knowing that set activities can, at times be a source of stress, my only plan this week has been to enjoy the beautiful, summer sunshine.  Imagine my surprise when that simple idea opened my eyes to the countless ways to spend a summer day in Steamboat, Colorado. Continue Reading »

Tags: base area, Family Fun, gondola

Visitors often remark upon how happy Steamboat locals are. Residents have long said, “It’s in the water,” – an age-old reference to downtown’s Lithia Spring. These days, the upbeat Steamboat attitude is fed by our mountain lifestyle and an entrepreneurial spirit. Many local businesses produce high-quality items with both national and international presence. The Yampa Valley’s beauty and Steamboat’s lifestyle inspire these companies. While you’re here, sample their goods; take them home, too – they make the best souvenirs.

Get dialed in on the trails. Literally.
The Boa Closure System created by local company Boa Technology creates a glove-like fit for your pair of hiking or biking shoes as you explore the various trails around town. Many companies have partnered with Boa Technology to incorporate the lacing system into their footwear. Continue Reading »

Tags: Big Agnes, Boa Technology, Buy Local, HogIslandBoat Works, Honey Stinger, local products, Sweetwood Cattle Company, Wing-Time