Blue Sky Marathon & Half
Distances
Starting Time
7:00 AM
Fees
$96.40-$117.60
Perfect For
Overview
Taking place on the trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, the Blue Sky courses take you on a north-south tour of the easternmost hogbacks of Northern Colorado’s Front Range mountains. With a moderate amount of elevation gain and loss and a variety of terrain, the route offers a little bit of something for everyone. It is designed to appeal to both veteran trail runners and those looking to experience their first trail racing adventure. The generous cut-offs should ensure a successful day for everyone.
The course is 100% dirt and 90% sweet Colorado singletrack. The terrain ranges in difficulty from smooth dirt trail to technical rock gardens. A small portion of the route is on dirt road (no motor vehicle access) and gravel trail, with the meat of the running done on the beautiful and distinctive redstone hardpack of the Blue Sky Trail.
After the race, kick back and enjoy the BBQ, awards and generous sponsor giveaways.
Course Description
Start to Underpass Aid (1.9mi): From the start at South Bay, follow the new Bay-to-Bay Trail around the peninsula to where it joins with the Blue Sky Trail. Turn left to head south on the Blue Sky Trail to the aid station.
Underpass Aid to Indian Summer North Aid (3.5mi): Continue on the Blue Sky Trail heading south, past the junction with the Rimrock Trail to the junction with the Indian Summer Trail where the aid station is located.
Indian Summer North Aid to Indian Summer North Aid (2.7mi): Out of the aid station, head west on the single track trail, climbing steadily up and curving south around the Indian Summer Loop. Enjoy the false summit! Bomb back downhill on the single track switchbacks until you reach a T-junction with the Blue Sky Trail. Turn left (north) and follow the single
track for about a quarter mile till it junctions with the gravel road. Turn left (north) and follow the road another 0.4mi back to the aid station.
Indian Summer North Aid to Underpass Aid (3.5mi): Retrace your steps back to the start/finish. Begin by heading east/north out of the aid station on the Blue Sky Trail, continuing north under the underpass to the aid station.
Underpass Aid to FINISH (1.9mi): Continue north on the Blue Sky Trail for a very short distance, veering right at the junction onto the Bay-to-Bay Trail around the peninsula and to the Finish!
