Marathon Run In Denver Sunday, May 17, 2026

 Nadene Goldfoot                                                    

         May 20, 2018

The 20th annual Denver Colfax Marathon weekend takes place May 15–17, 2026. The main race day featuring the Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10 Miler, and Marathon Relay is Sunday, May 17, 2026.  More than 27,000 runners are expected to participate in the 20th annual Denver Colfax Marathon weekend, which includes the main races on Sunday, May 17, 2026. 

                                         Sunday, May 17, 2026, Race Details:

• Main Events: Marathon, Half Marathon, Urban 10 Miler, and the Marathon Relay.               
  
  Our 26.2 mile marathon runner, Kaliq  Washington, caretaker at Brookdale, Oswego Springs/ Portland, Oregon.  Kaliq or Kali has an edge;  he's from Denver and happy to be back racing here.  Let's hope that helps.  
• Total Expected Participants: The total weekend (including Saturday's 5K) expects over 27,000, with a large portion of those running on Sunday.
• Status: Many of the Sunday races, including the Half Marathon and Marathon Relay, were reported as sold out or selling out quickly as of mid-April 2026.
•      Where to start?  It's a Boston Qualifier.  
• Each year, thousands of runners aspire to toe the line at the Boston Marathon. In order to do so, they need to run a qualifying race at a USATF-sanctioned marathon in the 12 months preceding Boston registration in September.  In truth, for Boston hopefuls, it’s not enough to beat the qualifying time for their age group and gender. You have to beat it by quite a hefty margin (known as the Boston “cutoff time”) to actually secure a spot in the race. The qualifying times for the 2026 race were adjusted, and now runners had to be 4:34 minutes faster than the listed time—and still nearly 9,000 runners didn’t make it into the race.Again, for 2027, the BAA will adjust qualifying race times based on net elevation loss of marathons.  
• For example: a 30-year-old man must have run a marathon in 2h55 or less to be eligible. A woman of the same age must have completed a time of 3h25 or less 🏃‍♀️. But be careful: meeting the criteria does not automatically guarantee a spot 🎫. During the registration period, if the number of candidates exceeds the capacity, the BAA selects the fastest within each category 🏁. That’s where having a “buffer” (a margin on your qualifying time) becomes crucial ✅.
• This marathon goes through Empower Field at Mile High twice, along miles of water, through a fire station, & ranked by Runner’s World!  Finish your 26.2 into a huge post-race party with live music, food, & drinks.

The big surprise to most of us is that these marathon runners must pay to run.  They win no money in return, only a medal or two or three.  

Entry fees for the 2026 Denver Colfax Marathon (May 17, 2026) are roughly $149–$159+ as of March/April 2026, with prices increasing as the event gets closer, particularly after April 16th, 2026. As of early March, the marathon was already 90% full, and fees for this 20th Anniversary event include a shirt, medal, and various on-course entertainment. 

Location: The race begins at Empower Field at Mile High.

Course Features: The course runs through the Denver Zoo and a fire station.  The Denver Colfax Half Marathon features the only race course that runs directly through the Denver Zoo, offering a "Zoo Mile" where participants pass giraffes, lions, penguins, and other animals. This annual May event serves as the primary, unique opportunity to experience the zoo during a race, often featuring in social media posts as part of the urban marathon experience. The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance

      (These must be the 4 males sticking together like a pack)

 hosts a vibrant, growing herd of reticulated giraffes and a pride of seven African lions (four male, three female) in their Predator Ridge habitat. Recent updates include the addition of baby giraffe Thorn and four new lion cubs, alongside regular, up-close viewing of adults like Jasiri, Panya, and BB.

A Denver cheetah passed away at age 8.  

The cheetah is officially recognized as the fastest land animal, capable of reaching speeds between 104 and 120 km/h (\(65\text{--}75\) mph) in short bursts. They are built for acceleration, capable of going from 0 to 97 km/h (\(60\) mph) in under three seconds.The Denver Zoo has historically housed cheetahs, specifically popular twin brothers named Marvin and Mojo who arrived in 2012. While Marvin passed away in 2018, the zoo has featured cheetahs as part of their species conservation efforts. Past Residents: Marvin and Mojo were long-term residents and fan favorites. Location: They are usually found in the cheetah habitat at the Denver Zoo.

The question comes up:  Why become a marathon runner?  People run marathons for a mix of mental, physical, and social motivations, primarily to push their personal limits, achieve a major life goal, and improve fitness. It acts as a stress-relieving discipline that fosters mental clarity, community connection, and a sense of profound accomplishment, often marking a significant milestone on a "bucket list." 

They were probably fast runners in school during races and enjoyed the feeling, wanting to continue.  

Champoeg State Heritage Area features scenic Willamette River views, historic sites, and lush rural landscapes, popular for camping, hiking, and photography. Key sights include the Newell House Museum, Manson Barn, a visitor center, and picnic areas often used for events. 

26 miles away from Oswego Springs/Portland, Oregon are such running spots as:  1. Champoeg State Heritage Area: Near Newberg/St. Paul, offering hiking, biking, and historical sites. 2. Molalla River State Park: Located near Canby. 3. Reuter Hill: Located near Washington County farmland.Regional Landmarks:Portland International Airport (PDX): About 20–25 miles away, depending on the route.Mount Angel: A town known for its Bavarian architecture and Abbey.