March 16, 2008 - Runnin' of the Green 7k

The Runnin' of the Green race was in it's 20th year and one of the largest races in the Denver area.  
The course was a USATF certified 7k.  That's right a 7k! A rare distance to race indeed.  It's a 7k due
to the Irish "Lucky 7" number. Entry fee was $25 for early entry, $30 late entry, and $35 for race day
entry.  Proceeds benefit the "Volunteers of America."

The race started in Lower Downtown Denver (LODO) at 17th and Wazee.  The event did use chip
timing, which was necessary, because the race attracted over four thousand runners and the starting
corral was a few blocks deep.

The course was tough but fun!  The hills were mostly rolling with the exception of a steep climb up
29th avenue. This was by no means a fast course.  The course was well marked and well patrolled
with police at all of the major intersections.  There was also a water station between miles 1 and 2
which the runners passed by twice.  The only part of the course that was not challenging was the
final mile bringing you back downtown on Wynkoop Street for a flat finish.

The post race celebration was fantastic with tons of food and a huge table of Killian's Irish beer.  
Nothing beats a cold-one after a tough race!  Corned Beef sandwiches were handed out which I
heard were fantastic. I wasn't hungry so I can't vouch on the food.

I have a few suggestions.  I picked up my race timing chip and bib number at Runner's Roost the day
before the race.  I love being able to pick up my race packet the day prior; one less thing runners
have to worry about on race day.  However, runners were not able to pick up the race t-shirt with
their packets because they were being handed out the day of the race.  I picked up my race shirt
after the conclusion of the race, but had to wait about five minutes in the huge line which was
frustrating especially when the shirts could have just been handed out at Runner's Roost.

My only other suggestion was that I am quite certain mile marker one was incorrect.  My Garmin had
the overall course accurate, but the first mile hit at 1.10 miles.  Several other runners mentioned the
same thing to me; so something to verify in the future.

Overall, excellent race! The race had a great post race party, participant turnout, and crowd support.
 It would be great if the course could race through more of downtown Denver, but my guess is that it's
a cost issue and therefore the race ran through the Highlands neighborhood.

Well done Runnin' of the Green 7k!

Relevant Data
Start Elevation (ft):        5,261
Finish Elevation (ft):        5,261
Min. Elevation (ft):        5,173
Max. Elevation (ft):        5,365

Temperature 35F
Wind SW 3.1 avg.
Runnin' of the Green '07 Course Map:
Runnin' of the Green '07 Course Elevation:
Start/Finish: