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Marathon Details - Blue Sky Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > CO > Fort Collins > Blue Sky Marathon

Blue Sky Marathon

Fort Collins, CO USA

October 19, 2024

http://www.blueskymarathon.com

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Race Details

Welcome to the Blue Sky Marathon, Fort Collins' original and only trail marathon.

Taking place on the trails between Horsetooth Mountain Park and the Devil's Backbone Open Space, the course takes you on a north-south tour of the easternmost hogbacks of Northern Colorado's mighty Front Range. With 3,500 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of elevation loss, 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 nine hour cut-off 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 smooth dirt road (no motor vehicle access) and gravel bike path, 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 always-popular barbeque and generous sponsor giveaways.

Contact Information

Name:	Brad Bishop
Address:	5001 Overhill Dr Fort Collins, CO 80526
Phone Number:	000-000-0000
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (11)

Course 4.5

Organization 4.9

Spectators 3.3

Write a review

Number of comments: 11 [displaying comments 1 to 10]

More Comments: [ < 1 > ]

J. S. from Minnesota (10/22/2019) "One you'll be proud of!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is a challenging trail marathon that is very well organized. The trail ranged from packed dirt to technical rock gardens, and included some major hills that will make you feel like you can accomplish anything once you're done. Not being familiar with these particular trails, I was concerned about taking a wrong turn, but the course was extremely well marked and there were volunteers at important junctures. Aid stations were spread apart due to the nature of the course but they took great care of you with plenty of snacks, hydration, and "aid" you got there. Spectators were rare (aside from a few Boy Scouts, hikers, and mountain bikers you might share the paths with) given that you are running on singletrack, which is part of the beauty of the run. The views were amazing. Medals and race shirts were nice, overall/age group awards were really neat and local artisan made, and the post race barbecue, beer, and raffles were perfect. Would highly recommend!
C. Y. from Houston, TX (11/4/2015) "One of my most challenging but done!!!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second attempt because I got picked up last year. I got lost on the course & did not have time to complete it. This year, there were more markings and volunteers at strategic locations. I was successful in completing the marathon. YEAHHHH! Because of the terrain, there really were no spectators except for the volunteers at the food water stations and the finish line. They made up for the lack of other spectators because they were enthusiastic and supportive. The food was great & greatly appreciated. They and the race director had a really long day. We received an engraved finisher mug in place of a medal. The mug is very nice but I would have preferred a medal to hang on my medal rod. I have a small rock that my son can turn into a medal to represent this run and add it with the other 68 hanging there.
S. S. from Boulder, CO (10/23/2014) "Challenging course, well-organized enjoyable race!" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 6th marathon but first trail marathon and I met my time goal and placed in my age group, which is only possible in a smaller race! Even though it took so much longer, I may never run another road marathon. This was an excellent first trail marathon, assuming you've trained on trails and are OK with the altitude (I'm from Boulder so it was not an issue but I bet it would be if I were from sea level). Course was mostly runnable by trail standards but still challenging, yet not in the way I anticipated. Check out the elevation profile and trail maps and pay close attention to miles 16-20 this is where the terrain was really challenging (jagged rocks and scree, cambered trail), even though it wasn't much elevation gain. In contrast, the big hill at the outset really wasn't bad. Beautiful scenery, especially the views of the reservoir. Note though that most of the course was in the open, which could be an issue if it's warm (it was sunny in the high 60s-low 70s, were it warmer that would've been tough). Make sure to fill up water bottles at the aid stations! I loved the fact that at mile 9 you ran right by the start so you could leave a drop bag and pick up (or ditch) items. A well organized race with very well-stocked aid stations (candy corns at mile 21!), although the Tailwind hydration drink wasn't palatable. Friendly volunteers, few spectators (but you expect that, right) except that people really cheered at the finish line, which was very motivating. Good, plentiful food at the finish (BBQ hamburgers, etc). Medal was nice an engraved beer bottle opener. Best part the post-race massage. I never get massages right after marathons, but this one was amazing. It's clear that the organizers are runners who care about getting things right. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this marathon, particularly if you are new to trail races or small races!
