RUN WHERE MOUNTAINS CARVE THE SKY
Expo/Finish Line Location
Difficulty
Course Time Limit
Terrain
Weather/Conditions
Closest airport
13.1 mi.
AUGUST 1, 2026
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
The race starts near Community Drive and Highway 36, heading counter-clockwise around Lake Estes before a short out-and-back on Mall Rd. Runners then cross under Big Thompson Ave and climb steadily up Dry Gulch for about 3 miles. From there, Devil’s Gulch brings rolling, mostly downhill terrain, followed by a flat stretch on MacGregor Ave and a winding section through Wonderview and Steamer Pkwy. The course then returns to Big Thompson, crosses back through the tunnel, and finishes with a final loop around Lake Estes.
Save $21
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
5K
July 31, 2026
This course runs on a counterclockwise direction around the perimeter of lake Estes. While the race begins with a quick, aggressive climb over the first 1.5 miles followed by a downhill path taking runners to about the .75 mark, the course is relatively flat the rest of the way with a slight incline around the 2 mile mark.
Save $20
Day 3
Porcupine Rim | 14.6 mi.
September 18th, 2026
Start: 7:00 am (MT)
Cutoff: 4.5hrs
Elevation: +1,267 ft / -1,263 ft
Tough uphills & fun down downhills
Stunning views of Castle Valley, leading to a fun downhill stretch towards the Moab Trailfest finish line.
Reasons to run
ROCKY MOUNTAINS
In the Estes Valley, everything seems to brighten at once — sunlit meadows, sharpening ridgelines, and the peaks of the Continental Divide rising into clear focus. Deep greens, bold blue sky, and gray summits create a scene that feels dramatic yet grounding.
Each gentle rise reveals a new angle, open stretches frame the mountains differently, and the crisp mountain air settles into your lungs. It’s the kind of landscape that makes the run feel instinctively right, like this valley was built to be experienced in motion.
Endless Alpine Views
High Elevation Paved Loop
Iconic Landscape Medal Art
Victory Snacks
Sweeping Vistas of Jagged Granite Peaks
Reasons to run
ROCKY
In the Estes Valley, everything seems to brighten at once — sunlit meadows, sharpening ridgelines, and the peaks of the Continental Divide rising into clear focus. Deep greens, bold blue sky, and gray summits create a scene that feels dramatic yet grounding.
Each gentle rise reveals a new angle, open stretches frame the mountains differently, and the crisp mountain air settles into your lungs. It’s the kind of landscape that makes the run feel instinctively right, like this valley was built to be experienced in motion.
Endless Alpine Views
High Elevation
Paved Loop
Iconic Landscape Medal
Victory Snacks
Sweeping Vistas of Jaggered Granite Peaks
Choose the
CHALLENGE
ELK DOUBLE
About
Up for an extra challenge? Try the Elk Double! Run the 5K on Friday evening and the half marathon on Saturday morning and earn extra swag! You'll use the same bib for both events.
When
July 31-August 1, 2026
Where
Estes Park, CO
What
One standard race shirt for Rocky Mountain
ONE special Elk Double swag item - during registration, you’ll choose between a hat, unisex t-shirt, beach hoodie, or Nalgene bottle and you’ll pick it up at the race expo. Additional items can be purchased at the end of the second race.
Two finisher medals - one for each race
One Elk Double medal
What to
EXPECT
How the Weekend Unfolds
Friday
12:00 PM - Race expo & bib pickup begins
5:00 PM - Race expo & bib pickup ends
5:45 PM - Runners line up
6:00 PM - 5K Start!
7:00 PM - 5K Awards
Saturday
4:00 AM - Parking lots open & morning bib pickup begins
5:15 AM - All runners should be parked
5:45 AM - Runners line up & last call for gear check
6:00 AM - Half Marathon starts (rolling waves for all runners)
8:45 AM - Awards Ceremony
*All runners will have 4 hours from their start time to complete the race.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
13.1 miles
AUGUST 1ST, 2026
5 AID STATIONS
6:00 AM (MT)
PAVED ROAD LOOP
4 HRS (18MIN/MILE)
+780 ft / -775 ft.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
5K
JULY 31, 2026
LOOP COURSE
6:00 PM MT
PAVED ROAD
1 AID STATION
+156 ft / -166 ft
Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
"The participants, volunteers, and production team made this the best half marathon I’ve done! This was my first half in 7 years since having my kiddos and I can’t wait to do more Vacation Races!"
