| 1/26/2008 - The Best Cross-Country Race on the Planet @ Harlow Platts Park, Boulder, CO. The 2008 Best XC Race on the Planet was a benefit race for the City of Boulder Parks & Recreation's EXPAND Program. This was a small race that attracted some great runners do to the cash purse: 1st Place Overall Male & Female = $300 2nd Place Overall Male & Female = $200 3rd Place Overall Male & Female = $100 1st Place Masters Male & Female = $100 2nd Place Masters Male & Female = $75 3rd Place Masters Male & Female = $50 In 2008 the men's race had 96 participants and the women's race had 49 participants. The day brought strong winds, thus participation might have dwindled on race day. The race was four miles and consisted of three laps in Harlow Platts Park. The race was well organized and also inexpensive. It's not often that you pay only $15 for an entry fee when racing in the Denver/Boulder Metro area. The race gave out a heavy weight long sleeved, cotton T-shirt. I noticed in the previous year the race gave out stocking hats. I was hoping for something similar this year because it seemed like a unique idea. I wish they had continued the stocking hats in 2008 or perhaps even running gloves? The wind really dampened my spirits, but it shouldn't impact the review of the race. In 2007 they had tons of snow which would have been a blast. Having weather from snow to wind to sun for any race in January should be expected. The three lap course was sort of monotonous, but do to the strong winds, the laps provided a few breaks from the wind. It was a low key, fun event, but I'm not ready to vote it "the best cross country race on the planet". I think the addition of some obstacles would be fun, perhaps hay bails, etc... http://www.bestxcrace.com/ |
