Rim to Rim Royal Gorge Races: 5K Road Run, Trail 8 Mile, Trail Half Marathon
About this race
Get ready for a ROYALly GORGEous experience! Whether you’re tackling the 5K, the 8-mile trail run, or the half marathon trail run, this event offers something truly special. All three races feature the exhilarating opportunity to run across America’s highest suspension bridge, the iconic Royal Gorge Bridge, with breathtaking views of one of Colorado’s most stunning landscapes.
But it’s not just about the race — it’s about the cause. All proceeds benefit Starpoint, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities, as well as children and their families. When you run the Royal Gorge Races, you’re running for more than just a personal challenge; you’re making a difference in the lives of others.
Your registration includes free entrance into the historic Royal Gorge Bridge & Park (on race day). Family members will receive a $10 discount. After the race, we want you to slow down, relax, and take in the unique views that our region has to offer.
There is a FREE KIDS’ race.
The 5K is stroller friendly. All races are dog friendly, but only if your dog is friendly.
HALF MARATHON RUNNERS!— Ready for a Challenge?
Check out the SOCO OverIt Half Marathon Series — three unforgettable races, one incredible experience.
We’ve teamed up with the Beulah Challenge and Rock Canyon Half Marathon to bring you a series that’s as meaningful as it is scenic. Each race not only showcases Colorado’s stunning landscapes but also gives back to its local community in powerful ways.
Race Lineup:
• Beulah Challenge — September 19, 2026
• Rim to Rim Royal Gorge Race — October 3, 2026
• Rock Canyon Half Marathon — December 6, 2026
Your can register for this half marathon series here https://runsignup.com/Race/CO/Beulah/BeulahChallenge
****Please note- do not use your GPS to get you to the race. Refer to the directions on the website.
www.rimtorimroyalgorge.com. A detailed email will be sent to all registrants.
****PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR 10K ROUTE IS DISCONTINUED AND WILL BE RESERVED
AS AN ALTERNATE ROUTE IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT THERE IS INCLEMENT
WEATHER AND THE TRAILS ARE UNRUNNABLE. SHOULD THIS BE THE CASE, WE
WILL EXTEND THE ROUTE TO 8 MILES (DIRT ROAD) AND ALL 8-MILE REGISTRANTS
AND HALF-MARATHON TRAIL RUNNERS CAN RUN THIS ROUTE INSTEAD.
Colorado Springs Packet Pickup: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 -
Canon City Early Packet Pickup: Friday, October 2, 2026, from 5 PM to 7 PM Centennial Park - 221 Griffin Ave. Canon City, CO 81212.
Race Day Morning Packet Pickup: Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 7 AM to Race Start
Packet pickup will also be available on race day morning. Simply head to parking lot B upon your arrival, and make your way to the welcome table located on the side of the parking lot. We'll be ready to assist you and ensure you're all set for the event!
Pick your distance
Running
5K Road Run
This 5K is like no other. Mostly on a dirt road, you will start with a challenging hill and then make your way along the most stunning views before running back towards the finish line by running across the Royal Gorge Bridge. What an epic run!
8 Mile Trail Run
This trail is an 8ish mile event. This race will be capped at 200 participants. This race will begin at the same starting place as our 5K and half marathon trail race, however, will have a different start time. The race will go out of the main parking lot of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and run approximately.5 miles before dropping onto the trail, Twisted Cistern for approximately 1.6 miles. Runners will then do a 3.1 mile loop on Made in the Shade before returning to go back up Twisted Cistern and then make their way across the Royal Gorge Bridge to the finish line. We have received such positive feedback from runners about this event. Overall elevation gain is approximately 1123 ft.
Trail Half Marathon
Join us for one of the most beautiful half-marathons in Colorado. There are so many stunning views and the course is beyond enjoyable with just the right amount of challenge with fun downhill stretches to catch your breath. This is a half-marathoners dream come actual run! This race will be capped at 200. Overall elevation gain is approximately 2000 ft.
VIRTUAL 5k Run/Walk
VIRTUAL 8 Mile Run/Walk
VIRTUAL Half Marathon Run/Walk
Typical race-day weather
Based on 4 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Canon City, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 6:58 AM and sets at 6:40 PM local time (MDT) in Canon City on October 3, 2026 — 11h 42m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
Done this event?
If you've participated in this event, share your experience with other runners
Other races near Canon City
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
YMCA of Pueblo Spooky Sprint 5K
Ymca of Pueblo Race Series
Ymca of Pueblo Turkey Trot
Canya Cañon Trail Race & Hike
🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Canon City
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Canon City 5K Races 3 races
- Canon City Running Calendar 2026 5 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 6 Canon City events
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.