Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Estes Park, Colorado on July 31 - August 1, 2026. The event offers the following race options:
- Half Marathon
- 5K
- Elk Double (Half Marathon + 5K)
Races start and finish near the lake at the fairgrounds in Stanley Park, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. The event is held at high elevation and the half marathon reaches a maximum elevation of 7,906 ft with an elevation gain of 780 ft. The half marathon course has a 4 hour time limit.
Courses and logistics
Half marathon course: paved road loop that runs counter-clockwise around Lake Estes and uses local roads including Community Drive, N St. Vrain Ave (Highway 36), Dry Gulch, Devil's Gulch, MacGregor Ave, Wonderview Ave, Steamer Pkwy, and Big Thompson Ave. The route includes a steady uphill on Dry Gulch, rolling hills on Devil's Gulch, and flatter sections later in the route. Aid stations: five stations, with a medic at the mile 7 aid station. The race is cup-free; runners should bring a reusable cup or hydration device.
5K course: paved loop around Lake Estes, counter-clockwise. It begins with a short steep climb (~0.15 miles), has a downhill to about 0.75 miles, then is mostly flat with a slight incline near mile two. The 5K has one aid station near mile 1.5 and is OK for wheelchairs and strollers.
Additional notes: bib pickup and race expo occur at Stanley Park on July 31. The event promotes zero-waste practices. Denver International Airport is about a two hour drive to Estes Park. Spectators are welcome at the finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.