The Choice City Running Festival, held annually in Fort Collins, CO, is a two‑day celebration of community and fitness. This summer weekend features the Jane Welzel Mountain Avenue Mile (Friday evening) and the Human Race (Saturday morning), offering runners the chance to compete in a mile, 5K, 10K, and USATF‑certified half marathon. Now marking its 27th and 42nd editions respectively, the festival continues its tradition of small‑town charm with big‑city amenities.
Friday’s mile is a slightly downhill “faster‑than‑flat” point‑to‑point on Mountain Avenue, open to all skill levels and fitness categories—elite to stroller—making it a community‑inclusive kickoff ([runsignup.com][2]). Saturday’s Human Race begins with the half marathon at 6:30 AM, followed by the 10K and 5K. The half loops through downtown streets, riverside paths, and brewery districts, then returns to Civic Center Park for music, food trucks, New Belgium beer gardens, and vendor booths.
Runners praise the event as “a beautiful, scenic and relatively flat course” with “awesome town to visit”—though summer heat and limited shade have gotten mention in cooler years. Support includes five well‑spaced aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drink, first‑aid, and portable toilets.
What sets Choice City apart is its polished, small‑race feel: capped fields, personalized pacing, and festival energy without crowd overwhelm. Plus, the Friday-mile adds pre‑race community buzz and weekend‑long interaction with Fort Collins’ vibrant downtown and craft‑beer scene.
“Great small race with a super scenic course and an awesome town to visit… Highly recommend this race.”
👍 Why You’ll Love It
- Two races in one weekend: Mile and half offer variety and pacing practice.
- Community vibe: Downtown finish, beer garden, live music, family‑centric energy.
- Flat, fast, friendly: Ideal for BQ attempts, PRs—or an easy, enjoyable run.
- Vintage charm: Nearly 50-year-old tradition with boutique size and boutique feel.
- Bonus mile: Friday-night mile builds buzz and gives runners topping-off fun.
