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Frequently
Asked Questions
What
is the course like?
The Marathon: The
full marathon course is a loop run. Runners start at the Reservoir
and travel north to Niwot Road, where they head west to 49th Street,
past the turn for the half marathon at 39th. The full marathon
runners
continue north, running in a clockwise pattern, down Nelson Road
to 55th Street, making right hand turns as shown on the course
map,
until reaching 49th Street again at Oxford. Runners travel east
on Oxford Road, until the turn on 81st Street, when they return
to 49th and back home. The course is 85% soft-pack dirt county
roads. All roads are open to vehicular traffic, although Nelson
Road and
several other smaller roads will be coned for runner safety.
The
Half Marathon: The half marathon course is an out and back
run, beginning and ending at the Reservoir. Runners head west out
of the Reservoir, then north along 55th Street, encountering some
small rolling hills until reaching Niwot Road, where the course
heads west, climbing slightly until 49th Street, then left at Oxford,
and right again on 39th until the turnaround.
We suggest, for a comprehensive overview of the Backroads course, you download the Boulder Backroads Course Description here! (pdf)
Additionally, visit the "Photos" section of the website, if you haven't already. They offer a good feel for the race, as does the "View the Miles" section, also on this site.
Is the course certified?
YES! The GoLite Boulder Backroads Marathon is a USATF Certification
Boston Qualifier! USATF Certification
#CO-04027-DP
What is the course elevation?
The elevation at the start of the race is 5173 ft, at the Boulder
Reservoir.
Are Walkers Allowed at the Backroads?
Walkers are welcome in both the marathon and half marathon! Walkers
must be able to finish the course in the 7 hour time limit. There
are no early starts allowed. Walking is a great way to enjoy the
Backroads, especially on a beautiful fall day. If you have special
concerns or more questions about walking the Backroads, please
contact the race director directly at info@bouldermarathon.com
What is available on the course?
Gatorade and Clif Shot are the energy food and drink sponsors
on the course. All aid stations, located every two miles, will
have
Port-a-Jons, first aid supplies, water and Gatorade energy drink.
Clif Shot gel will also be provided at various stations on both
courses.
Can I wear headphones or carry a Walkman in the race?
Headphones and Walkmans are not allowed, primarily because the roads
are NOT closed to traffic and runners must be aware and alert to
vehicles on the roadways, including supply trucks and sag wagons.
Do
you have any advice for people who will train mostly at sea level?
Our
timing coordinator and 1980 Olympian
marathoner Benji Durden says,
"When coming to altitude, it's best that you don't do much
until your race and the
window is about 2-3 days. Since you shouldn't do too much in the
last 3 days
before a marathon, this works out to doing what you should be doing
in the first place."
Where can I best view the race?
The course is open to vehicle traffic, so you may drive to and
park anywhere it is safe and legal to do so along the roadway.
Probably the best
spots to view the half marathon are at the turnaround at 39th Street,
or at the intersection of Niwot and 55th Street. Good locations
to cheer your full marathon runners on are at Nelson and 55th Street,
or at Oxford and 81st Street (access off the Diagonal Highway).
Also, why not consider volunteering
at an aid station, a sure way to see your favorite marathoner or
half marathoner! Call 303-827-6925 to leave your name and number
to volunteer, or fill out our volunteer
form.
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