Answers to the Entry Form Question: Why Are You Running the ADTM?

"Tried it in 2001 - it was beautiful but only made it to Mile 15 due to altitude. Have to do it next time." Michelle Palmer, Irvine, California

"I am trying to run a marathon in all 50 states, have done Pikes Peak Ascent but this is a better marathon for Colorado." Cheryl McGinnis, Prospect, Kentucky

"It will be my 66th marathon in eleven years." Saul Lowitt, Sarasota, Florida

"Cause I'll be the first and only Austrian and love running in the U.S." Helmut Linzbichler, Kaphenberg, Austria

"Thank you for your invitation. I'm looking forward to enjoy the scenic course." Hajime Nishi, Tokyo, Japan 

"Ran it last year. Fantastic course, well-organized event, and loved the pizza party afterwards." Victor Nemudrov, Albuquerque, New Mexico 

"Fun!" (Repeat runner) Jonathan Engelstad, Colorado Springs, CO

"Running on dirt appeals to me. I have family in Colorado I can visit while I'm there. The marathon is a nice small size." Susan Drake, Phoenix, Arizona 

"Great course, great race, great organization, and a great city." Jamie McMillin, Colorado Springs, CO 

"Always wanted to run one and I'll be 50." Jan Novelli, Littleton, CO 

"Always wanted to do a marathon, but thought I was physically unable to run distances this long until physical therapist cleared me for training and racing." Christina Semmens, Colorado Springs, CO 

"Support local trail runs". Bill Murchison, Colorado Springs, CO

"I was looking for a local marathon and love the idea of running on packed trails instead of road because I train on trails and hate pounding pavement!" Kristi Dale, Highlands Ranch, CO

"First timer, heard it was a fun race." Rick Gysin, Woodland Park, CO

"Personal gratification." Robert Striebel, Colorado Springs, CO

"Looks to be the best in CO by far! Looking forward to it!" Randy Chapman, Boulder, CO

"I wanted a goal to motivate me to be my best in 40s' and beyond." Cynthia Allen, Arvada, CO 

"I grew up in Colorado Springs and it would be a beautiful place to run my first marathon." Robert Royse, Casper, WY 

"Mid-life crisis." Nettie Rosenthal, Colorado Springs, CO 

"Good Trail!" Dierdre McCormack, Colorado Springs, CO

"Home!" Charles Stewart, Colorado Springs, CO

"It's been a life long goal of mine to run a marathon. The Santa Fe Trail is beautiful and if you're going to run 26 miles…why not run downhill?" Jeanne Osko, Colorado Springs, CO

"I used to live there 22 years ago and haven't been back for a visit. I think it is about time! I also have some good friends living near Denver whom I haven't seen in 5 years…couple that with my love of marathoning and it all seemed to fall into place." Janet Schaeffer, Holly Springs, NC

"To bring my Gun members to run their first marathon!! - Team Colorado Fitness!! Go! Go! Go!" Jane Tunnadine, Gunnison, CO

"Team Colorado Fitness" is going to get me through my first marathon and yours is the chosen one. Go! Go! Go!" Rachel Woelk

"Great event! Did it last year and had good time. Roger and crew did a fantastic job!" Barry Wick, Colorado Springs, CO

"The relay provides an opportunity for those to participate who don't wish to or who can't do the individual marathon." Relay Team UCCS Alpha (Allen Schoffstall, Ron Wisner, Lewis Lowe, Colorado Springs, CO)

"Ran the first one; it was great! Want to come back again!!" Patrick Rearden, Orlando, FL

"First marathon, sounds like fairly easy terrain." Jennifer, Hurley, Parker, CO

"Because it's on a trail." Judith Isacoff, Colorado Springs, CO

"Prep for 50K following month and defend my 45-49 male age group title." Bruce Dewsberry, Colorado Springs, CO

"Can't think of a more beautiful setting for my first marathon. Have family in Colorado to cheer me on. Can't wait!" Kyle Fanning, Collierville, TN

"To challenge myself. It will be my first marathon." Crystal Jonas Bevans, Colorado Springs, CO

"I train on trails, so why race on the road." Geoffrey Fleming, Colorado Springs, CO

"I like the idea of a trail marathon that is level/downhill and I can walk to my house when I'm done!" Dave Lindsay, Colorado Springs, CO

