Blue Sky Trail Marathon

Event

The Blue Sky Trail Marathon & Half takes place on trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil’s Backbone Open Space in Fort Collins, Colorado. The event includes a full trail marathon and a half marathon on a north-south tour of the easternmost hogbacks of the Front Range. Registration is capped at 400 entries for each distance. The race uses Larimer County open space trails and emphasizes marked singletrack running.

Course and logistics

• 26.7 miles - 3,500 ft total elevation gain/loss
• 13.4 miles - 1,800 ft total elevation gain/loss

Course surface is 100% dirt with about 90% singletrack. Terrain ranges from smooth dirt trail to technical rock gardens, plus small sections of dirt road and gravel bike path. Min/max elevation on course is approximately 5,300 ft to 6,500 ft, with an average marathon elevation near 5,700 ft. Aid stations are fully stocked with water, sports drink, gels, salty and sweet bites, and fruit; gluten-free and vegan alternatives are available on request. The marathon has intermediate aid-station cut-offs and an overall time allowance of 9 hours; the half has a 6 hour allowance and no intermediate cut-offs. Race rules note no pacers, limited crewing access, minimum personal water-carry requirements, and that dogs are not allowed on course. Drop bags are permitted at designated start/finish areas. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.