Race story
On May 21, 2023, Denver's Colfax Marathon turned Run50 State 8 into a high-altitude city tour: sunshine, mountain views, stadium grass, long avenues, and a birthday-adjacent Colorado weekend.
Preface
My classmate in the office, Huan, graduated in March this year and has already found a postdoc position in Denver.
Before he graduated, I teased him and asked him to treat me to dinner in Denver. In addition, I have never been to Colorado, which is in the middle of the United States. I am also very curious about this city with a strong presence in the NBA world.
To go, you also need a motivation. So I did some research and found out that on May 21st, Denver will host the Colfax Marathon, the largest marathon in the area. It looks good, and it happens to be the first weekend after my birthday, so 521 sounds good too.
Just like that, from the time Huan agreed to treat him to dinner in Denver to the time we booked air tickets and hotels, in just one afternoon and evening, 47 and I decided to light up Colorado under the guise of seeing old classmates.
Denver, the Mile High City under the sun
🏔️Denver, Colorado
Denver is a great place, not only does it have Jokic, but it also has the best sunshine.
Denver has four distinct seasons, with more than 300 days of sunshine each year. That’s more sunny days than San Diego or Miami Beach.
"Denver" and "Sunshine" make people's ears echo with John Denver's song "Sunshine on My Shoulders": Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy...I'd make a wish for sunshine for all the while. Here, your mood will always be healed by the sunshine.
Denver was historically known as the Queen City of the Plains. The average altitude of Denver's geographical location is 5,280 feet, which is 1,610 meters, about one mile. Therefore, Denver is also affectionately known as "The Mile High City", also known as "The Mile High City".
So although Colorado is a legal state for marijuana, the word "high" here has nothing to do with marijuana.
If you can only go to one place in Denver, it must be the "Denver Nuggets"... It must be the most beautiful spot in Denver, Red Rock Park and Amphitheater. I would like to express my special thanks to classmate Huan for driving us to Red Rock Park, which is 12 miles west of downtown Denver.
In fact, we didn’t have much expectations for this place before we went because it looked just average on Google Maps. However, when we arrived at Hongyan Park, we were really surprised. The Red Rock Theater is located in Hongyan Park.
The Red Rock Theater is the only open-air theater in the world built using natural mountains. It has gone through 300 million years of vicissitudes. The Summer Music Festival is held here every night from May to September, inviting top jazz, rock, and pop musicians to perform. The British band The Beatles made their first U.S. debut here.
When Premier Zhu Rongji visited the United States and came to Denver, he also attended a concert in this unique theater. Imagine being surrounded by the bright starry sky above, looking around the red sand bead wall, and being surrounded by the echo of the sound of music in the mountains. Standing on the rock next to the Red Rock Theater, you can also overlook downtown Denver. The high-rise buildings in downtown are like mirages on the broad plain below the mountain, like an illusion...
In fact, in addition to the natural landscape, every street in Denver has a unique cultural customs, and the entire city is very fashionable. The most direct feeling is that there are so many graffiti.
Among them, Larimer Square was born in the late 1800s. It is the first neighborhood, first commercial district, first residence, and first city hall in Denver. Of course, it is also the oldest neighborhood in Denver, and it is also the place where young people gather the most. Over time, Denver's downtown also converged here.
There are really many parks in Denver. It is said that there are more than 200 parks in the city.
We also stopped by Civic Center Park and City Park, both of which are very exquisite. The Denver Zoo is in City Park, and the half-marathon route will pass through it. On Saturday, we happened to catch up with the morning market at the entrance of the city park. People were coming and going, it was very lively and full of life, which was really nice.
denver marathon, expo
🏔️Denver, Colorado
The Expo of the Denver Colfax Marathon is held at Empower Field at Mile High, and the stadium is spectacular! It is the home stadium of the Denver Broncos of the American NFL and can accommodate more than 76,000 spectators. The stadium was built in 2001 and has hosted many major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the FIFA Cup.
The Colfax Marathon Expo is not as grand as the Flying Pig, and is a bit cramped and crowded. However, just like the Flying Pig Marathon, the Denver Pony will also give runners a colorful poster, and the staff even took a photo of us with great enthusiasm.
At the exit of the Horse Expo, there was a marathon souvenir shop. I also bought a hat as a souvenir. It also had the logo of Colfax. Schuyler Colfax was a very important figure for Denver. He served as the 17th Vice President of the United States and led Colorado to obtain statehood.
