The Autumn Run is held each year on the third weekend in September, in and around the historic, friendly, and picturesque town of Buena Vista, Colorado. Nestled in the upper Arkansas River Valley at the base of the Collegiate Peaks, the Autumn Run has one of the most beautiful courses in Colorado.
Registration is completed digitally and online, even on race day. Cards only. Registration may close early if participants caps are met.
Course DETAILS
Half Marathon - 9:15 am (ish)
***Catch the Shuttle from McPhelemy Park - Leaves @ 8:15 am SHARP!***
We encourage all half marathon participants to use our shuttles to avoid overcrowding at the start line
as the road is narrow and there is NOT ample parking.
This run is stroller friendly! Littles who ride along in strollers need not register.
Half Marathon participants with a stroller must provide their own transportation to the start line.
The cutoff times for each fuel station is listed in the course description with the maps.
This is to ensure that all runners can cross the finish line by 2 pm.
Family Fun Run - 9:00 am
Cruise around the McPhelemy Park's Town Lake on the Story Walk Trail! Young participant finishers will be able to customize their very own race bib! There will not be registration for the Family Fun Run - Just come out on race day!
The Family Fun Run is free, but donations to the beneficiary are always welcome!
10K & 5K - 9:30 am
These runs are stroller friendly! Littles who ride along in strollers need not register.
The 5K course passes through The Meadows private property.
In 2026, there is an event occurring at The Meadows - Pretty Lights.
One Love Endurance Events and Meadow Creek organizers have been coordinating with along with Town and County officials to ensure the race course remains safe and secure for all our participants, including families and people of all ages.
We have specific measures in place to manage how the two events intersect.
***Catch the Shuttle from McPhelemy Park - Leaves @ 8:15 am SHARP!***
We encourage all half marathon participants to use our shuttles to avoid overcrowding at the start line
as the road is narrow and there is NOT ample parking.
This run is stroller friendly! Littles who ride along in strollers need not register.
Half Marathon participants with a stroller must provide their own transportation to the start line.
The cutoff times for each fuel station is listed in the course description with the maps.
This is to ensure that all runners can cross the finish line by 2 pm.
Family Fun Run - 9:00 am
Cruise around the McPhelemy Park's Town Lake on the Story Walk Trail! Young participant finishers will be able to customize their very own race bib! There will not be registration for the Family Fun Run - Just come out on race day!
The Family Fun Run is free, but donations to the beneficiary are always welcome!
10K & 5K - 9:30 am
These runs are stroller friendly! Littles who ride along in strollers need not register.
The 5K course passes through The Meadows private property.
In 2026, there is an event occurring at The Meadows - Pretty Lights.
One Love Endurance Events and Meadow Creek organizers have been coordinating with along with Town and County officials to ensure the race course remains safe and secure for all our participants, including families and people of all ages.
We have specific measures in place to manage how the two events intersect.
Course Maps, elevation profiles, & Descriptions
Click on each distance to see maps, elevation profiles, and descriptions.
These descriptions include course descriptions, the finish line cut off time, fuel station food and drink, fuel station cutoffs, portable toilet locations, and drop bags information. Thank you for being aware of course updates!
These descriptions include course descriptions, the finish line cut off time, fuel station food and drink, fuel station cutoffs, portable toilet locations, and drop bags information. Thank you for being aware of course updates!
REGISTRATION & Deferment
If you register and are unable to participate in the event, you have these options:
1 - Let the race director know at least 24 hours in advance if you would like to defer to next year’s event, or
2 - Stay registered and pickup your giveaway during packet pickup, or
3 - Forfeit your giveaway and your registration, considering it a donation.
***If you deferred in the past two years, then YOU THE RUNNER are responsible to contact the Race Director to request your registration for the current year. You should request your registration at least three days before the event. We recommend the earlier the better!
1 - Let the race director know at least 24 hours in advance if you would like to defer to next year’s event, or
2 - Stay registered and pickup your giveaway during packet pickup, or
3 - Forfeit your giveaway and your registration, considering it a donation.
***If you deferred in the past two years, then YOU THE RUNNER are responsible to contact the Race Director to request your registration for the current year. You should request your registration at least three days before the event. We recommend the earlier the better!
partnerships
We are proud to offer discounts to the following organizations and groups:
Any Chaffee County Schools, Buena Vista Schools, & Salida Schools Teachers & Staff
All First Responders Including Firefighters, Police Officers, EMTs, Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Search & Rescue, & Sherriff Office Deputies
Contact us HERE to claim a 15% discount off registration!
Any Chaffee County Schools, Buena Vista Schools, & Salida Schools Teachers & Staff
All First Responders Including Firefighters, Police Officers, EMTs, Paramedics, 911 Dispatchers, Search & Rescue, & Sherriff Office Deputies
Contact us HERE to claim a 15% discount off registration!
