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Rockies Course Preview, New REVEL Merchandise, and REVEL Highlights - Newsletter

Feb. 18, 2016

February 2016

REVEL Rockies: Fast and Downhill on The Beautiful Rocky Mountains REVEL Rockies is guaranteed to be one of the fastest and most beautiful downhill races that any marathoner or half-marathoner will ever experience. Starting high atop the ridges of Squaw Mountain deep in the Arapaho National Forest, runners will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Colorado Rocky Mountains as they begin their journey down the canyon past stunning peaks, towering pines, and clear mountain streams. The REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half-Marathon will occur on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Denver, Colorado. REVEL in speed. REVEL in beauty. REVEL in the Rockies. READ MORE

	REVEL Rocks Speed Recent course rankings from Find My Marathon of more than 400 marathons in the U.S. & Canada place all of REVEL's races in the top six fastest marathon courses or top Boston Qualifiers. REVEL Rockies was named as one of the top courses for percentage of BQs, with almost 24% of finishers running a BQ. Meanwhile, REVEL's other races all were named in the top 6 fastest courses: Canyon City (#1); Mt. Charleston (#4); and Big Cottonwood (#6). If you are looking for FAST and BEAUTIFUL, the answer is REVEL!

	All New REVEL Training Page Coming Next Month REVEL does FAST. REVEL does DOWNHILL. Fast downhill courses require certain elements of training that aren't typically found in standard marathon or half-marathon training programs. Coming in March 2016, REVEL will unveil an all-new Training Page that will be packed with training tips, sample workouts, and course strategy suggestions to help runners prepare for the blazing fast downhill courses that makes REVEL's races FAST and BEAUTIFUL.

	A BQ is Not Enough? Recently, with competition to gain entry to the Boston Marathon getting tighter, marathoners have needed to run a BQ minus, meaning a time that is even faster than their qualifying time. For the 2016 Boston Marathon, runners had to run 2:28 faster than their qualifying time in order to get an entry into the race. In 2015, 22.6% of individuals ran BQs at REVEL events. Out of those numbers, 19% ran more than 2:28 under their qualifying times. REVEL’s marathon courses are fast, beautiful, and perfect for catching that elusive BQ minus.

Race Calendar

May 7, 2016	REVEL Mt Charleston Las Vegas, NV Price Increase Mar 18, 2016!
Jun. 12, 2016	REVEL Rockies Denver, CO Price Increase Mar 16, 2016!
Sep. 10, 2016	REVEL Big Cottonwood Salt Lake City, UT
Nov. 12, 2016	REVEL Canyon City Los Angeles, CA

New Merchandise Highlight

Checkout the new REVEL soft shell jacket. It is hot off the press. It is the ultimate emblem of the hard work you put in to complete a REVEL event. Wear it proudly! This is a sleek, fleece lined, black jacket with a bright REVEL logo embroidered on the chest. Every REVEL participant needs one of these in their closet. Order it from the following links:

Sponsor Highlight

We are pleased to have St. Anthony back for a third year as the official medical provider for the REVEL Rockies Marathon & Half. The hospital is the home of Flight For Life Colorado and is the busiest Level I shock trauma center in the state. St. Anthony Hospital offers innovative services in cardiology, stroke, neurosciences, oncology, and orthopedics that serve patients from across the region.

Runner Highlight

Remember back to the 2013 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon when Danya Crawford won the overall marathon with a time of 2:46? It is not too often that a woman wins the overall marathon. We were proud to see her written up in Runner's World and other news outlets for the accomplishment.

Random Race Entry Giveaway

Congratulations to Tami Black who ran the 2015 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2016 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Tami, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.

REVEL Rockies: Fast and Downhill on The Beautiful Rocky Mountains

REVEL Race Series

Feb. 16, 2016

REVEL Rockies is guaranteed to be one of the fastest and most beautiful downhill races that any marathoner or half-marathoner will ever experience. Starting high atop the ridges of Squaw Mountain deep in the Arapaho National Forest, runners will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Colorado Rocky Mountains as they begin their journey down the canyon past stunning peaks, towering pines, and clear mountain streams.

The REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half Marathon will occur on Sunday, June 12, 2016, in Denver, Colorado.

With a FAST and BEAUTIFUL marathon and half-marathon course, past spectacular mountain views and peaceful, gorgeous mountain meadows, streams, and forests, REVEL Rockies is a top destination race for any runner looking for a PR, a BQ, or the unmatched experience of racing down mountain roads.

The Marathon Course

As the 11^th highest ranked U.S. marathon for percentage of Boston Qualifiers, REVEL Rockies is the perfect race for runners seeking a 2017 Boston Qualifying time, a late-spring getaway, and spectacular, blazing fast course – all in one!