After picking up our marathon T-shirts and bib numbers, we met Huan outside the stadium, and we walked around the University of Colorado together. After that, Huan treated us to a great Sichuan meal.
17th Anniversary, Denver Colfax Marathon
🏔️Denver, Colorado
The Denver Colfax Marathon is the largest running event in Colorado. This race has more than 20,000 participants. This year (2023) is the 17th edition of the race. The race includes a full marathon, a half marathon, a 10-mile race, a 5-kilometer race, and the largest marathon relay race in the United States.
Marathon World calls the Colfax Marathon the ultimate city tour of Denver, with the race starting and ending in Denver City Park. Passed by Mile High Empower Stadium – twice! and travels through Denver Fire Department Station 1 and along seven miles of rivers, lakes and bridges - including Sloan Lake. Travel through diverse neighborhoods, historic Lakewood, busy Colfax Avenue, downtown Denver, and see the majestic Rocky Mountain colors.
On the race day, May 21, before dawn, we headed to City Park. There were many signs at the starting point that were suitable for taking pictures. There were quite a lot of people at the starting point, but it was not crowded. Different groups would start separately, and I was assigned to Group N.
I saw the pink-haired guy before me at last year’s Indiana Yak Horse Racing. The wings he wore were covered with photos, so he wouldn’t be lonely when he ran.
What’s very interesting is that every time you set off, the DJ on site will count down. In the endless cycle of countdown, it was finally our N group’s turn to set off.
The morning in Denver was neither hot nor cold, very comfortable, and the altitude of the Mile High City did not bother me. With the sunshine that was not dazzling, we wandered around City Park and saw the first mile sign next to Thatcher Fountain at the exit of the park.
I really like the mile signs in Denver. They are very urban and worth collecting.
Leaving City Park and turning on Colfax Avenue, we passed Elvis impersonator Aaron Black and many people stopped to take photos with him.
Then we headed west, passing a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants until we reached downtown Denver.
After passing the Capitol Building and Civic Center Park, we ushered in the most distinctive part of the game: passing through Denver Fire Station No. 1, where we were cheered on by the firefighters!
There will be a supply point at the exit of Denver Fire Station No. 1. The weather is getting a little warmer at this time, and after running 3 miles, it feels a bit hot.
I think it's time to transform! According to the original plan, I took off the blue coat here, left it with Mr. Trash Can, and then moved on.
After leaving the Denver Fire Department, we headed north along the Cherry Creek Trail. This section of the road was shady, cool and comfortable, and you could hear the sound of running water, which was very pleasant.
There are supply points and toilets here, but there is a queue for the toilets. I don’t want to wait too long, so I just want to go to the next toilet point. Unexpectedly, the wait will take many miles, and it is very hard to run.
At about mile 5, all runners turned left to Elitch Garden and headed south along the South Platte River. On this stretch of road, I also saw two runners wearing Nuggets uniforms, Porter Jr. and Murray, which was quite interesting.
As we turn right at the Old 17th Avenue Bridge, all runners are about to face the pinnacle moment of this run: the shuttle to Empower Field at Mile High
We will leave along the warning track of the auditorium and the grass field in a half circle. There will be many photographers here, and the sense of ceremony will be full.
After the epic stadium crossing, we returned to Colfax Avenue. On this westward running route, all runners will have their backs to the sun, chasing their own shadows all the time.
After about a mile we came to Sloan Lake. Here, there are still three miles waiting for you. At the entrance of Sloan Lake, there will be Chinese children performing lion dance and drumming, which is very lively!
The route to Sloane Lake was very comfortable and I also had a lovely toilet experience here which made me feel instantly more relaxed.
I believe this must be a popular gathering place for local runners. It has stunning mountain and city views, and the road surface is very flat, making it easy to run very fast if you are not careful.
At the exit of Sloan Lake, there will be a handover point for the relay team, and many people have gathered.
After leaving Sloan Lake, runners will head west again back to Colfax Avenue. This section of the road is still a shadow track and is approximately 3 miles long.
We will then turn north off Colfax Avenue and head to Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design at Mile-13
Here, outdoor art blends with outstanding architecture, and the entire campus exudes Denver's unique artistic atmosphere. However, what impressed me the most on this route was the warmth of the sun and the rising heat of the city.
