Golden Leaf Half Marathon

Posted on September 28, 2016 by fjnardo

So, each year I try to plan one runcation at a destination that is serene and challenging. Last year, I chose the Golden Leaf Half Marathon after seeing it ranked as one of the top trail races by a few popular magazines. I perused through tons of websites and reviews on the race and knew that I had to be part of it! Many of the blog reviews raved about the scenery as well as the challenge from the get go. I registered on the day it opened and since there were only 1000 spots, you had to opt in right away. Luckily, I got in as I sat on my computer on the second it opened. I guess the system crashed 5 minutes into the registration and many just could not get in. I was blown away that I got so lucky! I immediately reserved my hotel at the Westin Snowmass since the race started right there and ended in Aspen. I ended up with a $1500 a night suite!! WINNING!

Each day that got closer, I kept looking at the weather. It seemed okay and a little cooler than Chicago but I figured that it’s Colorado and they wouldn’t cancel the race unless is was a danger to the runners. I went out early to get my body used to the altitude so I didn’t collapse from sickness or fatigue in that thin air. The night before the race, we get this email:

I was so sad that this could happen and didn’t really get much sleep the night before even though I had all of my race gear organized and added a layer of warm clothes just in case. I kept checking my email all night at 1AM, 3AM, 5AM, and finally at 6AM to see that dreaded notice!

Now, I’ll be honest that I was severely disappointed, I will however appreciate their decision. The morning of the cancellation, there were a ton of runners who wanted to still get out there and run. I joined in and ran the first few miles. Now I get while that first mile and a half was brutal! Look at this early elevation!!

I ran the beautiful scenery for the first 3 or 4 miles and into the Government Trail. WOW! The scenery is incredible out here. I still attended the finish line food and raffle in Aspen and there was an unbelievable amount of gear that they gave away! The food was great and the organizers were friendly. They did let us know that since the race was cancelled, we would be given an automatic entry into next years race! I guess I better start planning again! Here are some pics of the scenery out there!

Category: Races

3 Comments on “Golden Leaf Half Marathon”

Doug Irby
September 29, 2016

Wow! Heartbreak about the race cancellation. The scenery is gorgeous, though, and I can see why you wanted to run it. Glad you got out there anyway and were able to take that in and now you can look forward to next year!

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- fjnardo
  September 29, 2016
  
  Thank you Doug! I can’t be too upset about race organizers looking out for us. They did a great job communicating with us. I’ll definitely be back out next year!
  
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Jillian
September 29, 2016

Oy! Hopefully still worth all your training and hard work!

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