5K races near Severance

The Long View Marathon runs point to point between Fort Collins and Loveland in northern Colorado. The full marathon begins at Edora Park and concludes at Fairgrounds Park. The same finish area hosts the half marathon, which starts at Fossil Creek Park, and a 5K centered on Fairgrounds Park. The races occur in October, with staggered morning starts for the marathon, half marathon, and 5K. The route incorporates sections of the Long View and Front Range bike paths, meaning the longer races utilize a paved-path corridor instead of a closed downtown loop. Packet pickup is available at Altitude Running in Fort Collins prior to race day and at each race’s start area on race morning, subject to a strict cutoff. Marathon and half-marathon prizes feature custom works by local artist Amy Hayman, gift cards to local businesses, overall awards, and age-group prizes; the 5K offers overall and masters awards.

The Pelican Lakes Turkey Trot is an annual 5K organized by run.Windsor at Pelican Lakes. Runners and walkers share the same family-friendly race, suitable for those seeking a holiday run or families moving at a relaxed pace. The event supports local causes. Athletes In Tandem and the Weld Food Bank benefit from the race, and Windsor Gives is tied to the run.Windsor Race Series. At the finish, participants receive free beer and mimosas, with mimosas donated by High Country Beverage.

The NCMC Turkey Trot begins near North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, on Thanksgiving morning. The CardioVascular Institute of North Colorado organizes this event, offering runners and walkers a USATF-certified 5K and a shorter 2K Gobler Trek fun run. The 5K begins first, with the 2K starting shortly after, allowing families to select between a timed race or a more casual holiday activity. The start is located on the east side of North Colorado Medical Center, and the finish line is on 16th Street directly in front of the hospital. The event attracts participants of all ages and skill levels, with competitive runners positioned at the front, ahead of those with strollers or wagons. It ranks as one of Northern Colorado’s significant holiday gatherings, and its proceeds benefit cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs, providing financial assistance to patients unable to afford rehabilitation otherwise.

At Toy Drop, runners bring a new, unwrapped toy to the start line before choosing a 5K, 10K, or 15K in Loveland, Colorado. The race is held around Christmas time, starts and finishes at Berthoud Brewing, and also offers virtual versions of the same three distances. The 5K and 15K start at 9 a.m., with the 10K following five minutes later. The route uses Loveland city roads and bike paths, including parts of town the organizers say they had not highlighted before this race. The toy donation and race proceeds support Realities for Children, a Larimer County organization serving children who have suffered abuse, neglect, homelessness, or other at-risk situations. Realities for Children provides emergency funds, necessary items, activities, and outreach through partner agencies, and its model is backed by more than 250 local business members.

The Resolution Run in Fort Collins is an after-dark 5K on neighborhood streets, starting and finishing at Edora Pool Ice Center (EPIC). It is one of the city’s oldest races and is built for a broad crowd: runners, walkers, kids, strollers, and dogs are all welcome. The course uses low-traffic residential roads, but it is still a Rules of the Road run, so participants must follow traffic laws and yield to cars when needed. Glow sticks are handed out, bright clothes and lights are encouraged, chocolate is part of the post-race setup, and anyone finishing under 20:26 earns a special prize. Entry includes a long-sleeve shirt, glow sticks, and a finisher memento, with possible open skating at EPIC afterward if rink time is secured.

Lucky Brew is a St. Patrick’s-themed race day on the Great Western Trail in Severance, Colorado, offering 5K, 10K, 15K, half marathon, and Kids Fun Run options. All distances start and finish at Severance Community Park, accommodating runners seeking an early-season test and families attending the shorter kids’ event. The 5K follows a 0.6-mile loop within Severance Park, while longer races extend beyond the park onto the trail. Finishers receive chip timing, photos, and a performance shirt. The post-race meal includes corned beef, cabbage, coffee, energy drinks, beer, seltzer, non-alcoholic drinks, and green beer from Peculier Brewing Company. Overall winners get custom clay mugs, age-group leaders receive gift cards, and half marathon finishers are awarded a medal. The event benefits the Great Western Trail Foundation and other local nonprofits, and it is one of four run.Windsor races qualifying for BOLDERBoulder.

The Colorado Marathon is a road race in Fort Collins, typically held on the first weekend of May. It includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and a children's run. The full marathon begins early, attracting thousands of participants, ranging from local residents running shorter distances to marathoners aiming for a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualification. The marathon route follows the Poudre River Canyon for most of its distance before entering Fort Collins' natural areas and concluding in the city. This predominantly downhill course is a significant draw; in its initial four years, 18% of participants achieved a Boston Marathon qualifying time. Originally named the Fort Collins Old Town Marathon, the event maintains a local focus through charity entries, which are priced higher with proceeds directed to local charitable organizations.