We hope for close-to-normal conditions on race day 2021, as related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Current race information reflects a normal year.  Details may change as race day approaches, and any changes will be communicated to registered runners well in advance.  For reference, here are the 2020 COVID Safety Protocols.

The Blue Sky Marathon starts at the Blue Sky Trailhead at Horsetooth Mountain Park in Fort Collins, CO. The course starts by heading north for an eight-mile loop on the Horsetooth trails before returning south for a trip down to the Devil’s Backbone Open Space on the Blue Sky Trail. The marathon boasts approximately 3,500ft of vertical gain, with the majority of the running done on single track trail with a variety of terrain ranging from smooth dirt paths to very technical rocky sections. A small portion of the route will be on smooth dirt road and gravel bike path.

Marathon Course Map

Click for a printable PDF map

Interactive Map

Marathon Elevation Profile

Aid Stations

There will be four aid stations located along the marathon course:

Towers (Mile 4.4): Water, VFuel Drink, VFuel Gel

Blue Sky (Mile 9.2): Above + Fruit, Chips, Cookies, Candy, Soda

Indian Summer North/South (Miles 13.2, 15.6, 20.3, 22.7): Above + Soup/Broth, Wraps, Pierogies

There are bathrooms and a water pump at the Soderberg Trailhead. Extra port-o-johns will be at the Blue Sky Start/Finish and at Indian Summer South.

*Aid stations will not provide disposable cups. All runners are required to carry their own water bottle or hydration pack.

Vfuel gel will be provided in bulk containers so please bring your own flask to fill at aid stations.

All aid stations will be manned with numerous volunteers to assist you with your race.

Station	Total Distance	Leg Distance	Info
Blue Sky Start/Finish	0	0	Full Aid
Soderberg	1.3	1.3	*Unmanned Water Pump*
Towers	4.4	3.1	Water/Vfuel Only
Soderberg	7.9	3.5	*Unmanned Water Pump*
Blue Sky Start/Finish	9.2	1.3	Full Aid
Indian Summer North	13.2	4.0	Full Aid
Indian Summer South	15.6	2.4	Full Aid 12:30pm Cut Off
Hunter Turn Around	17.9	2.3	Bib # Check Only *No Aid*
Indian Summer South	20.3	2.4	Full Aid 1:45pm Cut Off
Indian Summer North	22.7	2.4	Full Aid
Finish	26.7	4.0	Full Aid

Drop Bags

Runners may leave a drop bag at the Blue Sky Start/Finish to pick up at mile 9.2. We will have a tarp to set bags out next to the aid table. Pack your gear to stay dry in case we get any rain.

Please keep your drop bag to a reasonable size (small duffel bag or stuff sack).

Drop bags should be clearly labeled with your name and bib number and should be securely packed be outside in any weather for the duration of the race.

No glass, hard containers or coolers, or paper bags/boxes. Please do not leave any valuable items in your drop bags – volunteers are not responsible for lost items.

Course Marking

The course will be clearly marked with brightly colored ribbons. In addition, there will be signs and volunteers at key trail junctions.

Turn By Turn

0 – 4.4: The start line is located at the Blue Sky Trailhead off CR 38E, six miles west of Fort Collins. From the start, you will run north on the Blue Sky trail through the campground 1.3 miles to the Soderberg trailhead, continuing north on the Swan Johnson trail over Towers Rd.

4.4 – 9.2: Volunteers will direct you out of the aid station to turn right onto Herrington.
Shortly after the turn onto Herrington you will bear left onto the Stout trail. The descent down the Stout trail is rocky, so watch your footing, though be sure to check out the views. Stout will contour back around the hillside to bring you back to Towers Rd. Turn right on Towers Rd and take another right back onto Swan Johnson south back to the Soderberg trailhead. Continue south back through the campground to the Blue Sky start/finish area aid station.

9.2 – 13.2: Continue south on the Blue Sky trail. This section of the trail will be winding, rolling single track with many blind corners. Please be aware that the trail is open for public use. You will pass only one trail junction with the Rim Rock trail. Continue straight past this intersection down the hill into the valley towards the Indian Summer north aid station, which will be visible from this point on the course.

13.2 – 15.6: The Indian Summer North aid station is at the junction of the Indian Summer loop. Make sure that your number is recorded at the aid station and volunteers will direct you to turn right up the hill onto the Indian Summer trail. On completing the loop, make a right at the trail junction to turn south back onto the Blue Sky trail. A volunteer should be stationed here to help direct runners in the right direction. The Indian Summer South aid station will be located about a quarter mile south of this intersection. This is your last chance for aid before a long and difficult 5 mile section through the Devil’s Backbone side of the course. Make sure you leave with adequate water.

15.6 – 20.3: Continue south on the Blue Sky trail. Once you pop over the hogback cliff band, the terrain becomes very rocky and technical. There are two loops to negotiate here and all you need to remember is to turn RIGHT. There is only one RIGHT way to go. At the first junction with the Laughing Horse loop, turn RIGHT. At the end of the Laughing Horse loop, continue straight ahead. At the second junction with the Hunter loop, turn RIGHT. At the end of the Hunter loop, a course marshal will record your number. Volunteers hike into this location so there will be no aid available. The course marshal will direct you to continue around the Hunter loop, and you will return north towards the finish. On the return trip at the end of the Hunter loop, turn RIGHT and continue north. At the next Laughing Horse loop junction, turn RIGHT. At the end of the Laughing Horse loop continue straight north, back down off the ridge into the valley to the Indian Summer South aid station.

20.3 – 22.7: From the Indian Summer South aid station, you will return the way you came. About a quarter mile north of the aid station, you will turn LEFT to go back up and over the Indian Summer loop to the Indian Summer North aid station.

22.7 – 26.7: After leaving the Indian Summer North aid station, you’ll have a short climb up past the Rim Rock junction. From there you’ll have just a few more miles of rolling single track to the finish.