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Colfax Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Denver, CO, USA
- Race Date: 05/16/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Colfax Marathon Description
The Colfax Marathon anchors the largest marathon weekend in the Rocky Mountain region, drawing tens of thousands of runners to Denver each May. The Boston-qualifying, mostly-loop course starts and finishes at City Park, passing through Empower Field at Mile High twice and along seven miles of rivers, lakes, and bridges including Sloan’s Lake. Runners take in eclectic neighborhoods, historic Lakewood, the bustle of Colfax Avenue, and sweeping views of the Rockies. Pace groups help runners of every level chase a goal time at altitude.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Colfax Marathon Additional Details:
Colfax redesigns its finisher medal every year around a new theme, and recent editions have come with their own display stand, turning the medal into something you’d actually set out rather than tuck in a drawer, with 3D etchings of the capitol, skyline, and mountains. Aid stations lean into the race’s playful spirit, several are themed and staffed by costumed volunteers and dancers, with live music and goofy signage keeping energy high well past halfway. Race weekend opens with a hot breakfast, coffee, and DJ party before the start and continues the celebration after, and the expo itself is worth the trip, it’s entered through Empower Field’s Broncos press box, a detail few other marathons can offer runners picking up their bibs.
Course Information
Profile: Rolling Hills
Type: Mostly Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours (full)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 5,000 to 6,000
Marathon: 2,800 to 2,900
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 693 ft
Elevation Loss: 694 ft
Average Temperature
- Low: 43°F
- High: 70°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Denver, CO, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Food & Drink
SandLot Brewery
Sip a Blue Moon at SandLot Brewery, the first brewery built inside a major league ballpark, right at Coors Field — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Denver Zoo
Spend an easy day at the Denver Zoo inside City Park, alongside the Denver Museum of Nature & Science — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Museums & History
History Colorado Center
Explore Colorado’s story through interactive exhibits at the History Colorado Center in downtown Denver — an easy, air-conditioned, low-impact stop after race day.
Arts & Culture
Denver Art Museum
See works by Monet, Sargent, and Degas at the Denver Art Museum, a must-see for art fans — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a rest day.
Landmark
Union Station
Wander the restored, historic Union Station, now filled with shops, restaurants, and a grand hall — an easy, flat, indoor-outdoor stop downtown after race weekend.
Sports & Entertainment
Coors Field
Catch a Rockies game or a concert at Coors Field, an old-school ballpark with modern perks and mountain views — a relaxed, seated way to spend a day.
Shopping
Larimer Square
Browse Victorian-era buildings turned boutiques and chef-driven restaurants at Larimer Square, Denver’s oldest and most charming block — an easy, flat, walkable stroll.
Outdoors & Trails
Washington Park
Paddle boat or stroll the trails around Washington Park, one of Denver’s most picturesque green spaces — a flat, easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Hike the trails surrounding Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, world-famous for its natural acoustics and sweeping mountain views — choose an easy trail for tired legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Colfax Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes