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Athletes Power Through Cold for Rim Rock Marathon

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Nov 10, 2012 at 9:28 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 12, 2012 at 8:14 AM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo.- Runners from around the country traveled to the Grand Valley on Saturday for the Rim Rock Marathon, a 26.2-mile race throughout the Colorado National Monument.

Although the race has been going on for 20 years, 2012 marks its fourth year as a successful marathon-distance event.

Despite harsh winds and cold temperatures, runners powered through the race.

The course began near the east entrance to the Monument. It took runners over the Monument, down the west entrance and then to where they eventually finished at James M. Robb State Park.

Christy McLaughlin, who took first place among the women, said, "I don't do a lot of road running these days anymore, but I come back for this one because it's so pretty. I mean, that climb is pretty brutal, but it takes your mind off it when you're looking down and seeing canyons, and people are so friendly. It's beautiful; it's a great, great course."

Throughout the course there is an elevation gain of 2,000 feet and a loss of 2,100 feet.

Runners topped out at 6,640 feet above sea level.

Officials say more than 130 athletes participated in this year's event.

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