Pueblo's Rock Canyon Half Marathon--2009

WHAT:

This is the 23rd anniversary of Pueblo's Rock Canyon Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile run is Pueblo's second largest race. We expect about 400 runners from throughout Colorado and nearby states.

Our goal is to offer a quality race at a reasonable cost. No drawings, no cash prizes,no host hotel and no pre-race dinner?just an accurate course, beautiful scenery, your finish time and place, free indoor post race massage, music, fun, refreshments (bananas, cookies, doughnuts, Gatorade), and a great looking SWEATSHIRT with NO ADVERTISEMENTS, all for $25. This race will not be cancelled because of the weather so come prepared. Proceeds from this race are donated to various organizations throughout Southern Colorado, including high school cross country teams, Pueblo Nature Center, SoCoTrail Builders,YMCA building fund and many others.

WHEN:

Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. We start at 9 to allow runners time to drive from out of town if they so desire.

WHERE:

Start and finish in Pueblo City Park. Pueblo City Park is located near the intersection of Pueblo Blvd and Thatcher (Hwy 96) on the southwest side of Pueblo. If you are coming to Pueblo from the North on I-25 take exit 101 (Canon City exit) and head west about 2.5 miles to Pueblo Blvd. Turn left (south) go about 3.6 miles until you cross the Arkansas River. Turn left at the next stoplight (Goodnight). You are in City Park. If you are coming from the South on I-25 take Exit 94 (Pueblo Blvd) and head West, then North on Pueblo Blvd for about 5 miles. Continue past Thatcher (Hwy 96) then turn right at the next stoplight. You are in City Park. The traffic in City Park is one-way so keep driving to the other end of the Park near the entrance on the east side of the park. Packet pickup/ race day registration is inside the pavilion (the big building near the entrance, near the fountain) from 7:30 to 8:45. The race begins and ends near the pavilion. Parking is available on the streets within the park, so park wherever you can.

***NOTICE TO WALKERS***:

We have had several inquiries from walkers. This is an event for runners (or runners who walk some) and can complete the distance in 3:00 hours or less (14 min/mile.) Athletes who take longer that that place a hardship on our volunteers who must stay out on the course until all participants have finished. In December, we are not guaranteed nice weather and it is unfair to ask volunteers to stand out in the cold longer than necessary. Thank you for understanding.

COURSE:

The race will run about 2 1/4 miles in City Park, then go down to the Arkansas River Trail. It is basically an out and back course going about 5 ? miles west to the base of Pueblo Dam and back. It will be run on dirt roads and dirt trails along the Arkansas River with a short distance on concrete and asphalt. No traffic and great views. The course is flat, however, there is one short, steep hill about 12 ? miles into the race, which goes from the river trail back up to City Park. All miles are clearly marked, both on the trail and above ground in case of snow. There are 7 water stops, the first has only water the rest have water and Gatorade. Bring your own gel.

Course Map

[CourseMap]

AWARDS:

Awards to the top three age groups as follows 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29,30-34,35-39,40-44,45-49,50-54,55-59,60-64,65-69, and 70 and over. Special awards to overall male/female winners and master male/female winners. No duplication of awards. Award ceremony will be held following the conclusion of the race in the City Park Pavilion at approximately 11:00 AM. Click HERE to view results of last years race.

WATER STOPS:

There will be 7 water stations. The first has only water. All the rest will have water and Gatorade. Located approximately 2,4,5 ?, 7 ?, 8 ?, 9 ? and 11 ? (odd distances but we have to put water stops where we can drive a car). The first water stop is in City Park and a good place to drop off clothes if you find you have overdressed. You are welcome to drop off clothing at all water stops but the water stop volunteers will not return to the pavilion until the last runner has gone by. If you throw clothing anywhere else on the course you may not see it again.

WEATHER:

We have been blessed with great weather 8 out of the last 10 years but be prepared for anything. Pueblo is located in the "banana belt" of Colorado. When it is snowing all around we tend to remain dry, which is great for runners but bad for lawns. Come prepared for snow and wind then be pleasantly surprised by the great weather we have in December in Pueblo. However, having a run in December is a gamble, we have never cancelled in 22 years and we intend to run this race regardless of the weather.
Click Here to check the weather for Pueblo.

SWEATSHIRTS:

Last year we ran out of sweatshirts. Sweatshirts are assigned as you enter the race, so the sooner you enter the more likely you will receive your sweatshirt on raceday. If we run short again, you WILL still get a sweatshirt, just not raceday.

REGISTRATION:

Checks payable to Southern Colorado Runners

--MAILED REGISTRATION

Mailed registrations should be sent to:
Gold Dust Saloon
217 South Union Ave
Pueblo, CO 81003

--IN-PERSON REGISTRATION

Runners may register in person at the Gold Dust Saloon anytime before Sat, Dec 5 (but sweatshirts and bibs will not be available until after 2 PM, Friday, Dec 4 at the Gold Dust) or you may register race day at City Park Pavilion, 800 Goodnight Ave.

NEED AN ENTRY FORM?

ONLINE REGISTRATION

You can register online (with no extra fees) by clicking here ONLINE REGISTRATION

Online Registration closes Wednesday, Dec 2, 2009 at Midnight.

ENTRY FEE / PACKET PICK UP:

Costs are:

Return to the Southern Colorado Runners Race Calendar.