– Julie
"I love VR races. They are well run with great swag. Rocky Mountain was no exception. Great snacks and volunteers. The half marathon is mostly downhill after 5.5 miles, which is welcome. The views are grand. Great course.”
— Brenda
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"Beautiful venue around Lake Estes but the first part was straight uphill. After that it was pretty flat. Great course. Beautiful views with the sun going down."
– Bruce
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Hear it from our
VACATION RACERS
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
Event
INFO
We welcome spectators to Rocky Mountain this year!
Spectators are welcome at the finish line and may park according to the main parking locations and schedule. The finish line is walking distance from town, which has many shops and restaurants to pass the time until your runner finishes!
Some Etiquette
- Please only park in designated areas. There should be plenty of parking for everyone. Following this guideline allows us to continue putting on successful events compliant with local authorities.
- Once your runner has finished their race, please stay outside of the runner recovery area to avoid crowding.
- Finish line drinks, supplies, and the medical tent are there for runners only. Please respect this.
Our events take place in and around protected national park landscapes, and we are deeply committed to minimizing waste while preserving the natural beauty of the places we run, without compromising safety, efficiency, or hydration on course. To achieve this, we’ve implemented cup-free racing across the series: runners may add a lightweight, foldable Nathan reusable cup during registration or bring any personal hydration system that doesn’t produce trash. Self-serve aid stations are placed throughout the course with water and electrolytes for quick, efficient refills, allowing athletes to hydrate as needed without waste, congestion, or mess. The system keeps courses clean, stations moving smoothly, and hydration reliable.
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.
Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older. As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
Results
Live results will be hosted online by Laurel. Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
Ship My Medal
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you! Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
Photos
New for 2026, FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Within 24-48 hours post-event, your photos will be available at the link below. You can purchase your race photos ahead of race day during registration or directly through FinisherPix. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes ALL photos we identify of you in all digital formats (Basic digital image, Digital images with Finish Time, Digital images in certificate format). A link to download all images will automatically be emailed to you when photos are available online. Click the button below to view race weekend photos once available. Search for your individual photos by last name or bib number.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over.
Please allow time for us to add items online.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish.
If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible
Explore
ROCKY
We realize that the races in this series are out of the way for most runners, and it may be the only time that you visit these breathtaking areas. One of our biggest desires is that you walk away from this event having fully experienced what the region has to offer.
While in the area we encourage you to continue the adventure and spend time in the parks!
KIND COFFEE
Kind Coffee is a stop that feels like a breath before your Rocky Mountain adventure — great espresso, relaxed vibes, and every sip prepares you for another peak or scenic drive. Locals stop in between hikes, and visitors linger over mugs as the mountains put on a show outside.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
DEER MOUNTAIN TRAIL
Deer Mountain is pure classic RMNP — a steady, friendly climb that opens into one of the best summit views in the park. From the top, the entire valley spreads out below you, framed by snow-capped peaks and endless sky. It’s the perfect moderate hike with huge payoff.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
THE VAULT AT THE STANLEY
Discover historic elegance and natural beauty at The Stanley Hotel, founded in 1909 by F.O. Stanley. Nestled in the heart of stunning Estes Park, Colorado, our iconic hotel is just minutes away from the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
THE EMERALD LAKE TRAIL
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular 3.2 to 3.6-mile round-trip hike, offering stunning views of Nymph, Dream, and Emerald Lakes. Starting at Bear Lake trailhead, this moderate, 700+ foot elevation gain trail features aspen forests and alpine scenery.
Difficulty - easy
Elevation - 137 ft
1.5 miles
2026
MEDAL & TEE
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Coming Soon
BOOK YOUR ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEEKEND STAY WITH HOTEL PLANNER
Race weekend isn’t just a start line — it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Rocky Mountain participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. Your Rocky Mountain HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning.
Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Estes, Park.
Book Your Stay with HotelPlanner Now:
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