we have two elite programs:
1. Colorado Half Marathon Showdown – Prize purse of $22,560 for Coloradoans.
2. For All Runners – Event Records – Set a new event record and win $1,000. Set a new state record, win an additional $1,000. Marathon and Half Marathon.
Special thank you to Altra, Presenting sponsor of the Elite Programs.
Altra has one goal: help runners Stay Out There™. We design shoes that help you do what you love, for more miles and more years, with our unique Altra Fit that keeps you comfortable, strong, and balanced.
COLORADO HALF MARATHON SHOWDOWN - Prize Pool For Coloradoans
2026 will be our 2nd annual Colorado Half Marathon Showdown. Applications will be accepted starting in early January 2026.
2025 Winning Athletes
Male
- Emad Bashir-Mohammed (Aurora, CO) – 1:03:05 – new course record – ($5280 +$1000)
- Lawrence Kipkoech (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:03:17 ($3000)
- Talbi Zouhair (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:04:03 ($2000)
- Gilbert Boit (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:04:59 ($1000)
Female
- Ednah Kurgat (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:14:36 ($5280)
- Rachael Rudel (Fort Collins, CO) – 1:17:10 ($3000)
- Annmarie Kirkpatrick (Fort Collins, CO) – 1:20:43) ($2000)
- Erica Ruiz Murillo (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:22:05 ($1000)
For 2025, we were excited to announce a new prize pool for Colorado runners. Our mission is to support the community, and we offer a $150,000 prize pool to charity through our relay program. In 2025, we are happy to support the community of Colorado runners as well. Total prize purse is $22,560.
Eligible runners – Current Colorado resident for at least 6 months, current USATF Colorado association member, raised/educated in Colorado, or Colorado collegiate athlete. More eligibility details are provided on the application.
Setting a New Event Record - and State Record
Can you beat our event records? If you win and set a new event record in the Marathon or Half Marathon, you will receive $1,000!* If you win and set a new state record, you will receive an additional $1,000!
*Legal stuff: open to male and female winners, only one winner per year, you must win AND set the new record.
Event Records
- Tyler McCandless, 2022 Men’s Marathon 2:21:08
- Laurel Kruger, 2024 Women’s Marathon 2:50:54
- Emad Bashir-Mohammed, 2025 Men’s Half 1:03:05
- Biruktayit Degefa, 2021 Women’s Half 1:11:48
(Note – the above are based on gun time)
State Records
- Norberto Segure (Rawhide-1984) Men’s Marathon 2:18:06
- Mizuho Nasukawa (Rock N Roll-2012) Women’s Marathon 2:37:05
- Mario Macias (Georgetown to Idaho Springs-2011) Men’s Half 1:02:50
- Sara Vaughn, (Fall Equinox) Women’s Half 1:10:54
How to Apply
As of January 2026, Applications for our 2026 Elite Athlete program have now opened. To receive an application, email becki@runcolfax.org
