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Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion

Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion

Colorado's oldest half marathon ends at a brewery.

Race Date

Apr 18, 2027

Location

Fort Collins, CO

Runner Favorite92

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, April 18, 2027
Location
Fort Collins, Colorado
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
31,947

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Party FinishBig Crowd EnergyGreat Post Race

Course

Scenic RouteNet Downhill

The Experience

The Horsetooth Half Marathon, now in its 27th edition, is Colorado’s oldest half marathon and a beloved institution among runners. Each year, about 3,800 finishers from some 44 states gather in Fort Collins for a point-to-point journey that starts at the former Hughes Stadium—home field of the CSU Rams—and winds through the foothills before finishing at New Belgium Brewery. Roughly a third of runners return year after year, drawn by the unique blend of challenge and celebration.

The course climbs Centennial Drive along the shore of shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir, offering classic Colorado scenery with the reservoir glinting below. Those hills are real—this is not a flat course—but the net downhill profile and paved roads make it surprisingly forgiving, and top finishers typically cross the line around 66 minutes. After the final downhill stretch on the Poudre River recreation trail, runners enter the famed New Belgium Finish Line Party, where craft beer and a festive atmosphere await.

Race-provided description

Welcome to the 54th running of the Horsetooth Half Marathon, Presented by Fort Collins Connexion. Your race will take you on a scenic point-to-point journey from the location of Hughes Stadium, the former home of the CSU Rams, to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery. On the way you'll tackle the challenging hills of Centennial Drive along the shorelines of the shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir, before you head for the famed New Belgium Finish Line Party on the downhill Poudre River recreation trail. Whether an elite runner or a first time half marathoner, the Horsetooth Half Marathon offers a challenging yet surprisingly fast course, with a net loss in elevation.

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, April 18, 2027

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Fort Collins, CO, Fort Collins, CO, 80526

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Quality Score

Runner Favorite92
Methodology
Heritage20/20

27 years running

Size15/15

~3,815 finishers a year

Momentum4/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

34% returning runners

Course & details8/15

7 timing sources · 10 photos

National draw10/10

runners from 44 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:06:31

Weather10/10

typical high 56°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

30°

Afternoon (High)

56°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.0"

Precipitation

12 mph

Wind

55%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 31,947 finishers actually crossed the line across 27 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

31,947

Median time

2:10:45

Latest turnout

1,908

States

50

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:05p50 median ≈ 2:055:15

Turnout by year

20182026

'18'19'21'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion?

The Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion is held on Sunday, April 18, 2027, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion take place?

It takes place in Fort Collins, Colorado.

What distances does the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion course flat and good for a PR?

The Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion?

HalfRuns has finish records for 31,947 runners who have completed the Horsetooth Half Marathon - Presented by Fort Collins Connexion.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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