RACE GUIDE
Half Marathon • 5K • Elk Double • July 31 - August 1, 2026
SCHEDULE
Friday
JULY 31, 2026
5:15 PM
RUNNERS PARKED
5:30 PM
RUNNERS GATHER AT EXPO AREA
5:45 PM
RUNNERS ARE WALKED TO START LINE AREA ON IRIS ST.
6:00 PM
5k RACE START
6:45 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Race expo & bib pickup begins
12:00 PM - 5:00PM
MERCH TENT HOURS
5:00 PM
Runners line up
6:00PM
5K Start
7:00PM
5K Awards
Pre-race
EXPO
Stanley Park Ball Field, Estes Park, CO
FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026
Race Expo Hours 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Merch Tent Hours 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Bib Pick Up Hours 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
BYOB: Our expo is bag-free, so don't forget to Bring Your Own Bag!
MOBILE IV WILL BE ONSITE AS AN OFFICIAL RECOVERY PARTNER AT THIS YEAR’S HALF MARATHON. YOU CAN PREP FOR THE RACE WITH AN IV AT THE EXPO OR MEET THEM AT THE FINISH LINE. BOOK HERE TO LOCK IN YOUR DISCOUNTED RATE.
EXPO PARKING
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Volunteers will be on-site to direct traffic and guide runners and spectators to available parking. Lots will be filled in a specific order. You can approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) turning onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds where you’ll be directed by crew and volunteers or you can Community Dr off of N St Vrain Ave (hwy 36).
REMINDER: All Vacation Races events are cup-free and runners must either opt-in for a reusable cup at registration or bring their own handheld, cup or hydration bladder. A limited number of reusable cups will be available for purchase at the Merchandise booth at the race expo. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, please DO NOT drink directly from the water jugs.
VR CAMPGROUND
The most convenient (and most fun) place to stay during race weekend is our Vacation Races Campground at Crystal Mountain. Runners can bring their own tent or rent one from us for an additional charge. Crystal Mountain also offers RV camping in the same area (with hook-up options available). All campers must reserve a spot in advance.
Campsites do not include cots, sleeping bags, pillows, headlamps, cooking stoves, supplies, or firewood. There will be no showers on site at the campground.
CHECK-IN
THURSDAY 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
FRIDAY 12:00 pM - 7:00 pm at lot b
*Arriving later? Check in with the camp manager the following morning. If you’ve rented a tent from VR, please arrive within check-in hours to pick up your tent for the weekend.
CHECKOUT
SUNDAY BY 9:00 AM
(All rented tents must be returned by this time)
Volunteer
We’re looking for fantastic volunteers to join the fun during race weekend! It’s the perfect way for your friends and family to get in on the action without running. Volunteer shifts are open for the expo and race days and come with some pretty sweet perks: up to $100 off a future Vacation Races event!
Race credits vary by role, are transferable (yep, you can use theirs!), and can even be combined. So rally your crew, whether they love the energy of race day or want to hang out in a beautiful place with a purpose. It’s a great way to give back to the community, support you, be part of the adventures, and maybe even earn your next race for free.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Challenge
EVENTS
elk DOUBLE
Races:
The Elk Double is for runners looking to take on two distances in one weekend! On Friday, the event will host the 5K race, followed by the Half Marathon on Saturday morning. Finishers will receive a special Elk Double medal (in addition to each race medal) and their choice of one exclusive Elk Double swag item (in addition to the standard race shirt).
Total Mileage: 16.2 miles
With a Elk Double registration, you'll earn:
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One standard race shirt for the Rocky Mountain events
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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.
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Two finisher medals - one for each race
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One Sasquatch Double medal
RACE MORNING
Race Morning
Getting to the
START LINE
PARKING
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all runners. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Volunteers will be on-site to direct traffic and guide runners and spectators to available parking. Lots will be filled in a specific order. You can approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) turning onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds where you’ll be directed by crew and volunteers or you can take Community Dr off of N St Vrain Ave (hwy 36).
RUNNER DROP-OFF
If you are dropping a runner off, please approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) turning onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds. From there you will be directed south on Community Drive. Enter the drop-off area and quickly exit the parking lot back onto Community Dr heading south toward N St Vrain Ave . This will help avoid any traffic jams near the parking lots and allow for the easiest transition to and from the road.
ON THE COURSE
On The Course
START LINE
The race will kick off at 6:00 am about 1.3 miles east of Kiowa, MT, on Highway 89. Before we begin with a wave start, you can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and early raffle prizes available at the start line in the morning. Please remember that there is absolutely no parking or drop-off at the start line; all runners must arrive via the provided shuttles.
Race morning bib pick-up will be available at the shuttle parking lot prior to boarding. We recommend arriving early to allow enough time to pick up your bib, board the shuttle, and get settled before the start of the race.