The REVEL Rockies course begins at the doorstep of the newly renovated Echo Mountain Resort, which is open to the public for the first time since 2012, on Squaw Pass Road. At the start line of the marathon, runners will enjoy the awesome views of the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks of Squaw Mountain, Mount Judge, Sante Fe Mountain, and Saddleback Mountain, as well as breathtaking views of the Mile High City. Looking north and east from the start line towards Idaho Springs and Denver, REVEL Rockies marathoners will marvel at the splendor of the majestic Rocky Mountains at sunrise – a perfect inspiration for the unbelievably beautiful marathon course that lies ahead.

Miles 11 though 13 take you through Elk Meadow Park, a gorgeous Rocky Mountain meadow with a rustic cabin on it. It is very common to see grazing elk in this meadow as they have grown accustom to the people and cars bustling around them.

Elk Meadow Park

With a total elevation loss of over 4,700 feet, the certified marathon course is a remarkable downhill course that is entirely over paved roads. REVEL Rockies offers runners a chance of grabbing a marathon PR or BQ at one of the top-ranked Boston Qualifiers in the U.S., and one that is unmatched in beauty!

Elevation Profile
Marathon Net Drop: -4,708 ft
Half Net Drop: -1,693 ft

Elevation Profile

The Half Marathon Course

The REVEL Rockies Half Marathon course begins in the beautiful and serene mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado. Known for its seasonal “elk traffic jams” where literally dozens of elk roam the streets of Evergreen, the area offers abundant local wildlife and amazing natural beauty that blend to create one of the most memorable starts to any half-marathon in the world.

The half marathon course drops a total nearly 1,700 feet, perfect for a half marathon PR.

BEAUTIFUL and FAST – the perfect description for the REVEL Rockies Half-Marathon!

The Last 10 Miles - A Remarkable and Beautiful Downhill Journey

The final 10 miles of the REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half-Marathon follow Bear Creek as it winds its way downhill to the finish area past the quiet mountain communities of Kittredge and Idledale. These closing miles of the course offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the West, including stunning rock formations, crystal-clear mountains streams, and beautiful foliage.

The Weather

The average early morning temperature for start and finish areas of the REVEL Rockies course is in mid-June is the low 40s. With low humidity typical for the Rockies, the conditions are ideal for a fast marathon or half marathon: cool and dry.

The Finish Area

The REVEL Rockies Marathon and Half-Marathon both finish in the quaint mountain town of Morrison, Colorado. Known as “The Nearest Faraway Place,” Morrison is home to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, charming local shops, and an abundance of dining opportunities – the perfect place for post-race relaxing and recovering with friends and family.

Near the finisher's area -- literally just past mile 26 of the marathon course -- is the entrance to Red Rocks Park, Colorado's newest National Historic Landmark and home to the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater. With its remarkable landscape of red sandstone monoliths and plenty of free attractions, Red Rocks Park is a an excellent place for runners' friends and family to visit before heading over to the finish area to welcome runners to the finish line. Admission is free to visit Red Rocks Park, the Amphitheatre, Visitor Center, Trading Post, and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.

As with all REVEL events, the finisher’s area will be loaded with food, music, vendor booths, massages, beer, and plenty of post-race activities.

Legends of Music Only a Short Cool-Down Jog from the Finish!

Red Parks Park, which is one-third of a mile from the REVEL Rockies finisher's area, is home to the world renowned Red Rocks Amphitheater. The many famous musical acts who have performed at Red Rocks Amphitheater include U2, Coldplay, The Eagles, James Taylor, The Dave Matthews Band, The Moody Blues, Stevie Nicks, Blues Traveler, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Ani DiFranco, The Roots, R.E.M., The Allman Brothers Band, and The Eurythmics. A trip to REVEL Rockies is a perfect time to visit the Performers Hall of Fame at the Red Rocks Amphitheater to see images of other legendary performances, including The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, and Jimi Hendrix.

Price Increases Thursday

REVEL Mt Charleston

Jan. 27, 2016

Make sure you register by 11:59 PM TOMORROW to save $10 before the price increase. You don't want to miss this inaugural marathon & half that starts in the mountains above Las Vegas! Come REVEL with us on Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Expo Location Announced

REVEL Mt Charleston

Jan. 25, 2016

We are excited to announce the Expo & Packet Pick-Up will be held at the Mirabelli Community Center from 10:00 AM-8:00 PM on Friday, May 6. All runners must pick up their packets during this time unless mailed or race day packet distribution was selected upon registration.

Located just 10 minutes from the finish venue the Mirabelli Community Center is at 6200 Hargrove Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89107.

