What’s Your Colorado Marathon Story?

We wanted to know from experienced Colorado Marathon runners – what’s your Colorado Marathon story? Read our Q & A with some of The Colorado Marathon’s most dedicated runners here:

Mark Saunders

Q: How long have you been a long-distance runner?
A: 35 years
Q: What got you into long-distance running?
A: My dad took me out for my first run when I was 6. We ran a mile but I had to stop 4 times. I remember thinking one day I would be able to run the whole mile without stopping.
Q: How many years have you run the Colorado Marathon, and which distances have you completed?
A: Every year. I am one of the few left that have completed the full marathon every year.
Q: Do you have a favorite moment from The Colorado Marathon?
A: The post race party at my house after. But on the course, it is when you come into Ted’s Place and see the crowds for the first time.
Q: What is your favorite spot on the Colorado Marathon?
A: It changes depending upon the year, but typically the long stretch on 287 before the hill. Cars flying by, you are able to see ahead a long ways, and it is a transition between the scenery and the race (the last 10K).
Q: What is your Colorado Marathon story?
A: The inaugural Old Town Marathon (now The Colorado Marathon) was my first marathon I ever did. I was under-trained and broke my toe on my last long run in training. I took off the 3 weeks leading up to the race to let it heal. That race was terrible.  My toe hurt, I was under-trained, and learned what hitting the wall meant. Even though I probably walked the last 8 miles in and barely snuck under 4 hours, I learned I can finish 26.2 miles. By doing every marathon I have learned so much about myself and the race. First, it took a few years for me to truly be appreciative of all the volunteers that get up earlier than me and stay on the course later. They make the race. The volunteers are more important than the runners. Second, I can finish a marathon under any circumstances. I have had great days and misfortune on race day, but every year I still get to the finish line. The best story was when I stepped on glass while cooking dinner the night before and got stitches on the ball of my foot 12 hours before the start of the race. I raced a little slower that year, but still finished.

Michael Brenner

Q: How long have you been a long-distance runner?
A: 25 years
Q: What got you into long-distance running?
A: Not really sure. The mystique in the 1990s? It was a bucket list thing for the first one, then I read about the 100th Boston and wanted to run it – it was my 3rd marathon. This will be number 41, I think.
Q: How many years have you run the Colorado Marathon, and which distances have you completed?
A: All of them – This will be 17!
Q: Do you have a favorite moment from The Colorado Marathon?
A: Running in the canyon in the fresh snow in 2015.
Q: Which distance is your favorite at CM?
A: 26.2 – the only distance I’ve run.
Q: What is your favorite spot on the Colorado Marathon?
A: Any place in the canyon, and the finish line!
Q: What is your Colorado Marathon story?
A: I first met Tom Siller – Fort Collins resident (I live in the Denver area) while running the Denver Marathon in 2000.  We kept in touch and began meeting up for the bus ride at the first Fort Collins Old Town Marathon in 2002. It’s become a yearly tradition, sometimes the only time I get to meet up with Tom. Many years we’ve run much of the course together. Unfortunately he’s missed a couple of years and I had to run it without him! I’m looking forward to the bus ride up in 2018 and catching up after the race as well. Tom is a great guy and a good friend. Without the FoCo marathon connection we’d probably have lost contact.

Tom Riggs

Q: How long have you been a long-distance runner?
A: 25 years
Q: What got you into long-distance running?
A: I found out I love to run long distances 🙂
Q: How many years have you run the Colorado Marathon, and which distances have you completed?
A: I ran the marathon the first five years it was offered.  After that I ran the mini marathon, the half, the 10k and the 5k, so I’ve run every distance the CM has ever offered.
Q: Do you have a favorite moment from The Colorado Marathon?
A: I love them all!
Q: Which distance is your favorite at CM?
A: Full.
Q: What is your favorite spot on the Colorado Marathon?
A:  The entire time in the Poudre Canyon.
Q: What is your Colorado Marathon story?
A: I’m not allowed to run anymore because of genetic issues that cause chronic pain and degenerative disk disease, along with degenerative osteoarthritis. I’ve had five spinal fusions and multiple surgeries on both feet. However…I’ve been the official Colorado Marathon Artist since day one. I designed and painted the logo that is still in use today and is all over the place on signs, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, etc. I also do the artwork for the Colorado Marathon Finisher’s prints every year. I may not be allowed to run, but I stay fit with other activities and I’m still involved with the CM by doing the artwork and manning the information booth at the packet pick-up expo every year. It’s my way of giving back and being involved with a sport that I love and miss very much! 🙂 Cheers!