"I've run 10 or so half-marathons and have wanted to try a marathon. Since I love running the trail, this seems to be the one to try." Deborah Weltzer, Colorado Springs, CO

"I wanted to do a Rocky Mountain Marathon this year and a trail marathon has an edge over paved courses." Greg McGrath, Winston-Salem, NC

"I ran the inaugural race last year and enjoyed it very much. The organization was very good, plenty of aid stations and a great course. Fast, very scenic, and the trails were easy on the legs. Nice post race celebration/party; very friendly staff, enthusiastic volunteers." Michael Brenner, Aurora, CO

"It's close to home and I will attempt to quality for Boston 2003." Henk Moorlag, Broomfield, CO

"To run with my boyfriend on his first marathon." Georgina Crawford, APO AE 09790

"I've been running for on and off for several years. I've run several 10Ks, 3 half marathons but never a marathon. Next year I'll be sixty so I thought I'd like to try one before then. Last February I found this marathon on the Internet and it met my criteria of being fairly close to home, beautiful scenery, somewhat downhill, and not on a Sunday." Rose Boyle, Arvada, CO

"Colorado is a wonderful place! I am looking forward to enjoying the great outdoors and breathtaking scenery." Sean Hambet, West Palm Beach, FL

"Close to Home. Downhill. Try to qualify for Boston." Carrie Ann Mollenkopf, Cheyenne, WY

"It's local, so its cheap! It's also got some very pretty scenery on a surprisingly challenging course. I walked last year too!" Christine Karpel, Colorado Springs, CO

"Hear good things about it!" Keith Panzer, Aurora, CO

"Local race, great course, USATF certified, has about 10,000 feet less vertical that the Pikes Peak Marathon." Steve Sargeant, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because it's local and on a trail." Roxanne Skinner, Colorado Springs, CO

"To better last year's time and it is a great trail run." Jim Bergeron, Monument, CO

"These guys really know how to put on a great marathon. It's no wonder Trail Runner Magazine selected them as one of the very best in America." Sam Hunt, Kalamazoo, MI

"Beautiful scenery, tremendous views, and fantastic course, this is the marathon everyone should complete before they go to their marathon nirvana." Susan Hunter, Runner's World

"Friends of mine ran it last year and were very impressed with the organization, volunteers, and the great finish area with the big pizza party." Jeanine Adams, Lancaster, OH

"Great for a first marathon." Jennifer Stevens, Painesville, OH

"A trail run sounds unique!" William Jensen, Colorado Springs, CO

"Fun last year." Chuck Hachmeister, Colorado Springs, CO

"1st local marathon." Thomas Nichols, Parker, CO

"Found race on Internet. Looks like an interesting challenge and very scenic. Also, I have run marathons in 14 states and this would add another state to the list." Jim Caprara, Viera, FL

"Looking for a fun, first marathon." Aaron Henderlite, Greensboro, NC

"Beautiful views on trails." Alan Stroud, Westminster, CO

"I won it last year and it was a fun course. I will use it for training for a fall marathon-probably Twin Cities." Maddy Tormoen, Pueblo, CO

"Why Not?" David Wolf, Colorado Springs, CO

"First attempt at running a marathon - why not try one "downhill?" Lisa Taskerud, Colorado Springs, CO

"To redeem myself from last year's race." Maureen Kutcha, Colorado Springs, CO

"My first marathon, downhill, my wife's running it, a goal, to train me." Jeff McCutcheon, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because it ends in Colorado Springs where I live and it's a trail marathon." Gina McCutcheon, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because I did CRC training." Sarah Burnett, Colorado Springs, CO

"Boston Marathon Qualification." Ron Rivale, Alamosa, CO

"For fun - personal challenge/goal." Jennifer Brockway, Colorado Springs, CO

"For fun." Jeff Golden, Colorado Springs, CO

"Though I now live in the flatlands - Florida's Atlantic Coast - my heart has always remained in the mountains. I went to Colorado College (long ago) and return to the Springs whenever possible - especially for a great running event like the American Discovery Trail Marathon. I can hardly wait to get started." Jakson Badenhoop, Ponte Vedra, FL

"I am following my wife on her quest to do a marathon in all 50 states and DC." Stephen Rumancik, Jacksonville, FL

