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FAQs

Where can I find information about Estes Park & Lodging?

Estes Park is the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.  Many visit this beautiful mountain town year round for outdoor adventures, festivals and a thriving Downtown. We encourage you to arrange a few days exploring our unique community and restaurants!

To help plan your travels, lodging, restaurants and events:

VISIT ESTES PARK

Featured Lodging & Dining along the course routes:

The Dao House,  6120 CO Hwy 7

 The 7 Keys Lodge, Dining, & Cocktails ,   4900 CO Hwy 7

Taharaa Mountain Lodge, 3110 South Saint Vrain Ave. (CO Hwy 7) & Twin Owls Steakhouse. 

Solitude Cabins & Lodge,  1885 Sketch Box Lane (across from Brodie Ave at the Finish Line track and field)

 

Is the Estes Park Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?

NO, the Estes Park Marathon is no longer a qualifier due to having DIRT trail surfaces on our course routes.  The dirt surfaces inhibit accurate measuring that is required for standardization.

I’d like to volunteer to help out. Whom should I contact?

We’d love to have your help! We have a variety of positions leading up to race weekend as well as on Saturday and Sunday at the races.

Please click on the Volunteer tab to contact us.

Or email us directly at [email protected]

How frequently will aid stations be placed?

Approximately every 2 miles throughout the marathon and half-marathon courses. All Aid Stations will have a Porta- let or a restroom (along the Lake Estes trail). Water, Gatorade and gels available.

What should I do if I encounter wildlife?

The most common animals you might see are elk, chipmunks, and deer. They will generally run away from you. Along the Lake Estes Trail there is a chance of seeing Elk, but please keep your distance from them. Do not approach wildlife and please report it at the next aid station.

What time will all the courses close?

12:00PM, MST  We keep our marathon course open for 7 hours.  Please start at 5AM if you need the full 7 hours to complete the course route.  Due to safety we must clear the course by Noon.  Thank you!

Can I register for an event on race day?

THERE IS NO RACE-DAY REGISTRATION FOR THE MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON. The last day to register for those two events will be at the Packet Pick-up and Orientation on Saturday. You may pick up your pre-registered packet starting at 4 A.M. on SUNDAY, race day.

Are walkers allowed on the courses?

Walkers are allowed—and encouraged—to participate in all the races. With a 7-hour course limit for the marathon, walkers will have time to complete the full course depending on walking pace. This equates to roughly 16 minutes per mile, or a speed of about 3.7 miles per hour. At mile 16, all marathon participants must pass the aid station by 10AM in order to arrive by NOON at the finish line.

There is a common start at 5:00 AM for ALL walkers (MARATHON & HALF MARATHON).  Please register for the first Shuttle to transport you to the Dao House start line.

Are wheelchairs (and hand crank cycles) allowed on the courses?

There are very steep declines with curves and 90-degree turns and as a policy we do not offer any form of cycling on courses.

May I run or walk in the dirt just off the side of the road or sidewalk?

It is risky running or walking on road shoulders due to the uneven nature of the dirt. You may do so at your own risk. It will not be groomed for the race. Most of the courses provide wide shoulders as well as multi-use paved paths.

Where should my friends and family and fans view the race?

Recommended viewing areas include:

  1. The start and finish lines
  2. Lake Estes Trail (North and South sides) access Long Draw or Lake Shore parking lots.
  3.  Along Dry Gulch Road (CO RD 63E) and CO RD 61- Marathon only.

Can I bring my dog on the course?

Sorry, we love our pets too, but this is not the best time for them. Pets are not allowed on the courses or at the Finish Line.  The School District does NOT allow dogs at the Track & Field.

How can I best acclimate to Estes Park’s elevation?

Estes Park is located at a HIGH altitude for any athletic event! You may experience problems associated with running or walking at elevations of 5000 feet and higher. We recommend that you arrive 2-3 days before the race, eat lightly, avoid alcohol, and drink a lot of fluids without caffeine. Runners, you should be prepared to walk parts of the course if you feel any signs of altitude sickness.

Fortunately, the Marathon & Half Marathon are downhill the first 6 – 7 miles, which can ease the stress of elevation.

Can I push my child in a baby jogger while I run or walk?

No. Parts of our marathon & half marathon courses have little or no shoulder, and auto traffic will be present. We’re concerned about your safety and that of your child and therefore request that you don’t use strollers or baby joggers.

The LONGS PEAK 5 MILER is along a multi-use trail that is detached from roadways. You are ALLOWED only on this course.  Enjoy!!

Can I wear earbuds or headphones?

We want participants to be safe and aware of their surroundings. Headphones create an unsafe situation in groups and they inhibit a person’s ability to hear the warning signs around them (i.e., a competitor, vehicle or wildlife approaching from behind). We recommend that you not wear headphones during the race.

If your device offers surrounding sound to help you be aware of your surroundings, use at your own risk.  The race organization is not responsible for lost earbuds or accidents resulting from devices.

Are the courses mostly sunny or mostly shady?

Sunny. Please wear sunscreen! In the mountains there is less atmosphere to absorb UV rays, so the risk of sunburn is greater than at lower elevations. According to the website for Rocky Mountain National Park, “Exposure to the sun is 40% greater above timberline.” Our courses are about 4000 ft. below timberline, but you get the idea — skin will burn faster here than at sea level. Bring and wear sunscreen. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Don’t leave your bare skin exposed to the sun.

Are the races professionally timed?

The courses are professionally timed by Hal Sports.  All race bibs will have a chip device that records individual start and finish times. The marathon will have a time mat at mile marker 13.1 to record your split.   The Marathon & Half Marathon have a “Rolling Start” that allows individuals to start at their leisure and help spread out runners along the very scenic CO-7 (3.8 mile stretch).  Enjoy!

Are the courses certified?

The marathon & half-marathon courses are NOT certified due to the dirt surfaces (trail) along Fish Creek Road. Runner post race surveys have consistently indicate preference to use a detached dirt surface trail as much as possible.

What is the marathon course elevation?

The highest point on the marathon course is 9134 feet at the start line. You can check the full course with elevation on the marathon page (link here)

What are the courses like?

Scenic, peaceful, not crowded, and ranked as “top 7 scenic in the USA” by Forbes magazine.  All races take place on mostly paved surfaces.  The Marathon & Half Marathon are downhill for the first 6.5 and 7 miles. The Marathon has additional climbing beginning at mile 12, but at mile 16 you will begin a gorgeous rolling descent that has full view of the snow capped mountain range!  For more information, see the map on the individual race pages.

What are the medals looking like ?

2023 Estes Park Marathon Finisher Medal
2023 Half Marathon Finisher Medal

I have a question that is not listed here ...

Contact Race Director at [email protected]

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