How to Run a Running / Run-Walk Event in Colorado

Putting on a 5K, fun run or race in Colorado? Here's how to plan it, pick a format and run it on Colorado Under Par, start to finish.

What it looks like

Colorado charity and community runs happen on park paths, neighborhood streets and mountain trails, mostly spring through fall, and welcome serious runners, walkers, families and strollers alike.

Formats

5K

A 3.1 mile course, the most popular charity distance.

10K

A 6.2 mile course for runners who want more challenge.

Half Marathon

A 13.1 mile race that needs a certified or carefully measured course, water stations every couple of miles and a time limit for the course.

Marathon

A 26.2 mile race needing road closures, many aid stations, medical support and a course time limit.

8K

A 5 mile road race, about 4.97 miles.

10 Mile

A 10 mile road or path race between a 10K and a half marathon.

Trail Run

A race on dirt trails with hills and rough footing.

Ultra (50K+)

Any race longer than a marathon, usually on trails.

Kids Run

Short distances like a quarter or half mile, sorted by age.

Virtual Run

Participants run the distance on their own route during a set window, then submit their time or a photo.

Fun Run / 1-Mile

A short, untimed or lightly timed mile for families and walkers.

Relay

Teams split a long distance into legs, with each runner passing a baton or wristband at exchange zones.

Fastest Last Mile Award

A timing mat at the final mile crowns whoever runs the quickest closing stretch, not just the overall winner. Back of pack runners can chase it too.

Mile Marker Sponsorships

Families and businesses sponsor a mile marker sign with a name, photo or tribute message. Runners read them along the way and it funds the cause.

Finish Line Photo Arch

A balloon arch or mountain backdrop at the finish gives every runner a free photo. Add a special medal design that changes each year to build a collection.

Build it

In the Organizer Dashboard, click Create event and pick running and your format. Every tab, word and Start here guide then follows your sport.

Registration

Organizers ask for distance choice, age and gender for age group awards, shirt size, emergency contact and a signed waiver.

Results

Open Course map and race info to upload a GPX file or draw the route, and pin the start, finish, water and parking. Bibs are automatic: set the first bib and every entrant gets the next number when they register. Time it with the phone finish line link, which works with no signal, or upload your timer's results file. Pick age groups and awards, and every entrant gets a results email when you post them.

Event day

Runners pick up bibs and shirts at check-in, gather in the start corral, race the course, then results post and age group awards are handed out.

Fun ideas

Make it memorable. Three ideas people love. Fastest Last Mile Award. A timing mat at the final mile crowns whoever runs the quickest closing stretch, not just the overall winner. Back of pack runners can chase it too. Mile Marker Sponsorships. Families and businesses sponsor a mile marker sign with a name, photo or tribute message. Runners read them along the way and it funds the cause. Finish Line Photo Arch. A balloon arch or mountain backdrop at the finish gives every runner a free photo. Add a special medal design that changes each year to build a collection.

Tip

One tip for first-timers: walk or drive the full course a week before and recruit volunteers for every turn, since a missed turn is the most common race day problem. Building is free, then 1% per paid order plus card processing, paid to your own Stripe account. Stuck? Ask Caddie or search Need help in your dashboard. Start at coloradounderpar.com/sell-tickets.