Run the Rockies Half Marathon
Run the Rockies: a net-downhill high-altitude half marathon through Ten Mile Canyon.
Race Date
Sep 19, 2026
Location
Frisco, CO
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, September 19, 2026
- Location
- Frisco, Colorado
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Now in its 52nd year, Run the Rockies is a Colorado classic that starts near Copper Mountain and follows the paved recreation path through Ten Mile Canyon all the way into Frisco. The half marathon course is 75% downhill—a rare profile that rewards leg speed—while the 11K is 100% downhill. But don’t let the descent fool you: at over 9,000 feet of elevation, the thin air makes every mile a workout. With fields around 80 runners, the race has an intimate, small-town feel, and about a quarter of participants return year after year. Fall color season paints the canyon aspens gold, and the low humidity and crisp 34–63°F weather create near-perfect racing conditions. The finish line in Frisco offers a quiet sense of accomplishment, and the medal is a worthy keepsake from a run through the Rockies.
Race-provided description
Events (https://www.townoffrisco.com/events/)|Athletic Events (https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/athletic-events/)|
Run the Rockies Road 11k & Half Marathon
The 52nd Annual Run the Rockies Road 11k and Half Marathon will feature the traditional Run the Rockies road race course with runners starting near Copper Mountain. Runners will follow the paved recreation path through Ten Mile Canyon. The 11k course will be 100% downhill, and the half marathon course will be 75% downhill. Both races, at their respective times, will have a mass start. Each distance will have a hard stop at 11:30am. This course typically showcases the beautiful fall colors in Frisco!
2026 Registration Fees
Registration for 2026 is now open!
Online registration for the Run the Rockies Road 11k and Half Marathon will open on Wednesday, April 22 2026.
We strongly recommended that all racers register in advance, as this race does sell out. We will have limited openings for day of registration. In person registra
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Mountain, Forest
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout6616 years running
~114 finishers a year
shrinking
25% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:27:12
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
34°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Frequently asked
When is the Run the Rockies Half Marathon?
The Run the Rockies Half Marathon is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Where does the Run the Rockies Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Frisco, Colorado.
What distances does the Run the Rockies Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K run.
Is the Run the Rockies Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Run the Rockies Half Marathon is a rolling hills, point to point course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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