Conquer the Colorado Marathon’s Half-Marathon in Fort Collins
Lace-up and hit the ground running on one of the world’s most scenic half-marathons!
Running Our Half-Marathon: Half the Distance. All the Glory.
Are you looking to challenge yourself and push your running limits to new heights? The Colorado Marathon’s Half-Marathon might just be the perfect race for you! Running a mountainous downhill course is nothing short of extraordinary, and our downhill race in Fort Collins is one of the best half-marathons in Colorado.
So, why not join us and experience the uniqueness of running a scenic and invigorating 13.1 course?
Rocky Mountain Running at It’s Finest
An Exhilarating and Scenic 13.1 Mile Course
The scenic beauty and uniqueness of running a mountainous 13.1 course is something that words can hardly describe. Imagine running through the Poudre Canyon, which is renowned for its natural beauty and serene landscape teeming with wildlife. You’ll experience fresh mountain air, sunlit canyon walls, shaded forests, and breathtaking views as you run along the edge of the Cache la Poudre River. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as the beauty of the natural world surrounds you and inspires you to push yourself to new limits. And for all of the “50 State” runners and others looking for an alternative to another urban marathon, this is the perfect course for you!
If you’re ready to take on the challenge, this is your chance to test your endurance, speed, and mental fortitude as you run 13.1 miles of pure Colorado adventure. But don’t worry, you won’t be alone! Thousands of runners from all over the world come together every year to take on this incredible race, and you’ll be surrounded by a supportive, encouraging community every step of the way.
Enjoy the Perks of Running Our Half-Marathon
But it’s not just the natural beauty that makes our half-marathon so special. We also pride ourselves on offering perks that will make your entire race experience unforgettable! Enjoy perks like:
Limited Edition Finisher Print
Finisher Medal
Annual Race Tech-T-shirt
Entry to the Pre-Race Expo
Entry to the Post-Race Party
Access to Post-Race Massage
Live Music and Food Trucks
One Craft Beer Ticket
Course Map and Info
The Colorado Marathon’s 13.1 race offers an unparalleled experience that you simply can’t miss. While the stunning scenery is indeed a highlight, our course is what truly sets us apart from the rest. Our half-marathon course is a combination of natural beauty and expert engineering that’s perfect for runners who want to challenge themselves and push their limits to the next level. This course presents an exceptional opportunity for runners to improve their speed and endurance, and most importantly, set new personal records.
What Makes Our Half-Marathon in Fort Collins So Unique?
Half-marathon runners start near Gateway Natural Area in Poudre Canyon. With the full marathoners hot on their heels, the 13.1 crowd will rapidly descend over 300 feet of elevation as they head toward the finish line in Downtown Fort Collins. As you descend the downhill course along the winding Poudre River Canyon, you’ll pass through scenic landmarks and points of interest like Picnic Rock Natural Area and Low Hanging Fruit rock climbing area as you head toward the town of Laporte where the course flattens out. From there, you’re in the home stretch and well on your way to victory!
What to Know About Running Our Half-Marathon
We want you to feel cool and confident coming into the race, so here are a few things to know about running the full marathon in Fort Collins:
The half-marathon starts at 6:30 am. Mandatory bus boarding is 4:30 am – 5:15 am at the Fort Collins Transportation Center at Laporte Avenue and Mason Street. Parking is available at the Civic Center Parking Garage on the Southeast corner of Mason and Laporte (281-299 Laporte Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80521).
Get ready for some high-altitude running. With the race starting at 5,303 feet, it’s important to acclimate to the elevation beforehand. Hydration is key, so make sure to drink plenty of water.
The first leg of the course is downhill, perfect for speed demons like you! Just remember to pace yourself and use proper technique to avoid any injuries. Need some tips? Discover how to run downhill safely and effectively with advice from our friends at Colorado In Motion!
We’ve got your back with our amazing aid stations. Manned by friendly volunteers, they’ll keep you fueled and hydrated with water, Gatorade, Honey Stinger gels, and more. Plus, we’ve got medical support on standby in case anything unexpected happens. Safety first!
Now, let’s talk about the perks. Get ready to show off your custom race shirt and proudly display a limited edition finisher print. We’ve collaborated with an incredibly talented artist for over 20 years to create these special prints. Trust us, they’re works of art. Finally, celebrate your new PR with a beer from the award-winning Odell Brewing Co.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the finish line. Stick around for the post-race party! Enjoy live music, delicious food, and refreshing drinks with your fellow runners. You deserve to celebrate your incredible accomplishment in style.
Ready to Conquer Colorado’s Fastest Half-Marathon?
Are you ready to push your limits and embrace the beauty of Colorado? Whether you’re a marathon pro or completely new to running, the Colorado Marathon’s Half-Marathon is an adventure like no other. Join us on race day and become part of a vibrant community of passionate runners. With enthusiastic supporters and an incredible sense of camaraderie, you’ll be inspired to go the distance. Be quick! Secure your spot today and get ready to cross that finish line with us. Let’s make this an unforgettable adventure together!
