Denver Colfax Marathon

Course highlights

SECTION 1: URBAN RIVER – 6.4 MILES Picturesque Colfax, downtown and the epic stadium run-through – 6.4 miles Starting on the East side of Ferril Lake in City Park, runners leave the park at the Esplanade. Then it’s west on Colfax past shops, pubs, and restaurants before heading downtown, passing the Capitol and Civic Center Park. Run through Denver’s Firestation #1, cheered on by the firefighters, and then head down to the Cherry Creek Trail and the Confluence. Pass Elitch Gardens en route to Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium for the first run on the field – right through the stadium! SECTION 2: NO GROANS AT SLOAN’S – 3.7 MILES It’s a short climb out of the stadium, then onto Colfax for a great mix of retro and storefronts. At Sloan’s Lake, roll past the Dragon Boats, colorful drummers and dancers. Enjoy the stunning mountain and downtown views. It’s flat, fast and phenomenal. SECTION 3: ECLECTIC MILE HIGH – 6.0 MILES Leaving Sloan’s Lake, runners head west on Colfax. Enjoy mountain views, retro architecture and Casa Bonita, where the course departs Colfax. Then it’s on to the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design campus, where outdoor art mixes with great architecture. Pass pretty Morse Park before entering a hidden gem of Lakewood – The Glens neighborhood, with graceful shade trees and white picket fences. Meet your next runner at Rockley Music. SECTION 4: SCREAMING DOWNHILL – 4.0 MILES Ready – set – go! It’s a fast downhill cruise from Lakewood back to Denver. Starting near the Whitlock Rec Center (near Dover and Colfax) the course heads straight down Colfax. Runners pass fun architecture and venues such as the Big Bunny Motel, Putt n Pub, and the Lakewood Steam Baths, and wonderful street art. Most of this run offers terrific panoramic views of Denver’s skyline. The leg wraps up on the west Esplanade at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. SECTION 5: DOWNTOWN RIVER TREK – 6.1 MILES It’s the grand finale! Runners head straight into the stadium for the second stadium run through, then cross over to the Platte River by Elitches and Confluence Park. The course rejoins the Cherry Creek Trail. Exiting at Lawrence takes runners on a fun tour across the 16th Street Mall, under the Tabor Center, and then uphill out 17th Avenue passing great restaurants and Victorians. Enter City Park at 21st, with the grand finale between beautiful Ferril Lake and the meadows next to the Museum of Nature and Science. Meet up with your team to cross the finish line together!