Steamboat Marathon: Race Overview & Updated Information 2023
If you’re an adventurer looking for a fun challenge in one of the most beautiful places in the US, the Steamboat Marathon is for you.
The marathon is one of the longest-running events in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Whether you’re a local or coming to town to run the race, you’ll see Steamboat’s best sides and experience the hometown feel that so many adore.
汽船马拉松:概述
If you’re planning to run a marathon, you’re already up for a challenge. With some hills and elevation, crossing the finish line in Steamboat will meaneven more.
The 2023 Steamboat Marathon will happen on June 4th. The race begins at 7:00 am and has a course time limit of five and a half hours. The race is a Boston Qualifier for those looking to earn entry into the world’s most prestigious marathon.
Steamboat Spring’saverage high temperature in June ranges from 69-79°while theaverage low temperature varies from 39-45°. You’ll want to keep the low in mind as the race start may be chilly. A layer of clothing you can pull off and throw away as you warm up is vital for race morning.
This is truly a special event in Steamboat Springs, so don’t miss out on one of thebest marathons in the US.
Steamboat also happens to be an incredible place to visit in the summer, withincredible things to doaside from just running the race.
Course Information
The Steamboat Marathon course is point-to-point, starting in Hahn’s Peak Village and finishing in downtown Steamboat Springs.
Free start line transportation is provided for runners on race morning. Catch the bus at the corner of 8th Avenue and Oak Street in Steamboat Springs. The bus ride up to Hahn’s Peak will give you a preview of the beauty of the course.
The start line elevation sits at nearly 8,200 feet.
From here, runners run along the Elk River with sights of the snowcapped Rocky Mountains and stunning ranchland as they make their way south to Steamboat Springs. The elevation at the finish line is nearly 6,800 feet.
Although the Steamboat Marathon is a net downhill course, several rolling hills, especially in the second half, make this race more challenging than the elevation map lets on. You’ll want to run hills during your training to prepare for this race.
How To Register
To run the marathon, you’ll need to register by visitingthe official website for the Steamboat Marathon. From there, make your way to thethird-party Steamboat Marathon registration page.
The registration prices change throughout the year. You’ll want to register as soon as possible to lock in the best price and avoid missing out if registration happens to sell out.
$115–June 5, 2022 – December 31, 2022
$130–January 1, 2023 – April 30, 2023
$140(If available) –May 1, 2023 – June 1, 2023
$150(if available) –June 2, 2023 – June 3, 2023
This is a relatively small race, with a cap of 500 marathon participants and 1,000 half-marathon participants. Sign up early so you don’t miss this extraordinary event.
Where To Stay In Steamboat
找到一个曲ality place to stay when traveling for a marathon can be stressful. Here are two top options you’ll want to check out for the weekend of the Steamboat Marathon.
Residence Inn by Marriott– The Residence Inn by Marriott is relatively new to the area, opening in late 2020.
这个酒店是刚从8 1.8英里Avenue and Oak Street bus pickup. With transportation to Hahn’s Peak from 5:45 am to 6:15 am, you’ll want to stay close to the bus stop.
Marathon runners will especially enjoy the year-round heated outdoor pool and hot tub for post-race recovery.
Book Your HotelStay For Race Weekend Here!
❗ Hotel rooms in Steamboat Springs go quickly –make sure to get your rooms booked now at the lowest price!
Holiday Inn– Slightly further south is the Holiday Inn. Only 3.1 miles from the bus pickup location, this is another excellent option for a quick drive in the morning.
The Holiday Inn has an indoor pool and hot tub and an outdoor hot tub to help your sore legs relax.
✅Click here to book your stay at the Holiday Inn!
Awards
The Steamboat Marathon awards the top three overall men and women finishers. There is also an award for the top local male and female runners as well as the top male and female runners 50 and over.
General age groups are divided into 10-year spans, and each group’s top three male and female runners will be awarded. Group divisions are:
19 Years & Under
20-29 Years
30-39 Years
40-49 Years
50-59 Years
60-69 Years
70 & Up
Training For A Marathon: Best Tips
Training for a marathon takes a lot of determination and energy. Knowing whattips to follow as a first-time marathonercan be overwhelming. Be sure you’re focusing on the right things to prepare sufficiently for the Steamboat Marathon.
✅ Stick to your training plan.