C. Y. from Texas (10/8/2014) "Challenging to say the least." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a very challenging race because of the altitude, 800 foot climb near the start and narrow rocky course. I got off the track once and had to backtrack. That plus the long climb left me at the back of the pack and over 4 hours at the half. I assumed I would be picked up at the last pick up spot so I stopped. That us the first time I have done that and I have regretted that decision ever since. It is also only my second DNF in 65 marathons. I live in Houston so training for altitude is difficult but I will figure it out. The best part of the day was when 3 deer ran across my path about mile 6 or 7. I plan to come back in 2015 and finish it up. I can conquer Horsetooth mountain, one foot after another.
M. S. from Eagan, MN (10/31/2011) "Challenging, extremely - Worth It, totally" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first trail marathon and a good friend (from CO) convinced me to come out to run the race. The course has plenty of hills and the temperature this year got into the low/mid 80s which was brutal. A beautiful course, AMAZING support at the aid stations and overall organization. Definitely an enjoyable (albeit slow) run. THANKS BLUE SKY!
W. S. from Kalamazoo, Michigan (10/6/2011) "Very challenging trail run." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course was a challenge but the views and scenery were worth the effort. The race was well organized, had plenty of enthusiastic support at the aid stations, and I liked the fact there were no cups; they just refilled your water bottle(s). This ensures no litter is left behind and that you had water with you since the aid stations were fairly spread out. If you run it you should also be aware the course is long (my Garmin showed 27.16 miles), which I didn't know until someone told while in the middle of the race. The food was great at the end (grilled hamburgers). The only minor negative about the race was there was supposed to be an awards ceremony and raffle at 1:30pm, but it never occurred; no explanation why, but I assume due to the hot day (80's) few runners felt like staying around.
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (10/3/2011) "Annual 'capstone' marathon for you!" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a great race. The natural beauty of the course is exceptional with everything from great views (you have to do considerable elevation to get these) to wonderful, remote single-track trail. The org. was perfect. I can't think of a hitch. If I could have changed anything about 2011 it would have been the weather . . . 85 degrees combined with a challenging hill course made this years race a piece of work. It felt like a good 'capstone' marathon for the season . . . if you've done some during the year and are in good condition, it represents a nice way to finish-out the spring - summer season. I'm not a fast runner . . . I had to hustle to meet the cut-off times and to be sure to finish in the 7 hr limit. (Again, 85 degrees doesn't do much for my speed / efficiency.) The medal isn't anything to write home about - except it means more than most others because represents finishing a tough course. There's very few spectators because there's no place for them to spectate from.
T. S. from Morrison, Colorado (10/5/2010) "Very beautiful, challenging, almost perfect race" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My first marathon. I love running the trails and hills and chose this race which had "rave reviews" in the past. It lived up to the hype. Very, very, very difficult for a "foothills" run. Like another runner posted, my long training runs - even on monster courses - were sub-10-min miles. I was expecting 4:30 - but got 5:12. The only part that really killed my psyche was about 5 straight miles on nothing but huge rocks (no dirt!) gnarled together and angled at all directions. Killed my rhythm and all downhill from there. Overall an experience I'll never forget. Challenging and equally rewarding.
S. W. from Boulder, CO (10/9/2009) "Beautiful course, very well run" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This trail event is run in the mountains of northern Colorado, including some challenging hills and very technical running on rocky courses. The organizers put on a great race, however, with plenty of food and well-staffed stations, fun prizes at the end, and a great, laid-back experience all around. I would absolutely run it again.
K. F. from Fort Collins, CO (10/28/2008) "Great race! Beautiful course, very well run." (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the first year for this race, and the organizers (veteran trail runners in Northern Colorado) did a great job. Aid stations were well stocked and volunteers were abundant and very enthusiastic, and the course is very scenic. It is a trail marathon, so there is quite a bit of elevation gain, and there are places where footing is tricky - perfect for what I like to do, but road runners need to understand that this isn't a PR race. I rated spectators only a 3 because there aren't many (it's basically an out-and-back course on single track, so not easy to get to), but the aid stations cheered everyone on throughout the race.

