Race Information for the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

Join us for the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins this May! Our annual event takes place in the stunning Poudre Canyon and the gorgeous natural areas of Fort Collins in Northern Colorado.

Each year, thousands of runners participate in this incredible event to test their endurance, push themselves to new heights, set new PRs, and race alongside other running enthusiasts who share a passion for health and fitness. Many even run Colorado’s fastest race to qualify for the Boston Marathon! Regardless of why you join us at this momentous event, we’re happy to have you!

With one of the most scenic downhill courses in the state, four different distances to choose from, and a vibrant community-centric atmosphere, this is one race you don’t want to miss. But be quick! Our event sells out quickly, so register early to save your spot in the race. Keep reading to learn all the details about this thrilling running adventure!

To ensure the safety of all race participants, entry numbers will be limited at the starting lines of the marathon and half-marathon. While we wish we could accommodate everyone, safety dictates that we cap each distance as follows:

• The Marathon: 1,700 participants
• The Half-Marathon: 1,500 participants
• 10k: 700 participants
• 5k: 300 participants

Secure your spot by registering early. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, and rolling forward entry fees are not allowed.

Are you ready for race weekend? Join us at the Colorado Marathon Health & Fitness Expo for some pre-race fun where you can pick up your race day packet before the event!

All participants must pick up their race packets at the pre-race day packet pickup health and fitness expo, except runners who specifically registered and paid for the Race Day Packet Pickup option.

The Colorado Marathon provides luxury busing to safely and efficiently transport racers to each starting location. All participants must ride their specified bus to each starting location following the appropriate course busing schedule.

Public parking is available near all boarding locations: 

• Marathon: Bus boarding from 4:15 am – 5:00 am at the South edge of Old Town Square on East Mountain Ave., just east of N. College Ave.
• Half-Marathon: Bus boarding from 4:30 am – 5:15 am at the Fort Collins Transportation Center at Laporte Avenue and Mason Street.
• 5k: Bus boarding from 6:00 am – 6:30 am at the Fort Collins Transportation Center at Laporte Avenue and Mason Street.
• There is no bus pickup for the 10k. The 10k will start and finish near Washington Park on N. Howes Street. The 10k race starts at 7 am.

Please note: Any participant receiving transportation to the starting location (excluding the 10k) by any other means than the event-provided buses will be automatically disqualified.

Due to the narrow width of the Poudre Canyon, no spectators are allowed for the first 15 miles of the marathon and the first 5 miles of the half-marathon. This allows emergency personnel to move quickly throughout the course.

No spectators will be allowed to park at or near the intersections of 287 and 54G. Please plan to spectate from either:

• Ted’s Place (Approx. Mile 17)
• Cache La Poudre Middle School (Approx. Mile 21)
• Taft Hill Road and the Poudre Trail Intersection (Approx. Mile 23)

According to HydraPak, racing events used 27 million paper cups across the U.S. in 2022 alone. At the Colorado Marathon, we’re proud of our commitment to sustainable racing. By partnering with HydraPak, we’ve eliminated thousands of paper cups by switching to a cupless racing system. We’re thrilled to partner with HydraPak again this year to continue reducing paper waste while keeping the Poudre Canyon and our course clean!

Each runner will receive a complimentary HydraPak Speed Cup during packet pickup. Volunteers can quickly fill these lightweight, collapsible cups at each aid station. And when you’re not using them, they can be carried, clipped, and stashed during the race. You can keep these reusable cups for future adventures! This initiative will save thousands of paper cups from ending up in the Poudre River and the landfill.

The 10k and 5k races are fully cupless, and we ask full and half-marathon runners to opt-in to cupless racing via your EnMotive account. Together, let’s make a difference!