Course
INFORMATION
This course loops around Lake Estes and is primarily flat with light stretches of downhill and then uphill terrain. You’ll get beautiful waterfront views as well as glimpses of the Stanley Hotel and the Rocky Mountains in the distance! The course is 3.1 miles with approximately +156 ft / -168 ft of elevation change.
The 5K race starts at 6:00 PM sharp on Friday. Runners may pick up their bib beginning at 12:00 PM at the race expo, located at the Stanley Park Ball Field. Bib pickup will end at 5:00 PM. Please be parked by 5:15 PM and make your way to the ball fields, ready to run once you’ve got your bib.
We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Volunteers will be on-site to direct traffic and guide runners and spectators to available parking. Lots will be filled in a specific order. You can approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) turning onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds where you’ll be directed by crew and volunteers or you can take Community Dr off of N St Vrain Ave (hwy 36).
To help reduce vehicle traffic on the course, spectators are discouraged from driving or stopping along the race route to cheer on runners. Spectators are welcome to watch the race start and join us at the finish line on the south shore of Lake Estes. Please park in an official event lot and walk toward the Stanley Ball Fields. From there, walk through the center of the ball fields and continue on the sidewalk past the dog park to access the pedestrian tunnel.
Do not cross over Highway 36. Use the tunnel that goes underneath the highway to safely reach the finish area.There will be one aid station on the course near the halfway point (approximately mile 1.5–1.8). The aid station will have water, electrolytes, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, this race will be cup-free, so please plan to bring your own bottle, cup or bladder!
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. Stick around for the 5K awards ceremony Friday night at 7:00 PM! Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the top 5 male and female Masters 40+ runners.
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. We do not yet offer age-specific awards in a non-binary category.
A wave start will help us organize the race and prevent overcrowding on the course. Please line up according to speed with faster competitors in the front and slower competitors toward the back. We will have crew members that will hold up signs helping runners loosely organize themselves according to per/mile pace and projected finishing time.
Please note that masters and overall awards are based on gun time, so if you’re competing for an overall top spot, you must start at the front of the line. All other age group awards are based on chip time and therefore do not need to toe the line at the start.
From the runner staging area, we will send waves toward the 5K start line in groups, spaced out a few minutes at a time. Keep in mind, it’s about a half-mile walk from the staging area along the south shore of Lake Estes to get to the start line
SPECTATOR INFORMATION
Spectator Information
SPECTATORS
To help reduce vehicle traffic on the course, spectators are discouraged from driving or stopping along the race route to cheer on runners. Spectators are welcome to watch the race start and join us at the finish line on the south shore of Lake Estes.
Please park in an official event lot and walk toward the Stanley Ball Fields. From there, walk through the center of the ball fields and continue on the sidewalk past the dog park to access the pedestrian tunnel. Do not cross over Highway 36. Use the tunnel that goes underneath the highway to safely reach the finish area.
No spectators along the course, as the road will be open to car traffic. Please only park in designated areas—this helps us stay in compliance with local guidelines and continue to put on successful races.
The runner area is for runners only. Please do not enter the runner recovery area or partake of runners’ food and recovery supplies. The medical tent is for athletes only; family members are not allowed.
REP THE MERCH
Race Merchandise
We’ll have various options to commemorate your race accomplishment! Beach hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, water bottles, stickers, hats, bags, and posters will all be available to browse and buy. Leftover merchandise can be purchased online after the event.
Merch Pre-Orders
Snagged some pre-order merch? Swing by the merch booth during the expo or on race day to pick it up—just show your order number or confirmation email! Can’t grab it that weekend? No worries—we’ll refund you within 2 weeks or ship it for $7. Just let us know!
POST RACE
Post Race
Post-Race
INFORMATION
Our race photographers will take photos of runners on the course and at the finish line. FinisherPix will provide these race photos. Photos are usually available the week following the race, and we will email all runners to notify them when they are ready. To ensure you can find your photos, please always keep your bib number visible on your stomach during the race. Bibs worn on legs are easily obstructed or missed.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the top 5 male and female Masters 40+ runners. 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. We do not currently give age group awards for the non-binary category.
PLEASE NOTE that we cannot give place medals before the awards ceremony. If you need to leave before the awards ceremony, we can mail you your award after the event for a shipping fee.We’ve teamed up with Laure innovative tracking system to ensure your friends and family can follow your race in real-time — no phone or watch needed. Laurel estimates your position between checkpoints based on pacing data, providing accurate, real-time updates and predicted finish times. Want text updates? Supporters can opt in for free text notifications when you reach key points along the course.
Race results can be found here after the event. Please note that the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line. Since our age group winners are determined by chip time, it’s possible to finish before someone else in your age group while still having a slower overall time than they do. Masters and overall awards are based on gun time—top competitors should start at the front. Age division and team awards are based on chip time; your time will not start until you cross the start line. If you start toward the back, expect a delay before crossing the start line; please be courteous as the race begins.
Never forget how hard you trained for this.
You worked hard for your seconds. You trained on cold Tuesday mornings, endured the inconvenience of consistency, and traded your comfort for the finish line.
