Rocky Mountain Race Day Guide

Welcome to the Rockies!

We hope your visit to Estes Park is enjoyable, and we also hope you make the time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park! We really try to capture the essence and experience of visiting a national park. We hope you have fun while you're here! Please respect and follow the guidelines and restrictions of our race, the National Park Service, and other local authorities.

“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.”
— John Muir

Rocky Mountain and its trails and lakes and peaks and flowers and wildlife and trees and rocks and rivers are filled with good tidings. Take this chance to get away from the hustle and bustle to listen to them. Whether you are hiking the trails or running the race, there is peace and nourishment here for you. How amazing that we have the privilege to run, hike, and explore here. Every visitor is a steward and has a responsibility to protect and respect the area for future generations. As a race participant we trust in your support to promote the ecology and sustainability of this unparalleled location. Happy exploring! – The Vacation Races Team

Note to runners: All of the following information is subject to change. If changes do occur due to unforeseen circumstances, adjustments will be made that will satisfy local permitting requirements while still delivering a top-tier running experience. We will inform our runners of any changes as soon as they are finalized so participants can comfortably prepare for their Vacation Races experience.

Schedule

July 31, 2026

12:00–5:00 PM
RACE EXPO & BIB PICKUP
5K and Elk Double runners must pick up bib by 5:00 PM
5:45 PM
5K RUNNERS LINE UP
6:00 PM
5K RACE START
7:00 PM
5K AWARDS CEREMONY

Pre-Race Expo

Expo

Date

Friday, July 31, 2026

Location

Stanley Park Ball Field

Race Expo Hours

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Merch Tent Hours

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Friday) / Opens 8:00 AM Saturday

Bib Pick Up Hours

12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

►
5K and Elk Double runners must pick up their bib by 5:00 PM on Friday.
►
This is a cup-free event — no disposable cups on course. Bring a handheld bottle, hydration vest, or reusable cup.
►
Our expo is bag-free. Don't forget to Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB)!

BYOB

Our expo is bag-free, so don't forget to Bring Your Own Bag! Reusable bags will also be available for purchase at the merch tent.

Race Merchandise

We'll have various options to commemorate your race accomplishment! Beach hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, water bottles, stickers, hats, bags, and posters will all be available to browse and buy. Leftover merchandise can be purchased online after the event.

Merch Pre-Orders

Snagged some pre-order merch? Swing by the merch booth during the expo or on race day to pick it up — just show your order number or confirmation email! Can't grab it that weekend? No worries — we'll refund you within 2 weeks or ship it for $7. Just let us know!

Volunteers

We're looking for fantastic volunteers to join the fun during race weekend! It's the perfect way for friends and family to get in on the action without running. Volunteer shifts are open for the expo and race days and come with sweet perks: up to $100 off a future Vacation Races event. Race credits vary by role, are transferable, and can even be combined. Sign up to volunteer at the registration link.

Get Directions — Stanley Park Ball Field ↗

5K Info

Schedule

12:00–5:00 PM

RACE EXPO & BIB PICKUP

Must pick up by 5:00 PM

5:45 PM

5K RUNNERS LINE UP

6:00 PM

5K RACE START

7:00 PM

5K AWARDS CEREMONY

5K Course

3.1 mi · +156 ft / -168 ft · Paved loop

View Full Route ↗

5K Bib Pick-Up

The 5K race starts at 6:00 PM sharp on Friday. Runners may pick up their bib beginning at 12:00 PM at the race expo, located at the Stanley Park Ball Field. Bib pickup will end at 5:00 PM. Please be parked by 5:15 PM and make your way to the ball fields, ready to run once you've got your bib.

5K Parking

We will have plenty of parking to accommodate all of our runners. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Volunteers will be on-site to direct traffic and guide runners and spectators to available parking. Lots will be filled in a specific order. You can approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) turning onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds where you'll be directed by crew and volunteers, or via Community Dr off of N St Vrain Ave (Hwy 36).

