The Garden of the Gods 10 Mile & 10K Run has it all — a spectacular setting, a physically demanding course, competition in almost every age-group, excellent runner support, unique awards and great shirts. Simply, this is one of the most beautiful and challenging road race venues anywhere!

The courses loop through the incredible Garden of the Gods Park which lies between Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs. And while any run through the Garden is an awesome run, the race course was designed to take you into the heart of the park’s unique landscape, where towering sandstone monoliths eclipse the sun, where a century ago pioneers carved their names into the rock.

The course ranges from 6,210 to 6,530 feet elevation. The race is run primarily on asphalt roads, with the exception of a 3/4-mile section (10-miler only) run on a wide walkway that winds its way through the heart of the Garden’s most amazing rock formations. Indeed, the formations are so amazing they bring visitors from around the world!

Clear, dry weather is the norm with temperatures at the start usually in the low 60’s. Once in the Garden, the temperature can quickly rise into the 70’s and low 80’s. There are eight aid stations on the course so you can get water and/or Gatorade at almost every mile.

The park is closed to motor vehicles and cyclists until 9:30 a.m. (race cutoff) so that you can enjoy the magnificent surroundings without concerns for your safety!

Be sure to check out the Garden of the Gods Run Fest after the race. We’ll have music, vendors, pizza, beer and race awards. It’s a fun runner party.

The race also benefits Friends of Garden of the Gods and other nonprofit organizations that help maintain trails and keep the park beautiful for all to enjoy.