Scenic destination races in the Colorado Mountain Half+ Series run through picture-perfect landscapes and benefit local youth organizations.

(Featured image: Courtesy of Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon/Colorado Mountain Half+ Series)

Colorado is a (trail) runner’s dream, with the Rocky Mountains and several national forests just west of Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Given the higher elevation, scenic destination races here are bound to leave you breathless — literally and figuratively.

The Colorado Mountain Half+ Series, sponsored and managed by Hal Sports, includes four half marathons and one 25K for a total distance of 67.9 miles. Each race on the list boasts exquisite mountain landscapes, and no two offer the same experience.

Sign up for the point-to-point Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half Marathon, which takes runners from one historic mining town to another and is just an hour west of Denver. Or take in spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park while running the Estes Park Half Marathon, about an hour northwest of Boulder.

If you’re looking to stay close to the cities, the NedNed Trail Fest is another great option. This challenging half marathon loop has 1,408 feet of elevation gain and is just a 30-minute drive from Boulder.

The other two races on the list require more travel but are worthwhile road trips. Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon runs through Ouray, nicknamed the “Switzerland of America.” The Lead King Loop 25K is a challenging mountainside climb that starts and ends in the historic mining town of Marble and is both runner and hiker-friendly.

Looking for a half marathon training plan? Here are 15 to consider.

Register for several races in the series through the Colorado Mountain Half+ Series website to receive a discount and compete in the Series Standings. Individual race registration is also available at the race links below. The proceeds from each race support local youth organizations.

Explore more details of the five scenic destination races in the Colorado Mountain Half+ Series, listed by calendar date:

• Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon
• Georgetown to Idaho Springs (GTIS) Half Marathon
• Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon and 10K
• NedNed Trail Fest 5K, 10K, and Half
• Lead King Loop 25K

Training for a high-altitude destination race at sea level? Read these tips.

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Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon

June | Estes Park, Colorado | Marathon, Half Marathon, 5-Miler
Views of Rocky Mountain National Park along the Estes Park Marathon & Half Marathon courses are unbeatable. This high-elevation race starts at 9,134 feet and finishes at 7,550, with a 1,500-foot descent over the first 7 miles. The half and full marathons have the same start and finish lines, and buses take you from the parking area near the finish to the start line. Expect a mix of road, dirt, and paved multi-use trails.

Consider signing up for the Shining Twin Challenge to run the Longs Peak 5 Miler on Saturday, followed by the half marathon on Sunday. The historic Stanley Hotel, where Stephen King was inspired to write his novel The Shining, is just a stone’s throw away from the finish line at Lake Estes and worth a quick visit while you’re in town.

*Only the Estes Park Half Marathon distance is part of the Colorado Mountain Half+ Race Series.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 74 degrees; low of 43 degrees; average of 58 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 1,584-foot net elevation loss (half and full marathons)
• Historical Results: https://sodisp.com/events/estes-park-marathon/marathon
• Time Limit: 7 hours (marathon)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 90-minute drive from Denver International Airport

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Georgetown to Idaho Springs (GTIS) Half Marathon

August | Georgetown, Colorado | Half Marathon
The GTIS Half Marathon is one of Colorado’s oldest half marathons, running for more than 45 years and counting. Catch a bus from Idaho Springs to the race’s start line at Georgetown Lake. The mostly paved point-to-point course has an overall net elevation loss of 1,000 feet, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy downhill run. Starting at 8,500 feet in elevation, you’ll find some rolling hills and a challenging final climb before crossing the finish line in Idaho Springs. Stick around for the race after party featuring a live band. The towns of Georgetown and Idaho Springs were established in 1859 during the Colorado gold rush and still have plenty of historic character to explore. Note: This race is cupless. Remember to bring your own hydration container!

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 75 degrees; low of 47 degrees; average of 61 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: Approximately 1,000 feet in net elevation loss
• Historical Results: https://www.gtishalf.com/results
• Time Limit: 5 hours
• Race Swag: Gender-specific T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 75-minute drive from Denver International Airport

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Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon and 10K

August | Ouray, Colorado | Half Marathon, 10K
The town of Ouray and its mountainous surroundings have been called the “Switzerland of America.” There’s scenery to enjoy everywhere you look along the half marathon route from Ouray to Ridgeway, including potential wildlife sightings of bears, deer, camel, and a yak. The half marathon is on a dirt route with a gradual downhill, yet you’ll stay above 7,000 feet in elevation from start to finish. Note: This race is cupless. Remember to bring your own hydration container!

*Only the Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon distance is part of the Colorado Mountain Half+ Race Series.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 77 degrees; low of 51 degrees; average of 64 degrees
• Course Elevation Change: 785 feet in net elevation loss (half marathon)
• Historical Results: https://www.mtsneffelsmarathon.com/race-results-photos-archive
• Time Limit: 5 hours (half marathon)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 2-hour drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport; 6- to 6.5-hour drive from Denver International Airport

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NedNed Trail Fest 5K, 10K, and Half

September | Nederland, Colorado | Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
The NedNed Trail Fest has been around for more than 40 years, named after the town of Nederland’s nickname Ned. Nestled in the mountains just west of Boulder, Ned is known as the original location for the Frozen Dead Guys Festival. This September race showcases the area’s gorgeous fall colors. All distances start and finish at an elevation of 8,236 feet in Old Town Nederland. The challenging half marathon and 10K loops run on dirt roads and single track, while the 5K stays on the town’s paved roads. Note: This race is cupless. Remember to bring your own hydration container!

*Only the NedNed half marathon distance is part of the Colorado Mountain Half+ Race Series.

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 79 degrees; low of 48 degrees; average of 64 degrees (based on averages in Boulder)
• Course Elevation Change: 1,408-foot gain (half marathon); 712-foot elevation gain (10K)
• Historical Results: https://www.nednedtrailfest.com/results/
• Time Limit: Not listed (the half marathon and 10K are open to runners only)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal
• Distance from Airport: 70-minute drive from Denver International Airport

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Lead King Loop 25K

September | Marble, Colorado | 25K
Right in the heart of the Elk Mountains, the Lead King Loop 25K follows a dirt trail loop that starts and finishes in the historic mining town of Marble. It’s a challenging route! In the first 4 miles, you’ll climb about 2,900 feet, but the views are worth it. Runners, walkers, and hikers can participate in the 25K, and the option for an early start allows participants an extra 1.5 hours on the course. The route runs through the mining town of Crystal, past the iconic Crystal Mill, and along creeks and rivers. After you finish, enjoy a beer and a barbecue lunch. This event is capped at 200 participants and is known to sell out, so register early!

• Average Race Month Weather: High of 66 degrees; low of 31 degrees; average of 49 degrees (based on data from nearby Crested Butte)
• Course Elevation Change: 3,380-foot elevation change
• Historical Results: https://www.leadkingloop25k.com/results
• Time Limit: 6.5 hours (walkers and hikers); 5 hours (runners)
• Race Swag: T-shirt, finisher’s medal, lunch
• Distance from Airport: 2.5-hour drive from Grand Junction Regional Airport; 4- to 5-hour drive from Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport

*Average Race Month Weather is based on the National Weather Service’s historical data.

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