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Marathon Details - Rim Rock Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CO > Fruita > Rim Rock Marathon

Rim Rock Marathon

Rim Rock Marathon & Half Marathon

Fruita, CO USA

November 3, 2024

https://www.grandjunctionsports.org/rimrockmarathon

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Race Details

Runners will start on Monument road, run to the east entrance of the Colorado National Monument(GJ side)of the park, and climb the steep winding roads to Cold Shivers Point. Runners will then traverse the top side of the course and descend to the West Entrance and run downhill to the finish at James M. Robb State Park (Fruita). www.ascentproductions.net

Contact Information

Name:	Kate Ellyson
Address:	1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501
Phone Number:	9709020778
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (14)

Course 5.0

Organization 4.7

Spectators 3.4

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Number of comments: 14 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

M. O. from Lawrence, KS (11/12/2015) "Challenging, but amazing race" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is without a doubt the most scenic race I've done. The first 8.5 miles are a 2500 ft climb, up to about 6700 feet. You get about 11 miles of rolling hills up there before an amazing descent down switchbacks into Fruita. I'm not a local, but the elevation didn't hit me too hard. The views of Colorado National Monument are amazing-I ran with a camera and did not regret it. The race is well organized-despite being remote, they had 9 aid stations, and brought any clothing left at the stations to the finish, tagged with the runner's bib number. You don't see too many people on the course, but the volunteers cheer like you've just won the World Series and the finish line turnout by the town of Fruita rivals that of much larger races.
A. S. from Oakville, Ontario (11/6/2014) "Beautiful Scenery" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I needed a CO race for the 50 states, and am very happy to have chosen this one. OK, it's a tough course, with a 2000'+ climb, but hey, it's a net downhill just the same. Three and half stars overall does not do this race justice - who needs spectators when there's such wonderful scenery. We even came upon a couple of Desert Bighorns! The scenery is out of this world, and seeing it directly and not through a windshield was an incredible treat! The race is small, but very well organized, with virtually no spectators for the first 25 miles. There were not a lot of aid stations (8), so bringing a water bottle is recommended, but there was plenty food and cold! water and gatorade at each stop. Volunteers were outstanding, as they so often are. Cool medal, decent t-shirt. Highly recommended - certainly one of the top 3 marathons I've completed.
J. B. from Mattawan, MI (11/3/2014) "Tough course but great scenery" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome course the only course where I actually was awe struck by the views from the course. The monument is just beautiful. I started conservatively - the initial climb should be given proper respect. Then there's a pair of highpoints in the middle and rollers toward the last few switchbacks. My calf cramped at mile 11 but I stretched it and it didn't recramp happily so it was painful but functional the last half. Save something for the switchbacks at the end... but really save something for the final 2.5 miles from where you pop off the switchbacks onto the rollers before the finish! Those hurt although the last bit is downhill to the Colorado River next to the State park it finishes in. The organization was swell. The stations were fine. Please carry your detritus to the next garbage can or walk the stations. I did like having to pick up other people's empty Gu packets. It is a National Park folks. I agree with the gentleman that said be happy if you finish with 10 minutes of your PB. In 2014 the weather was perfect. Cloudy and cool low 50s at the start and mid-60s and sunny at the finish for the beer and food at the finish.
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (11/11/2013) "In top 10 scenic marathons to run before you die" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Rim Rock Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course is spectacular . . . and running is the ideal pace from which to fully appreciate this unique and beautiful National monument. You do have to work harder than most marathons . . . lots of uphill (2,000' or so) - it's basically up for 1/2 way then downhill to the finish. It's a relatively small race so if you're someone who counts on spectators or lots of other runners for your inspiration - this race is not for you. The aid stations are great (note that the first one isn't until after about 5 miles UPHILL so you might want to take a small watter bottle if just for this first long uphill segment). All aid stations were staffed with very friendly volunteers who dispensed all sorts of fruit/snacks/goo and water/gatorade. Weather can be very sketchy in November (think cold, heavy wind - the rock formations ARE wind sculpted -, even snow). 2013 was absolutely perfect - cool, sunny and nearly dead calm. Food at the end was excellent (two kinds of soups, Einsteins bagel sandwiches, chips and shortbread cookies. The T shirt is good (quality/design) and the 2013 medal is a memorable replica of one of the stunning landforms - not fancy but an interesting addition to the collection. As far as places to stay, there are convenient race hotels. We ended up camping at the finish (James M Robb State Park) . . . it's where you also catch the bus to the start. It was cold (gear up for that) but fun to enjoy a nice camp fire and sleep under the (shooting) stars.
