Colorado Marathon

Fort CollinsColoradoUnited States

Next race

Sunday, 2 May 2027

7:00 am start

Distance

42.195 km / 26.2 mi

Canyon point-to-point road

Elevation

Net downhill · 180 m gain

180 m climbing

Race profile

Overview

The Colorado Marathon draws approximately 1,800 finishers each May on a canyon point-to-point road in Fort Collins, United States. It delivers a scenic mountain-canyon descent without the extreme grade of some western downhill marathons. The course follows the Cache la Poudre River, red-rock canyon walls, and the approach into northern Colorado neighborhoods. The route is net downhill overall.

Colorado Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.

Typical participants: Approximately 1,800 finishers

Weather: Cool to mild spring
8–14°C · humidity 45–70%
Marathon weather guide →

Course & terrain

Colorado Marathon course

Course route details and elevation profile for race-week planning.

Starts in Poudre Canyon and finishes in Fort Collins. The course follows the Cache la Poudre River, red-rock canyon walls, and the approach into northern Colorado neighborhoods. Moderate terrain throughout. The net descent rewards aggressive pacing but punishes the quads late.

Registration

Colorado Marathon entry requirements

The Colorado Marathon uses open online registration at comarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time required. Sign-up for the May race typically opens the previous year and places are allocated first-come, first-served. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, and charity bibs are available through partner organisations when general entry closes.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colorado Marathon elevation profile?: The Colorado Marathon has 180 metres of total climbing and 220 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill, with 40 metres of net descent from start to finish.
How long is the Colorado Marathon?: The Colorado Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Canyon point-to-point road from Poudre Canyon to Fort Collins.
What time does the Colorado Marathon start?: The 2027 Colorado Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 2 May 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
Where does the Colorado Marathon start and finish?: Starts in Poudre Canyon and finishes in Fort Collins. Updated each year.
When is the Colorado Marathon and how do I register?: Colorado Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
Is the Colorado Marathon course flat?: The course includes net downhill then mostly flat. Study the official course profile at before setting pace targets.
What landmarks does the Colorado Marathon pass?: The course follows the Cache la Poudre River, red-rock canyon walls, and the approach into northern Colorado neighborhoods.
What weather should runners expect at Colorado Marathon?: Usually chilly at the mountain start with dry sunshine and warming air by the city finish.

Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

Close to this race

Nearby Marathons

Other races closest to Fort Collins.

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Next race: Sunday, 26 September 2027

LaramieWyomingUnited States· 91 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 2 May 2027

DenverColoradoUnited States· 94 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 23 May 2027

CasperWyomingUnited States· 273 km away

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Green RiverWyomingUnited States· 382 km away

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Next race: Sunday, 1 August 2027

DeadwoodSouth DakotaUnited States· 436 km away

Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon

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Next race: Sunday, 6 June 2027

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Planning guides

Related guides

Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.

Colorado Marathon

Overview

Colorado Marathon course

Colorado Marathon entry requirements

Colorado Marathon travel

Frequently Asked Questions

Colorado Marathon links

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