FAQs

What is the Columbine Mile Marathon?

The Mile Marathon is an amazing one-mile fun run that is not only the best day of the year at Columbine but is a major fundraiser for the school. It began in 1977 and is one year older than the BOLDERBoulder 10k! The Mile Marathon is also the longest running children’s race west of the Mississippi.

Watch this fun video about the Mile Marathon made by a Columbine alumni.

When is the Mile Marathon this year?

It is happening on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from approximately 8:45 am until about 10:30 am. The event is kicked off with a parade of students walking to the start line together. 5th grade classes lead the parade around 8:40am, heading to the start line on Glenwood Avenue, just past 20th Street. If the weather isn’t cooperative, our rain date is May 20th and the run starts one hour later.

Where do students run?

The students run a route around Columbine Elementary School, with road closures for safety. See the route map for more details.

Can I get involved?

Putting on this large scale event requires plenty of assistance, and we would love parent support! You can volunteer before or during the event. You can sign up atHelpAtSchool closer to the event. A sign up will be shared around May! Even if you don’t volunteer, you’re welcome to run with your student. All event guests are required to provide identification when checking in at the front office.

How can I help support my students’ fundraising?

Talk to your student about who they could approach to fundraise, role play how to ask for donations, participate in soliciting donations, go out for a walk/run with your student, even asking your student about their training makes a difference. 

Can I just come watch?

Of course! The more the merrier and safer for the students. You can station yourself in the field between the school and Glenwood Avenue or along the route that circles the school. Bear in mind: there will be road closures on the streets around the school so plan to arrive a bit earlier! Walk, run, roll, or carpool as parking spaces will be limited after drop off.

What are the details for the fundraiser?

The Columbine PTA and Mile Marathon Committee invite students to participate by collecting sponsorships (donations) from family, friends, neighbors, etc. Every contribution helps our school! Students will receive a fundraising envelope on May 1st. Cash and check donations can be placed inside and returned to the school. We also accept online donations via Paypal and Venmo. When making online donations, please include a 👟 in the note along with the student’s name and grade so the contributions can be matched. All fundraising envelopes are due by Friday, May 15. Every student who turns in their envelope – with their name and grade filled out – will receive a small prize, even if no donations were collected!

I heard students get T-shirts. How does that work?

Every student gets a commemorative Mile Marathon T-shirt for participating in the race. Parents are welcome to purchase EXTRA child or adult t-shirts for themselves, non-Columbine siblings, or other family members (more information about where and how to obtain extra tees to follow in May). Wear your shirts the day of the race, and have all of your friends sign your mile marathon shirt after the race! 

I heard that famous athletes come to the event. Is that true?

Yes! Each year, we welcome incredible local and national athletes – both amateur and professional – who share their stories and then run alongside our students. It’s an amazing opportunity for kids to feel inspired, ask questions, and see what’s possible – all while having a blast on race day. Keep your eyes peeled…you never know which athlete you might spot!

I have more questions, who can I ask?

Reach out to the organizing committee lead, Steph Hopkins or ask Carolina Oquelis de Lau in Columbine’s front office.