E. M. from Toronto, Canada (11/21/2011) "A Monumental Marathon" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Thanks so much to Chris the RD and folks at Ascent, volunteers and sponsors for putting on this spectacular marathon. No grumblings from any Marathoners about the initial 9 mile climb because the rewards of the stunning vista of Colorado National Monument were well worth it. Plus all the runners were friendlier and more talkative with the shared task and intimacy of the relatively small number of racers of going up, across and down the Rim Rock drive. A five star rating for course and spectators/fans, not the human kind of spectators because there were very few on the Rim Rock route, but for the Marathoners themselves taking in the artistry of Mother Nature. Plus the first time I had mountain goats as spectators. Won't be seeing that in the NYC Marathon any time soon. If you're a believer in compression wear, this one of the races to give them a try with the long jarring downhill you have coming back down the Monument. Definitely work on running your tangents as the Rim Rock Drive is very twisty with a number of switchbacks. Water and electrolyte drinks all plentiful, as well as clothing drop at aid stations. Some aid stations with gels and pretzels. Volunteers were great. Took a little time to get clothes dropped at aid stations to make it back to finish area. Chicken soup was soooo good at the end. Medal is simple but still classy. Race shirt is nice and functional tech material.
E. F. from Utah (11/19/2011) "Beautiful, challenging. Great small town race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this race. You have to be mentally and physically ready for the elevation gain in the first half of race. Make it to halfway point and you are rewarded with a fast, downhill stretch with fantastic views of the Colorado National Monument. The volunteers at the Aide stations were great and there was plenty of food, gels, and liquids. As mentioned by others, the final 2 miles back to Fruita along the highway is tough but at that point you can feel the finish. The finisher medal was very cool and the refreshments at the end were wonderful. On a cool, early winter day, the hot chicken soup and sandwiches were perfect. We'll be back!
G. K. from Denver Colorado (11/14/2011) "Challenging, Quiet, and Beautiful" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a terrific race if you are looking for the complete opposite of a big city race with thousands of runners. There were maybe 200 runners in this race. Very well organized and the support on the course was fantastic. It was the most demanding marathon I've done, with a huge climb and then a long down hill. Be ready for the rolling last 2 miles - which are more mentally tough after the big up and and down - they're also outside of the park on a highway. Colorado National Monument is a beautiful site and there is no better way to experience it than on foot.
N. R. from Archbold, Ohio, USA (11/13/2011) "great race support" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 A well organized and beautiful race. I like to run alone or with my dogs and this experience was perfect. Coming from Ohio I did not have much trouble with the elevation since I spent the week before in Colorado. I was amazed at the support at the aid staions and the cheers from park rangers and people driving by and giving support. Every marathoner should put this race on their to do list. The only negative was the bus getting us to the start with less than 15 minutes to get your chip and potty. When I opened the door to exit the porta-pot they said 30 seconds to start.
B. H. from Salt Lake City, UT (2/21/2011) "Beautiful marathon" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a great marathon! There are no spectators, but you have to give some if you want these breathtaking vistas. You can either choose a big city and get the huge crowds, or try a marathon like Rim Rock and get just an amazing view of Western Colorado and the Colorado National Monument. I drove in from SLC the night before, so morning of registration was great. Hotels are located like 5 minutes from the start, which is also very helpful. Aid stations were great, with pretzels and snacks and Heed (which I can't stand but I guess some people like). Only negative: The only port-a-potty I could find wasn't until mile 13 or 15. I think there may have been one or two scattered here and there, but there has got to be a way to get more port-a-potties. Even at mile 13 I had to wait in line because there was only one. They need to fix that. Views were fantastic! It was almost surreal running around Rim Rock on the highway. The climb at the beginning was tough, but it was well worth it. The last half is pretty much downhill, which was a nice change from the climbing at the beginning. I thought this was a great race, and I normally prefer the bigger, city marathons. It is nice to change things up a little bit and get some incredible views. I would highly recommend it for 50 Staters. I might even do it again. You even get pint glasses at the end, but it would have been even better if you could have filled those pint glass with beer. They even had a chiropractor and massage therapists at the end. I was very pleased with this marathon overall.
J. T. from Denver, CO (4/19/2010) "Great race (get snow/fog every year)!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The race director did an excellent job, especially since this was a first-time marathon. Very, very cool race. At first, I was looking forward to the great monument scenery. But the snow was AWESOME, and yielded to lots of fog, which made the monuments appear very ghostly. Finally the weather got sunny near the end. The course was awesome, and the aid stations were very good - lots of enthusiasm there. The course by itself doesn't lend itself to tons of spectators, so the crowd support was naturally pretty thin. To be fair, a lot of courses don't lend themselves to crowds/support. This is a race you run for the experience, not for a PR. It's a gas, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I'd bet it grows steadily as the news gets out. Only downer is the port-o-potty situation. Gotta fix that one, for sure.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



