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Colorado > Equinox Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run
Fort Collins, CO • Sunday, September 22, 2013 • Course Map
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Known both for its whitewater rapids that are a favorite of kayakers and rafters as well as for the plentiful trout that make it a mecca for fishermen around the region, Colorado's Cache la Poudre River and the Poudre River Canyon through which it flows serve as the setting for the second annual 13.1-mile and five-mile race that will take place, as its name suggests, at the time of the autumnal equinox in late September 2013.
The race follows a point-to-point course through the canyon, starting at the famed restaurant and music venue known as the Mishawaka Amphitheatre, where acts ranging from country singer Hayes Carll to bluesman Keb Mo perform in the evenings throughout the summer. The race finishes about a half-mile before reaching Ted's Place in nearby Larimer, where runners will get to take in the spectacular views of the mountains and the nearby Roosevelt National Forest, which they'll have just run through.
In between the start and the finish, the race brings runners east through the forest and the area known as the Poudre River Canyon, which is Colorado's only National Heritage Area and was also designated as the state's first National Wild and Scenic River back in 1986, thanks in large part to the innovations that early settlers developed in its water delivery systems along the river for the surrounding towns and communities.
Hiking and mountain biking are also popular within the 45-mile-long area, which stretches west from Greeley into the Roosevelt National Forest. Runners will start the race at an elevation of nearly 5,900 feet above sea level, and from there it's quite literally all downhill from there, as the race heads east along Highway 14 toward Bellvue and the finish line near Ted's Place, which lies at the intersection of Highways 14 and 287 -- making it an excellent opportunity to record a PR time for many.
The course will be closed to car traffic during the race, and the surface will be paved asphalt highways throughout the race. Both the half marathon and the 5-mile race will start at 8:00 AM -- runners will be shuttled to both starting areas, and while the 13.1-mile event will start at the amphitheatre (or "the Mish," as it's known to regulars), the 5-mile run will start in the Gateway Natural Area, along Highway 14.
Just over 460 runners crossed the finish line in both races combined at the event's inaugural running in 2012, including 355 finishers in the half marathon.
Race Weather & Climate
Located just east of the Roosevelt National Forest in central northern Colorado, about a 15-minute drive west from Fort Collins and roughly 70 miles north of Denver, Bellvue typically sees September temperatures that average between 46°F and 75°F, while rainfall totals average just under 1.4 inches for the month.
On the day of the race (Sept. 22), the average low is 44°F and the average high is 73°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Equinox Half Marathon
Starting Time
8:00 AM
Fees
$85 for the half marathon, if registered by April 30, 2013
$90 between May 1 - June 30
$99 between July 1 - September 21, or when the race sells out
Registration
To reserve your spot in the early fall 2013 running of Fort Collins's Equinox Half Marathon or 5-mile race, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
equinoxhalfmarathon.com
Leave a Comment
Ever run in Colorado's annual Equinox Half Marathon? Share your impressions, stories and tips from the event.
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