The Colorado Marathon earns its reputation as Colorado’s fastest downhill marathon with a dramatic point-to-point course that begins in the Rocky Mountain foothills at 6,111 feet in the Poudre Canyon and descends along the Cache la Poudre River all the way to downtown Fort Collins. Runners are bussed to the canyon start before dawn, then run downstream past rushing whitewater, dramatic sandstone canyon walls, and cottonwood groves before emerging onto the agricultural plains and finishing at Washington Park in Old Town Fort Collins. The marathon and half-marathon both start at 6:30 AM; the 10K and 5K begin at 7:00 AM from Washington Park.<\/p>\n
The 2026 Colorado Marathon sold out its full marathon distance completely. The 2027 race is set for Sunday, May 2, 2027, with registration opening July 1, 2026 for all four distances. The full marathon is a Boston qualifier, and the net-downhill profile regularly produces personal records. The mandatory bus boarding for marathon runners runs from 4:00\u20134:45 AM from Old Town Square, with half-marathon buses from the Fort Collins Transportation Center at 4:15\u20135:00 AM. The finish line on Howes Street in Washington Park offers a vibrant community celebration.<\/p>\n
The Colorado Marathon is beloved for combining genuine natural splendor with a fast, Boston-qualifying course. Running down the Poudre Canyon at sunrise \u2014 with the river rushing alongside you, canyon walls glowing in early light, and wildlife stirring in the willows \u2014 is one of the most beautiful race experiences in Colorado. The Old Town Fort Collins finish adds a vibrant, community-feel conclusion that keeps runners coming back year after year. The 2026 full marathon selling out months in advance speaks to the race’s enduring popularity.<\/p>\n
The canyon start is cold \u2014 often in the 35\u201345\u00b0F range at 4:30 AM, even in early May. Wear throwaway warm layers to the start. The net-downhill course is fast but punishing on the quads \u2014 train specifically for downhill running. The mandatory bus system is non-negotiable for marathon and half-marathon runners, so arrive at the boarding point with ample time. Fort Collins is a vibrant college town with excellent brewery culture; plan an extra day to explore after the race.<\/p>\n