Denver Colfax Marathon has a new youth-focused running platform to engage and support local at-risk kids.
DENVER — The Denver Colfax Marathon announced Thursday it is introducing a new youth-focused element to its race weekend in May.
In its inaugural year, the “Colfax FLY Feet” program will be a platform for at-risk Colorado kids to participate in Denver’s largest running weekend of the year.
The new program will allow at-risk youth, who receive free or reduced lunch, as well as kids with a physical, mental disability or chronic illness, to run in the Colfax Marathon 5K.
The marathon will also provide free entries to youth groups and chaperones interested in participating.
“Colfax FLY Feet is the heart of who we are,” Denver Colfax Marathon CEO Andrea Dowdy said. “This program will open the doors of running for kids across Colorado and encourage a sense of community within them. We are excited to share our love of running and the race weekend with kids who might not otherwise have this opportunity.”
“Running is a lifelong activity,” said Patrick Rizzo, Denver Colfax Marathon board member and ambassador. “We hope this free introduction to a healthy event and lifestyle acts as a launching pad for kids and their families to learn great life lessons that will serve them far into their future, like goal setting and perseverance.”
The Denver Colfax Marathon will feature eight different races over two days: Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19.
The weekend’s events include a marathon, half marathon, 10 miler, 5K, and the nation’s largest marathon relay.
Race organizers said there is space left, but those looking to race should register soon. The half marathon is sold out for 2024.
“The energy and excitement that we’ve seen so far surrounding the 2024 race weekend is incredible,” said Dowdy. “We highly encourage runners to register now to secure a spot in their race of choice. This May, we are expecting more than 21,000 runners and close to 50,000 guests throughout the weekend.”
Marathon course
Denver Colfax Marathon organizers announced in February that the event has separated its marathon course (marathon/marathon relay/10 miler) and the half marathon course for several miles of the race.
After a sold-out race weekend in 2023 with 21,000 runners, race registration continues to grow and is in high demand this year. Organizers said the course changes will allow for more runners to participate in the races in the years to come.
Marathon course runners will now “own” the Cherry Creek Bike Path and no longer merge with the half marathon course and runners.
The marathon and half marathon courses are also now separated into two lanes for several miles on Lawrence and 17th Street, allowing faster marathon course runners to have a dedicated lane.
Half marathon course
Half marathon runners will see the biggest changes in their run through the Denver Zoo. The new route will have runners experience exhibits such as the brand new Down Under and the Flamingo Habitat, along with wider pathways.
“The Denver Colfax Marathon is now the largest marathon weekend in the 8-state Rocky Mountain region,” Dowdy said. “We have one of the most scenic race routes in the country. From the mountains to water views, the iconic local landmarks to the unbeatable entertainment along each race, the magic of the marathon weekend is about to get even better.”
Race training
Denver Colfax Marathon Medical Director Dr. Jennell Kopp said runners need to do more than simply run when training for race weekend.
“You can’t just put in the miles and expect to have a successful training program,” Kopp said. “Just like any good recipe, it is not only one ingredient. All the ingredients – fueling, strengthening, proper rest, mileage, are all needed to have a successful race. If you just put in the miles and forget the other ingredients, you will struggle throughout your training.”
Race medals
The 2024 race day medals of the Denver Colfax Marathon will celebrate Denver’s landmarks as well as award finishers with their own piece of history after completing a race at 5,280 feet above sea level. The Denver Colfax Marathon is one of the only races in the country that highlights the actual racecourse on its medals.
The 2024 marathon, 10 miler, and marathon relay finisher medals features an aerial view of Empower Field at Mile High, the Ferris wheel at Elitch Gardens, the clocktower on 16th Street Mall, the Denver skyline, mountains and some of Denver’s unique bridges.
The highlight of the half marathon is running through Denver Zoo with the medal showcasing a lion to commemorate the race.
“Our medals are so unique, they each tell a story,” Dowdy said. “They are more than a showcase of accomplishment; each medal is a piece of artwork that our runners proudly display year after year.”
The Denver Colfax Marathon medals come with a stand built into it, allowing runners to display their medal on a desktop, with the option of still hanging it on a door or a knob. There’s also a removeable charm/mini-medal that runners can clip on a backpack or use as a zipper pull.
More than 21,000 runners are expected to participate in the 18th annual Denver Colfax Marathon, which will again serve as a Boston Marathon-qualifying event.
Denver Colfax Marathon registration is available at RunColfax.org.
9NEWS is a sponsor of the Denver Colfax Marathon.
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