Denver Colfax Marathon
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Event Overview
The Denver Colfax Marathon is described as Denver's only marathon weekend. The 2026 edition is its 20th year. The event comprises multiple races held over two days in mid-May. It is considered the largest marathon weekend in the Rocky Mountain Region.
Races
The main race day includes four event formats:
- Marathon (26.2 miles): A Boston Marathon qualifying course. The route passes through Empower Field at Mile High stadium twice, runs along waterways, and goes through a fire station.
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles): The course features a one-mile segment inside the Denver Zoo and passes landmarks like VooDoo Donuts, the Colorado State Capitol, and Denver Fire Station #1.
- Urban 10 Miler (10 miles): A point-to-point race that covers a section of the marathon course, starting near the RMCAD campus and finishing in City Park. Race bibs include an RTD transit ticket.
- Marathon Relay: Run by teams of five, with divisions for Open, Corporate, Government, and Public School teachers. The relay is noted as the largest of its kind in the United States.
A separate 5K event is held on the preceding day.
Event Features
The race weekend includes a two-day expo at Empower Field at Mile High. The 2026 edition will feature a "WOW at Every Mile" initiative with local musicians and performers along the course. The finish area in City Park features a post-race party with live music, food, and drinks. The event has a significant charity component, with relay divisions awarding an average of $150,000 annually to nonprofits. Special commemorative 20th-year medals and jackets are available. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
