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First Timer's Guide
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Colorado > Turquoise Lake Half Marathon
Leadville, CO • Saturday, June 1, 2013 • Course Map
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Locals accustomed to the altitude high in the Rockies in this part of central Colorado ought to have an easier time than those traveling in for the annual running of Leadville's Turquoise Lake Half Marathon.
The race takes runners on a loop course around the lake by the same name that lies just west of town and is run at an elevation that reaches as high as 10,700 feet above sea level, and never drops below about 9,600 feet above sea level.
Runners start the race at the Matchless Boat Ramp along the edge of Turquoise Lake, which they reach on the morning of the race by traveling west from Leadville on County Road 4, also known as Turquoise Lake Road. From the starting line at the boat ramp, the course winds its way along the shores of the lake to make a complete loop around its brilliant blue waters, along a combination of paved county roads (which make up about 7 1/2 miles of the race) as well as natural dirt single-track trails (which make up the remaining 5 1/2 miles of the route).
The race route through the National Forest lands that surround the lake offer some of the area's most gorgeous scenic views, of both the peaks of the Rockies off in the distance as well as the thickly forested hills and trails surrounding the lake. Runners can expect to encounter plenty of roots, rocks and some steep uphill and downhill stretches along the course (particulary in the race's first few miles), as well as spots where you'll cross a few streams.
Challenging thanks to both its altitude and the terrain, the race more than makes up for it with the natural beauty of the surroundings, past participants say.
The race's proceeds benefit the Leadville Lake County Sports Hall of Fame, and the weekend's race events also include the Fish Hatchery 5K on the Saturday preceding the race, which takes place along the forest roads and trails near the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. All runners who are pre-registered for the Turquoise Lake Half can run in the Fish Hatchery 5K for free.
Race
Weather & Climate
Nestled among the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado, just over 100 miles west of Denver, Leadville typically experiences mild to only occasionally warm weather in the late weeks of spring and early days of summer.
In June, average monthly temperatures range between 34°F and 67°F, while precipitation totals average just under an inch for the month. On the day of the race (June 1), the average high is 62°F and the average low is 31°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Turquoise Lake Half Marathon
Fees
$40 for the half marathon
Registration
To reserve your spot in the late spring/early summer 2013 running of Leadville's Turquoise Lake Half Marathon, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
leadvillesportshall.com
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Ever run in Colorado's annual Turquoise Lake Half Marathon? Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
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