Tortoise & Hare

[Results] [Register for next T&H race/Check your start time]

The Tortoise & Hare (T&H) is a low-key “handicap” series of seven races that are run monthly from October to April, typically on the first or second Sunday of the month. Computer-predicted times allow runners of all levels to compete equally. Runners start at staggered intervals with faster runners (Hares) trying to catch slower runners (Tortoises).

Points are awarded to the top 20 non-first-time runners, with the 1st finisher earning 25 points, 2nd earning 24, 20th earning 6, etc. First-time runners (regardless of placing) and all other finishers are awarded 5 points. Volunteers who help with the race will also receive 5 points if they do not run, so they are not “penalized” for volunteering.

Each runner’s best five point tallies during the series will be counted in the standings. Runners’ cumulative scores are kept throughout the series and the top five at the end of the series receive checks made payable to one of Fort Collins’ two local running stores in the amounts of:

1st: $100
2nd: $75
3rd: $50
4th: $35
5th: $25

How to Participate

The T&H races are for FCRC Members only and are free. Not a member? Consider joining the club. Membership has many perks and quickly pays for itself. Join the club  quickly and easily.

  • First-timers and runners who have not participated in the last two seasons: If you are new to the club or you have not participated in a T&H race during the last two seasons, you will be prompted to enter a predicted time for yourself during the registration process below.
  • Pre-Registration Only.
    1. Register online 
    2. We now have a timing bib system. If you don’t have a timing bib yet, please purchase one ahead of time.
    3. You will pick up your timing bib on-site at your first race that you will keep for all T&H races — every year. Please allow time before your first race to pick up your bib.
    4. As volunteers announce the waves, please line up at the start line.
    5. As you cross the finish line, you will keep your timing bib.

Sometimes you just need a buddy! The FCRC has a volunteer program for the Tortoise & Hare Races – Running Buddies!

Who might want a running buddy?

  • An older adult who would like support on the course
  • Someone with hearing impairment who otherwise might not feel safe running alone
  • Kids who want to get into running but may need support to run the course without a parent
  • Anyone who feels more supported and motivated when running with someone

Read more and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.

There is no race-day registration. This is because we have so many runners at different computer-generated start times that race-day registration would make things too chaotic for our volunteers.

Runners who have a predicted pace of 16 minutes/mile will begin promptly at 8:00am. Those who are slower will begin earlier than 8:00am, and faster folks will begin later.

Notes on T&H:

  • Strollers are welcome on the race course
  • Pets are not allowed on the race course
  • You cannot change your start time

Race results will be posted on our T&H Results page usually by the evening after the race.

Series Dates

  • 10/06/2024 – Rolland Moore Park 4k
  • 11/10/2024 – Spring Canyon Park 5k
  • 12/08/2024 – Spring Park 6k
  • 01/12/2025 – Fossil Creek Park 5k
  • 02/02/2025 – Edora Park 8k
  • 03/02/2025 – Lee Martinez Park 10k
  • 03/30/2025 – Cottonwood Park 12k

You can find race finishing times, placings and series point standings in the results section of this website.

Tortoise & Hare Course Descriptions & Directions

Rolland Moore 4K (2.5 miles)

[Course map] The race starts by the soccer fields, running east on Spring Creek to turnaround before Centre Ave & back.

Spring Canyon Park 5K (3.1 miles)

***Change to course for 2021-2022 Season — click here for course map***

[Course map] The race starts and ends in Spring Canyon Park at the west end of Horsetooth Road (near the dog park). Not to be confused with Spring Park.

Spring Park 6K (3.7 miles)

[Course map] Starting in the Spring Park parking lot next to the fire station just east of College Avenue, runners head east on the Spring Creek Trail. Run under Lemay, cross Welch Avenue into Edora Park. Stay on the Spring Creek Trail through the park and cross under Riverside Avenue to the turnaround just east of the railroad overpass, returning to the finish in Spring Park. Please do not confuse this with Spring Canyon Park.

Fossil Creek Park 5k (3.1 miles)

[Course Map] Runners meet at the east parking lot for Fossil Creek Park; the entrance is on Lemay Avenue, a little over a mile south of Harmony Road.

The start is on the sidewalk on the west side of the parking lot. Runners proceed south along the east side of Portner Reservoir, then around the south and west side of the reservoir, heading up heading north. After crossing the entrance to the west parking lot, runners cross a large pedestrian bridge, then turn left (west) and use the underpass to cross Fossil Creek Parkway. Using a combination of the sidewalk and bike path, runners proceed west along the Fossil Creek Parkway.

The turnaround point is close to College Avenue. Runners then turn around and go the way they came from. Outbound runners use the sidewalk and inbound runners use the bike lane.

Edora Park 8K (5 miles)

[Course map] Runners start in the Edora Park parking lot near the baseball fields—enter from the Stuart Avenue entrance. Head east on the Spring Creek Trail, running under Riverside Avenue, Timberline Road and Prospect Road via the tunnels. Make a right on the Poudre Trail and pass back under Prospect and make left on Sharp Point Drive. Run alongside the Prospect Ponds Natural Area to the turnaround beyond Midpoint Drive. Runners then retrace their steps back to the Edora Park finish.

Lee Martinez Park 10K (6.2 miles)

[Course map] The start/finish is in the parking lot on the north end of Sherwood Street. The course goes west and comes back east on the Poudre Trail. The turnaround is between Taft Hill Road and Overland Trail.

Cottonwood Glen 12k (7.5 miles)

[Course map] The start/finish is in the Cottonwood Glen parking lot at the south end of Overland Drive. The race follows the Spring Creek bike path east for 3.75 miles, turning around between Center Street and Mason Street. Runners then retrace their route back to the Cottonwood Glen parking lot.

Algorithms Used to Predict T & H Finish Times

Our Tortoise and Hare Race Director

Nick Clark has been our T&H race director since 2007. Below is his bio.

Nick Clark I’ve lived in Fort Collins since 2006, and been a runner since 2000. I started out pounding the pavement in New York City, but transferred to the trails pretty much immediately after moving to Colorado. I especially enjoy long days in the mountains, but can be found – on occasion – doing a flatland workout or two. I’ve run a number of ultramarathons over the years, but enjoy racing all distances, from 400 meters to 100 miles.

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