MAY
2017

Road Race Experts Since 1979
 
 
After getting in an eight mile run with my dog Wesley on a recent Sunday morning, I had a perfect way to relax. Most of you know I'm completely caught up in great competitions , so it's no surprise I recorded the London Marathon. With a full breakfast in front of me, I turned on the show and it was truly exciting!
 
Having been at the BAA Boston Marathon the week before as the emcee of the Runner's Seminar Series for two days, attending the debut of "Boston", the Documentary , and then watching the marathon finish (having a perfect view of the huge live video screen), I was double pumped!
 
A big tip of the hat to the Americans at Boston with Galen Rupp delivering a solid second place while two women, Jordan Hasay and Desi Linden got third and fourth , a significant inroad into the top five. 
 
Back to London. It was all about the women with a new World Record by Mary Keitany in 2:17:01 and she did it by herself after 13 miles (no men, no pacesetters...all alone!). Almost lost in the excitement, but not for those of us in Colorado, a brilliant performance was racked up by Laura Thweatt, who coaches at Monarch. John Meyer wrote about her race in the Denver Post in case you missed it!



Our American women are shining brighter than ever and it bodes well for US teams in future months.
 
With all the discussions lately about things happening in Denver's parks, I thought you'd enjoy this true story.
 
Last year, on May 13th, the day the Kaiser Permanente Colfax Marathon Weekend started getting City Park transformed, a team of Colfax staff were busy setting up the start line for the Bellco 5K. Suddenly a team member called Shannon Koch, the 5K Race Director , and told her a hive of bees had settled into a small tree 10 feet from the start stage.
 
This was a unique problem to Shannon, a seasoned and experienced director. What to do? She called the Parks Manager who,  in turn, called the Parks (wait for it...) staff beekeeper. 
 
The beekeeper arrived on scene and literally captured the entire grist of bees and took them away. For Shannon, problem solved and forgotten. Well, not quite.
 
This past month , she was notified that the beekeeper had relocated the bees. They were placed in a safe, new home for their hive  and had produced lots of honey. Parks M anagers, courtesy of the beekeeper, have been providing jars of honey to local people in and around City Park and Shannon is on the list of recipients!
 
With Colfax Marathon Weekend fast approaching and some races nearing capacity, you shouldn't wait to sign up, especially for the Half Marathon (did you know you run right by the new Tiger habitat?)!  

In a bit less than a week (May 6th) the Denver Broncos 7K Woodland Park  kicks off the three race series! Beyond the race, there will be special guest appearances!

Another race that I actually ran in the past (it celebrates cancer survivors and has amazing food!) is the 10th Anniversary Heroes of Hope (formerly Leaves of Hope) 5K and 10K on June 4th. Please support it!

A friend of mine, Nicole DeBoomwhom you either know as an amazing athlete or now nationally as the founder and CEO of Skirt Sports, has started a new program that I ask you to support, Running StartIt is a non-profit organization with a mission to provide beginner runners the confidence, courage, and community support they need to change their lives through running. 



 
 
The Liberty Run 4 Mile Run/Walk (today only, May 2) is opening registration with a one day special of $17.76 per registration (first 300). The event is owned and produced by BKB and HAL Sports.  We added a finisher medal for everyone this year and prize money for top American athletes, so be sure to register. Go to   www.liberty4mile.com.



  Creigh
Rock Hawk Trail Race - May 27

Due to a weather postponement, you still have a chance to be part of the Rock Hawk Trail Race!

Held on the gorgeous, thrilling and rolling trails of Castle Rock's Miller Park & Ridgeline Trail systems, this is an excellent race for both first-time and veteran trail runners, and provides a nice test for those who are training for longer summer events.  Bring the whole family out to hit the dirt and enjoy a post-race pancake breakfast from Flippin' Flapjacks.  
 
Voted Best Kids Race in Competitor's "Best Of" runner poll in 2016.  Kids under the age of 12 run the 10K for half-off, or do the 5K for FREE!  We happily provide registration discounts for our active military and veterans.
 
Events include Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.



Liberty Run 4 Mile Run/Walk - July 4


1776 was not only an important year in American history, but today (May 2nd Only) $17.76 will get you registered for Denver's oldest iconic 4th of July Run and Walk, the Liberty Run 4 Mile.  

We will have the Red, and White, now all we need is you.  

We will have it all from a new custom finishers medal (with 3D aspects), cash awards, prizes, great refreshments, free photos, costume contests and more.  Register today for $17.76 (limited to the first 300) at  www.liberty4mile.com!



Cooking L ight & Health Fit Foodie Festival & 5K/10K - July 29


Run. Eat. Drink and End Hunger at the most delicious run ever! John Hancock Hosts the Cooking Light & Health   Fit Foodie Festival & 5K/10K , lands in Denver, Colorado at Westminster City Park on Saturday, July 29.
 
Celebrate the balance of delicious, healthy food and an active lifestyle as you eat way your way to the finish line with bites at every mile, then celebrate at the post-race John Hancock Vitality Village Food and Fitness Festival.
 
Inside the John Hancock Vitality Village Food and Fitness Festival, indulge in bites from local restaurants, a beer and wine garden, mini-workout classes, cooking demonstrations, meet-and-greets with Elite Athlete Ambassadors and more.
 
That's not all, form a team and fundraise on behalf of No Kid Hungry, in support of their mission to end childhood hunger in America.
 
A calorie burned is a calorie earned, register today at www.FitFoodieRun.com. Use code DENVERFOODIE to save!

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FUN RUN SECTION



If you come across a funny running comic, quote, etc. please let us know about it. Email us at lonnie@halsports.net.  


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Reluctantly ran a 10K, now on his way to setting records!
Reluctantly ran a 10K, now on his way to setting records!


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