Afterwards, we pass beautiful Morse Park and enter The Glens, a hidden gem neighborhood in Lakewood with elegant shady trees and white picket fences that give it a peaceful and cozy feel.
However, the happiness is only short-lived. Since the community of Glens is located at the westernmost point of the entire circuit, this meant that we would soon have to turn back and face the scorching sunshine of the Colorado Plateau.
This distance stretches from Mile-16 to Mile-20, and every mile is not easy. Fortunately, I wore sunglasses so that it was not too dazzling. I also took good selfies, and my face was very white from the sun.
Fortunately, the road back to Denver from Lakewood is a fast downhill road. From miles 16 to 20 we pass the Whitlock Athletic Center (near Dudley and Colfax) and then follow Colfax straight downhill.
Runners will also pass many interesting buildings and venues such as the Big Bunny Motel, Casa Bonita, Lake Steam Baths and beautiful street art.
I was attracted by one of the graffitied houses, and a very friendly passerby took some photos for me. Most of this route can enjoy the skyline of Denver. Seeing the city getting closer and closer, the skyline becomes clearer and clearer, which also gave me extra motivation to complete this long journey.
Finally, finally, we returned to Ligao Stadium at mile 20, and then left again from the other side with a half-circle around the stadium. After going back and forth, we became familiar with Ligao Stadium.
There is also a band playing for everyone in the stadium. Listening to music and running in the stadium is an exclusive moment for Denver Marathon runners.
It's a pity that I'm not a football fan, otherwise it would be worth running to Denver just for this one.
Leaving Mile High Stadium, we again pass through Elledge Gardens and reach the South Platte River, where the track rejoins the Cherry Creek Trail.
Leaving the Cherry Creek Trail and turning left on Lawrence Street, all runners will tour along the 16th Street Mall, pass through the Taber Center, and finally head east on 17th Avenue, where we will pass many gourmet restaurants and various Victorian buildings.
Here I met again the guy with pink hair and wings, who was indeed in the same starting area as me.
The grand finale enters City Park from 21st Street and ends on the grassy lawn next to beautiful Lake Ferrier and the Museum of Natural Sciences.
The moment of crossing the line is always exciting! 47 It was over long ago. I took over the heavy medal and then went to the photographer to take some photos.
This unique medal is so beautiful! It has exquisite patterns on it and comes with a base stand that can be stood up for display. And it also comes with a pendant that can be attached to a necklace or backpack zipper.
After successfully meeting up with 47, it’s time for the post-race party! The Denver Marathon post-race party is great, with free hot dogs and beer and a great concert.
After the party, we also went to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science next door. There are mummies in there, which are worth seeing.
Finally, we took the free bus back to our Airbnb and ordered a great Indian restaurant online to end our trip in Denver.
Postscript
I recently watched a video with millions of views on Bilibili, which was nominated as "There are too many marathons, and Africans and middle-aged people are running out of them." When I saw the various comments under the video, I felt a little bit the same. Generally speaking, they are mostly biased:
"More than two thousand years ago, Greek soldiers ran back from the Marathon without fear of sacrifice in order to announce their victory. But his death failed to warn future generations not to run marathons. History once again tells us that human beings never learn lessons from history. In the end, the marathon is more primitive than whose genes are, so what is the purpose of mankind's laborious Baal evolution?"
"I can only say that it's quite nonsense. When we hold marathons in the city, we close roads everywhere, close them in advance, and not cancel them in time. We have already held them twice this year. It is very troublesome. I am also a sports person, but urban marathons should really not be done. It affects the travel of urban people!"
"In 2019, in Chengdu, I couldn't run much at that time, so I wanted to give it a try. When I saw how expensive the registration fee was, I thought, forget it, I might as well have two good meals. And I like to run alone. No matter where I run, I won't run."
"Cycling, fishing, and outdoor activities are so popular, but they have not become the "target of public criticism." However, the marathon was picked up and beaten."
I am also often asked whether horse racing is free or paid, otherwise why should I suffer that? When I tell them that they need to pay to register for a marathon, and some require drawing lots, I always get a look of disdain.
But every time I chat with American friends, I don't have such trouble. No matter whether they are sports enthusiasts or not, as long as they talk about sports, everyone always looks excited.
