Flat, shady and green: the Monument Valley path is a slice of heaven.
With a variety of terrain, including gravel and concrete paths as well as wide, tree-lined streets, the ZOOMA Colorado half-marathon isn’t just a treat for your legs: it’s also visually stunning, with majestic Pike’s Peak within view for the majority of the run. You’ll have to climb a bit—you’re in Colorado, after all—but you’ll also get some gentle downhills and flat stretches to kick it out.
Start-Mile 1: The race kicks off in front of the Hilton Antlers on Tejon Street, a cute, retail avenue in downtown Colorado Springs. A quick turn-around at mile one sends you north and onward.
Mile 1-2: Enjoy the scenery of the mountains to your left and the mostly flat mile. After a right hand-turn, you’ll be greeted by a water stop.
Mile 2-3: During this mile, you’ll jump on a pedestrian paved path, which provides some shade as you pass through a park and a chance to settle into your race groove. You may feel inclined to pick up your pace, but realize you’ve got 10 miles to go.
Mile 3-4: A slight climb as you cover ground in downtown Colorado Springs. On the corner of Columbia and Corona, grab a beverage: either water or Ultima. (Sorry: despite the street name, no beers with limes will be served.)
Mile 4-5: As you head west on Columbia Street, do your best to look up and drink in the mountainous view. If that feels like too much, at least check out the wide, tree-lined streets and the older, beautiful homes of the Springs.
Mile 5-6: Your joints will love the gravel Monument Valley path, which runs parallel to Monument Creek. From mile 6 to just before mile 10, you’ve got a gradual downhill, so do your best to cruise along on it. About halfway through this mile, where you turn to head back south, H2O will be available; drink up.
Mile 6-7: Still on the path, allow the creek to virtually carry you under bridges and past the track and fields of Colorado College (say a little thanks for not having to hit the track today…).
Check out this mountain at least once during your race--and be glad you're not climbing it.
Mile 7-8: One more mile on the gravel path; enjoy it and the amazing view of Pike’s Peak (just look over your right shoulder). Around mile 7.5, there will be GU Energy Gel, Ultima and water; this is the only time GU is offered, so take it even if you don’t feel like you need it immediately.
Mile 8-9: The gravel turns to concrete, but you’re still grooving down a slight downhill and past a remarkable water fountain (despite how inviting it may look, don’t jump in). You can, however, drink the water offered at the aid station at the end of this mile.
Mile 9-10: Enjoy your last bit of flat or downhill and get your legs ready to rumble. You’ll cross the freeway and come out, after a little stretch in an industrial area, in the lovely Broadmoor neighborhood.
Mile 10-11: Put your head down, pace yourself and climb, lady, climb. Remind yourself that you’ve only got a 5k left.
Mile 11-12: Continue to think strong arms and quick, little steps as you head towards home. Stop for a water break around mile 11.2, and then it’s onward again, by beautiful houses and lush green lawns.
Mile 12-finish!: When you see the traffic circle, breathe a little sigh of relief: should be mostly flat from here. Think about finishing strong—and how, after you rehydrate and refuel, you’re going to rock out at the post-race expo!
