Autumn Color Run

The ACR is Colorado’s premier half marathon!! Held each year on the third weekend in September as the aspen leaves are changing from green to gold. The ACR began as many races do with one run, and as it grew over the years the Autumn Color Run has consistently worked with community organization to raise funds and awareness through running. The ACR continues to support the organizations that support our community.This series of running events -- which include the race's signature half marathon as well as a 10K, 5K and a one-mile "fun run" -- are held in the upper Arkansas River valley town of Buena Vista, near Colorado's Collegiate Peaks mountains.Just over 430 runners came out for all four races combined at the September 2012 running of the race, which often helps runners set personal best race times thanks to its mostly downhill course. Of the total number of finishers, the half marathon saw the largest number with 235 runners crossing the finish line in the 13.1-mile race alone.The race also takes place in a spectacularly scenic part of central Colorado known as the "Fourteeners Region," so called because it includes a number of mountains that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation, including Mount Elbert, Mount Harvard and Castle Peak. The towns along the valley, like Buena Vista, Leadville and Salida, also offer plenty of things to do after the race, from camping, hiking and river rafting down the Arkansas River to seasonal art and music festivals.

The Half Marathon starts west of town above Cottonwood Lake and winds it’s way into town through a peaking aspen grove. Run along Cottonwood Lake and follow dirt forest service and county roads, then on paved county roads for the final stretch. The course follows approximately 9 miles of dirt roads and 4 miles of pavement. The course drops about 1,500 feet to an elevation of 8,000 feet in the town of Buena Vista. While the elevation does drop steadily along the course it’s not all downhill. Buses transport runners to the start of the race.

The Autumn Color Run is held each year 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 race also takes place in a spectacularly scenic part of central Colorado known as the “Fourteeners Region,” so called because it includes a number of mountains that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation, including Mount Elbert, Mount Harvard and Castle Peak.The towns along the valley, like Buena Vista, Leadville and Salida, also offer plenty of things to do after the race, from camping, hiking and river rafting down the Arkansas River to seasonal art and music festivals.