What is the terrain and elevation profile like?

The Half Marathon is a paved loop, but don't let the "road" designation fool you into a false sense of security. You’re looking at roughly +780 ft of climbing and -775 ft of descent. It’s a rolling course that requires constant gear shifts in your stride. If you want to see the route before you commit, check the maps on Ride With Gps ↗ for the Half or Ride With Gps ↗ for the 5K.

How should I prepare for the weather and altitude?

You are running in the mountains in late July/early August. Expect crisp, cool temperatures at the 6:00 AM start, but be prepared for the sun to bake the pavement quickly as the morning progresses. The real wildcard isn't the temperature—it's the altitude. If you aren't used to thin air, your perceived effort will be much higher than your actual pace. Bring light, breathable layers and don't skimp on hydration.

What are the race day logistics and aid station setups?

This is a cup-free race, so if you show up expecting a paper cup at every station, you're going to have a bad time. Bring a foldable reusable cup or a hydration vest. The Half Marathon has five aid stations providing water and electrolytes, while the 5K only has one. Note the 4-hour time limit for the Half (18 min/mile pace)—it’s generous, but the elevation can sap your energy faster than you think.

Where should I stay and how do I get there?

Estes Park is a major tourist destination, and during race weekend, it gets crowded fast. If you haven't booked lodging yet, do it immediately. There are discounted rates available via Hotelplanner ↗, but availability will be the primary bottleneck. You'll likely fly into Denver (DIA) and face a roughly 90-minute to 2-hour drive up the canyon to reach the start line.

What do I get for finishing?

Every finisher receives a medal. If you are competitive, they award place medals for the top 5 in various categories (Male, Female, Non-binary, and Masters 40+), as well as age group awards for brackets ranging from 11 to 75+. If you want to add your name to your medal, you can use Itab ↗ for a small fee. You can find official results and photos on Brooksee ↗ and Finisher Pix ↗.