Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record

Fort Collins' annual Horsetooth Half Marathon returned April 19 for the 53rd edition of the popular race. A cool but pleasant morning provided near-ideal conditions for runners under sunny skies. And that made for some fast times, including a new women's course record.

Nearly 2,000 runners finished the picturesque 13. 1-mile course that traverses above Horsetooth Reservoir and along the Poudre River before ending near New Belgium Brewing. Here are the winners and notable finishes from the 2026 Horsetooth Half Marathon.

Fort Collins native, former CSU runner shatters women's record The women's winner was a familiar name in NoCo running circles, and now she'll have some local bragging rights. Fort Collins native and former Colorado State University runner Rachael Rudel shattered the Horsetooth Half Marathon women's record, finishing in 1 hour, 12 minutes and 29 seconds. That shaved nearly 100 seconds off the previous women's course record of 1:14:08, set by back-to-back winner Betty Sigei in her 2024 victory.

This was a full circle moment for Rudel, who has run the Horsetooth Half several times and has fond memories with the race. "It feels pretty amazing. This was the first half marathon I ever did back when I was 18, so it’s cool to do it in my hometown with people I love," Rudel told the Coloradoan.