Choice City Running Festival
Fort Collins' Human Race Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course with a strong community feel.
Race Date
Aug 7, 2026
Location
Fort Collins, CO
Quick facts
- Date
- Friday, August 7, 2026
- Location
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 1 Miles, 5K, 10K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 461
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Human Race Half Marathon in Fort Collins, Colorado, returns for its 43rd year, promising a fast and flat course through the heart of the city. This event, a staple for local runners and those traveling from afar, typically sees around 131 finishers. The race is known for its community atmosphere, with about 21% of participants returning year after year, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Runners can expect a well-organized event, starting with a 6:30 AM half marathon start, followed by a 10K and 5K later in the morning. The course, primarily on paved roads, is designed for speed, making it a popular choice for those aiming for personal bests. The Human Race Half Marathon is part of a larger festival that also includes the Jane Welzel Mountain Avenue Mile, adding to the weekend's running festivities.
Race-provided description
Friday, August 7th, 2026 Jane Welzel Mountain Ave Mile Faster than Flat - point-to-point, slightly downhill mile on Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins, CO. Featuring multiple race waves: Mountain Avenue Mile Waves (start times will be announced in June): Kids MILE (12 & Under) Walk MILE YOUTH MILE: Middle School & High School (ages 12-18) PUSHRIM MILE OPEN MILE (ages 18-39) *“Beauty & Beast” – Masters 40+ MILE *Elite Women's MILE *Elite Men's MILE *Races with cash prize purse. Saturday August 8, 2026 Human Race Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k 6:30 am - Half Marathon Start 7:15 am - 10k Start 7:30 am - 5k Start
Logistics
Race Day
Friday, August 7, 2026
Start Time
6:30 AM
Giveaway
Human Race Shirt
Start Location
Mountain Ave & Howes Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80524
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick483 years running
~132 finishers a year
shrinking
21% returning runners
4 timing sources · 6 photos
no finisher data yet
winner 1:21:03
typical high 87°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
60°
Afternoon (High)
87°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
50%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 461 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
461
Median time
2:05:27
Latest turnout
131
States
—
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Choice City Running Festival?
The Choice City Running Festival is held on Friday, August 7, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM.
Where does the Choice City Running Festival take place?
It takes place in Fort Collins, Colorado.
What distances does the Choice City Running Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 1 Miles, 5K, 10K.
Is the Choice City Running Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The Choice City Running Festival is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Choice City Running Festival?
HalfRuns has finish records for 461 runners who have completed the Choice City Running Festival.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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