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M. O. from Lawrence, KS (11/12/2015) "Challenging, but amazing race" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is without a doubt the most scenic race I've done. The first 8.5 miles are a 2500 ft climb, up to about 6700 feet. You get about 11 miles of rolling hills up there before an amazing descent down switchbacks into Fruita. I'm not a local, but the elevation didn't hit me too hard. The views of Colorado National Monument are amazing-I ran with a camera and did not regret it. The race is well organized-despite being remote, they had 9 aid stations, and brought any clothing left at the stations to the finish, tagged with the runner's bib number. You don't see too many people on the course, but the volunteers cheer like you've just won the World Series and the finish line turnout by the town of Fruita rivals that of much larger races.
A. S. from Oakville, Ontario (11/6/2014) "Beautiful Scenery" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 I needed a CO race for the 50 states, and am very happy to have chosen this one. OK, it's a tough course, with a 2000'+ climb, but hey, it's a net downhill just the same. Three and half stars overall does not do this race justice - who needs spectators when there's such wonderful scenery. We even came upon a couple of Desert Bighorns! The scenery is out of this world, and seeing it directly and not through a windshield was an incredible treat! The race is small, but very well organized, with virtually no spectators for the first 25 miles. There were not a lot of aid stations (8), so bringing a water bottle is recommended, but there was plenty food and cold! water and gatorade at each stop. Volunteers were outstanding, as they so often are. Cool medal, decent t-shirt. Highly recommended - certainly one of the top 3 marathons I've completed.
J. B. from Mattawan, MI (11/3/2014) "Tough course but great scenery" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Awesome course the only course where I actually was awe struck by the views from the course. The monument is just beautiful. I started conservatively - the initial climb should be given proper respect. Then there's a pair of highpoints in the middle and rollers toward the last few switchbacks. My calf cramped at mile 11 but I stretched it and it didn't recramp happily so it was painful but functional the last half. Save something for the switchbacks at the end... but really save something for the final 2.5 miles from where you pop off the switchbacks onto the rollers before the finish! Those hurt although the last bit is downhill to the Colorado River next to the State park it finishes in. The organization was swell. The stations were fine. Please carry your detritus to the next garbage can or walk the stations. I did like having to pick up other people's empty Gu packets. It is a National Park folks. I agree with the gentleman that said be happy if you finish with 10 minutes of your PB. In 2014 the weather was perfect. Cloudy and cool low 50s at the start and mid-60s and sunny at the finish for the beer and food at the finish.
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (11/11/2013) "In top 10 scenic marathons to run before you die" (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 3 Rim Rock Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course is spectacular . . . and running is the ideal pace from which to fully appreciate this unique and beautiful National monument. You do have to work harder than most marathons . . . lots of uphill (2,000' or so) - it's basically up for 1/2 way then downhill to the finish. It's a relatively small race so if you're someone who counts on spectators or lots of other runners for your inspiration - this race is not for you. The aid stations are great (note that the first one isn't until after about 5 miles UPHILL so you might want to take a small watter bottle if just for this first long uphill segment). All aid stations were staffed with very friendly volunteers who dispensed all sorts of fruit/snacks/goo and water/gatorade. Weather can be very sketchy in November (think cold, heavy wind - the rock formations ARE wind sculpted -, even snow). 2013 was absolutely perfect - cool, sunny and nearly dead calm. Food at the end was excellent (two kinds of soups, Einsteins bagel sandwiches, chips and shortbread cookies. The T shirt is good (quality/design) and the 2013 medal is a memorable replica of one of the stunning landforms - not fancy but an interesting addition to the collection. As far as places to stay, there are convenient race hotels. We ended up camping at the finish (James M Robb State Park) . . . it's where you also catch the bus to the start. It was cold (gear up for that) but fun to enjoy a nice camp fire and sleep under the (shooting) stars.
E. M. from Toronto, Canada (11/21/2011) "A Monumental Marathon" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Thanks so much to Chris the RD and folks at Ascent, volunteers and sponsors for putting on this spectacular marathon. No grumblings from any Marathoners about the initial 9 mile climb because the rewards of the stunning vista of Colorado National Monument were well worth it. Plus all the runners were friendlier and more talkative with the shared task and intimacy of the relatively small number of racers of going up, across and down the Rim Rock drive. A five star rating for course and spectators/fans, not the human kind of spectators because there were very few on the Rim Rock route, but for the Marathoners themselves taking in the artistry of Mother Nature. Plus the first time I had mountain goats as spectators. Won't be seeing that in the NYC Marathon any time soon. If you're a believer in compression wear, this one of the races to give them a try with the long jarring downhill you have coming back down the Monument. Definitely work on running your tangents as the Rim Rock Drive is very twisty with a number of switchbacks. Water and electrolyte drinks all plentiful, as well as clothing drop at aid stations. Some aid stations with gels and pretzels. Volunteers were great. Took a little time to get clothes dropped at aid stations to make it back to finish area. Chicken soup was soooo good at the end. Medal is simple but still classy. Race shirt is nice and functional tech material.
