Colorado is a hotbed for running and cycling, and readers and experts in the USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards gave the state several nods in its latest rankings.
While no Centennial State event was ranked the best in the nation in its category, it had five honorees on top 10 lists for 5K, half marathon, sprint triathlons and road cycling events. None made the cut for marathons or fun runs.
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The awards program aims to highlight the “best of the best in various travel and lifestyle categories, including destinations, food and drink and attractions.”
Here’s a look at some of Colorado’s best runs and rides:
Loveland Lake to Lake Triathlon
Ranked third among sprint triathlons, USA TODAY 10BEST gave a nod to the Loveland Lake to Lake for its “combination of challenging courses and stunning northern Colorado scenery.” The race includes a 750-meter swim across Lake Loveland, a 15-mile bike ride and 5K run that ends with “legendary” post-race meals. Sign up or get more information at lovelandlaketolake.com.
Colorado Triathlon
The scenery and rides are so nice they picked Colorado triathlons twice. The Colorado Triathlon in Boulder ranked fifth among sprint triathlons and was called “perfect for beginners and seasoned triathletes alike.” The race has a 750-meter swim in the Boulder Reservoir, a 17-mile bike ride through the foothills and a 5K run. The mountain views and locally inspired swag make it a festive event from start to finish. Find out more or sign up at withoutlimits.co.
Boulderthon Heart to Heart 5K
Boulder makes a list again with the Boulderthon Heart to Heart 5k, ranked seventh among 5K races. The roads course has participants making their way through historic downtown and finishing on Pearl Street Mall, a shopping and dining district that draws locals and tourists. Some editions of the race drew more than 7,000 racers representing every state and 18 countries, quite an achievement for what started as a community-oriented event. Sign up or find out more at boulderthon.org.
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More: This Colorado hotel was named one of the greatest places to stay in the world in 2025
Slacker Half Marathon
The Slacker checks in at No. 9 among half marathons, challenging racers with what is believed to be the world’s highest course. Runners start at the base of Loveland Ski Area (elevation: 10,630 feet) near Georgetown then descend more than 2,000 feet along dirt and paved roads along wetlands, historic mining sites and waterfalls. Register or find out more at slackerhalfmarathon.com.
Triple Bypass
The Triple Bypass, ranked No. 10 among road cycling races, gets its name for the three mountain passes riders must complete. It starts in Evergreen and covers 118 miles and over 10,000 feet of elevation gain through the Juniper, Loveland and Vail passes.
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The race ends in Avon with a Finish Line Party. Riders who don’t want to tackle the full course can do the Double Bypass that skips the Juniper pass. Find out more or sign up at triplebypass.org.
How were USA TODAY 10BEST Reader’s Choice Awards decided?
USA TODAY 10BEST says a panel of experts nominates events in each award category, with the final nominees selected via editorial review by its editors. Once the nominees in an award category are announced, the public has four weeks to vote online for their favorites. People can vote for one nominee in each category each calendar day.
Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: These 5 Colorado running, cycling events rank among nation’s best
