20th Denver Colfax Marathon Makes History In Its 2026 Race Weekend

May 20, 2026

Marathon weekend welcomed a record-breaking 28,000 runners to the city

DENVER, CO (May 20, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Denver’s only marathon hit a milestone this weekend as the largest running event in the city’s history. The 20th Denver Colfax Marathon, presented by Cigna Healthcare, celebrated record‑setting performances and citywide momentum with over 28,000 runners racing through the Mile High this May.

“Denver knows how to celebrate a big race weekend,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “The city was full of energy – from the runners flying by each WOW moment on the course to the spectators that cheered with all their heart, we are thrilled to be the finish line that inspired so many to run our race this year.”

Local Colorado runners swept every major race in the marathon weekend. Event records were broken in the women’s half marathon and the men’s marathon relay. For the second year, the race’s ‘Colorado Half Marathon Showdown’ welcomed an elite field of local Coloradoans that competed for $25,000 in prize money in this high-altitude race.

In honor of the race’s 20th year, runners were treated to a WOW at every mile of the marathon and half marathon course. From a giant gorilla to aerial acrobats, stilt walkers to the Denver Broncos drumline and mascot wowing runners as they ran through the stadium, the course entertainment was unique and memorable with over 40 WOW moments.

In its fifth year as the title sponsor of the race, Cigna Healthcare’s mission of keeping health and wellness in focus supports not only the runners but the entire Denver community.

“Cigna Healthcare is honored to serve as the presenting sponsor of the Denver Colfax Marathon, a signature community event that brings people together in support of health, wellness, and connection,” said Brett Winingham, Cigna Healthcare Mountain States General Manager and Growth Leader. “This year’s marathon weekend reflected the strength and spirit of our community – from over 2,200 Girls on the Run participants and the support of 150 charities to more than 28,000 runners, along with the family members and friends who gathered in City Park to cheer them on. For the past 20 years, this event has grown into a powerful celebration of vitality, resilience, and community, and we congratulate the Denver Colfax Marathon team and all who took part in this year’s inspiring festivities.”

As the marathon celebrates 20 years, there was a strong charity connection to the race weekend this year. More runners than ever before ran to support a nonprofit of their choice to give back to the local Colorado community. The Denver Colfax Marathon is a nonprofit itself that works with more than 150 charities to raise awareness and funds for their cause through the marathon’s free Charity Partners Program. In addition to the funds that each charity raises for their organization, the marathon will also award $175,000 to local charities at its annual awards evening this summer.

The Denver Colfax Marathon weekend is the largest marathon weekend in the 8-state Rocky Mountain Region and the city’s only marathon weekend each year. Registration for the 2027 Denver Colfax Marathon will begin in August. To learn more, please visit www.runcolfax.org.