Make It Personal exists for these seconds that shaped you. Your time, precision engraved on 100% anodised aluminium. 100% compatible with every race medal.
You can pre-order before race day and get your iTAB sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out, you can still order online later.There is no official lost and found. If we find lost items, we will hold onto them for 14 days. Unclaimed items will be donated. Submit the online form to check if we have found your item.
The medical area at the finish line is for athletes only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical area prevents medical staff from doing their job. If you need information on an athlete receiving medical attention, please wait outside the area for updates.
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib.
The chip looks like a sticker — do not fold your bib.
No chip = no recorded time.
The timing chip is disposable; after the race you can throw it away or keep it. If participating in more than one event this weekend, plan to keep your bib for each race.
Overall awards are based on gun time — top competitors should start at the front.Food bags (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and chocolate milk available.
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Please help yourself to one food bag, chocolate milk, and banana per runner.
Gear Check pickup near the finish line area.
Designated photo spots and props at our beautiful finish line.
Merchandise tent will be set up after the race near the finish line.
Shirt exchange available at the finish line if your race shirt doesn’t fit. Note: sizes and quantities may be limited and exchanges can only be done after the Half Marathon.
Half Marathon awards ceremony at 8:45 AM near the finish line.You are the backbone of every event we host, and your feedback is the best way to enhance them. We would love to hear from you in our post-race survey, which will be emailed after the event.
Rocky Mountain Half Marathon
COURSE RECORDS
Course record holders are rewarded with a complimentary race entry every year if their record time is unbeaten. We currently do not have non-binary course record for this race.
Overall Recors Holders
Category
Record
Athlete
Year
Overall Male
1:14:53
David Cardenas
2021
Overall Female
1:29:03
Chelsea Bennis
2016
Masters Records
Category
Record
Athlete
Year
Masters Male
1:26:59
Gerald Romera
2015
Masters Female
1:37:136
Ruby Bode
2022
EXPERIENCES
Experiences
BOOK YOUR ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEEKEND STAY WITH HOTELPLANNER
You’re officially in for Rocky Mountain race weekend — now lock in your race weekend home base. HotelPlanner is our official lodging partner, offering exclusive rates for runners, friends, and family, plus 24/7 support if plans change. The page is set up with race weekend dates and lodging near the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Know Before
You Go!
All visitors are required to purchase a pass in order to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. If you already own a National Parks Annual Pass, you’re good to go! Otherwise, you can purchase one at the park entrance or just a single day park pass.
Rocky Mountain National Park uses a timed entry reservation system to avoid overcrowding and spread out visitors in the park. Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov. Make sure to reserve your spot!
Visit here for more information and to help plan your visit. Please take hikes seriously and act responsibly. Check the NPS website and check with park rangers to get up-to-date trail conditions. Remember these parks belong to all of us—leave nothing but footprints.
Popular
RESTAURANTS
FAQS
Yes, for the Half Marathon only. There will be a bib pickup tent near the start line. It will open at 4:15 AM race morning. 5K and Elk Double runners must pick up their bib at the expo on Friday by 5pm.
Yes, as long as they have a photo of your ID or a copy of your registration confirmation email.
We love dogs but they are not allowed on course. The Half Marathon and 5K courses are on paved roads and trails and are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Just be mindful of other participants and stay to the right when possible.
Yes. We want you to be able to run together. The only exception is the Blue Wave for overall award competitors. Please leave the room at the front for those competing based on gun time.
Yes. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Approach via Highway 7 and turn onto Manford Avenue to be directed to available lots. We recommend arriving early to avoid congestion, especially on race morning.
Yes, but not until after the race. We pre-order race shirts based on registration sizing requests. To ensure that all participants can get the size they originally requested, we don’t offer exchanges until post-race at the finish line area.
You may defer your entry to any Vacation Races Half Marathon, or Trailfest event. Deferrals are processed on the Let’s Do This registration platform. An administration fee of 50% of the 2026 registration fee will be charged. You will pay this fee when you register for the 2027 race. The deferral will expire after the 2027 event, and you will not be able to defer your registration again.
You can transfer your race entry to another person online until the Wednesday before the event or in person at the expo. The original runner pays a $30 transfer fee. Only the race entry transfers; add-ons such as merchandise or photos do not transfer and are non-refundable. The new runner will pay the current race price.
All registration fees are non-refundable. This race, in accordance with management executives, city officials, and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes, such as inclement weather, a pandemic, or a threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided. We offer Refund Protect. When selected, it covers refunds if you’re unable to run due to qualifying reasons.
No, race participants do not need a National Park Pass. The race start and finish area is in Estes Park and does not require a pass. However, if you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park before or after the race, you will need a park pass and should reserve a timed entry permit in advance at recreation.gov.
All masters and overall awards are based on gun time. If you intend to compete for these awards, you should be in the first (Blue) wave. If you start further back, your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line, but overall placement is still based on gun time, which may disqualify you from overall awards.
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