Follow the Course in detail – we have described the course in sections for you, which corresponds to the above easy-to-read visual map. If you like more detailed maps, click here for the official pdf certified map, and click here for the Map My Run interactive map.
Section 1: Urban River :
Start the race with Thousands of runners and experience the best of Colfax, downtown and the epic stadium run-through - 6.4 miles
Starting on the East side of Ferril Lake in City Park, runners round the lake, leave the park and head south on the picturesque Esplanade. Then it’s west on Colfax past shops, pubs, and restaurants before heading downtown, passing the Capitol and Civic Center Park. Runners run through Denver's Firestation #1, cheered on by the firefighters, and then head down to the Cherry Creek Trail and creekside running, with great views of the DCPA dancer statues and downtown. Run through the Confluence and it’s onto Platte River, towards Elitch Gardens, and then head straight to Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium for an epic stadium run-through.
Section 2: No Groans at Sloan’s:
This stretch of Colfax and Sloan’s Lake is flat, fast and phenomenal - 3.9 miles
It’s a short climb out of the stadium area, then onto Colfax for a great mix of retro and storefronts. Then it's north on Perry to picturesque Sloan’s Lake. Runners enjoy a full loop of the lake with stunning mountain and downtown views, as well as a look at the new marina area. It's flat, fast and phenomenal.
Section 3: Eclectic Mile High:
West Colfax, outdoor art and the hidden neighborhoods of The Glens - 5.6 miles
Leaving Sloan’s Lake, runners head west on Colfax. Enjoy mountain views, retro architecture and Casa Bonita, where the course departs Colfax. Then it’s on to the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design campus, where outdoor art mixes with great architecture. This is one of the great surprises near Colfax – it was the original Jewish Consumptive's Relief Society. Runners then pass pretty Morse Park before entering a hidden gem of Lakewood – The Glens neighborhood, with graceful shade trees and white picket fences. Returning to Colfax, by Rockley Music.
Section 4: Screaming Downhill:
The fast downhill cruise back to Denver - 4.0 miles
Ready – set – go! It's a fast downhill cruise from Lakewood back to Denver. Starting near the Whitlock Rec Center (near Dover and Colfax) the course heads straight down Colfax. Runners pass fun architecture and venues such as the Big Bunny Motel, Putt n Pub, and the Lakewood Steam Baths, and wonderful street art such as the barber pole man and the gigantic gorilla face. Most of this run offers terrific panoramic views of Denver's skyline. The leg wraps up on the west Esplanade at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium.
Section 5: Downtown River Trek:
An epic stadium run through, river running, downtown and on to the grand finale - 6.3 miles
It's the grand finale. Runners head straight into the stadium for an epic stadium run through, then cross over to run on the Platte River by Elitches and Confluence Park, the course rejoins the Cherry Creek Trail, passing "Venice on the Creek" punting. Exiting at Lawrence takes runners on a fun tour across the 16th Street Mall, under the Tabor Center, and then uphill out 17th Avenue passing great restaurants and Victorians. Runners stay on 17th until they enter City Park at 21st, with the grand finale between beautiful Ferril Lake and the vast meadows next to the Museum of Nature and Science.