The Horsetooth Half Marathon will take you on a scenic point-to-point journey from Hughes Stadium, the former home of the CSU Rams, to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery. On the way you’ll tackle the challenging hills of Centennial Drive along the shorelines of the shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir, …
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The Horsetooth Half Marathon will take you on a scenic point-to-point journey from Hughes Stadium, the former home of the CSU Rams, to the finish line party at New Belgium Brewery. On the way you’ll tackle the challenging hills of Centennial Drive along the shorelines of the shimmering Horsetooth Reservoir, before you head for the famed finish line party on the downhill Poudre River recreation trail. Whether an elite runner or a first time half marathoner, the Horsetooth Half Marathon offers a challenging yet surprisingly fast course, with a net loss in elevation.
The Horestooth Half Marathon course offers stunning views of the Fort Collins skyline between the iconic peaks of Horsetooth Mountain and Arthur’s Rock. The opening five miles of the course will deliver these views across azure waters as you make your way along the eastern shoreline of Horsetooth Reservoir on the hills of Centennial Drive.
The start of the race begins at 5,195 feet above sea level and takes runners on a nearly 500-ft. climb to the top of “Monster Mountain” at mile 1.7. After the big opening climb, the course follows the eastern shoreline of Horsetooth Reservoir, rolling past the ‘A’ Hill and North Dam Hill (5,579′) on a net downhill trajectory. Runners begin their eastward journey to the finish at New Belgium Brewing with the final climb of the course over Bingham Hill (5,252′).
After climbing Bingham Hill it is all downhill along the Cache la Poudre recreational trail into The New Belgium Finish Line Party and post-race expo in Old Town Fort Collins. The party includes free New Belgium beer for those over 21, post-race food, raucous live music and giveaways at the sponsor expo and awards ceremony. Once you’ve had your fill, jump on a free shuttle bus back to the Holiday Twin Drive-In to pick up your car.
Your race registration fee includes free entry into the famed New Belgium Finish Line Party. Those wishing to enjoy free beers from New Belgium will need to provide proof of age, so don’t forget to bring your ID. Runners will have the option to show proof of age at packet pickup on Saturday. Runners showing proof of age at packet pickup will have to attach their Over 21 wristband then and keep it on until their finish the next day.
Fort Collins favorite hangout, the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant will be serving up hearty post-race food for all finishers.
The party will be energized by live music from our headline act – to be announced – who’ll play either side of the awards and prize giving. The party alone will be worth the price of your race entry. Consider the race itself an added perk.
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A,nice morning workout to get the day go
It's a,race but it's a,race thst needs to be paced. 1st 2 miles are the most difficult then the rest goes smoother. The downhill at bingham hill needs to be … MORE
It’s a,race but it’s a,race thst needs to be paced. 1st 2 miles are the most difficult then the rest goes smoother.
The downhill at bingham hill needs to be paced or quads will hate you a long time
The last 6ish miles are not that exciting but thst happens on the poudre trail
Hills!
This race challenges you with 4 tough hills in the first 7 miles, but the last 6 are mostly flat. It has beautiful scenery. The race is well run with … MORE
This race challenges you with 4 tough hills in the first 7 miles, but the last 6 are mostly flat. It has beautiful scenery. The race is well run with good aid stations.
The finish line festival was fun with beer, burritos and music.
The weather was perfect this year, but there is always a risk of rain or snow.
I will likely do it again.