Spectator Info

To help reduce vehicle traffic on the course, spectators are discouraged from driving or stopping along the race route to cheer on runners. Spectators are welcome to watch the race start and join us at the finish line on the south shore of Lake Estes. Please park in an official event lot and walk toward the Stanley Ball Fields. From there, walk through the center of the ball fields and continue on the sidewalk past the dog park to access the pedestrian tunnel. Do not cross over Highway 36. Use the tunnel that goes underneath the highway to safely reach the finish area. Test Test

Rolling Start / Wave Start

A wave start will help us organize the race and prevent overcrowding on the course. Please line up according to speed with faster competitors in the front and slower competitors toward the back. We will have crew members that will hold up signs helping runners loosely organize themselves according to per/mile pace and projected finishing time. Please note that masters and overall awards are based on gun time, so if you're competing for an overall top spot, you must start at the front of the line. All other age group awards are based on chip time and therefore do not need to toe the line at the start. From the runner staging area, we will send waves toward the 5K start line in groups, spaced out a few minutes at a time. Keep in mind, it's about a half-mile walk from the staging area along the south shore of Lake Estes to get to the start line.

Aid Stations

There will be one aid station on the course near the halfway point (approximately mile 1.5–1.8). The aid station will have water, electrolytes, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, this race will be cup-free!

Awards

There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. Stick around for the 5K awards ceremony Friday night at 7:00 PM! Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the top 5 male and female Masters 40+ runners. Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75 and older. We do not yet offer age-specific awards in a non-binary category.

5K Course Details

This course loops around Lake Estes and is primarily flat with light stretches of downhill and then uphill terrain. You'll get beautiful waterfront views as well as glimpses of the Stanley Hotel and the Rocky Mountains in the distance! The course is 3.1 miles with approximately +156 ft / -168 ft of elevation change.

Half Marathon Info

Course Map

Half Marathon Course

13.1 mi · +780 ft / -775 ft · Paved road loop

View Full Route ↗

Morning Schedule

4:00 AM

Parking lots open

5:15 AM

All cars should be parked

5:45 AM

Runners line up, last call for gear check

6:00 AM

Half Marathon starts

8:45 AM

Awards Ceremony

Parking

Ball Fields (Primary Lot)

First lot to fill. Located east of Community Drive near the start and finish lines. Approach via Hwy 7, turn east onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds. Volunteers on-site to direct traffic.

Google Maps Apple Maps

High School & Observatory (Second Lot)

Second lot to fill. Short walk to start/finish lines. Follow volunteer direction from Manford Avenue.

Google Maps Apple Maps

Fairgrounds (Third Lot)

Overflow parking. Please only park in designated areas marked on the event map. Follow volunteer direction.

Google Maps Apple Maps

Runner Drop-Off

Approach via S St Vrain Ave (Hwy 7) and turn onto Manford Avenue toward the fairgrounds. Follow crew to the drop-off area, then exit the parking lot back onto Community Drive heading south toward N St Vrain Ave. Please move quickly to keep traffic flowing for other runners.

Course Details

The Rocky Mountain Half Marathon is a scenic loop through Estes Park on paved roads and trails, starting and finishing near Lake Estes. Please note: this is an open course. You'll be sharing the road with vehicles, especially on busier stretches like Big Thompson Ave and narrower sections like McGregor Ave. Stay alert, run against traffic, and always be courteous to drivers, fellow runners, and trail users. Stepping into active traffic is grounds for disqualification. The course will be well marked. Your safety is our priority!

Elevation

The first half of the course includes a steady climb up Dry Gulch Road, gaining elevation gradually over the first few miles. Once runners crest the climb, Devil's Gulch offers rolling hills with a rewarding descent that opens into flatter miles through town. While the course isn't mountainous, the early climb will challenge your legs, followed by a fast, scenic finish around Lake Estes. Total elevation: 13.1 miles, approximately +780 ft / -775 ft.

Timing

All masters and overall awards will be based on gun time. If you plan to compete for an overall award, you will need to be close to the start line at the beginning of the race. Age division and team awards will be based on chip time. Your chip time does not officially start until you cross the starting line, so please be courteous to others as we start the race and give each other space. If you will be walking, please start towards the back to avoid congestion at the start.

Pacers

There will be pacers pacing the race in 10-minute intervals starting at a 1:40 pace up to 2:30. We will also have a 2:45, 3:00, and 3:30 pacer. Please seed yourself near the time you expect to finish.

