Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

No search results found for
“”

Make sure words are spelled correctly.

Try searching for a travel destination.

Places near me Random place

Popular Destinations

  • Paris
  • London
  • New York
  • Berlin
  • Rome
  • Los Angeles
Trips Places Foods Stories Newsletters
Sign In Join
Places near me Random place
All the United States Colorado Alamosa First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker
AO Edited

First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker

The 7,000-foot finish line of America’s first Olympic Trials marathon.

Alamosa, Colorado

Added By
Mike Walker
Email
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list
CAPTION
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker   mikewalker / Atlas Obscura User
Been Here
Want to go
Added to list

About

When Mexico City was chosen as the site for the 1968 Olympics, it was a notable milestone in more ways than one. For one, it was the first time a country in Latin America would be hosting the games. For another, it was also by far the highest location ever chosen. At over 7,000 feet in elevation, athletic performance can be enhanced or hindered depending on the sport and athlete. For example, less oxygen at higher altitudes favors athletes with better respiratory capabilities.

The US National Olympic Committee had previously chosen athletes for the marathon event by comparing performances at popular marathon events around the country. However, with an upcoming race environment so different from the one most runners were accustomed to, the athletes chosen for this prestigious event had to be selected from an even playing field.

They settled on Alamosa, Colorado, which was not only high, but flat, as the course in Mexico would be. The first Olympic Marathon Trials were open to all aspiring runners, to find the very best that America had to offer. George Young, Kenny Moore, and Ron Daws were the first to finish the course at Adams State College and earn their spot on the Olympic roster. 

Today, a red brick line on the sidewalk marks the finish line of the first Olympic Marathon Trials. The old course was used again in 2018 at the 50th anniversary of the race, attended by Young, Moore, and many other famous distance runners.

Also at the site stands a statue of Coach Joe Vigil, who led Adams State to 19 national championships in track and cross country and coached the US Olympic Team in 1998. 

Related Tags

History & Culture Races Sports

Community Contributors

Added By

mikewalker

Published

July 7, 2022

Edit this listing

Make an Edit
Add Photos
Sources
  • https://asugrizzlies.com/sports/2018/2/2/reunion-of-the-run.aspx
  • http://www.marathonguide.com/news/exclusives/usamenolympictrials_2007/USAOlympicMarathonTrialsHistory.cfm
First Olympic Marathon Trials Marker
90 Stadium Dr
Alamosa, Colorado, 81101
United States
37.474941, -105.880165
Get Directions

Nearby Places

Lake Como Road

Blanca, Colorado

miles away

Movie Manor

Monte Vista, Colorado

miles away

Zapata Falls

Alamosa County, Colorado

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Alamosa

Alamosa

Colorado

Places 3

Nearby Places

Lake Como Road

Blanca, Colorado

miles away

Movie Manor

Monte Vista, Colorado

miles away

Zapata Falls

Alamosa County, Colorado

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Alamosa

Alamosa

Colorado

Places 3

Related Places

  • A bronze statue of a golden retriever holding two flags in its mouth.

    Ashland, Massachusetts

    Spencer the Marathon Dog Statue

    This sculpture is dedicated to a local therapy dog who later became the official mascot of the 126th Boston Marathon.

  • Boston Marathon Starting Line & Sculpture

    Hopkinton, Massachusetts

    Boston Marathon Starting Line

    This pavement line and accompanying statue commemorates the starting point for the world's oldest annual marathon.

  • 1996 Olympic Yachting Cauldron

    Savannah, Georgia

    1996 Olympic Yachting Cauldron

    A monument to one of the few Olympic flames ever to be lit outside of the host city.

  • Missouri Headwaters State Park

    Three Forks, Montana

    Missouri Headwaters State Park

    The source of America's longest river is also a historical landmark and the start of a famous nude run.

  • The plaque honors the 50th anniversary of Sports, Illustrated.

    Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

    Birthplace of Sports Illustrated Monument

    The story of the country’s most famous sports magazine began at a historic Myrtle Beach golf club.

  • Dick Lane Velodrome

    East Point, Georgia

    The Dick Lane Velodrome

    While The Dick Lane Velodrome is Atlanta’s official home of track cycling and Georgia's only velodrome, many are unfamiliar with this community gem.

  • Tlachtemalácatl (Mesoamerican Ballgame Stone Ring)

    Mexico City, Mexico

    Tlachtemalácatl (Mesoamerican Ballgame Stone Ring)

    This ancient gaming tool was unearthed during the construction of this former town's central square.

  • Lookout from plaque, featuring Fiesta Island across the water to the left, where most of the race took place.

    San Diego, California

    Birthplace of Modern Triathlon

    In September 1974, a small group of athletes completed the first modern triathlon event in San Diego's Mission Bay.

Aerial image of Vietnam, displaying the picturesque rice terraces, characterized by their layered, verdant fields.
Atlas Obscura Membership

Become an Atlas Obscura Member


Join our community of curious explorers.

Become a Member

Get Our Email Newsletter

Follow Us

Facebook YouTube TikTok Instagram Pinterest RSS Feed

Get the app

Download the App
Download on the Apple App Store Get it on Google Play
  • All Places
  • Latest Places
  • Most Popular
  • Places to Eat
  • Random
  • Nearby
  • Add a Place
  • Stories
  • Food & Drink
  • Itineraries
  • Lists
  • Video
  • Podcast
  • Newsletters
  • All Trips
  • Family Trip
  • Food & Drink
  • History & Culture
  • Wildlife & Nature
  • FAQ
  • Membership
  • Feedback & Ideas
  • Community Guidelines
  • Product Blog
  • Unique Gifts
  • Work With Us
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Advertise With Us
  • Advertising Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms of Use
Atlas Obscura

© 2025 Atlas Obscura. All Rights Reserved.