The Med Bow Rail Marathon & Half Marathon returns to Laramie, Wyoming on August 15th, 2026, offering runners the opportunity to tackle a challenging course at an elevation of nearly 9,000 feet. The event is hosted by the Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail and takes place along the 21-mile gravel pathway that winds through the scenic Medicine Bow National Forest in the Snowy Range mountains. Participants will traverse aspen and conifer forests, open clearings, and even old burn scars on their way to finishing with a loop around Lake Owen.
On race morning at Laramie’s Medicine Bow Rail Trail, runners can expect cool temperatures and firm trail conditions that provide both challenge and safety for the event's participants. The course is well-maintained by the Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail organization, which ensures clear paths despite any potential soft spots or uneven terrain along the route. Runners should be prepared to face UV index levels reaching 7.0 (High) during their run.
The Med Bow Rail Marathon & Half Marathon has been a cornerstone event for trail enthusiasts and competitive runners alike since its inception in recent years, serving as an important fundraiser for maintaining and improving the Medicine Bow Rail Trail. The race is designed not only to highlight the beauty of Wyoming’s natural landscapes but also to promote community engagement through non-motorized use of this historic pathway.
The course for both the marathon and half-marathon routes takes participants along a gently graded, wide gravel path that follows the historical route of the Laramie, Hahns Peak, and Pacific Railroad. The full marathon covers the entire 21-mile trail from end-to-end twice, while the half-marathon mirrors much of this terrain but completes two loops around Lake Owen before continuing on to finish at the same point as the full distance runners.
Runners can expect cool mornings with temperatures in the low seventies Fahrenheit and high UV levels. Conditions will be firm underfoot due to recent maintenance efforts by Friends of the Medicine Bow Rail Trail, making for a safe yet challenging run through varied landscapes including dense woods and open clearings. There is no significant precipitation risk forecasted during race day.
1/2 Marathon
21.1K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $50.00
Marathon
42.2K • Start: 07:00:00 • Fee: $75.00
For registration, participants can visit the event website at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131223 to secure their spot in either distance category before deadlines approach. Race packets will be available for pickup on race day starting from 6:00 am at Lake Owen, Medicine Bow National Forest; no special items are required beyond your registration confirmation.
All competitors begin and finish the Med Bow Rail Marathon & Half Marathon near Albany, WY, with start times staggered to accommodate both full and half-marathon runners. The course is open to participants of all ages but requires a minimum age requirement of 18 for marathon entrants due to the challenging nature of the route.
The Med Bow Rail Marathon & Half Marathon in Laramie, Wyoming on August 15th offers an authentic experience through one of America’s most striking landscapes. Runners and trail enthusiasts will appreciate this event's commitment to preserving a unique piece of railroad history while celebrating the natural beauty of Wyoming's Medicine Bow National Forest.
Laramie
