‘Colorado Half Marathon Showdown’ Returns to the 2026 Denver Colfax Marathon

March 9, 2026

Elite Runner Prize Program Offers Thousands of Dollars to Colorado Runners

Denver, CO /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Denver Colfax Marathon, presented by Cigna Healthcare, is excited to announce the return of the Colorado Half Marathon Showdown. The showdown, sponsored by Altra, highlights Colorado’s top elite runners. The fastest local men and women who compete in the half marathon in May have the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash prizes.

“We’re thrilled to once again recognize the top local runners in our state through this prize program,” said Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon. “Each elite runner pushed the race to another level last year, showcasing the talent that exists right here in Colorado. Giving back to our community has always been at the heart of our mission, and this prize money celebrates the dedication these athletes bring to training and living in Colorado.”

Colorado athletes (men and women) who run the half marathon in the Denver Colfax Marathon race weekend will once again have the chance to compete for $22,560 in prizes: $5280 for first place, $3000 for second place, $2000 for third place and $1000 for fourth place. In addition to the returning prize pool, the marathon will also award any marathon and half marathon runner that breaks a course record on race day. These athletes have a chance to win $1000 if they break the event record, and another $1000 if they break the state record.

“It was incredible to see the level of talent that came out for last year’s half marathon showdown,” said Patrick Rizzo, past Denver Colfax Marathon winner and current race ambassador. “Colorado truly has some of the best runners in the country. We’re proud to bring the program back this year and give our local athletes the support and competitive opportunities that help elevate this sport.”

Colorado-based Altra has partnered with the Denver Colfax Marathon to support its Elite Program. The company is offering a complimentary pair of Altra running shoes to the first 50 elite athletes who register for the marathon, half marathon, or the 10‑mile race. This investment in local talent reflects Altra’s mission to empower and inspire runners to perform at their mile‑high best.

“Altra is proud to support the Colfax Marathon Run Club, Elite and Showdown programs,” said Colby Gould, sports marketing manager for Altra in Colorado. “Our mission is to unleash human potential by inspiring the world to move naturally, and this partnership allows us to support runners wherever they are on their journey, from their first miles with their local club to chasing podiums at the front of the pack on race day. The Colfax Marathon is a mainstay of the Denver running community, and we’re honored and excited to make an impact right in our backyard through supporting this iconic Denver event.”

The Denver Colfax Marathon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a long-standing commitment to giving back. Each year, the marathon provides thousands of kids with free race entries and partners with more than 125 charities. Through its charity partners program, nonprofits receive a free platform to raise money and awareness throughout the marathon season.

Runners can fundraise for a cause directly through the platform and marathon relay teams can win even more money for charity through the program’s prize pool. The Denver Colfax Marathon relay has grown into one of the largest in the country and now awards $150,000 to local charities each year.

The Denver Colfax Marathon is the largest marathon weekend in the 8 state Rocky Mountain Region. It offers eight races over two days and is expecting more than 25,000 runners for its 20th race year. Registration is open for the city’s only marathon weekend which will take place May 15-17, 2026. To register, visit www.runcolfax.org.

About the Colorado Half Marathon Showdown:

To be eligible for the new Colorado Half Marathon Prize Pool, you must qualify with one of the following: Colorado resident (at least 6 months as a current resident), Colorado collegian (must have completed last 2 years of post-secondary education in Colorado) or raised and educated primarily in Colorado but currently are not a resident.

Results from the 2025 debut Colorado Half Marathon Showdown:

*Record Broken – Half Marathon – Male
Emad Bashir-Mohammed (Aurora, CO) – 1:03:05 (new course record)

• Emad broke his own course record that he set in the 2024 DCM half marathon with a time of 1:06:13)
• Prize money – $6280: $5280 for 1st place, plus $1000 for breaking course record)

Lawrence Kipkoech (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:03:17 ($3000)

Talbi Zouhair (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:04:03 ($2000)

Gilbert Boit (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:04:59 ($1000)

Half Marathon – Female

Ednah Kurgat (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:14:36 ($5280)

Rachael Rudel (Fort Collins, CO) – 1:17:10 ($3000)

Annmarie Kirkpatrick (Fort Collins, CO) – 1:20:43) ($2000)

Erica Ruiz Murillo (Colorado Springs, CO) – 1:22:05 ($1000)