Horsetooth Half Marathon
About this race
A classic point-to-point 13.1-mile road race in Fort Collins — 'Challenging. Rewarding. Net Downhill.' It climbs the infamous Monster Mountain before descending along Horsetooth Reservoir and the Cache la Poudre River trail to a finish-line party at New Belgium Brewing. Owned by the Fort Collins Running Club and managed by Gnar Runners.
Choose your distance
Half Marathon
What's included in your entry
- High-quality sublimated Headsweats race tee
- Finisher medal and pint glass
- A free New Belgium beer (21+)
- Post-race food, beverages and vendor expo
- Free shuttle bus back to the start parking
The course
The point-to-point course runs from Dixon Canyon Drive to New Belgium Brewing in Old Town, with views of the Fort Collins skyline between Horsetooth Mountain and Arthur's Rock. It starts at 5,195' and climbs nearly 500' in the first 1.7 miles to the summit of the infamous 'Monster Mountain' before its net-downhill run (net 237' loss).
From Monster Mountain the course rolls the eastern shore of Horsetooth Reservoir past 'A' Hill and North Dam Hill through mile 6.5, climbs Bingham Hill to mile 8.3, then runs all downhill along the Cache la Poudre trail into Old Town.
Five aid stations (miles 2.8, 4.8, 8.5, 10.3, 12.1) carry water, sports drink and gels. A $200 King/Queen of the Mountain prize goes to the first man and woman to the summit.
Race weekend timeline
Getting there & lodging
Directions
- Primary parking is the Holiday Twin Drive-In, 2206 S Overland Trail (enter from the south only) — about 3/4 mi from the start. Runner drop-off ('airport style') is available on Dixon Canyon Road until 8:00 am.
- Free shuttle buses return runners from the finish (Linden Center Drive) to the drive-in parking, 9:30 am–12:30 pm. A Recycled Cycles bike shuttle carries bikes to near the finish.
Good to know
- Entries are non-refundable; transfers allowed for a $20 fee (paid by the recipient) until Apr 9, and tiered deferrals are available. Field capped at 2,600; early-bird pricing starts at $45 and rises to $115 by race week.
- 4-hour time limit (18:20/mi). Bring ID for the 21+ free beer. Small gear bag (bib visible) transported to the finish.
- April weather: morning lows mid-30s, highs in the 60s — though snow and 80°F have both happened.
Awards
$12,000 cash purse — overall top 8 ($1,350 down to $100) plus a $500 course-record bonus; Masters (40+) top 3; non-binary top 3; FCRC members top 3; King/Queen of the Mountain $200 each. Age-group top 3 in 12 categories (18 & under through 70+).
Discounts, deferrals & transfers
Plans change. Discounts, deferral windows, and bib-transfer rules are the same across every Gnar Runners race — see the details on our Discounts & Deferrals page.
Who puts this on
Directed by Fort Collins Running Club, managed by Gnar Runners. Questions? Email racedirector@gnarrunners.com.