Wave Start

A wave start will help us organize the race and prevent overcrowding on the course. When you line up to start the race, find a pacer with a time which closest represents your projected finishing time and line up near this group.

Gear Check

You can pick up a Gear Check bag at the starting line if you wish to use one. It will be a white plastic bag that you can fill with anything you want transported to the finish line. Permanent markers will be available for you to write your name and bib number. Avoid putting valuables or car keys in your bag. Gear check bags will be available once the first person finishes. We will hold on to gear check bags for one week only, so please contact us to claim your bag promptly after the event.

Clothing on Course

We will have a clothing bin to dump items in at the first aid station at approximately mile 2.3. Clothing dropped off at this aid station will be picked up and transported to the finish line after the last runner has passed. Keep in mind if you are one of the first runners to finish, you may need to wait a little bit for the clothing drop items to arrive. Clothing not collected at the end of the race will be donated. Please do NOT drop clothing that you are uncomfortable donating if you are not willing to wait for clothing drop to be transported to the finish line. Please do NOT drop trash or personal items anywhere along the course except for designated aid station trash cans and this singular clothing drop location. Anything else found along the course will not be brought to the finish. PLEASE NO LITTERING.

Aid Stations

We will have 5 aid stations at approximately miles 2.3, 4.5, 7.9, 9.6, and 11.9. All aid stations will have bathrooms, water, electrolytes, and Honey Stinger gels. Miles 4.5 and 7.9 will also have oranges and bananas. There will be basic first aid kits at each aid station, and the EMT will be near the aid station at mile 7.9.

Cup-Free Racing

There will be no disposable cups on the course. Use your Nathan reusable cup (option for purchase during registration) or your own reusable cup or bottle. At each aid station, you have the choice between water (in the BLUE COOLERS) and Gnarly Hydrate electrolyte drink (in the RED COOLERS). Both will have the same speed valves attached. Please remember, we are in a dry climate — hydrate well! There will be water at the finish line, but no cups. Please use your reusable cup or water bottle to fill up at the finish line.

Time Limit

This course has a 4-hour time limit, which equals about 18 minutes per mile. Walkers are welcome and should keep this pace in mind to finish on time. We ask for understanding and immediate cooperation if we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.

Recovery Food Bag

At the finish line we will have a food bag full of recovery snacks, bananas, and chocolate milk, as well as water and electrolytes. Please help yourself to one food box, a chocolate milk, and a banana per runner.

No Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the course, as our insurance does not cover them. However, they're welcome to cheer you on from the finish line with the rest of your crew!

Strollers and Wheelchairs

This course is entirely on paved roads and trails, making it stroller and wheelchair friendly. Just be mindful of other participants and stay to the right when possible.

Spectators

We welcome spectators to Rocky Mountain this year! Spectators are welcome at the finish line and may park according to the main parking locations and schedule. The finish line is walking distance from town, which has many shops and restaurants to pass the time until your runner finishes!

►

Please only park in designated areas. There should be plenty of parking for everyone. Following this guideline allows us to continue putting on successful events compliant with local authorities.

►

Once your runner has finished their race, please stay outside of the runner recovery area to avoid crowding.

►

Finish line drinks, supplies, and the medical tent are there for runners only. Please respect this.

Post-Race

The finish line is on the south shore of Lake Estes near the Stanley Ball Fields. Post-race recovery bags include snacks, bananas, and chocolate milk. Merch tent opens at 8:00 AM. Course record holders receive a free race entry every year their record stands!

Course Records

Overall Male

1:14:53

David Cardenas·2021

Overall Female

1:29:03

Chelsea Bennis·2016

Masters Male

1:26:59

Gerald Romera·2015

Masters Female

1:37:16

Ruby Bode·2022

Zero Waste

Our events take place in and around protected national park landscapes, and we are deeply committed to minimizing waste while preserving the natural beauty of the places we run — without compromising safety, efficiency, or hydration on course. To achieve this, we've implemented cup-free racing across the series: runners may add a lightweight, foldable reusable cup during registration or bring any personal hydration system that doesn't produce trash. Self-serve aid stations are placed throughout the course with water and electrolytes for quick, efficient refills, allowing athletes to hydrate as needed without waste, congestion, or mess. The system keeps courses clean, stations moving smoothly, and hydration reliable.