More Comments: [ < 1 > ]



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J. S. from Minnesota (10/22/2019) "One you'll be proud of!" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race is a challenging trail marathon that is very well organized. The trail ranged from packed dirt to technical rock gardens, and included some major hills that will make you feel like you can accomplish anything once you're done. Not being familiar with these particular trails, I was concerned about taking a wrong turn, but the course was extremely well marked and there were volunteers at important junctures. Aid stations were spread apart due to the nature of the course but they took great care of you with plenty of snacks, hydration, and "aid" you got there. Spectators were rare (aside from a few Boy Scouts, hikers, and mountain bikers you might share the paths with) given that you are running on singletrack, which is part of the beauty of the run. The views were amazing. Medals and race shirts were nice, overall/age group awards were really neat and local artisan made, and the post race barbecue, beer, and raffles were perfect. Would highly recommend!
C. Y. from Houston, TX (11/4/2015) "One of my most challenging but done!!!" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my second attempt because I got picked up last year. I got lost on the course & did not have time to complete it. This year, there were more markings and volunteers at strategic locations. I was successful in completing the marathon. YEAHHHH! Because of the terrain, there really were no spectators except for the volunteers at the food water stations and the finish line. They made up for the lack of other spectators because they were enthusiastic and supportive. The food was great & greatly appreciated. They and the race director had a really long day. We received an engraved finisher mug in place of a medal. The mug is very nice but I would have preferred a medal to hang on my medal rod. I have a small rock that my son can turn into a medal to represent this run and add it with the other 68 hanging there.
S. S. from Boulder, CO (10/23/2014) "Challenging course, well-organized enjoyable race!" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my 6th marathon but first trail marathon and I met my time goal and placed in my age group, which is only possible in a smaller race! Even though it took so much longer, I may never run another road marathon. This was an excellent first trail marathon, assuming you've trained on trails and are OK with the altitude (I'm from Boulder so it was not an issue but I bet it would be if I were from sea level). Course was mostly runnable by trail standards but still challenging, yet not in the way I anticipated. Check out the elevation profile and trail maps and pay close attention to miles 16-20 this is where the terrain was really challenging (jagged rocks and scree, cambered trail), even though it wasn't much elevation gain. In contrast, the big hill at the outset really wasn't bad. Beautiful scenery, especially the views of the reservoir. Note though that most of the course was in the open, which could be an issue if it's warm (it was sunny in the high 60s-low 70s, were it warmer that would've been tough). Make sure to fill up water bottles at the aid stations! I loved the fact that at mile 9 you ran right by the start so you could leave a drop bag and pick up (or ditch) items. A well organized race with very well-stocked aid stations (candy corns at mile 21!), although the Tailwind hydration drink wasn't palatable. Friendly volunteers, few spectators (but you expect that, right) except that people really cheered at the finish line, which was very motivating. Good, plentiful food at the finish (BBQ hamburgers, etc). Medal was nice an engraved beer bottle opener. Best part the post-race massage. I never get massages right after marathons, but this one was amazing. It's clear that the organizers are runners who care about getting things right. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this marathon, particularly if you are new to trail races or small races!
C. Y. from Texas (10/8/2014) "Challenging to say the least." (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was a very challenging race because of the altitude, 800 foot climb near the start and narrow rocky course. I got off the track once and had to backtrack. That plus the long climb left me at the back of the pack and over 4 hours at the half. I assumed I would be picked up at the last pick up spot so I stopped. That us the first time I have done that and I have regretted that decision ever since. It is also only my second DNF in 65 marathons. I live in Houston so training for altitude is difficult but I will figure it out. The best part of the day was when 3 deer ran across my path about mile 6 or 7. I plan to come back in 2015 and finish it up. I can conquer Horsetooth mountain, one foot after another.
