Race Day Info

Parking

THIS IS A BIGGIE, SO PLEASE READ!

There is NO parking within ¾ mile of the start/finish and we ask that no cars turn onto Ruxton Avenue on race morning (except for runner drop-off). Ruxton Ave has designated resident-only parking and you WILL be ticketed or towed if you park there.

2026 Parking Details:

  • Runner drop-off is HIGHLY recommended this year due to limited parking options!
  • Parking at Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot ONLY will turn on at 5 AM. Runners can purchase parking at the kiosks or on their mobile phones (stop by kiosk for more info, must know your plate number to complete transaction).
  • Only a section of street meters will be turned on early (5:00 AM) for runner convenience on race day morning – the “early meters” will be those EAST of the “Duck Stop” (formerly Chase Bank) along Manitou Ave (400-block). Please note that parking meters are strictly enforced, so plan ahead. 
  • There is a free shuttle that leaves from the east side of Memorial Park (right next to the Hiawatha Gardens Lot) to the race start. This shuttle starts at 6:00 am and runs approximately every 10 minutes. If you plan to take the shuttle, ARRIVE EARLY, as later shuttles will be more full and take more time.
  • There is NO PARKING AT MANITOU HIGH SCHOOL THIS YEAR DUE TO CONSTRUCTION.
  • Additional paid parking can be found at the Dillon Moblity Hub Lot. The free shuttle also stops here and will take runners to the startline. The shuttle starts running at 6 am and is available approximately every 10 minutes. Again, arrive EARLY to ensure a timely arrival to the starting line. 

Hiawatha Gardens Parking Lot (Old Mans Trail & El Paso)!   A 1.40 mile warm-up starting by 6:23 am, or take the free shuttle at Old Mans Trail and Manitou Ave.

We’ve created a map for the recommended areas for parking and starting your warm-up (note that there are not many “free” areas left in Manitou, so plan accordingly)  (View Map):

Dillon Mobility Hub  Approx. 2+mile warm-up starting by 6:15 am. (or take the free shuttle – stop is in front of the lot)

400-block of Manitou Ave parking spots (East of the former Chase Bank (Now the “Duck Stop”) – Old Mans Trail & Manitou Ave)!  A 1.25 mile warm-up starting by 6:25am.

Manitou Springs has recently updated all of its parking policies/areas and rates. Please visit their website for more detailed and accurate parking information so you can avoid getting a ticket.  The following information is from the City of Manitou Springs parking page: Manitou Springs Parking Information

 

On-Street Parking

Parking on city streets is available to any member of the public in Manitou Springs. All parking spaces downtown are pay-by-plate from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm 7 days a week. Since most meters don’t “turn on” until the race starts, we highly recommend making plans to park as noted above, or have someone drop you off 🙂

Parking Rates and information can be found on the Manitou Parking Rates page. Information about how to pay can be found on the Manitou Springs How To Pay page.

Restrooms

Port-a-potties are available at the start and finish areas as well as additional units near the base of the incline trail.
**Please do not block the Cog Railway parking entrance and minimize “cutting through” their lot**

Sweat Check

We are excited to have Colorado Mortgage Company sponsor sweat check bags this year! 
Runners will receive sweat check bags at packet pickup. Please label the bag with your BIB NUMBER in the white box on the bag.
Sweat check bags will be moved to the finish area and will be located near the water station by the Barr Trail restrooms (finish line). We are NOT responsible for valuables, please only check clothing.

  • NOTE: We are a CUP-LESS RACE! Please bring your own refillable cup or reservoir on course for your nutrition and hydration needs! You may fill your hydration at our Start line aid station if needed 🙂

Race Day Schedule of Events

5:45am – Race day registration and packet pick-up opens (near start line)
7:00am – RACE START
9:30am – Soda Springs Pavilion opens for post-race food, high school aid station voting, raffle
11:00am – Race cut off for finisher shirt

11:15am – Awards presentation, Soda Springs Pavilion

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