Course Preview and REVEL Highlights - Newsletter

REVEL Race Series

Jan. 22, 2016

January 2016

	REVEL Mt Charleston: A Fast & Beautiful Destination Race REVEL Mt Charleston is our newest event in Las Vegas. Combining breathtaking scenery, an incredibly fast downhill course, and an exciting destination, REVEL Mount Charleston is a marathon and half marathon for those looking for a spring getaway, a PR or BQ on a blazing fast course, and spectacular beauty. REVEL Mt Charleston will debut on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. READ MORE

	Upcoming Price Increase REVEL Mt Charleston has a price increase coming up at midnight on January 28. Save $10 by registering now! You don't want to miss this inagurual event that starts in the mountains above Las Vegas. With dozens of entertainment options – ranging from full musical productions to magic shows to world-class concerts – the list of things to do in Las Vegas makes REVEL Mt Charleston an unmatched option for a spring marathon or half marathon destination race. If the beauty and serenity is more to your liking, the areas surrounding Las Vegas are full of state and national parks, conservation areas, and major sightseeing attractions such as the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park, Mojave National Preserve, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Register Now

	REVEL With Your Teammates When you and three or more running buddies form a team at a REVEL event, you get discounts and other added benefits! In 2014 and 2015, 128 different marathon teams and 307 half marathon teams competed at REVEL races. The average winning times in the team competitions were 3:12 for the marathon and 1:34 in the half marathon. Ready to see what your team can do? Register your team at a REVEL race and get ready for a fast, scenic, and fun competition!

	Training Tip: Don't Skip Speed Work REVEL is all about fast downhill courses. Whether it’s the marathon or half marathon PR that you’re chasing, our courses require some degree of downhill training to prepare. As you train, don’t overlook the value of speed work. You will want to prepare your legs to “turn over” faster than you are normally accustomed to. Look for more tips on speed work to prepare for downhill racing in our upcoming newsletters.

	Qualify for Races With Your Half Marathon Time Did you know that you can qualify for certain marathons and half marathons with your half marathon finishing time? A number of races offer guaranteed entry to runners who have completed a half marathon within a set time standard. REVEL's gorgeous and incredibly fast downhill half marathons are perfect for your half marathon PR or for punching your ticket into a time-qualifier race!

Race Calendar

May 7, 2016	REVEL Mt Charleston Las Vegas, NV Price Increase Jan 29, 2016!
Jun. 12, 2016	REVEL Rockies Denver, CO
Sep. 10, 2016	REVEL Big Cottonwood Salt Lake City, UT
Nov. 12, 2016	REVEL Canyon City Los Angeles, CA

Sponsor Highlight

Papa John’s Pizza has been proud to sponsor the REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half and will be back again this year to give every finisher their fill of free Papa John's pizza! Papa John’s operates or franchises more than 4,700 restaurants worldwide and is the number 1 rated QSR pizza chain in customer satisfaction. Better Ingredients. Better Pizza. Papa John’s.

Team Highlight

This is a shout out to the SoCal Moms Run This Town team. They had 182 participants at REVEL Canyon City in 2015. This makes them the largest REVEL team ever.

Teams of 12 or more get the option to purchase team shirts with your choice of color and team name.

Runner Highlight

The oldest REVEL runner in 2015 was 81 year-old John Strand. He ran the REVEL Canyon City half marathon with a time of 2:57. Check out the determination on his face as he crosses the finish line! Let John be your inspiration the next time you think you are getting too old to continue running.

Random Race Entry Giveaway

Congratulations to Oni Wimmler who ran the 2015 REVEL Rockies Marathon. She was randomly selected as the winner of a FREE race entry to any 2016 REVEL event. Keep your eyes out each month to see if you're the next random winner. Oni, email revel@runrevel.com to claim your prize.

REVEL Mt Charleston: A Fast, Beautiful, Fun, and Exciting Destination Race

REVEL Race Series

Jan. 21, 2016

Mt Charleston

REVEL’s newest event in its portfolio of remarkable races, REVEL Mt Charleston in Las Vegas, is one of the premiere destination races of the year. Combining breathtaking scenery, an incredibly fast downhill course, and an exciting destination for your race weekend, REVEL Mt Charleston offers a marathon and half marathon experience for runners looking for a spring getaway, a PR or Boston Qualifying time on a blazing fast course, and a memorable race full of spectacular beauty.

REVEL Mt Charleston will debut on Saturday, May 7, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

If it is a FAST course that you want – whether a marathon or half-marathon – this is the race you want to book on your 2016 calendar.

If it is a BEAUTIFUL course that you’re looking for, with striking desert mountains as a backdrop to your marathon or half-marathon, this is the race for you in 2016.

If it is a FUN and EXCITING “destination” race for you, your family, and your running pals, this is the race that you won’t want to miss in 2016.