Fall running calendar: 7 Fort Collins-area races to train for this summer

The spring and summer marathons have (mostly) come and gone.

But after an abnormally rainy year in Northern Colorado, we know there are plenty of local runners still looking to race in the back half of 2023.

This is the second year sans the former FORTitude 10K, which had become a Labor Day tradition in Fort Collins. Still, we're never short on race options here.

The Fort Collins Running Club's yearly marathon training program began June 24 and runs the next 13 Saturdays through Sept. 23.

Here are several NoCo races you can train for this summer into the fall:

Black Squirrel Half

When: Saturday, Sept. 9

Runs: Half marathon (Trail running)

Course: This race starts and ends at Soldier Canyon Picnic area and spans much of the perimeter of Lory State Park, with steep uphills early, a sharp descent in the middle near the Arthur's Rock area and rolling terrain for the final several miles.

What to know: This is a challenging yet accessible trail run, especially with an earlier start date. The route features some unique views of Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins and the Rocky Mountains. The course will push runners (average elevation: 6,100 feet), but there's also a kids 1-mile race available and the picnic area at the finish line will have a self-described hearty breakfast ready to carbo-load for your next run.

Cost: $110

Registration/Info: https://gnarrunners.com/black-squirrel-half/

Fall Equinox

When: Sunday, Sept. 17

Runs: Marathon, half marathon, 5-mile

Course: All three events run through the Poudre Canyon. The marathon starts west of Pingree Park at Ohana Mountain Ranch, the half-marathon begins at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre and the 5-mile run takes off from Gateway Natural Area, with each ending at the bottom of the canyon (a half mile west of Ted's Place on U.S. Highway 287).

What to know: This is always a popular fall option for local runners, with fall colors abundant in the Poudre Canyon and a downhill course that puts a PR in play. Spots often fill up fast given limited space in the canyon, so earlier sign-ups are recommended.

Cost: $65-$140 ($50 virtual options available for all three races)

Registration/Info: equinoxhalfmarathon.com/race-info/

Red Feather Trail Jamboree

When: Friday, Sept. 22 to Sunday, Sept. 24

Runs: Half-marathon, 50K, 50-mile

Course: The courses overlap along the trails south and west of Red Feather Lakes, spanning parts of the Lady Moon, Elkhorn Creek, Granite Ridge and Deadman trailheads. Much of the race route cuts through private land of the Ben Delatour Scout Camp and surrounding national forest.

What to know: The remoteness of this race offers opportunity for some impeccably scenic views. There are miles upon miles of running here that cuts through moose-heavy forest and fields as you run besides streams and rocks, though race organizers do emphasize that the course is well-marked.

This is also a three-day event. If you decide to stay in the area, facilities at the race venue include campgrounds and cabins for rent, a community dinner in the dining hall and an on-site shower house.

Cost: $100-$150

Registration/Info: gnarrunners.com/red-feather/

Longview Marathon

When: Saturday, Oct. 14

Runs: Marathon, half marathon, 5K

Course: The marathon course begins at Edora Pool and Ice Center in Fort Collins. It follows the Spring Creek Trail west to Spring Canyon Park before moving south along the Fossil Creek and Long View trails, eventually joining Loveland's Recreation Trail and finishing at Fairgrounds Park in south Loveland.

The half marathon starts at Fossil Creek Park in south Fort Collins and follows the same route as the marathon from there, also ending at Fairgrounds Park.

What to know: This is a fun run that includes both Loveland and Fort Collins, utilizing the connected trail systems and allowing runners to stay on dedicated trails. That also makes for good spectator access along the trails, and the mid-October date should bring crisp weather.

Cost: $95-$120, $30 for 5K

Registration/Info: longviewmarathon.com/registration/

Windsor Marathon

When: Sunday, Oct. 8

Runs: Marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K

Course: All four events begin and end at the Island at Pelican Lakes.

The marathon winds through the Pelican Lakes area for several miles before traversing much of south and west Windsor, including a lengthy portion along the Poudre River Trail. The half marathon has a similar route but does not go west of Colorado Boulevard/Weld County Road 13. The 10K runs almost exclusively through the Pelican Lakes golf course and Eastman Park area.

What to know: This is a very family-oriented race with a party atmosphere at the finish. A live band will be playing at the finish line, runners enjoy the scenic Longs Peak views, and the course is forgiving by Colorado standards. With four distance options, there's also something for runners of every level here.

Cost: $55-$130 ($10 and free kids runs also available)

Registration/Info: runsignup.com/Race/CO/Windsor/WindsorColoradoRace

Blue Sky Trail Marathon

When: Saturday, Oct. 21

Runs: Marathon, half marathon (Trail running)

Course: This trail-running course also traverses the Fort Collins and Loveland areas in the western foothills. The 26.7-mile marathon+ run starts and ends at Blue Sky Trailhead west of Fort Collins. From there, runners head north into Lory State Park for several miles before looping back down toward the starting line. The run then continues south all the way down to Devil's Backbone before U-turning back north toward the finish line.

The half marathon course largely follows the same route, but without going north at the start.

What to know: This is a race for more hardcore runners. There's more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain and descent on this course. With that said, it can be a good race for novice trail runners looking to push themselves and seasoned veterans alike. The later date and slightly higher elevation (average: 5,700 feet) could require some bundling up.

Cost: $105-$115

Registration/Info: gnarrunners.com/blue-sky-marathon/

Narrowleaf Lake Run

When: Sunday, Oct. 29

Runs: 4-, 7- or 10-mile race options, plus 1-Mile Pumpkin Run and Kids Fun Run

Course: This race involves a simple route that follows the trails west of Boyd Lake in Loveland through the state park area. It's an out-and-back course that goes north from the starting line, as runners turn around at various aid stations depending on their distance preference.

What to know: This is a great season wind-down, as the course is very flat, has no vehicle traffic and abundant lake/wildlife views. And given that it's around Halloween and is kid-friendly, there's usually some fun costumes on display.

Cost: $30-$50

Registration/Info: breakawayathleticevents.com/narrowleaf-lake-run/

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins running: 7 fall 2023 races to train for this summer