Half Marathon races near Fort Carson

The Colorado Springs Marathon begins and ends on Vermijo Street adjacent to the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, placing the main event in downtown Colorado Springs from the outset. The series takes place each fall, featuring a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and Kids K, with virtual options available for each distance for participants unable to attend in person. This event is family-oriented, including a race expo and packet pickup prior to race day, along with exhibitor booths at the finish line. The marathon route proceeds west on Colorado Avenue, descends into America the Beautiful Park, and then follows the Greenway Trail north through Monument Valley Park. Participants will encounter varied terrain: concrete for the initial mile of the Greenway Trail, followed by hard-packed pea gravel, and then paved paths along the Greenway and Santa Fe trails before returning towards downtown. The courses wind through parks and past historic monuments, with the finish line situated back at the Pioneers Museum. This marks the series' 13th year, attracting participants from across the nation, and has reached capacity in recent years.

The Colorado Cold Rush Ultra begins and ends at Bear Creek Regional Park in Colorado Springs, situated at the base of the mountains. Snow is possible at higher elevations along the course. This winter trail race offers three distances: 50k, half marathon, and 10k. The 10k follows a lower-elevation dirt trail, accumulating 912 feet of elevation gain with a brief section of moderately technical terrain. The half marathon is a challenging out-and-back course along historic High Drive, featuring 2,847 feet of climbing. The 50k is the most demanding option, ascending 5,500 feet and crossing elevations from 6,175 to 9,090 feet. The 50k course starts at Bear Creek, ascends High Drive, proceeds onto Gold Camp Road, and turns around at the junction of Gold Camp and Old Stage Road. Participants will see views of Colorado Springs and pass through historic gold-rush tunnel areas, giving the route a distinct local character. Aid stations will provide Tailwind, Muir gels, fruit, soda, and assorted snacks. Cheyenne Canon offers hot food, including bacon, quesadillas, and potatoes. Crews can access North Cheyenne Canon with a standard vehicle, but the road to Gold Stage is narrow, winding, and washboarded, often experiencing snow, making 4WD highly advisable.