Fall Equinox Half Marathon
A point-to-point downhill half through the Poudre River Canyon near Fort Collins, starting at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre and ending at a field party.
Quick facts
- Net-downhill point-to-point course through the Poudre River Canyon.
- Runs above 5,000 feet, so altitude offsets some of the downhill speed.
- Starts at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre with a beer and music finish party.
- Popular PR target for Front Range runners, with a 5-mile companion race.
About the Fall Equinox Half Marathon
The half runs beside the Cache la Poudre, Colorado's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic river, and sells itself on a net-downhill profile plus a finish-line party with beer and live music. A 5-mile race shares the day, and the September date catches early fall color in the canyon.
Course
From the Mishawaka Amphitheatre the route drops down the canyon road along the Poudre before finishing in open fields outside Fort Collins. The steady net downhill is kind to goal pace but hard on quads that have not practiced descending, and the whole race sits above 5,000 feet.
Race-day weather
Canyon starts in late September are cold, often in the 30s or low 40s, with fast warming once the sun clears the walls. Dry air and altitude raise fluid needs even on cool mornings.
Past Fall Equinox Half Marathon dates and results
| Year | Date | Status | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 | Upcoming | — |
Fall Equinox Half Marathon FAQ
When is the Fall Equinox Half Marathon?
The 2026 Fall Equinox Half Marathon is on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
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