In seemingly low-key fashion, organizers of the Denver Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon announced a big change to this year’s marathon route. No longer will it snake its way through the streets of downtown Denver, through some of the city’s most prized attractions, which is what brings runners from near and far to the race. No, according to an announcement on Facebook, dated August 13th, the updated marathon course will start at Adams County Regional Park, circumvent the Riverdale Golf Course and then head south on the Platte River Trail for 24 miles, before meeting up with the Cherry Creek Trail and then heading down 15th Street to the finish at Civic Center Park. Organizers cited permitting issues with the city as the reason for the big change.
“The City and County of Denver and the Competitor Group have been working together for over six months to finalize the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon route,” said Grace Ramirez with Denver’s Office of Special Events. “The route was finalized to mitigate the numerous impacts of previous routes on Denver’s residents, businesses, churches and neighborhoods.”
This month, we received approval for our marathon course. Typically, we use past courses as a guide to let you know what…
Posted by Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon on Thursday, August 13, 2015
Of course, many are surprised and disappointed with the change. The previous marathon route had been posted on the website until just a few weeks ago. Many who had already signed up for the race are upset, saying the changes were only announced recently and that the changes do not fit with what they had in mind for the race. Besides that, there are quite a few other logistical items that are being questioned, including why the race is starting later, if the course will provide the same spectator-friendly access, and seemingly most important, how will you fit almost 2,000 runners along a trail that’s no more than 10 feet wide?
What’s more, the difference between the atmosphere of a race within the city versus one that runs along the suburban Platte River Trail is monumental. While race organizers describe the updated course as “scenic rural views featuring abundant greenery and wildlife,” feedback from runners find the course to be “very disappointing. It does not reflect the city, or anything about what it is like to live in Denver.” Others describe the course as “undeveloped river property near industrial areas,” that’s isn’t even in Denver any longer: “There’s a big old ridge between the path and the mountain view from the start line to I-70. This isn’t Denver, it’s unincorporated Adams County, Thornton and Commerce City.”
It’s important to note that no changes were made to the half marathon course, which kicks off an hour earlier than the marathon.
What’s most surprising to us is how subtle the announcement has been. We understand that such a large change will attract an influx of negative press, however, we also believe it’s important that everyone involved be prepared for race day. With so many unanswered questions and unknowns, we’d love to hear from you. Are you registered? What are your thoughts on the change?