M. S. from Eagan, MN (10/31/2011) "Challenging, extremely - Worth It, totally" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first trail marathon and a good friend (from CO) convinced me to come out to run the race. The course has plenty of hills and the temperature this year got into the low/mid 80s which was brutal. A beautiful course, AMAZING support at the aid stations and overall organization. Definitely an enjoyable (albeit slow) run. THANKS BLUE SKY!
W. S. from Kalamazoo, Michigan (10/6/2011) "Very challenging trail run." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The course was a challenge but the views and scenery were worth the effort. The race was well organized, had plenty of enthusiastic support at the aid stations, and I liked the fact there were no cups; they just refilled your water bottle(s). This ensures no litter is left behind and that you had water with you since the aid stations were fairly spread out. If you run it you should also be aware the course is long (my Garmin showed 27.16 miles), which I didn't know until someone told while in the middle of the race. The food was great at the end (grilled hamburgers). The only minor negative about the race was there was supposed to be an awards ceremony and raffle at 1:30pm, but it never occurred; no explanation why, but I assume due to the hot day (80's) few runners felt like staying around.
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (10/3/2011) "Annual 'capstone' marathon for you!" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 This is a great race. The natural beauty of the course is exceptional with everything from great views (you have to do considerable elevation to get these) to wonderful, remote single-track trail. The org. was perfect. I can't think of a hitch. If I could have changed anything about 2011 it would have been the weather . . . 85 degrees combined with a challenging hill course made this years race a piece of work. It felt like a good 'capstone' marathon for the season . . . if you've done some during the year and are in good condition, it represents a nice way to finish-out the spring - summer season. I'm not a fast runner . . . I had to hustle to meet the cut-off times and to be sure to finish in the 7 hr limit. (Again, 85 degrees doesn't do much for my speed / efficiency.) The medal isn't anything to write home about - except it means more than most others because represents finishing a tough course. There's very few spectators because there's no place for them to spectate from.
T. S. from Morrison, Colorado (10/5/2010) "Very beautiful, challenging, almost perfect race" (about: 2010) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 My first marathon. I love running the trails and hills and chose this race which had "rave reviews" in the past. It lived up to the hype. Very, very, very difficult for a "foothills" run. Like another runner posted, my long training runs - even on monster courses - were sub-10-min miles. I was expecting 4:30 - but got 5:12. The only part that really killed my psyche was about 5 straight miles on nothing but huge rocks (no dirt!) gnarled together and angled at all directions. Killed my rhythm and all downhill from there. Overall an experience I'll never forget. Challenging and equally rewarding.
S. W. from Boulder, CO (10/9/2009) "Beautiful course, very well run" (about: 2009) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This trail event is run in the mountains of northern Colorado, including some challenging hills and very technical running on rocky courses. The organizers put on a great race, however, with plenty of food and well-staffed stations, fun prizes at the end, and a great, laid-back experience all around. I would absolutely run it again.
K. F. from Fort Collins, CO (10/28/2008) "Great race! Beautiful course, very well run." (about: 2008) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Blue Sky Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was the first year for this race, and the organizers (veteran trail runners in Northern Colorado) did a great job. Aid stations were well stocked and volunteers were abundant and very enthusiastic, and the course is very scenic. It is a trail marathon, so there is quite a bit of elevation gain, and there are places where footing is tricky - perfect for what I like to do, but road runners need to understand that this isn't a PR race. I rated spectators only a 3 because there aren't many (it's basically an out-and-back course on single track, so not easy to get to), but the aid stations cheered everyone on throughout the race.

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Marathon Details - Blue Sky Marathon