This series of events -- including the signature half marathon as well
as a 10K, 5K and a one-mile "fun run" -- are held in the upper Arkansas
River valley town of Buena Vista, near Colorado's Collegiate Peaks
mountains.
Buses pick up participants in the town's central park for transport to
the starting line in nearby Cottonwood Lake to the west of town, for a
half marathon that takes place on mostly dirt roads as the course makes
its way into the town. The half course also includes about four miles
of paved surfaces and significant changes in elevation -- from the
starting point of the race, the half marathon course drops about 2,500
feet by the time runners arrive in Buena Vista.
Race
Weather & Climate
Weather conditions can become highly variable in the Buena Vista area
in the late summer/early weeks of fall, as September temperatures
average between 38°F and 71°F. The area sees little
rainfall this time of year, averaging less than an inch during the
month.
