Half Marathon Course Overview

The 2023 Certified course is shown below.   The 2024 map will be posted this winter/spring as we are making some minor changes for city construction and the ending of the zoo construction project.  The iconic elements such as the zoo mile, Firestation #1 and downtown will all be part of 2024.   NOTE – The zoo mile will be changed from 2023 as construction in Denver Zoo on Down Under will be completed – offering runners a more streamlined and wider zoo mile.

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 – Voodoo Donuts, Irish Snug, 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

Elevation Map

Click here to see the elevation map

PHOTO TOUR