"I am working towards doing a marathon in 50 states and DC, I currently have completed 23 marathons in 17 states. I also have 3 international countries under my belt. This will be state #18." Marily Rumancik, Jacksonville, FL

"First trail mararthon." Bert Williams, Austin, TX

"Local race, not overcrowded, beautiful trail, on a holiday." Naomi Smith, Lakewood, CO

"First time try at a marathon." Curtis Olson, Colorado Springs, CO

"Trail type terrain." Susanna Kelland, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because my friend offered to sponsor me." Joseph Hourigan, Colorado Springs, CO

"To qualify for Boston in 2003 (Hopefully). To view Pikes Peak at a comfortable distance w/o actually running, walking, or hiking it." Loula Weaver, Pine Bluff, AR

"For the challenge." Vicki Martin, Colorado Springs, CO

"Ran it last year." Stephen Martin, Colorado Springs, CO

"It's the first time I thought I could run this far." Molly Starch, Colorado Springs, CO

"Close to home, in training program." Karen Pfiefer, Colorado Springs, CO

"In town, in training program." Gloria James. Colorado Springs, CO

"Fast course on trails." Michael Robbert, Littleton, CO

"Explore my home state." Daniel Sturgis, Boulder, CO

"Time of year/proximity." Todd Kennedy, Colorado Springs, CO

"Developing a Type A personality." William O'Hearn, Colorado Springs, CO

"To support my sister-in-law in her first marathon." Tim Russo, Arlington, VA

"Running a marathon in every state. ADTM/Colorado will be my 46 marathon in my 36th state." Marty Winkel, Titusville, FL

"Celebrating my 86th marathon." Doug Saari, Tusco, AZ

"Colorado." Jim Rader, Pleasanton, CA

"Ran it last year." Ken LeFrancois, Colorado Springs, CO

"For FAV purposes." Carl Legleiter, Colorado Springs, CO

"Last year this was my first marathon. This will be my 4th. I love running and I want to see how much I can improve." Monica Young, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because it's there!" Barry Behnken, Monument, CO

"My scheduler freed up time and I heard it was a good marathon." Jay Kita, Woodland Park, CO

"It's in Colorado - why not? Seriously, I want to model perserverance to my son - don't say it do it." Zarette Beard, Peyton, CO

"Close, nice trail, downhill." Dan Spalding, Colorado Springs, CO

"Began a regular running program 2 years ago and love to run. I want this local marathon to be my first marathon." Floyd Legleiter, Colorado Springs, CO

"Because running is fun!" Ray Leslie, Monument, CO

"Local, did it last year, great trail." Kim Geiger, Colorado Springs, CO

"First marathon. I thought this would be a good one to start with." Rick Hough, Pueblo, CO

"Pikes Peak was full." Lucio Renoysa, Lisle, IL

"To support hometown marathon." Leon Austin, Colorado Springs, CO

"1st marathon - local!" Cathy Osban, Pueblo, CO

"It's a great race!" Judy Koeber, San Diego, CA

"Personal goal and beautiful dirt path." Karen Wood, Colorado Springs, CO

"Did it last year - it was great! It's local, it's a gorgeous trail (for most of it)!" Pat Tuning, Colorado Springs, CO

"Carmichael Training System." Sarah Pearce, Colorado Springs, CO

"Never have run in a marathon before and I thought this looked a great opportunity on a beautiful trail." Tim Dolan, Colorado Springs, CO

"I like to run." C. Michelle Weaver, Woodland Park, CO

"First marathon!" Claire Thomas, Colorado Springs, CO

"The challenge of a marathon. Ran last year's race and enjoyed it a lot." John Beckert, Colorado Springs, CO

"Great scenery, did it last year and it is downhill." Craig Torres, Monument, CO

"I heard this is a good course for your first marathon." Michael Duckwitz, Colorado Springs, CO

"Personal goal!" Ross Manley, Pueblo, CO

"Family." Chad Arcand, Fountain, CO

"I like to run...I ran it last year." Stanley Robinson, Benton, AR

"For fun!" Michele Vaughn, Colorado Springs, CO

"My wife made me do it!" Stephen Vaughn, Colorado Springs, CO

"As a young lad I participated in and compelted 5 marathons. I'm looking to relieve the excitment of crossing that long and distant finish line. (I'm hoping)." Steve McFadden, Colorado Springs, CO

