We are thrilled to announce that the Colorado Marathon has been selected as the 2024 RRCA Colorado State Marathon Championship for two consecutive years. We are honored to receive this prestigious designation from the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), which recognizes our commitment to grassroots, community-driven running and athleticism.
Being chosen as the RRCA Colorado State Marathon Championship is a true honor for us. It adds extra meaning to the Marathon distance and provides valuable support for our event. Additionally, we are grateful for the race recognition and the additional swag and awards for the winners. Keep reading to learn more about why we were chosen for this award and to learn more about the RRCA Championship Event Series!
The Colorado Marathon: A Community-Driven Race
The Colorado Marathon has been a beloved event in the running community for over 20 years. Each May, our race takes place in the beautiful city of Fort Collins, Colorado, and in the Poudre Canyon to the west of the city. Our scenic marathon and half marathon courses showcase some of Northern Colorado’s untamed beauty. Moreover, our downhill race has been heralded as “The Fastest Marathon in Colorado.”
The scenic downhill 26.2 and 13.1 courses have a net elevation loss of 1200 feet, offering runners stunning mountain scenery, which makes this race a favorite for the “50 State” runners and others looking for an alternative to another urban marathon. Additionally, the Colorado Marathon has qualified roughly 16-18% of all Boston qualifier entrants each year.
We also have 10k and 5k distances. These out-and-back courses meander through the beautiful natural areas of Fort Collins near the Poudre River. We pride ourselves on being a well-organized event that champions runners of all abilities, gives back to the community, and is committed to sustainable racing.
The RRCA Award Selection
The selection process for RRCA Championship Events considers various factors, including size, course, reputation, charitable giving, accessibility, and impact on the running community. According to RRCA Program Director Andy Smith, the Colorado Marathon excels in all of these areas. We are proud to be recognized for our dedication to these standards.
Your Home to the 2024 RRCA Colorado State Marathon Championship
The RRCA Championship Event Series aims to promote and support local running events across the country. The Colorado Marathon team is honored to be part of this series and to represent the spirit of grassroots running in our beautiful state. We look forward to hosting the RRCA Colorado State Marathon Championship in 2024 and showcasing our amazing community to runners from all over the state and beyond.
We can’t wait to welcome everyone to Fort Collins for another unforgettable race experience. See you in May!