Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K takes place July 31 - August 1, 2026 in Estes Park, Colorado. The event offers three options:
- Half Marathon
- 5K
- Elk Double (Half Marathon + 5K)
All race activity is based at Stanley Park Ball Field (1209 Manford Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517). The expo and bib pickup are held the day before the races at the same park. Registration includes a race shirt, bib, finisher medal, and finisher food box for finishers.
Course and logistics
Both courses use paved road loops near Lake Estes and are high-elevation routes. The half marathon is a counterclockwise loop that begins near Community Drive and N St. Vrain Ave (Highway 36), follows the lake trail, includes a steady uphill on Dry Gulch (about 3 miles), rolling sections on Devil's Gulch, and returns via Steamer Parkway and Big Thompson Ave. Course statistics: elevation gain 780 ft and maximum elevation 7,906 ft. The 5K is a loop around Lake Estes on paved roads and is rated OK for wheelchairs and strollers.
Aid and race rules: the half has five aid stations (medic at mile 7); the 5K has one aid station near mile 1.5. The event is cup-free; runners should bring a reusable cup, bottle, or hydration pack. The half marathon has a four hour course time limit. Designated parking areas and a runner drop-off area are provided near the fairgrounds; spectators are allowed at the finish area. Awards include place medals for overall, masters, and age-group finishers and finisher medals for all finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
