Denver Colfax Marathon 5K on Airport Runway Sells Out in Six Hours

The Denver Colfax Marathon is offering a unique "5K On The Runway" race at Denver International Airport. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, will allow up to 2,500 runners to sprint down the airport’s runway, an experience previously reserved for pilots. Registration opened in July and the race sold out in just six hours, faster than the 2022 edition, which sold out in 13 hours.

Andrea Dowdy, CEO of the Denver Colfax Marathon, said the partnership with the airport provides "an extraordinarily rare opportunity" for participants. United Airlines, the presenting sponsor, will host a post‑race gathering in its main hangar, offering themed apparel, a 3D‑modeled medal and a hot breakfast. The runway 5K complements the marathon’s annual weekend races held each May, with registration for the 2027 marathon weekend opening in August.