Jan Price Bump, Training and Racing

Price Bump Jan 7

Early bird pricing for the 44th running of the Horsetooth Half Marathon will expire January 6 at midnight. We’re expecting record numbers in 2017 and will cap at 2,500 registrations. If you plan on running the race this year, register soon and save.

On race day, we’ll have medals and commemorative pint glasses for all finishers. And of course, once you’re done we’ll celebrate together at the legendary New Belgium Finish Line Party with free beer, free food and raucous live music, this year on the brewery’s newly expanded patio.

Train With the Running Club

If you need a little motivation to get that training kick-started, then check out the race Training page for a customized schedule or to learn about the weekly group training runs through the FREE Fort Collins Running Club RunningU program.

We’ll be kicking off the training season on January 15 with runs of 4 or 6 miles on the Poudre Bike path, beginning and ending at New Belgium. After the run enjoy drink specials (beer-mosas, anyone?), a training presentation from Colorado in Motion and a chance to try on the all new Salomon road line.

Group runs will be held each Sunday at 8am (Maxwell) or 10am (NBB) depending on location. Sunday runs are free and open to all. Fort Collins Running Club members also enjoy weekly motivational emails, mentoring, communication with other members and free entry to the Tortoise and Hare Race Series.

Sign up today!

Train with the Running Club

Join the Fort Collins Running Club this Sunday (Jan 8) for the fourth Tortoise and Hare of the 2016/17 season, an 8k (5 miles) from Edora Park.

The T&H races are a low-key “handicap” series of seven races, run monthly from October to April. Computer-predicted handicaps allow runners of all levels to compete equally. Participants are scored across the series and the top five are awarded checks to one of Fort Collins’ two specialty run stores: Altitude Running or Runners Roost.

The series is free to all Running Club members or $10 to non-members. Join us afterwards at Raintree Athletic Club for bagels and coffee.

All participants for this Sunday’s race must register by noon on Saturday.

2017 Horsetooth Half Training Program Begins Jan 15

The 2017 Horsetooth Half RunningU Training Program will officially kick off January 15 with a run from the New Belgium Brewery, followed by drink specials and a training presentation from Colorado In Motion. The Sunday before the official kick-off to the Horsetooth Half training season, we’ll be gathering for a ‘soft launch’ at Edora Park for the Fort Collins Running Club’s Tortoise and Hare 8k race.

Details for the free 14-week training program have been updated on the race website, and like last year there are two programs to choose from. The Beginner Program is designed for participants new to running or new to the half marathon distance. The Intermediate Program is designed for runners with a couple of half marathon finishes under their belts and who are looking to improve their times.

The Fort Collins Running Club’s RunningU training group is offered free to members and includes:

A 14-week training program, gradually increasing weekly mileage.
Group long runs every Sunday, which alternates between New Belgium (flat) and the race start by Hughes Stadium (hills).
Post-run informational sessions at New Belgium Brewery from Colorado in Motion, previous race winners and other race partners.
Sponsor giveaways.
Peer/mentor support and motivation through a closed Facebook group and email list.

Details for the two programs and the weekend long run and presentation schedules can be accessed from the Horsetooth Half Training Page.

All weekend runs are free and open to anyone, but we encourage you to register for the program if you’d like to be included in the peer mentoring benefits, midweek group run opportunities or just want to get to know your half marathoners in training better.

Rolland Moore T&H 4k Kicks Off Horsetooth Half Marathon Season

We had outstanding weather for the 4k kick-off to the seven-race Tortise & Hare (T&H) series last Sunday, with over 150 runners coming out to enjoy the beautiful morning at Rolland Moore Park. The T&H races are used by many as part of their build-up to the Horsetooth Half Marathon, with the January-April races incorporated into the official training program. Under the handicapped format, everyone – no matter how fast or slow – has an equal shot at winning. The real emphasis though is on fun and community.

The next race is a 5k on November 6 at 8:00am starting and ending at Spring Canyon Park. We hope to see you out there!