Tho-Run-What advice would you give first time ROTG runners and walkers?
Well it begins with training. This course is longer than a 5k so that extra 2k surprises some folks. We are proud of our course too- it has it’s share of elevation changes, and that makes for a an exciting race for runners, and walkers. In fact, runners love the challenge of the course unless they are not prepared for it—it really runs like a 10k. We also have our share of competitive runners and they enjoy running through LoDo with all the spectators and buildings. We have a unique distance and technical course, which keeps people coming back to our race year after year.
Tho-Run-How much has ROTG changed over the years?
Terry McGrath: ROTG started as a 5k in City Park. We moved to LoDo the second year and became the Lucky 7 k. We wanted a longer run and something different that set us apart from all of the other 5ks. At the time, no races were in LODO and there were very few city street races. Additionally, we wanted something fun and active that people could participate in rather than watch. We thought the St. Patrick’s Day parade would be a natural draw in Denver and so we became an alternative St. Patty’s day event. We are now Denver’s Classic Irish Jog.
Tho-Run-Talk a little bit about your venue downtown and how that adds to the event.
Terry McGrath: The urban jungle feel and the tight streets and rolling hills that people driving never notice are comments that we hear from runners. A block party in LoDO is unheard of and we have the best party going. Colorado Runner voted us the best a few years back. ROTG has become must do of most peoples run calendar! For many, our race is the first run they do each year-and the atmosphere is just a great way to start your running season. It’s like that annual welcome to spring- get your shoes out of the closet, get off the couch and start running again. We are capping the race at 7,000 runners so you will likely see many of your friends and fellow runners that you see through the season.
Tho-Run-What is the biggest challenge you face as a race director?
Terry- McGrath: Most people have no idea how many little details there are in running a successful event. It starts in September of each year for me as I review previous race feedback and begin planning for the following year. There just never seems to be enough time to get to add the details but everything comes together on race day. We have a great staff of volunteers who work hard each year to ensure everything from registration, timing, food and t-shirts all runs smoothly. In addition, we have a fantastic group of sponsors that are second to none. Each has helped make ROTG one of the classic Colorado running events each season.
Tho-Run-What is race day like for you?
Wow! It’s exciting and nerve racking at the same time but I love it. I get up at 4 am and go non-stop all day. My staff and I work at 1000 miles an hour-there is always something to do a registration, checking on the streets, timing, whatever. Then, all of a sudden its 4 in the afternoon and the streets return to normal like nothing ever happened in between! But in reality its sheer pandemonium, dealing with vendors, runners, timing, scoring, I lose 10 pounds in 12 hours it takes 3 full days to recover brain and body. And then its time to start thinking about next year’s event.
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