Race Information for the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

Discover everything you need to know about Colorado’s fastest marathon!

Your Ultimate Guide to Colorado’s Fastest Marathon

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!

Embark on the Ultimate Marathon Journey!

Runners at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

Running the Numbers: Capped Race Entries for Runner Safety

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:

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

Register for the Colorado Marathon With Confidence!

Need to switch your distance? When you sign up for the Colorado Marathon, you can register with confidence! With four distances, we have a course for everyone. Racers can change to a shorter or longer distance to match their current fitness and ability. For example, if you’re currently registered for the marathon, you can switch to the half-marathon, 10k, or 5k — and vice versa.

Changing your distance is quick and easy. Simply log in to your EnMotive account and change to a different category for a $20 distance change fee. You may also switch races on-site at the health and fitness expo if space is available, but we highly recommend switching online beforehand.

Please be aware that, if you switch your distance, the difference in race fees is non-refundable.

Happy female runner at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins
Swag for participants of the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

Health & Fitness Expo and Pre-Race Packet PickUp

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.

About the Pre-Race Expo

The Colorado Marathon Health & Fitness Expo is the perfect opportunity to connect with other runners from all over the country. You can also get to know our sponsors and check out all kinds of awesome health and fitness gear, products, and services.

Keep an eye out for upcoming newsletters with details and updates about this year’s expo!

Race Packet PickUp Details

Here are a few important things to keep in mind for packet pickup at both the expo and on the morning of the event:

  • Remember to bring your ID and QR code from our registration provider. 
  • You may pick up someone else’s packet with a copy of their ID and QR code.

Prefer to pick up the morning of the race? For a $20 fee, you can pre-register to pick up your packet on race day by opting into Race Day Pickup in your EnMotive account.

Indoor portion of the Colorado Marathon Health & Fitness Expo at the Lincoln Center

Mandatory Pre-Race Day Packet PickUp at the Expo

All runners who pre-registered without selecting the Race Day Pick Up option must pick up their packet at the Colorado Marathon Health & Fitness Expo before race day.

The expo is held at the beautiful Lincoln Center in Downtown Fort Collins at 417 W. Magnolia Street, Fort Collins, CO 80521. Public parking is available.

Dates and Times:

  • Friday before the race: 3 pm–7 pm
  • Saturday before the race: 10 am–6 pm

You will be able to register and change races at the expo on Friday and Saturday unless races have reached capacity.

Race Day Packet Pick-Up Times & Locations

If you pre-registered for the Race Day Pickup option and paid the required fee, here are the pick up times and locations:

  • Marathon: Available from 4:15 am – 4:45 am in Old Town Square on Mountain Avenue by bus pickup.
  • Half-Marathon: Available from 4:30 am 5:00 am in Washington Park at the white Info Tent.
  • 10k: Available from 6:15 am 6:45 am in Washington Park at the white Info Tent near the start/finish area.
  • 5k: Available from 5:45 am 6:15 am in Washington Park at the white Info Tent.

Please note: There will be no race changes allowed on race morning. 

Packet pickup locations, dates, and times are subject to change, so please check our website for updates.

Colorado Marathon race participants walking to the starting line
Colorado Marathon starting line in the Poudre Canyon

Race starting times

Who’s ready to race? Check out the starting times for each race below.

We’ll see you at the finish line!

Colorado Marathon participants boarding buses

Mandatory Bus Boarding Schedule & Locations

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.

PARKING FOR BUS PICKUP LOCATIONS

Here are the parking locations for each race’s bus boarding location:

Marathon Parking:

  • The Old Town Garage on the Southeast corner of Mountain and Remington (209 E Mountain Ave, Fort Collins, CO 80524).
  • The surface lot at Oak and Remington (215 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80524).

Half-Marathon/10k/5k Parking:

Download the Downtown Fort Collins Parking Map below for additional directions and parking lots.

Colorado Marathon Finisher Award Categories

We believe that every runner who crosses the finish line at our marathon in Fort Collins deserves recognition for their hard work and dedication. That’s why we offer an array of finisher awards to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of all our participants. Can you finish in the top three?

