Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
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Rocky Mountain Half & 5K : Estes Park, CO
The event takes place July 31 - August 1, 2026 in Estes Park, Colorado, near Lake Estes and the fairgrounds at Stanley Park. Distances offered:
- Half marathon
- 5K
- Elk Double (both the 5K and half marathon, single bib, extra swag and medals)
Bib pickup and the race expo are held on the Friday before the races at Stanley Park in Estes Park during afternoon hours.
Courses, logistics, and services
Both courses are paved road loops and sit at high elevation. The half marathon has an elevation gain of 780 ft and a maximum elevation near 7,906 ft. The half course runs counter-clockwise around the lake and follows local roads including Mall Road, Dry Gulch (a steady uphill of about 3 miles), Devil's Gulch (rolling hills, mostly downhill), MacGregor Avenue, Wonderview Avenue, Steamer Parkway, and Big Thompson Avenue before returning to the lake trail. The 5K is a loop around Lake Estes with an initial short climb, a downhill to about mile 0.75, and mostly flat sections thereafter; it is described as OK for wheelchairs and strollers.
The half marathon has a 4 hour time limit (about 18 minutes per mile). Aid on the half includes five aid stations; the medic station is at mile 7. The 5K has one aid station near mile 1.5. The event is cup-free to reduce waste; runners must bring a reusable cup, hydration pack, or similar. Designated parking areas are provided near the fairgrounds; spectators are allowed at the finish area but may not stop along the highway. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
