This year, on Saturday, June 3rd, the town of Frisco in Colorado will host the 41st annual Run the Rockies Road Race. With half-marathon and 10k options available, this beautiful course could be just the challenge you’ve been looking for!
Taking place across the paved recreation path along the Ten Mile Range, the Run the Rockies Road Race takes you away from the hustle and bustle of a city and into the beautiful Summit County.
It’s a quick race with some good down hill stretches but, don’t forget Frisco is nestled high in the Rocky Mountains at 9,000 feet in elevation so you you’ll want to account for the higher altitude before signing up for this one.
Run the Rockies Road Race: Mountain Running and Race Weather
Both of the weekend’s events, which include a 10K and a half-marathon for walkers and runners, offer some of the most unique scenery you’ll find in an organized race event. This means the high altitudes are most definitely worth it.
Throughout both races, entrants will run across mountain bike trails and paved surfaces, taking in breathtaking views of Frisco and its surrounding valleys and peaks. Both of the races start at Copper Mountain before finishing in the town of Frisco, which means 75% of the courses involve running downhill, which alleviates some of the challenges of mountain running.
However, this also means that the course is a fast one, which gives you plenty of opportunity to break your own personal record!
Even though the event is taking place in June, Frisco does still have a cool climate, with temperatures often plummeting below freezing overnight. Therefore, you’ll need to be prepared for a cold start, and don’t be surprised if there is a little bit of snow on some of the ground you’re running on.
Run the Rockies Road Race 10K Course
This race begins at Copper Mountain Conoco, and will follow the Summit County Recreation Path until you reach a “Y” in the path. Here, one of the race marshals will direct you onto the right path (Main Street), where you’ll continue until you reach the finish line at Frisco Historic Park.
Run the Rockies Road Race Half-Marathon Course
This is an out-and-back race route that also commences at Copper Mountain Conoco and shares some of the same route as the 10K race, ultimately ending at Frisco Historic Park. The 13.1-mile course, which features a 600 feet drop within the first half of the race, mainly consists of rolling hills, that only vary around 100 feet each.
Run the Rockies Road Race Additional Details
The half-marathon commences at 8.00 AM, with the 10K starting shortly after at 8.30 AM. All of those who wish to enter the race can do so up until the morning of the race, but there are lower registration fees available for earlier entrants. If you do pay on the day of the race, the 10K entrance fee is $45, and the half-marathon is $65.
As there is no parking available for racers at the Copper Mountain summit, shuttle buses will run between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM. The pick-up point for this bus is 1 West Main Street at Frisco Town Hall. Racers should be aware that the last shuttle bus leaves Frisco at 8:00 AM, but this will be too late for half-marathon entrants.
This is a professionally timed race and your entrance fee includes a free race shirt. Top three mail and female finishers for both races will also receive prizes.
Visit here to read more about the entry requirements and race events—and good luck!
Need somewhere to relax your legs before the race and rest your tired legs afterwards? Why not book a room at the Frisco Inn — we’ve even got spa facilities, which are perfect for soothing your aching muscles after the Rockies Road Race!
