Med Bow Rail Marathon

Med Bow Rail Marathon & Half Marathon

The Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail host the Med Bow Rail Marathon and Half Marathon on August 15, 2026 at Lake Owen in the Medicine Bow National Forest near Laramie, Wyoming.

• Marathon
• Half marathon

Both races run largely along the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, a gently graded, wide gravel pathway. The marathon follows the trail end to end, averaging 8,926 feet in elevation with a route summit of 9,039 feet, and finishes with a loop around a mountain lake. The half marathon mirrors much of the northern portion of the marathon, including two loops around Lake Owen with the remainder on the rail trail. Course maps are available.

The races are timed and fully staffed with five aid stations. The start and finish area is at Lake Owen near Albany, Wyoming. All participants receive a race t-shirt and all finishers receive a finisher medal. All race proceeds fund trail upkeep and improvement, and the races are intended to promote use of the trail. Further details about aid stations, awards, cutoff times, cancellation policy, and frequently asked questions are available. Race results are published publicly online.

The Medicine Bow Rail Trail is a 21 mile gravel pathway completed in 2007 that winds through aspen and conifer forests from the Wyoming Colorado state border to Dry Park. The trail is open year round to bikers, hikers, horseback riders, runners, skiers, and other non motorized uses. The Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports and maintains the trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.