Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed 5K
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event Overview
The Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed 2026 is a 5K walk and fun run supporting the Cherry Creek Watershed. All proceeds from the event are donated to the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers Scholarship Fund.
Event Details
The event takes place on Saturday, May 9, 2026 at the Smoky Hill Shelter area within Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Colorado. Access to the park for the event is through the East Entrance Station at 4201 S Parker Rd.
Course Information
The course is an out-and-back route on park trails. It starts on the north side of the Smoky Hill Parking Lot, follows the Smoky Hill and Campground trails, crosses Tower Loop road, and joins the Colorado Front Range Trail. Participants cross a bridge over the Cherry Creek dam spillway before turning around at the 1.55-mile marker and returning via the same path to the finish line.
Race Day Information
Packet pickup begins at 8:30 AM in the sponsor booth area of the Smoky Hill shelter and parking lot. The race start is scheduled for 10:00 AM. Awards for the Top 3 Overall Male and Female finishers are presented at 11:00 AM. Daily park entry fees are included in the registration cost. Parking is available in the south and east sides of the Smoky Hill parking lot.
Free post-race refreshments, including fresh fruit, granola bars, snacks, water, coffee, and sports drinks, are provided. Participants are asked to bring their own water for before the race. Event t-shirts are included with registration, but size cannot be guaranteed for registrations after April 15th.
Additional Information
The event features a costume contest with an award for the best-dressed participant or group. The organizers, SEMSWA, Splash, and the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners, extend the invitation to partner organizations, staff, family, and friends. Volunteer opportunities are available for tasks like race setup, parking direction, and manning the water station. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