E. F. from Utah (11/19/2011) "Beautiful, challenging. Great small town race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I loved this race. You have to be mentally and physically ready for the elevation gain in the first half of race. Make it to halfway point and you are rewarded with a fast, downhill stretch with fantastic views of the Colorado National Monument. The volunteers at the Aide stations were great and there was plenty of food, gels, and liquids. As mentioned by others, the final 2 miles back to Fruita along the highway is tough but at that point you can feel the finish. The finisher medal was very cool and the refreshments at the end were wonderful. On a cool, early winter day, the hot chicken soup and sandwiches were perfect. We'll be back!
G. K. from Denver Colorado (11/14/2011) "Challenging, Quiet, and Beautiful" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was a terrific race if you are looking for the complete opposite of a big city race with thousands of runners. There were maybe 200 runners in this race. Very well organized and the support on the course was fantastic. It was the most demanding marathon I've done, with a huge climb and then a long down hill. Be ready for the rolling last 2 miles - which are more mentally tough after the big up and and down - they're also outside of the park on a highway. Colorado National Monument is a beautiful site and there is no better way to experience it than on foot.
N. R. from Archbold, Ohio, USA (11/13/2011) "great race support" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 A well organized and beautiful race. I like to run alone or with my dogs and this experience was perfect. Coming from Ohio I did not have much trouble with the elevation since I spent the week before in Colorado. I was amazed at the support at the aid staions and the cheers from park rangers and people driving by and giving support. Every marathoner should put this race on their to do list. The only negative was the bus getting us to the start with less than 15 minutes to get your chip and potty. When I opened the door to exit the porta-pot they said 30 seconds to start.
B. H. from Salt Lake City, UT (2/21/2011) "Beautiful marathon" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a great marathon! There are no spectators, but you have to give some if you want these breathtaking vistas. You can either choose a big city and get the huge crowds, or try a marathon like Rim Rock and get just an amazing view of Western Colorado and the Colorado National Monument. I drove in from SLC the night before, so morning of registration was great. Hotels are located like 5 minutes from the start, which is also very helpful. Aid stations were great, with pretzels and snacks and Heed (which I can't stand but I guess some people like). Only negative: The only port-a-potty I could find wasn't until mile 13 or 15. I think there may have been one or two scattered here and there, but there has got to be a way to get more port-a-potties. Even at mile 13 I had to wait in line because there was only one. They need to fix that. Views were fantastic! It was almost surreal running around Rim Rock on the highway. The climb at the beginning was tough, but it was well worth it. The last half is pretty much downhill, which was a nice change from the climbing at the beginning. I thought this was a great race, and I normally prefer the bigger, city marathons. It is nice to change things up a little bit and get some incredible views. I would highly recommend it for 50 Staters. I might even do it again. You even get pint glasses at the end, but it would have been even better if you could have filled those pint glass with beer. They even had a chiropractor and massage therapists at the end. I was very pleased with this marathon overall.
J. T. from Denver, CO (4/19/2010) "Great race (get snow/fog every year)!" (about: 2009) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Rim Rock Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The race director did an excellent job, especially since this was a first-time marathon. Very, very cool race. At first, I was looking forward to the great monument scenery. But the snow was AWESOME, and yielded to lots of fog, which made the monuments appear very ghostly. Finally the weather got sunny near the end. The course was awesome, and the aid stations were very good - lots of enthusiasm there. The course by itself doesn't lend itself to tons of spectators, so the crowd support was naturally pretty thin. To be fair, a lot of courses don't lend themselves to crowds/support. This is a race you run for the experience, not for a PR. It's a gas, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I'd bet it grows steadily as the news gets out. Only downer is the port-o-potty situation. Gotta fix that one, for sure.

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Marathon Details - Rim Rock Marathon