Awards

Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the Masters 40+ group. Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75 and older. We do not currently offer non-binary age group awards. There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.

Live Tracking

We've teamed up with Laurel's innovative tracking system to ensure your friends and family can follow your race in real-time — no phone or watch needed. Laurel estimates your position between checkpoints based on pacing data, providing accurate, real-time updates and predicted finish times. Want text updates? Supporters can opt in for free text notifications when you reach key points along the course.

Results & Photos

Live results will be hosted online by Laurel. Results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line and been reviewed by the event director. Questions about your placement? Email timing@brooksee.com. Top finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you. New for 2026 — FinisherPix will be at each event to capture your race memories. Photos are available within 24–48 hours post-event. The FinisherPix Photo Pack includes all photos in all digital formats. Search for your photos by last name or bib number.

2026 Race Photos Results

iTab — Personalize Your Medal

Our partner iTab provides custom-engraved plates with your name and finishing time that clip onto your medal ribbon. You can pre-order before race day — they will be sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out, you can still order one later for just $15, including shipping.

Order iTab

Lost & Found

There is no official lost and found. If we find lost items, we will hold onto them for 14 days. Unclaimed items will be donated. Submit the online form to check if we have found your item.

Medical Area

The medical area at the finish line is for athletes only — family members are not allowed. Overcrowding in the medical area prevents medical staff from doing their job. If you need information on an athlete receiving medical attention, please wait outside the area for updates.

Timing Specifics

Before the race: Your timing chip is found on the back of your bib. The chip looks like a sticker — do not fold your bib. NO CHIP = NO TIME! After the race: The bib chip is disposable and can be thrown away or left on your bib. If you're participating in more than one event this weekend, plan to keep your bib for each race! All masters and overall awards will be based on gun time. If you plan to compete for these top spots you will need to line up at the front of the line with the first wave. Age group and team awards are based on chip time.

Post-Race Survey

You are the backbone to every event we host, and the best way for us to improve our events is with your feedback. We'd love to hear from you in our post-race survey, which will be emailed after the event. Thank you!

Challenge Events

Looking to push further? Take on both races in one weekend and earn exclusive finisher swag.

Challenge Event

Elk Double

5K + Half Marathon · July 31 – August 1, 2026

Dates

July 31 – August 1, 2026

Total Mileage

16.2 miles

The Elk Double is for runners who want to take on two distances in one weekend. Run the 5K on Friday evening and the Half Marathon on Saturday morning. Finishers earn a special Elk Double medal (in addition to each race medal) and one exclusive swag item of their choice. You'll use the same bib for both events.

What's Included

►
Race medal and shirt for each event (5K and Half Marathon)
►
Special Elk Double finisher medal
►
Your choice of one exclusive Elk Double swag item: hat, unisex t-shirt, beach hoodie, or Nalgene bottle
►
One bib used for both races

Bib Pick-Up

Pick up your Elk Double bib (used for both races), race shirt, and swag item at the race expo on Friday, July 31 between 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM. If your shirt doesn't fit, exchange it at the finish line after the half marathon on Saturday.

Medals

Once you've completed the Elk Double, collect your special finisher medal just outside the runner recovery area. A clearly marked table will be waiting for you — show your bib and a volunteer will hand you your Elk Double medal.

Swag

Your pre-chosen swag item will be ready at the expo. Additional items may be purchased only after your final race to ensure all participants receive their requested item.

Experiences

Official Lodging Partner

HotelPlanner

You're officially in for the Rocky Mountain race weekend — now lock in your home base. HotelPlanner is our official lodging partner, offering exclusive rates for runners, friends, and family, plus 24/7 support if plans change. The page is set up with race weekend dates and lodging near the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line. Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Estes Park.

Book Your Stay

Rocky Mountain National Park

All visitors are required to purchase a pass to enter — pick one up at the park entrance or at recreation.gov. Rocky Mountain NP uses a timed entry reservation system to avoid overcrowding. Reserve your spot online before you arrive. Visit nps.gov/romo for trail conditions, planning info, and park ranger updates. Leave nothing but footprints.

