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

Taking place on the trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil's Backbone Open Space, the course takes you on a north-south tour of the easternmost hogbacks of Northern Colorado's mighty Front Range.

• Elevation Gain: 3,500 feet for the marathon and 1,800 feet for the half marathon.
• Terrain: 100% dirt and 90% sweet Colorado singletrack.
• Difficulty: Ranges from smooth dirt trail to technical rock gardens.
• Cut-off Time: Generous nine hour cut-off for a successful day.

📍 Location & Distance

• Start: Blue Sky Trailhead, Horsetooth Mountain Park, Fort Collins, Colorado.
• Distance: 26.7 miles (3,500') or 13.4 miles (1,800')
• Min/Max Elevation: 5,300'-6,500'
• Average Elevation: 5,700' for the Marathon.

🎽 Registration & Fees

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.
• What You Get: Beautiful course, enthusiastic volunteers, fully stocked aid stations, and more!
• Time Allowance: 9 hours for Marathon / 6 hours for Half Marathon.

🗺️ Course Information

The marathon boasts a diverse course that provides a unique experience for both seasoned runners and newcomers.

• Terrain: Marathon: 22mi dirt singletrack, 3mi rocky singletrack, 2mi dirt road: Half Marathon: 13.0mi dirt singletrack, 0.5mi dirt road.
• Fauna: Keep an eye out for deer, abert squirrel, and golden eagle.
• Aid Stations: Multiple, providing hydration and nutrition options.
• Cut-Offs: Critical cut-offs enforced for the marathon: none for the half.

🚦 Race Rules

Race rules aim to ensure a safe and fair experience for everyone. Major infractions result in disqualification.

1. Marathon limited to 9 hours, Half Marathon to 6 hours.
2. Volunteers will record bib numbers at aid stations.
3. Dropping Out: Check out with an aid station volunteer if you exit the race.
4. Prohibited Actions: No littering and remain on trails.

🗓️ Schedule

• Friday 10/16: 4:00-7:00p: Optional packet pickup at Altitude Running.
• Saturday 10/17: 5:30-6:45a: Packet Pickup: 7:00a: Marathon Start.
• Sunday 10/18: 5:30-6:45a: Half Marathon Packet Pickup: 7:00a: Half Marathon Start.

🏞️ Parking & Directions

• Marathon: Park at Inlet Bay Marina, a 0.7mi walk to the start/finish.
• Half Marathon: Park at South Bay Pavilion.

For more information and to register, visit: Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half Marathon.