Animals & pets
Animals of any kind, including dogs, are NOT allowed on any race course due to our race insurance.
You can bring your dogs to the Start/Finish Line, but please keep them controlled,
at least 20 feet away from the Start/Finish Line, and on a leash at all times.
You can bring your dogs to the Start/Finish Line, but please keep them controlled,
at least 20 feet away from the Start/Finish Line, and on a leash at all times.
Packet Pickup times & locations
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Early Packet Pickup
Date: Friday, 9.17.2027 Time: 4 pm - 6 pm Location: McPhelemy Park Hwy 24 & West Main Street Buena Vista, CO |
Race Day Packet Pickup
Date: Saturday, 9.18.2027 Time: 7 am - 9:15 am Location: McPhelemy Park Hwy 24 & West Main Street Buena Vista, CO |
Runner SWAG
Place awards will be given to the Top 3 Male & Female finishers of each run!
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All participants will receive an Autumn Run race shirt and a commemorative finisher's award!
Each participant receives a drink token with their entry for post race refreshments.
Participants will also receive a Hydrapak collapsible, reusable speed cup!
Our cupless racing is part of the Sustainable Racing Program with
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All participants will receive an Autumn Run race shirt and a commemorative finisher's award!
Each participant receives a drink token with their entry for post race refreshments.
Participants will also receive a Hydrapak collapsible, reusable speed cup!
Our cupless racing is part of the Sustainable Racing Program with
celebrate your finish at McPhelemy Park
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Stick around and cheer on all runners as they cross the bridge over Town Lake and run through the finish line to the festive party at McPhelemy Park!
2026 Post Race Party Included: Live Music & Entertainment on Legacy Stage Libation Garden - Elevation Beer & NA options (including sodas and seltzers) Food Trucks - The Bonesaw & Banana Belt Snow Cones Special thanks to Buena Vista Event Cooperative for the stage entertainment and to Elevation Beer for the provision of beverages for those 21 and older! All proceeds from the Beer Garden go to Buena Vista Event Cooperative to support live music at the Legacy Stage! |
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local Deals for runners
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Runners and their families have been offered a 10% discount by our good friends at Lakeside Motel! This deal is good for all room rates during the Autumn Run weekend.
You can call them to book over the phone. More details, reservations, and contact info the Lakeside Motel is LOCATED HERE. |
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Terraform Sauna is offering 15% off our 60-min drop in sessions for all racers, crew, and volunteers.
Hop onto their website and use this discount code at checkout – AUTUMN15. This is good through November 19, 2026. TerraForm Sauna is a wood-fired sauna experience on the banks of the Arkansas River with unobstructed views of the Colorado Rockies. This is a place built around gathering in community and finding rest and stillness in the heat while immersed in the beauty of the natural world. |
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Spotlight on Our Beneficiaries
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A portion of all proceeds will be split evenly and donated to each beneficiary.
Participants can also donate more during registration or on race day.
Participants can also donate more during registration or on race day.
Click HERE to read an article about our Run Fairy Linda Anderson in CO Runner Magazine.
Volunteer
Find out how to get involved! Races always need volunteers, and we are always in need of YOU!
Whether you have two hours or more, we would love for you to join us!
Whether you have two hours or more, we would love for you to join us!
Photos & Results
Thank you to all of our photographers for the Autumn Run Event!
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BV Art & Photo
Steve Trujillo
The Adventuring Photographer
Tim Tognacci Photography
Grace Graham
Dave Papineau
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BV Art & Photo
Steve Trujillo
The Adventuring Photographer
Tim Tognacci Photography
Grace Graham
Dave Papineau
Five Star Timing results
Getting Here & Parking
From Johnson Village, CO, head north on Hwy 24 for about 2 miles until the red light at Hwy 24 and Main Street.
From Leadville, CO, head south on Hwy 24 for about 40 miles until the red light at Hwy 24 and Main Street.
McPhelemy Park will be located on the corner of Hwy 24 and West Main Street. You will see the Train Depot.
Please do not attempt to park at McPhelemy Park.
From Leadville, CO, head south on Hwy 24 for about 40 miles until the red light at Hwy 24 and Main Street.
McPhelemy Park will be located on the corner of Hwy 24 and West Main Street. You will see the Train Depot.
Please do not attempt to park at McPhelemy Park.
Statement of Affiliation & nondiscrimination
Autumn Run is operated under special use permit with the Pike San Isabel National Forest.
Anyone who needs assistance with accessing the content of this website, please call 202.720.2600.
This race is an equal opportunity employer. If you need to file a complaint, please view the USDA information HERE.
Anyone who needs assistance with accessing the content of this website, please call 202.720.2600.
This race is an equal opportunity employer. If you need to file a complaint, please view the USDA information HERE.