Please don’t try to wing training. People do it, and those people often end up injured. Be smart, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying race day.
Find a reputable marathon training plan even if you can’t invest in a running coach. Try your best to stick to the training, and remember to prioritize rest on rest days. This point leads right into the next best marathon training tip…
✅ Don’t push yourself to burnout.
If you’re competitive, this one might be hard to abide by. We live busy lives in a non-stop, full-speed-ahead society. Add in marathon training, and when will you have time to doanythingelse?
Make the time. Make time to rest, time to spend with friends and family, and do the things that make you happy. Too many runners will push themselves to burnout, which often ends with an injury.
Proper rest days and taking care of yourself are also a part of your training program. Make a point to practice this.
✅ Get your race day routine down.
Training isn’t simply running miles each week and calling it a day. Instead, you must use your training to find what works best.
Each week your training schedule should include one “long run.” Depending on the program, this single run may range from 10 to 26+ miles. Try to do this run at the same time of day the marathon will take place.
Eat the food you plan to eat on race morning. Wear the clothes you’ll wear at the race. This helps you see how your body may respond and allows you to adjust as needed.
✅ Be prepared for the elevation.
You must prepare for elevation change if you don’t live and train in high elevations. Some people experience altitude sickness upon arriving at a location like Steamboat Springs.
Opting to arrive a few days before race day will help you acclimate to the altitude. In an ideal world, you’d arrive a week in advance. This timeline would help you avoid the usual 24 to 72-hour altitude sickness and better adapt to the elevation.
With all that Steamboat Springs offers for outdoor enthusiasts, spending a week in town isn’t a bad idea. Experience some of thebest hikingand野营Colorado offers and help your body better prepare for running at altitude.
✅ Enjoy race day.
Marathoners workseriously hardto make it to the start line. The space between the start and finish lines should be the celebration of your diligence.
So many things are out of our control on race day. The weather, the amount of sleep you got the night before(thanks a lot, nerves), and possibly even sickness are things we can’t prepare for on the morning of a marathon.
Do your best to keep a positive mindset, and remember to be present throughout the race. Marvel at the captivating nature around you, the spectators cheering you at the finish line, and be proud of your work to get to this day.
Additional Events
If the beauty of Steamboat Springs entices you, but the 26.2 miles of the marathon don’t, you can still participate in a shorter event on race day.
The Steamboat Half Marathon and the Steamboat 10k are great middle-distance race options for those who want a smaller challenge.
If you want to experience the race but are currently asking yourself, “can I even run a 10k?How long is a 10k in miles anyway?” you likely aren’t alone. Distance running can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to the sport.
However, the half marathon course is open for five and a half hours. This meansyou could easily walk the half marathonwith an average mile time of 25 minutes. To put this into perspective, the average person can walk a mile anywhere from 15 to 22 minutes.
The 10k has no course time limit. Do yourself a favor and sign up for one of these shorter-distance races. You’ll still partake in all the fun, but your legs won’t be nearly as sore as the marathoners the following day.
Steamboat Marathon FAQs
Whether this is your first or your 10th time running the Steamboat Marathon, you may have questions. These two tend to be the most often asked:
Where does the Steamboat Marathon start?
Knowing where the race starts is likely the most crucial information you need. Because the Steamboat Marathon is a point-to-point race, runners must board buses to be brought to the start line.
The bus stop is located at 8th Avenue and Oak Street. Once marathoners board the bus, they’ll be taken 26 miles north to Hahn’s Peak Village. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes.
Once in Hahn’s Peak Village, runners will be positioned at the start line.
Where can I find the results?
Once you cross the finish line, you’ll want to check your results. After the race, runners can head to the Awards Tent to view their race time.
Remember that these immediate results are usually unofficial, so you may see a slight change in your time or standings once the official results are posted.
Runners can alsolocate race results on the Steamboat Marathon website.
The Wrap-Up: Steamboat Marathon
There are many fantastic marathons, but the Steamboat Marathon is one you don’t want to miss. You’ll appreciate the small field size, gorgeous views, and small-town vibes. For those who like to make a “runcation” out of destination races, you will be thoroughly captivated by Steamboat Springs.
Are you heading to the Steamboat Marathon? Check out our local’s guides to the bestbest restaurants,shopping, andhot springsin the area.