"It is close to home. I have been researching it on-line. I am not interested in the Pikes Peak Marathon." Audrey Nelson, Colorado Springs, CO

"Ran it last year and enjoyed it so I thought I'd do it again!" Margie Richardson, Colorado Springs, CO

"It's awesome!" Mike Pellow, Boulder, CO

"John!" Jo Ann Hopper Daveis, Colorado Springs, CO

"Want to run a trail marathon." Lesley Kinder, Boulderr, CO

"Warm up run for Chicago." Debra Fox, Colorado Springs, CO

"I want to challenge my body and mind." Isabel Lowery, Colorado Springs, CO

"For fun!" Kim Means, Monument, CO

"Ran it last year and had a great time!" Judy Olson, Evergreen, CO

"Local trail race - ran it last year." Kimberly Greer, Larkspur, CO

"Cuz I did it lst year." Arlene Burgos, Colorado Springs, CO

"Fun!" Rucy Sanchez, Colorado Springs, CO

"It is here/The Frudgettes told me to!" Sara Pittneger, Colorado Springs, CO

"I needed a training goal to keep me running." Brian Roland, Colorado Springs, CO

"I was excited to find a downhill marathon for my first one." Kent Roberson, Colorado Springs, CO

"Close to home - soft course." Beverly Carver, Colorado Springs, CO

"Last marathon in 1988. Want to test myself." Bruce Hoover, Colorado Springs, CO

"Near family/trail run." Terry Allen, Angleton, TX

"I want to see Pikes Peak from several angles while engaging in my favorite activity." Annie Toth, Colorado Springs, CO

"Wanted to get back into marathoning and I liked the CTS running club idea." Raymond Gentilini, Colorado Springs, CO

"I'll be bringing up the rear - but just as happy to have finished as the first person to cross the finish line." Karen Pfeiffer, Tomball, TX

"Friend doing it." Joyce Thurber, Orange, CA

"Challenge is marathon in CO." George Pilar, Colorado Springs, CO

"I heard it was a great race." Diane Tyler, Casper, WY

"Close to home. Looking for a PR. Well-run event in 1st year and should be better!" Scott Johnson, Colorado Springs, CO

"Looks like fun!" Rich Muzzy, Colorado Springs, CO

"It is local." Marilyn Turner, Colorado Springs, CO

"Fun!" Barbara Mellecker, Colorado Springs, Co

"Because it's Tracey's race." Theron Walker, Colorado Springs, CO

"Trails are the only place to run." Shaun Gogarty, Colorado City, CO

"May be my last marathon (done 27); want to go out in style!" Leonard Clark, Oak Hill, VA

"looks like a beautiful course." Maureen Wolf, Aurora, CO

"For the challenge." Maureen Ishii, Wheat Ridge, CO

"First marathon." Ken Cross, Colorado Springs, CO

"CTS Running Program." Andy Dillon, Colorado Springs, CO

"First marathon in (almost) my backyard." Richard Park, Colorado Springs, CO

"Training/because its there." Tyler Knack, Colorado Springs, CO

"Peaked my interest - liked idea of relay." Ed Youngberg, Evergreen, CO

"Wanted to do a relay close to home. Have a friend running the marathon." Robert Tafelsky

"Close to home/on trail and wanted to do a relay team." Ross Westley, Arvada, CO

"Free entry from Pikes Peak Ascent/Marathon." Wayne Hayes, Colorado Springs, CO

"Challenge, dirt road, beautiful (no traffic)." Francoise Carpenter, Lakewood, CO

"Because I am stupid." Will Fry, Colorado Springs, CO

"We run at work and just decided it would be great to run as a team." Team Optika

"To follow through with my goal and the fun of it!" Chad Kennedy, Boulder, CO

"Why not?" Mark Long, Colorado Springs, CO

"Break 4 hours damn it!" Keith Bailey, Sedalia, CO

"My brothers family just moved to Colorado Springs. A great excuse to visit them and the new house and run a marathon (it will be my 30th marathon). Susan Kolbinsky, Duluth, GA

"Downhill." Gregory Frascadore, Colorado Springs, CO

"First marathon." Thomas Adams, Colorado Springs, CO

"Look likes a nice run, and I'm running with a friend." Robert Parker, Los Alamos, NM