Check out the 2025 Map – including the zoo mile! There are 2 new miles this year – wrapping around the City Park Golf Course with view of the golf course and mountains. Please note – each year there will be some tweaks based on general construction and Denver Zoo exhibits/construction.
Details –
A runner favorite, the new course keeps the epic mile in Denver Zoo, a once a year chance for you to be watched by rhinos, elephants, camels, monkeys, tigers, lions, rhinos, hippos, and more. The NEW zoo mile detailed map will be posted this winter/spring.
You’ll experience vibrant Colfax with iconic spots like VooDoo Donuts, Colfax local shops, and Cathedral Basilica. Stellar mountain views abound as you head downtown. The course also takes you by the Capitol, Civic Center Park, 16th Street Mall, and the Convention Center. While you’re running through downtown, you’ll run through Denver Fire Station #1 and get high-fives by a row of firefighters. This is the only race in the country with a fire station run-through!
The homestretch will be running along 17th Avenue, passing restaurants and historic buildings, before entering Denver’s beautiful City Park for a great after party on the lake with over 20,000 new friends.
Check out your highlights mile by mile (approximate):
- 1st – 3rd Mile – City Park – Lake, Fountains, Statues, Tennis Pavilions, Golf Course
- 4th Mile – Denver Zoo
- 4th – 5th Mile – Denver Museum of Nature and Science, Historic Montview Blvd
- 6th Mile – Denver Museum Nature Science, Lake-side, Pavilion
- 7th Mile – Eclectic Colfax – Lion’s Lair, Pete’s Kitchen, Voodoo Doughnuts, Fillmore Theater
- 8th Mile – Colfax – Cathedral Basilica, Capitol, Civic Center Park, Firestation run-through
- 9th Mile – Convention Center, Lawrence, 16th Street Mall Crossover
- 10th Mile – 17th Street Business District, heart of the city
- 11th -12th Mile – 17th Avenue – boutique restaurants, bars, classic architecture
- 13th Mile – Old Denver neighborhoods, homestretch into City Park
Denver Zoo - 1 mile detailed map

Click here to see the map enlarged!
Elevation Map
Click here to see the elevation map
PHOTO TOUR

aa-city-parkThe half marathon starts and finishes in Denver's Iconic City Park

af-DSC_170936,000 shoes pounded the pavement in 2015

cc-front_entry_9089_dpThe only race to run through Denver Zoo. Baltimore is the only other race to have a marathon/half run through a zoo

ce-dall_sheep_2395_dpSheep Mountain - a turn of events - the dall sheep are watching You

ck-20120427_toyota-elephant-passage_exhibit_5143CBPrayer flags - "The Colfax Marathon is an event that the city goes ape for every year", per Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "With the half marathon race snaking through Denver Zoo, runners will get to enjoy a lion's share of racing fun in one of Denver's greatest cultural gems."

cl-20120425_toyota-elephant-passage_elephant-bodhi_5088CB

cn-DSC_4433Elephants can run 25 mph.

co-zoo_1Two favorites battling it out. Patrick Rizzo (left) held the Colfax Half Marathon record for several years.

cr-DSC_42871 hump or two?

ct-ColfaxMarathon_130519_074910_4265lightenedThis Rhino runs

da-DMNS_PORTRAIT_SELECTS0001Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of Denver's premiere

061Irish Snug

005Great Street Art

016Capitol Building

ee-ColfaxMarathon_130519_084945_0307lightenedbyrassmanThe only half marathon in the world to run through a working firestation.

2014 CMarathon JF 140518 092028 2612 2Union Station

DSC 1944Downtown running

klColorado Firefighter Calendar cheer on runners at Mile 11 - these guys and gals raise money for Children's Burn Center as well as motivate runners

km-DSC_4842Not all of the Colorado Firefighter Calendar is male! These firefighters work hard to raise spirits and money for the Burn Center

la-DSC_5077Great place for family and friends to watch

lm-DSC_5046Great way to conquer the half is with all your friends.

lp-DSC_2077Cheers to all who joined us

mn-DSC_5082Denver's largest outdoor beer garden is at the Colfax Marathon Finish Line

mpDSC_2149City Park's famous fountain used to take 3 men and a rowboat to operate