How do I register for REVEL Rockies?

Registration is open and available through the official REVEL website. No lottery or qualifier is required. Note that 2024 was listed as the final year of the race, so confirm the event is still active before registering.

Is REVEL Rockies a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is USATF certified and qualifies for Boston Marathon entry. The substantial net downhill makes it a course many runners target specifically for a BQ attempt.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course starts above 10,500 feet and descends nearly 4,700 feet to the finish in Morrison at around 5,800 feet. It is a sustained downhill with no significant climbing, which rewards pacing discipline and quad strength.

Does the high-altitude start affect performance?

Yes. The gun goes off above 10,000 feet, where the air is noticeably thinner. Runners who are not acclimatized may find the first half harder than expected even at a conservative pace. Spending a few days in Denver before the race helps.

What is the time limit?

The time limit is approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes from the start.

What is the typical race-day weather?

Expect a cold mountain start, often in the low 40s or below, warming significantly as you descend toward Morrison where temperatures can reach the low 70s by the finish. Bring a throwaway layer for the start corral.

How large is the field?

Recent editions finished with around 800 finishers, making it a smaller, quieter event compared to major city marathons.

Jun 2027 · est.Denver, COSince 2014

REVEL Rockies Marathon

The REVEL Rockies Marathon drops from high alpine terrain outside Denver to the foothills of Morrison, losing nearly a vertical mile over 26.2 miles. Fast, relentless, and unforgiving if you go out too hard.

Net downhillOpen

Visit race website

REVEL ROCKIES · US

REVEL Rockies

JUN 2027

estimated

UNLOCK YOUR FIT SCORE

How does REVEL Rockies stack up for you?

Answer 6 questions, and we’ll score this race honestly and compare it against every other marathon in our directory.

Take the 2-min quiz

Race Overview

EST. 2014

REVEL Rockies drops you at the top of a mountain and lets gravity do the work. The start is above 10,000 feet in the Arapaho National Forest, and from there the course descends almost continuously into Morrison. The first half is steep and fast through forested switchbacks, and it feels almost too easy. Don't go with it. Running downhill that aggressively for 13 miles will wreck your quads if you don't hold back early.

By the time you reach the lower canyon roads the grade softens a bit, but your legs are already working hard to brake. The finish in Morrison is flat and quick, which is a relief. This course is genuinely PR-friendly for runners who know how to run descents, and the altitude at the start is real, so if you're not acclimated give yourself a few days in Denver first. It's a smaller, no-frills event, and that's part of the appeal. Worth noting: the 2024 edition was listed as the final running of the race, so check current status before you plan your season around it.

Field size

~800

800 finishers

BQ rate

—

Boston qualifier

Time limit

5:40

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:33:15

Mitchell Kusick

2024

Women

2:50:11

Sadie Smith

2024

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

↓4,700 ft

Net elevation

—

Highest point

10,510 ft

Lowest point

5,802 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This is a point-to-point course that starts above 10,500 feet and drops to roughly 5,800 feet at the finish in Morrison, shedding close to 4,700 feet of net elevation. The descent is sustained and steep in the early miles, which puts enormous load on the quads. There is essentially no flat recovery ground. Altitude at the gun is a real factor: you are starting above treeline, and if you are not acclimatized, the thin air will cost you in the first half regardless of pace. The pacing risk here is classic: the downhill pulls you fast early, the quads fade late. Banking effort on the descent is a trap. Save the legs through mile 18 and you can close hard.

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

42°F

High

73°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

The start sits above 10,000 feet in the mountains, so expect cold at the gun regardless of what June feels like in Denver. Low 40s or colder at the start line is normal, and it can be windy up high. You'll warm into it fast once you're moving and dropping elevation, but bring a throwaway layer for the corral. By the time you hit the lower miles near Morrison, temperatures can climb into the 70s. That swing across a single race is the thing to plan around.