Colorado Springs plans marathon

  • 2019-09-05
It is almost time for one of Colorado Springs residents' favorite events – the annual marathon.

For the sixth year, the Colorado Springs Marathon will welcome runners at all skill levels. There will be four races available - a 5K, a half-marathon, a full marathon, and a Kids’ K. Historically, the event usually draws approximately 1,700 participants, and more than 3,000 spectators. Steve Bingham-Hawk, the director of the race, said that participation in the event has increased approximately 20% every year.

In the past, the run started and ended at Acacia Park, but the course has been changed. This year, planners decided that the “home base” would be the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum on South Tejon. In addition, they added several more options for runners to follow, at least in part to help local businesses. Runners this year are coming from about six different nations, as well as 34 states to take part. Some of this year's proceeds will go to help support Team Red White & Blue, a veterans' group that helps reintegrate combat veterans back into civilian life.

Since the Colorado race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, many elite runners take part. The course goes through downtown and Memorial Park, around the lake, and then through Greenway Trails and north to the Air Force Academy. The race this year is September 28. Banner printing is often used to provide decorations for events like this.