Learn More

Train with Runna

Personalized training for your next Vacation Races event. Download now and unlock two free weeks with code VACATIONRUNNA.

Use code VACATIONRUNNA to save

Learn More

Race Swag & Merchandise

The official race shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and your finisher medal is awarded at the finish line. Exclusive race merchandise — beach hoodies, t-shirts, hats, bottles, and more — will be available at expo and near the finish line. Leftover merch will be available in the online store after the event.

Learn More

Personalize Your Medal — iTab

Make your medal last forever with a custom engraved iTab plate with your name and finishing time that clips onto your medal ribbon. Pre-order before race day and it ships automatically after you finish. Just $15 including postage.

Learn More

Top Hikes

Iconic Views & Sights

Bear Lake

One of the most photographed spots in Rocky Mountain NP — reflections of the Continental Divide peaks make this a must-see.

Learn More ↗

Trail Ridge Road

The highest continuous paved road in the U.S. Drive above the treeline for sweeping tundra views.

Old Fall River Road

Historic unpaved road winding up to the Alpine Visitor Center with dramatic tundra and mountain views.

Estes Park Riverwalk

A stroll through the heart of downtown along the Big Thompson River — shops, restaurants, and mountain scenery all in one.

The Stanley Hotel

The legendary hotel that inspired Stephen King's The Shining, founded in 1909. Tours available. A must-visit piece of Estes Park history.

Learn More ↗

Where to Eat

The Bird's Nest

Bird & Jim

Highly rated modern American with clean ingredients — the victory dinner spot.

Inkwell & Brew

Fantastic spot for a morning coffee before you hit the trail or the start line.

Estes Park Distilling Co.

Small-batch whiskey and spirits in a cozy setting — perfect for a post-race drink with mountain views.

Hunters Chophouse

Casual steakhouse serving upscale American dishes. A solid choice for a post-race meal.

FAQs

+: Yes, for the Half Marathon only. There will be a bib pickup tent near the start line. It will open at 4:15 AM race morning. 5K and Elk Double runners must pick up their bib at the expo on Friday.
+: Yes, as long as they have a photo of your ID.
+: We love dogs but they are not allowed on course. The Half Marathon and 5K courses are on paved roads and trails and are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. Just be mindful of other participants and stay to the right when possible.
+: Yes. We want you to be able to run together. Please note that masters and overall awards are based on gun time. If you're competing for one of those spots, make sure you start in the Blue Wave.
+: Yes. There are three designated parking areas near the fairgrounds and park, all within a short walk to both the start and finish lines. Approach via Highway 7 and turn onto Manford Avenue to be directed to available lots. We recommend arriving early to avoid congestion, especially on race morning.
+: Yes, but not until after the race. We pre-order race shirts based on registration sizing requests. To ensure that all participants can get the size they originally requested, we don't offer exchanges until post-race at the finish line area.
+: You may defer your entry to any Vacation Races Half Marathon, Ultra, or Trailfest event. Deferrals are processed on the Let's Do This registration platform. An administration fee of 50% of the 2026 registration fee will be charged. You will pay this fee when you register for the 2027 race. The deferral will expire after the 2027 event, and you will not be able to defer your registration again.
+: You can transfer your race entry to another person online until the Wednesday before the event or in person at the expo. The original runner pays a $30 transfer fee. Only the race entry transfers; add-ons such as merchandise or photos do not transfer and are non-refundable. The new runner will pay the current race price.
+: All registration fees are non-refundable. This race, in accordance with management executives, city officials, and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes, such as inclement weather, a pandemic, or a threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided. We offer Refund Protect. When selected, it covers refunds if you're unable to run due to qualifying reasons.
+: The race start and finish area is in Estes Park and does not require a National Park pass. However, if you plan to visit Rocky Mountain National Park before or after the race, you will need a park pass and should reserve a timed entry permit in advance at recreation.gov.
+: All masters and overall awards are based on gun time. If you intend to compete for these awards, you should be in the first (Blue) wave. If you start further back, your time does not officially start until you cross the starting line, but overall placement is still based on gun time, which may disqualify you from overall awards.
+: New answer 1