Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Welcome to the Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half

Welcome to the Blue Sky Trail Marathon &: Half, Fort Collins's original and only trail marathon.

Race Overview

• Date: 2026-10-17
• Location: 4780 W County Rd 38e, Fort Collins, CO
• Course: Trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil's Backbone Open Space
• Elevation Gain: Marathon: 3,500 feet: Half Marathon: 1,800 feet

Course Details

• Terrain: 100% dirt, 90% singletrack
• Difficulty: Ranges from smooth trails to technical rock gardens
• Course Attractions: Distinctive redstone hardpack of the Blue Sky Trail
• Post-Race: Enjoy barbecue and giveaways

Course Information

• Start: Blue Sky Trailhead
• Distance: 26.7 miles (marathon) or 13.4 miles (half marathon)
• Min/Max Elevation: 5,300'-6,500'
• Average Elevation: 5,700'

Registration Information

Fees for the 2026 Blue Sky Marathon &: Half Marathon are as follows:

• Marathon: Dec 15 – Feb 28: $110 + $7.60 fee: March 1–June 30: $120 + $8.20 fee: July 1 – Oct 17: $130 + $8.80 fee: Packet Pickup: $145
• Half Marathon: Dec 15 – Feb 28: $90 + $6.40 fee: March 1–June 30: $100 + $7.00 fee: July 1 – Oct 17: $110 + $7.60 fee
• Registration Cap: 400 Marathon / 400 Half
• Time Allowance: 9 hours Marathon / 6 hours Half Marathon

What You Get

• Course: A beautiful and challenging trail
• Volunteers: Knowledgeable and enthusiastic support
• Aid Stations: Fully stocked with necessary supplies
• Race T-shirt: Gender-specific with a unique finisher award

Course & Aid Stations

Course Maps

• Marathon Course Map
• Half Marathon Course Map

Aid Stations

All aid stations will offer Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O, water, and a variety of snacks.

Race Rules

• Completion Time: 9 hours for the marathon: 6 hours for the half marathon
• Bib Visibility: Ensure bib number is visible at aid stations
• No Littering: Purposeful littering will result in disqualification
• Crewing: Allowed only at designated aid stations

Schedule

Friday 10/16

• 4:00-7:00 PM: Packet pickup at Altitude Running

Saturday 10/17

• 5:30-6:45 AM: Marathon Race Day Packet Pickup
• 7:00 AM: Marathon Start

Sunday 10/18

• 5:30-6:45 AM: Half Marathon Race Day Packet Pickup
• 7:00 AM: Half Marathon Start

Parking & Directions

Marathon Parking:

• Park at Inlet Bay Marina, 0.7 miles from the trailhead
• No parking allowed on County Road 38E or connecting residential streets

Half Marathon Parking:

• Park at South Bay Pavilion

Additional Information

For more details, visit the race page.