Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
Estes Park's Rocky Mountain Half Marathon offers stunning alpine views and a challenging high-altitude course.
Race Date
Aug 1, 2026
Location
Estes Park, CO
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 1, 2026
- Location
- Estes Park, Colorado
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K, now in its 16th edition, takes runners through the heart of Estes Park with breathtaking views of the Rockies. The course, set at high altitude, delivers crisp mountain air and a challenging yet scenic route. With a median field of about 2,100 runners, the race has a lively community feel.
Recent years have seen around 900 finishers, with a 5% repeat-runner rate—testament to the race's enduring appeal. The competitive front runners clock times around 77:25, while back-of-pack runners savor the mountainscape. The event also offers a 5K and an 'Elk Double' for those seeking extra miles and a special medal.
Post-race, runners collect their shirts and enjoy the festive atmosphere in Estes Park, a gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. The combination of stunning scenery, small-town charm, and a well-supported course makes this a destination-worthy race.
Race-provided description
Run through the heart of the Rockies in Estes Park, CO. The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon & 5K delivers big mountain scenery, crisp altitude air, and unforgettable race-day energy.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
1209 Manford Avenue, Estes Park, CO, 80517
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Quality Score
Solid Pick4616 years running
~2,147 finishers a year
shrinking
5% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:17:25
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
74°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
65%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon?
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is held on Saturday, August 1, 2026.
Where does the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Estes Park, Colorado.
What distances does the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Rocky Mountain Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is a hilly, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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