Here’s a breakdown of our finisher award categories:

5k marathon finisher

Marathon

  • Overall: Top 5 Male and Female, Top 3 Male and Female Masters
  • Top 3: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
  • All Marathon finishers receive a medal and Finisher’s Print
5k marathon finisher

Half-Marathon

  • Overall: Top 5 Male and Female, Top 3 Male and Female Masters
  • Top 3: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
  • All Half-Marathon finishers receive a medal and Finisher’s Print
10k marathon finisher

10k

  • Overall: Top 3 Male and Female, and Top Master Male and Female
  • Top 3: 19 & Under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
  • All 10k finishers receive a Finisher’s Print
5k marathon finisher

5k

  • Overall: Top 3 Male and Female, and Top Master Male and Female
  • All 5k runners receive a Finisher’s Print

Aid Station Locations & SUpplies

Stay fueled up and hydrated at our aid stations! Our amazing volunteers are there to assist you and cheer you on as you make your way to the finish line. Aid stations are located roughly every other mile.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s provided at the aid stations and where they’re located: 

Aid Station features

There will be a total of 12 aid stations equipped with:

  • Eldorado Springs Water
  • Gatorade
  • Basic First-Aid Kits & Supplies
  • Portable Toilets
  • Cell Phones and Emergency Radios
  • Medical Support In Case of Emergencies
  • Honey Stinger Energy Gels and Chews will be available at the Green Pipe Aid Station (mile 12.8) and Bagel Hill Aid Station (Mile 19.1)

Aid Station Locations

Explore the approximate locations for each aid station:

    • Aid Station 1: Mile 2.6 (The Rock Tunnel)
    • Aid Station 2: Mile 5.0 (Ouzel Day Use Area)
    • Aid Station 3: Mile 7.2 (Poudre Park)
    • Aid Station 4: Mile 10.1 (Raft Put In)
    • Aid Station 5: Mile 12.8 (Green Pipe)
    • Aid Station 6: Mile 15.3 (Guard Rail)
    • Aid Station 7: Mile 16.8 (Ted’s Place)
    • Aid Station 8: Mile 19.1 (Bagel Hill)
    • Aid Station 9: Mile 21.4 (Lyon’s Park)
    • Aid Station 10: Mile 23.2 (Taft Hill)
    • Aid Station 11: Mile 24.2 (Shields)
    • Aid Station 12: Mile 25.3 (Lee Martinez)

    Additional Information About Your Race

    The Colorado Marathon proudly includes four different race distances. Please be sure to visit your specific course to access important information about the race you registered for:

    Smiling female runner in the half-marathon in Fort Collins
    Colorado Marathon sponsor Odells Brewing Co.

    About the Post-Race Party

    Race day doesn’t end at the finish line! Join us for the Colorado Marathon’s legendary post-race party at Odell Brewing Co. Beer Garden at Washington Park to celebrate your victory.

    The party starts right after the races end where participants and volunteers can enjoy free local craft beer on us! Please have your ID ready to get a wristband at the Packet Pick Up & Expo or at the Odell Brewing Co. Beer Garden.

    Additional cans are $5, and beer sales stop at 1 pm. Beer will also be available for purchase for your friends and family. All beer proceeds will be donated to a local charity to benefit our community!

    Stick around to celebrate your achievement with good vibes, cold beer, live music, great company, and plenty of Colorado sunshine!

    The Colorado Marathon Good-E-Bag

    This race wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors! To eliminate waste, they’ve prepared exclusive offers and discounts just for you, which you can access digitally.

    Get ready to dive into your fantastic e-goodies through a special link sent straight to your email! Enjoy exclusive discounts from our sponsors, including:

    Stoked about more race swag? Keep an eye out for upcoming email newsletters highlighting all the awesome swag you’ll get as a race participant.

    You can also check out our course pages for a sneak peek of each distance’s swag package!

     

    Smiling male runner

    Race Spectators Are Welcome!

    What is a race without spectators to cheer you on along the way? We encourage you to invite your friends, family, and coworkers to cheer you on during the marathon in Fort Collins, but we do have some important tips for anyone coming to watch each distance of the race.

    Racers and spectators at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

    Marathon and Half-Marathon Spectators

    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:

     

    Finish Line Spectators

    A finish line is always a great place for spectators to cheer on racers in their final stretch to victory. The finish line is located in Downtown Fort Collins on Howes St. between Maple St. and Laporte Ave., adjacent to Washington Park. There is plenty of public parking nearby.

    Air Force cadet race participant at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins
    How to carry your speedcup at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins

    Sustainable Racing With HydraPak Speed Cups

    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!

    Join Us at the Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins!

    We’re counting down the days until this year’s Colorado Marathon in Fort Collins! Come join the fun, excel to new heights, connect with other runners, and celebrate your victory! Be sure to confirm your registration, and don’t forget to invite your friends and family to come cheer you on. We’ll see you at the finish line!

    Our Sponsors

    Interested in Sponsorship opportunities with the Colorado Marathon? Click Here