DENVER — Sunday is a big day in Denver, starting with the Colfax Marathon in the morning and culminating with Game 7 for the Denver Nuggets in the evening, a must-win that fans will be eagerly watching.
The day kicks off bright and early at 6 a.m. in City Park with the start of the 26.2-mile Colfax Marathon. Numerous streets, including Colfax Avenue between 6th Avenue and 26th Avenue, will be closed as runners take on the marathon, half marathon, urban ten-miler, and various relay events throughout the morning.
According to Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Colfax Marathon, nearly 25,000 runners are participating.
“We've got hundreds and hundreds of people coming in from out of town. So we have all 50 states, we have 11 countries, and I think this year we'll see about 2,000 people come from out of state… it's amazing how much of an impact it does have on the economy for Denver,” said Dowdy.
Runners will run through all the highlights of Denver, including Empower Field at Mile High, the Denver Zoo, Sloan’s Lake, Cherry Creek Bike Path, and more.
Denver's bars and restaurants are gearing up for the influx of visitors. Jae Laine, manager of Crazy Horse Kitchen + Bar, a restaurant, and Tight End Bar, a sports bar, both located on Colfax Ave, is prepared for a busy day.
In the morning, Laine says the restaurant, adorned with Colfax marathon signs, has a big brunch planned that they are fully staffed for. By night, the sports bar anticipates a packed house for the Nuggets' Game 7 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“It’s really just all hands on deck… It’s not our first rodeo we’re just excited to have everybody come through,” said Laine.
Dowdy added, “It's a big day in Denver. We're hoping that everybody [the runners] hit their goal and we're hoping the Nuggets hit their goal as well!”
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