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.
Colorado Marathon 2027 race day
The next Colorado Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
Colorado Marathon course route
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.
Colorado Marathon elevation profile
The Colorado Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
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.
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 then mostly flat, 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 on comarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Colorado Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in Poudre Canyon and finishes in Fort Collins. Updated course maps are published at https://comarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Colorado Marathon and how do I register?
- Colorado Marathon is typically held in May. Registration opens through https://comarathon.com/ and 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 https://comarathon.com/ 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 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
