2016 U.S. Bank Rim Rock Run Projected to be Most Well-Attended Yet

The 2016 U.S. Bank Rim Rock Run is projecting to be the race’s most popular year yet. Still several weeks away from the Nov. 5 event, the number of registered runners has eclipsed the total number of runners in 2015. The steadily growing interest in the event — which includes a marathon, marathon relay and half marathon — speaks to its reputation as a beautiful, high-quality race.

So far more than 270 runners from 17 states have registered to run one of the races, which winds up and over, or down the Colorado National Monument’s Rim Rock Drive and into downtown Fruita, Colo. By contrast, just more than 120 runners had registered by this time last year. That number is expected to rise in the weeks leading up to the race.

“We are receiving a steady flow of new registrants, which has picked-up to runners registering every hour in the last few days as the registration price tier goes up Saturday morning,” said Jennifer Stoll, executive director of the Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission, the organization partners with CMU’s Track and Field and Cross Country programs to put on the Rim Rock Run.

Runners who register before Oct. 1 receive a reduced cost of entry for the race — a discount of nearly 20 percent of the cost of registering on the day of the run. Registration includes a custom finisher medal, a commemorative technical t-shirt, special offers, food at the finish line and more. Racers may register on the Rim Rock Run’s newly redesigned website, rimrockmarathon.com.

Participants cross the finish line at downtown Fruita’s Circle Park, where they will be greeted by supporters, vendors, live music and a beer garden. Spectators who aren’t up to running 13 or more miles may join in the Fruita 0.038 Marathon, a one-mile race supporting Fruita’s community center scholarship fund for just $10. Fans are encouraged to join the finish line celebration, and may gain entrance to the beer garden with the purchase of a commemorative cup.

The Greater Grand Junction Sports Commission is a collaborative effort between Colorado Mesa University, the City of Grand Junction, Mesa County, the City of Fruita and the Town of Palisade to promote sport tourism in the community. The organization’s mission is to represent the Greater Grand Junction Area in attracting new and enhancing existing sporting events that capitalize on our assets, positively impact our economy and community, and deliver the highest level of customer service.