211 W 1st St, Mancos CO
Saturday, October 24th, 2026
Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon, 5K Race, and Kids' Fun Run
Race Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
The Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon and 5K Race is a beautiful and scenic course with a mix of pavement, dirt road, and trail. Grab a few friends and spend the weekend in the beautiful Mancos Valley. The half marathon is limited to only 150 runners. Be sure to grab your spot early! More than just a great race, the Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon is a fundraiser for the Mancos Public Library. Proceeds from all donations go directly to funding our public library and their great programs. As an added fundraising incentive, we will reimburse the entry fee for any participant who raises $500 in donations for the library.
Packet Pickup
- Location: Mancos Public Library, 211 W 1st St, Mancos, CO 81328
- Date: Friday, October 23rd, 2026
- Time: 5PM-6PM
Race Morning
- Parking: All event parking (staff, volunteers, runners, spectators) must park on Grand Ave, Boyle Park, or in one of the Mancos Schools parking lots along Grand Ave.
- Packet Pickup: Day of race packet pickup and registration will happen at the start line from 6:30-7:30 AM.
- Race Start Times: Cowboy Half at 8:00 AM, 5K at 8:30 AM, Kids race at 9:30 AM.
The Route
- Cowboy Half: The course features a mix of roughly 60% gravel roads and trails and 40% pavement.
- 5K: The 5K course is an out-and-back on a lightly traveled, paved, two-lane county road.
- Hazards: A two-mile off-road portion includes undeveloped trails, narrow and rocky sections: caution is urged.
- Finish: After finishing the 5K, participants can cool off their feet in the Mancos River.
Aid Stations
- Cupless Event: Please bring your own hydration pack or water bottle. Collapsible cups will be available at packet pickup.
- Frequency: There will be five aid stations, roughly every two miles, stocked with water and Tailwind Endurance.
- Specialty Items: Gels and nuts available at Aid Station #3 at approximately 7.5 miles.
- Walkers' Note: The final aid station closes at 12:15 PM for a 20:00/mile pace.
Time Limits
- No Limits: All abilities welcome: however, final aid station closes at 12:15 PM.
- Safety Note: If slower, carry your own water and a cell phone for emergencies.
Course Safety
- Traffic: Low vehicle traffic, especially on Saturday mornings: course marked with cones.
- Instructions: Runners must obey course marshals and remain alert.
- Headphones: Not permitted in both ears: dogs not allowed.
- Strollers: Permitted only in the 5K due to trail restrictions in the Cowboy Half.
Spectator Locations
- Best Spot: Start / Finish line at the library.
- Course Viewing: Several great spots along the course for spectators.
- Safety: Spectate from safe locations, obey instructions from course marshals.
Runner Perks
- Experience: Enjoy campfire cowboy coffee and snacks from a local chuckwagon.
- Finisher Medals: All runners receive a unique finisher’s medal.
- Post-race: Includes a custom printed race shirt and a lunch.
- Kids' Activities: Various activities for kids and parents/caregivers in our outdoor classroom.
Timing
- Professional Timing: Timed by Rocky Mountain Timing with an RFID chip on the race bib.
- Chip Care: Do not bend your chip: wear race bib on the front.
Results
- Online Availability: Results posted on www.rmtiming.co.
- Live Kiosk: Available at the race venue.
Travel Information and Lodging
- Accommodation Options: Numerous lodging choices available in the Mancos Valley, including B&Bs and VRBOs.
- Plan Ahead: Consider making it a race-cation weekend!
Weather
- October Temperatures: Average temperature at 8 AM is 40 degrees, potentially reaching lower 60s.
- Stay Hydrated: Use the aid stations throughout the race.
- Course Changes: May be altered due to extreme weather conditions.
Refunds & Transfers
- Policy: As with most races, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or deferrals.
Register Now
Join us at the Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon by registering at Mancos Cowboy Half Marathon.
