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The Colfax Marathon is this weekend: What you need to know about the race, traffic closures and more

Colfax Marathon: Route, getting there, road closures and more
Posted at 4:16 PM, May 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-18 20:49:41-04

DENVER – The city's largest running weekend is just around the corner as 20,000 runners prepare to take to the streets of Denver, Aurora and Lakewood for the 14th annual Colfax Marathon this Sunday.

Here’s what you should know before heading out this weekend – even if you’re not going to the race.

There will be no race day packet pick up, so you better go pick it up Saturday

The Health & Fitness Expo at Mile High Stadium will be the only place where runners will be able to pick up their race packets.

People attending the Colfax 5K Marathon, the half marathon, the 10 miler and the relay must attend. You are asked to bring your bib number and a photo ID.

The expo will be open from 2-8 p.m. Friday, May 17 and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 18. More information about the expo can be found here.

What’s the Colfax Marathon anyway?

The 26.2 miles that make up the Colfax Marathon take runners on “the ultimate urban tour” of the Denver metro area.

Runners will get the chance to run through several Denver landmarks, including Broncos Stadium at Mile High (twice), Denver Fire Station #1, as well as seven miles of rivers, lakes and bridges – including Sloan’s Lake. Did we mention that runners will also witness some incredible trails like Cherry Creek along the way?

The Colfax Marathon, which starts and ends on the east side of Ferrill Lake at City Park, starts at 6 a.m. Sunday, May 19. It will go until about noon or 1 p.m., at the latest.

Good to know. But what if I just want to watch it and not participate?

So you want to be a part of the fun but don’t feel like running 26 miles? No problem!

There will be a total of five spots where you’ll be able to cheer on the runners during the marathon. Those spots will be located at:

  • 14th and Larimer
  • Broncos Stadium at Mile High
  • Sloan’s Lake
  • Rocky Mountain College of Arts and Design
  • Dudley and Colfax, near Rockley Music

There are other viewing options if you’re more interested in watching the half marathon or the Urban 10. To see where those will be, click here.

Yes, traffic will be a nightmare this weekend

If you’re planning on staying in town, you might want to skip going to downtown Denver until the end of the race.

That’s because the marathon will have full and partial closures of westbound and eastbound Colfax from Aurora to Lakewood (from Kipling Street in the west, to Havana Street to the east; and from W. 26th Avenue to the north to 6th Avenue to the south).

These traffic impacts could start as early as 3 a.m. Sunday and go as late as 1 p.m. that same day.

Roads that cross Colfax Avenue and 17th Avenue could also experience significant delays, according to organizers. The easiest places where you’ll be able to cross Colfax will be at I-25, Federal Boulevard and I-225.

Drivers are urged to avoid Speer Boulevard and Colfax Ave. altogether. To view a full map of the race route and the areas that will be impacted through traffic, click here.

How to avoid traffic problems during the Colfax Marathon

What if I take public transportation?

The Regional Transportation District (RTD) has said buses and light rail trains will be impacted from 3 a.m. to about 2 p.m. Sunday. The following routes will be temporarily detoured in many areas, and will be allowed to cross the marathon route when possible:

0, 1, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 15L, 16, 19, 20, 24, 28, 30, 32, 38, 40, 43, 44, 48, 51, 52, 65, 73, 76, 83L.

Impacted light rail services include the D, F, and H rail lines.

Travelers are advised to give themselves more time to plan for their destinations. Signs will be posted at RTD stations and stops affected by the detours.

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