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REVEL Rockies is guaranteed to be one of the fastest and most beautiful downhill races that any marathoner or half-marathoner will ever experience. Starting high atop the ridges of Squaw Mountain deep in the Arapaho National Forest, runners will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Colorado Rocky Mountains as they begin their journey down the canyon past stunning peaks, towering pines, and clear mountain streams.
The REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half Marathon will occur on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Denver, Colorado.
With a FAST and BEAUTIFUL marathon and half-marathon course, past spectacular mountain views and peaceful, gorgeous mountain meadows, streams, and forests, REVEL Rockies is a top destination race for any runner looking for a PR, a BQ, or the unmatched experience of racing down mountain roads.
The Marathon Course
As the 11th highest ranked U.S. marathon for percentage of Boston Qualifiers, REVEL Rockies is the perfect race for runners seeking a 2017 Boston Qualifying time, a late-spring getaway, and spectacular, blazing fast course – all in one!
The REVEL Rockies course begins at the doorstep of the newly renovated Echo Mountain Resort, which is open to the public for the first time since 2012, on Squaw Pass Road. At the start line of the marathon, runners will enjoy the awesome views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks of Squaw Mountain, Mount Judge, Sante Fe Mountain, and Saddleback Mountain, as well as breathtaking views of the Mile High City. Looking north and east from the start line towards Idaho Springs and Denver, REVEL Rockies marathoners will marvel at the splendor of the majestic Rocky Mountains at sunrise – a perfect inspiration for the unbelievably beautiful marathon course that lies ahead.
Miles 11 though 13 take you through Elk Meadow Park, a gorgeous Rocky Mountain meadow with a rustic cabin on it. It is very common to see grazing elk in this meadow as they have grown accustom to the people and cars bustling around them.
With a total elevation loss of over 4,700 feet, the certified marathon course is a remarkable downhill course that is entirely over paved roads. REVEL Rockies offers runners a chance of grabbing a marathon PR or BQ at one of the top-ranked Boston Qualifiers in the U.S., and one that is unmatched in beauty!
Elevation Profile
Marathon Net Drop: -4,708 ft
Half Net Drop: -1,693 ft
The Half Marathon Course
The REVEL Rockies Half Marathon course begins in the beautiful and serene mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado. Known for its seasonal “elk traffic jams” where literally dozens of elk roam the streets of Evergreen, the area offers abundant local wildlife and amazing natural beauty that blend to create one of the most memorable starts to any half-marathon in the world.
The half marathon course drops a total nearly 1,700 feet, perfect for a half marathon PR.
BEAUTIFUL and FAST – the perfect description for the REVEL Rockies Half-Marathon!
The Last 10 Miles - A Remarkable and Beautiful Downhill Journey
The final 10 miles of the REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half-Marathon follow Bear Creek as it winds its way downhill to the finish area past the quiet mountain communities of Kittredge and Idledale. These closing miles of the course offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the West, including stunning rock formations, crystal-clear mountains streams, and beautiful foliage.
The Weather
The average early morning temperature for start and finish areas of the REVEL Rockies course is in mid-June is the low 40s. With low humidity typical for the Rockies, the conditions are ideal for a fast marathon or half marathon: cool and dry.
The Finish Area
The REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half-Marathon both finish in the quaint mountain town of Morrison, Colorado. Known as “The Nearest Faraway Place,” Morrison is home to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, charming local shops, and an abundance of dining opportunities – the perfect place for post-race relaxing and recovering with friends and family.
Near the finisher's area -- literally just past mile 26 of the marathon course -- is the entrance to Red Rocks Park, Colorado's newest National Historic Landmark and home to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. With its remarkable landscape of red sandstone monoliths and plenty of free attractions, Red Rocks Park is a an excellent place for runners' friends and family to visit before heading over to the finish area to welcome runners to the finish line. Admission is free to visit Red Rocks Park, the Amphitheatre, Visitor Center, Trading Post, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
As with all REVEL events, the finisher’s area will be loaded with food, music, vendor booths, massages, beer, and plenty of post-race activities.
Legends of Music Only a Short Cool-Down Jog from the Finish!
Red Parks Park, which is one-third of a mile from the REVEL Rockies finisher's area, is home to the world renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. The many famous musical acts who have performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater include U2, Coldplay, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dave Matthews Band, The Moody Blues, Stevie Nicks, Blues Traveler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ani DiFranco, The Roots, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers Band, and The Eurythmics. A trip to REVEL Rockies is a perfect time to visit the Performers Hall of Fame at the Red Rocks Amphitheater to see images of other legendary performances, including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix.
