Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Race Overview

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

• Date: October 17, 2026
• Location: 4780 W County Rd 38e, Fort Collins, CO
• Website: Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Course Details

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.

• Marathon Elevation Gain/Loss: 3,500 feet
• Half Marathon Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,800 feet
• Terrain: 100% dirt and 90% singletrack
• Course Difficulty: Ranges from smooth dirt trail to technical rock gardens

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

What You Get in Return for Your Registration Fee:

• A beautiful, challenging and well-marked course on some of the best trails in Fort Collins
• Enthusiastic, knowledgeable race and aid station volunteers
• Fully stocked aid stations
• Finish line meal

Course & Aid Stations

Course Maps

• Blue Sky Marathon Course Map
• Blue Sky Half Marathon Course Map

Aid Stations Information

All aid stations will offer Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O sports drink, Hammer Gels, water and soda along with a variety of salty and sweet bites, and a selection of fruit.

• Marathon: 9 aid stations along the course
• Half Marathon: 3 aid stations
• Drop Bags: Allow at Start/Finish area
• Course Marking: Pink flagging and flour markings for navigation

Parking & Directions

Marathon

• Start/Finish Location: Blue Sky Trailhead
• Parking: At the Inlet Bay Marina parking lot, a 0.7 mi walk to the start
• Priority Parking: Available for carpools
• Drop Offs: Allowed at designated spots

Half Marathon

• Start/Finish Location: South Bay Pavilion
• Parking: Located in South Bay, limited spaces available

Race Rules

Race rules are designed to provide a safe and fair experience for everyone involved. Major infractions will result in immediate disqualification.

• Time Limits: 9 hours for the marathon, 6 hours for the half marathon
• Visible Bibs: Must be visible at all aid stations
• Littering: Prohibited
• No Dogs: Allowed on the course

Schedule

Friday 10/16

• 4:00-7:00p: Optional packet pick-up at Altitude Running

Saturday 10/17

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

Sunday 10/18

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