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By Amiee White Beazley
 | Racers leaving behind the Fruita Tunnel
Photo by B.E. Butler |
Ready. Set. Run! There is no other road race quite like it in the United States. For runners it's a challenge they embark upon with anticipation and respect. This year, the Rim Rock Run celebrates 16 years as one of the most unique running races in the United States.
Traveling a challenging 37 kilometers (22.6 miles), the course winds up the paved Rim Rock Drive through the Colorado National Monument, part of the National Park service. Amidst sheer-walled canyons, towering monoliths and colorful formations, this run highlights the beauty of the plateau-and-canyon country.
In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the Rim Rock Run is a great test for any runner. Along this spectacular route, there is a 1,710-foot elevation change (starting at 4,930 feet and ending at 6,640 feet). Racers reach the summit in approximately eight miles with the first four miles described as a steep incline. After the summit, the course descends and ends at approximately 260 feet below the starting elevation. The last four miles, like the first, are very steep. "It is  | Racer along the 37K route
Photo by B.E. Butler |
such a challenging run," says Assistant Race Director Taylor Larsen, who, at age 19, has already competed in the past three races. "There are a lot of [races] where they will stick you on a street and you have to run for hours past buildings. At this race the scenery is incredible. You run past Cold Shivers [Point], along Rim Rock Drive from Grand Junction to Fruita. The views allow racers to see all the way down toward Utah."
Larsen will compete again in this year's race. "There are a lot of people my age or even younger, as well as older runners in their mid 70s," Larsen says. As a precaution, race organizers provide a trail van that can pick up racers if they can't finish.
Rim Rock Run was started 16 years ago by a group of friends. The race has steadily grown in popularity and participants each year. The run is now limited to 400 participants.
Race facts:
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2008
Start: 8 a.m.
Length: 37K/22.6 miles
Fee: $50 pre-registration/$65 day of race
For more information contact 970-464-9040 or visit www.rimrockrun.org
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