The Early Years
2008Established in 2008, the Denver Marathon is now 18 years old. From its first edition in Denver, it has evolved into a race that reflects the character of its host region in United States.
Get Your Training Plan
Free, personalized for this race
Course & Elevation
The Denver Marathon features a fast, scenic point-to-point course starting in the foothills and finishing downtown near the Capitol building. Runners enjoy views of the Rocky Mountains throughout much of the race while traversing several neighborhoods and parks. The high altitude (starting at 5,280 feet) provides an acclimatization challenge despite the relatively modest elevation gain.
Surface: road Profile: Rolling
Weather
Temperature 12°C
Humidity 45%
Rain Chance 25%
October in Denver typically offers mild, crisp conditions ideal for marathon running. Expect cool mornings with moderate daytime temperatures and low humidity, though the altitude requires careful acclimatization.
The Race
Denver
Race Lore
The Course Record
2023The fastest time ever recorded at the Denver Marathon is 02:11:06, set by Abdi Nageeye in 2023. Every year, new contenders line up hoping to challenge that mark on the streets of Denver.
Running Through a Postcard
The Denver Marathon route is one of those courses where runners forget their pace and reach for their phones. The scenery through Denver and its surroundings has earned this race a reputation as one of the most photogenic in North America.
Boston Qualifier
The Denver Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier, and that three-letter abbreviation — BQ — transforms the race from an event into a gateway. Every year, runners come to Denver not just to finish but to chase a time that unlocks the world's most exclusive marathon.
🏅 Create Your Denver Marathon Diploma
Finished this race? Get a free certificate with celebrity comparisons & race day weather
Course Record
02:11:06
Abdi Nageeye (2023)
Registration
Registration Opens February
Registration Closes September
Entry Cost $150-$195
Register Now
Official Website →
Fun Facts
- ▸ Denver's high altitude of 5,280 feet (the 'Mile High City') means runners receive 20-25% less oxygen, making it one of the most challenging altitude marathons in the US despite modest elevation gain.
- ▸ The race finishes near the Colorado State Capitol building with a spectacular downtown finale and live finish line entertainment.
- ▸ Denver Marathon has grown from its 2008 inaugural race of 3,500 runners to consistently attracting over 10,000 participants annually.
- ▸ The rolling course from the foothills to downtown downtown showcases Denver's transformation from suburban neighborhoods to the vibrant city center.
Compare With Similar Races
Are you the race organizer?
Free · Get featured on our homepage · Edit your race details
Get alerts for Denver Marathon
Registration openings, date changes, sell-out warnings.