Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Runners Enjoy New Course & Music
DENVER (CBS4) - Thousands hit the streets of Denver Sunday for the Janus Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2, and the annual race had a new course, new races and new music.
It was the fifth year of the marathon that welcomed runners from all 50 states and 12 different countries.
"We like to mix it up," said former Olympic distance runner Alan Culpepper, a spokesman for the race.
In addition to a new course, this year's event boasted a new 5K and 10K race and a 2-Person Relay, in addition to the half and full marathon.
PHOTO GALLERY: Janus Rock 'n' Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2
"We had some new elements within City Park, which was a mile of music, so there was a continuous mile of music," Culpepper said.
Organizers said the roughly 15,000 runners raced not only for the mile high endurance challenge, but also the experience.
"They understand that they aren't coming to run their fastest time per say, they're coming for the experience and to run in Denver and see what Denver is all about," Culpepper said.
Race winner Paul Petersen of Fort Collins came in with an elite marathoner time -- 2:26:42. It was Petersen's 23rd marathon, but his first ever in Denver.
"It was pretty hilly, I mean not super hilly, but rolling," Petersen said. "So it's a very fair course, but I like that."
As Denver looks forward to Rock 'n' Roll Marathon next year, runners like Petersen say they'll be back.
"I've done a few urban marathons and I like this one quite a bit," he said. "I'd do it again."
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