Mile Hi Mile 2011 year 4

The Mile Hi Mile completed year four in 2011 with a new record of more than 1,700 runners.
I have run in three one mile races in Colorado and the Mile Hi has the greatest number of runners but came with the most problems too.


On the plus side one can count on massive parking options. Along with all of the parking, comes plenty of warm up area in the parking lot.  There are some races where warming up can be problematic, but MHM is grade A for parking and warm up

There were some issues with race however. There were plenty of port-o-potties but one of them ( in the West area lot) was the most disgusting pre race potty I have ever seen. That is not something a race director can control but was a definite negative.



Next, is the always tricky line between respecting runners who planned ahead and arrived on time, and those who arrive late.  The races started about 20 minutes late, but given the weather was good, most runners did not seem to mind.

The course inside the stadium is tight but that did not seem to affect race winner Adam Rich who ran 4:28!

 

Redline Races- Westminster Half Marathon

The spring racing season continued for me with the Westminster half marathon produced by Redline Races. Redline has been around for more than three years, and has sponsored races for thousands of runners, according to race director Josh Melver.

Josh and staff produced a first class inaugural half marathon with tons of prizes and a solid pre and post race food table.

The out and back course offered a pleasant mix of smooth running trails and sidewalks. The course was relatively flat, with ample space for switching from side to side on the trail to shave a few feet off the distance. Race day weather was outstanding, with sunny skies but cool running temperatures. I ran sleeveless and in shorts for maximum comfort.

I’m new to the half marathon distance with this race marking my third attempt at the distance, and my second in two weeks.

Kudos to event organizer Josh Melver and his staff overall for an excellent effort on the first time event. Josh mentioned post race that everyone would go home with a medal or a prize and I did not see too many folks walking away empty handed. 

 Race crew taking a short break between finishers.

There were some great prizes too, ones that you would not even see at larger races- such as three-yep three- prizes $600 gift certificates to Comfort Dental. There were also medals for the top three finishers in each age group.

The only real glitch in the event that I noticed was that the course could have been marked a little better. That is an easy enough fix for a super event, that is an excellent local half marathon to check your spring form. See you in 2012!