Colorado Marathon

Registration opens July 1 each year through RunSignup and stays open until capacity is reached. If standard entries sell out, a limited number of charity fund entries become available at double the standard price, with proceeds going to local nonprofits.

Yes, it is a USATF-certified Boston qualifier. The net-downhill course makes it a popular choice for runners chasing a qualifying time, though you'll still need to run smart to take advantage of the profile.

The time limit is 6 hours.

The course is point to point with a net drop of over 1,100 feet, starting at roughly 6,100 feet in the mountains and finishing near 5,000 feet in Fort Collins. Most of the descent comes through Poudre Canyon in the first half, with the final miles running nearly flat into downtown.

Expect a cold start, often in the low 40s, with temperatures rising into the mid-60s by the later miles. A throwaway layer at the start is a good idea, and the warming trend means you'll want to pace with the back half in mind.

The race provides bus transportation to the canyon start, so you'll want to base yourself in downtown Fort Collins for race weekend. Denver International Airport is roughly 65-75 miles away, about a 90-minute drive, and renting a car or using a shuttle from DEN is the standard approach.

Recent editions have seen just over 1,000 finishers, making it a mid-size race with enough crowd support to keep you moving but without the congestion of a major city marathon.