I recently read an article in The Colorado Sun that I loved, titled “The Denver Colfax Marathon — and my daughter — inspired me to lose 85 pounds.”
A goal, a support group, and a wake-up call did wonders for my focus on improving my health and vitality
"I was a former competitive athlete on a mission to speak out about health and vitality to thousands of people. But years of complacency led me to be the exact opposite of that. As fate would have it, on that January afternoon, while I was looking for a snack in the refrigerator, my college-age daughter happened to be home on vacation. She decided I was full.
"Dad, you're not actually hungry, you're just bored," she said lovingly, "You're too fat. I'm worried you might not be able to attend my wedding." "
Wow. So, experiencing impending professional embarrassment, parental shame, and the thrill of too many fast food drives through the window, I stepped on the scale for the first time in a decade and looked down: 301.7 pounds. I'm 5'10" and although my weight has fluctuated over the years, it's always been up and down. It's time for me to change!
As I pictured myself standing on the podium of the Denver Colfax Marathon, gazing out at the inspiring runners, as a person focused on my own life and with a deep love for my family, I started to take action.
Over the next few months, I made countless small decisions that focused on my health every day. I changed the type and amount of food I ate. I adjusted my Starbucks obsession: cut back on the vanilla syrup and switch to skim milk.
I told my fitness-focused wife, Nikki, that I needed help, and she gave me guidance. Having a strong support network is very important to me and to everyone.
When race day came on May 15, 2022, I stood in front of the scale 35 pounds lighter than before, weighing 266 pounds, and my self-image was gradually improving. More importantly, the energy in the air in Denver and the excitement of the marathon celebrations inspired me to keep going.
I've traveled hundreds of miles over the past year. I got back on my bike and slid onto the sled. With the Denver Colfax Marathon back on track, I've lost 85 pounds since starting this journey. This is an amazing achievement and I'm very proud!
If you’ve never been to a marathon weekend – either as a runner in one of the races, or as a spectator – I highly recommend you join one. This will give you deep motivation.
Sadly, I won't be able to compete this year as I have to attend my niece's wedding, which is something I definitely won't miss. As I danced at the party—in a suit that was smaller than I ever thought possible—I would also think about my children’s future weddings and my gratitude for being a part of life’s most important moments. "
I have also experienced such a moment. On the 123rd anniversary of Wuhan University, the alumni of Team 123 held a grand collective wedding in the 129 playground. I still remember that on that cloudy morning, I touched my fat belly and looked at the handsome senior brothers and sisters in front of me. I felt that I had to make some changes.
Wuhan University’s humanistic environment of “free development, diversity and inclusiveness” and the unique geographical advantages of East Lake and Luojia Mountain enabled me to develop the habit of running, and horse racing has continued this habit to this day.
When I wrote this article, it was the 130th birthday of Wuhan University. Yi Zhongtian and Lei Jun gave a high-pitched lecture at the 9th Alumni Luojia Forum. I lamented that Rebus, who donated 1.3 billion to Wuhan University, is really rich. After all, donating a building to his alma mater is the dream of every Wuhan University graduate.
But you may not know that old senior Lei Jun is actually a runner. This is a soul dialogue between Lei Jun and writer Xu Zhiyuan:
"If you get up early and come to Osun for a run at 6:30, you will feel that your life will have a few more hours. Once you start running, you will feel very comfortable and happy. In fact, you should really try running, and you will understand the feeling of a runner;
At the end of the run, your mind is empty, it is a state. You feel that you have found yourself, and you don’t want to live too comfortably. Sometimes after staying in a very comfortable environment for a long time, you may not have much motivation. After so many years of life, looking back, it is this thing in your heart that keeps you from giving up. "
At the end of the story, let me use the words of Mr. Lei and Mr. Yi’s speech at Wuhan University to conclude this long article:
"
We must believe and persist
Believe in the endless power of life
Believe in crossing the vicissitudes of life
Something beautiful and tough
"
——Lei Jun
"
"Ode to Wuhan University"
A scholar is ambitious and a gentleman is self-reliant.
Expand innovation and seek truth, Xi Zhenyongfang
Thanks to my alma mater, blessing to my alma mater
"
—— Yi Zhongtian
Dear Wuhan University, happy 130th birthday!
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Words | Arsenan
Photos | Arsenan
Design | Arsenan