Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed 2026

Sat, May 9, 2026, 6:00 AM MDT

Location: Smoky Hill Parking, Aurora, CO 80015
Distance: 5K
Type: Run

Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).

Race feel

Run or walk a 5K at Cherry Creek State Park to support clean water, enjoy the outdoors, and perhaps show off a creative costume.

Fun
Competitive
Quirky
For a Cause

Join the Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed in Aurora, CO, a 5K run and walk dedicated to supporting clean water initiatives. This inclusive event welcomes all ages and fitness levels, from seasoned runners to those seeking a leisurely stroll. Enjoy the outdoors at Cherry Creek State Park, make a difference, and perhaps even win an award for your creative costume. Your participation directly benefits the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers Scholarship Fund.

What to expect

From the organizer

Get ready to lace up your sneakers and join us at the Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed 2026 to support clean water in our communities!

Welcome to the Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed 2026!

Join us for a fun-filled day of running, walking, and most of all, supporting the Cherry Creek Watershed! Lace up your shoes and get ready to hit the trail with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a leisurely stroll, this event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. 100% of this year's proceeds will be donated to the Colorado Association of Stormwater and Floodplain Managers Scholarship Fund!

Come out and show your love for stormwater and the environment while enjoying the great outdoors! Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and have a blast doing it. See you at the starting line!

SEMSWA, Splash and the Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners are excited to announce this year's Cherry Creek Race for the Watershed event! This year’s race will take the form of a 5K walk/fun run and will be held on Saturday, May 9th at 10 am at the Smoky Hill Shelter area at Cherry Creek State Park. SEMSWA and Cherry Creek Stewardship Partners are inviting our partner organizations within the Cherry Creek Basin to participate and extend the invitation to any interested staff members, family, or friends!

Race Location:

Smoky Hill Shelter, Cherry Creek State Park

(Enter through 4201 S Parker Rd, Aurora, CO 80015)

Race Course:

**Please note!** The Race Course was updated on 3/15/2026 to create a loop course. The distance is still 5k, or 3.1 miles total and is a combination of sidewalk trail, single-track trail, and asphalt road running. The 5K course is a loop course that begins on the west side of the Smoky Hill Parking Lot. Participants will run or walk the loop for two lengths in order to complete the 5k course. From the start/finish line, participants will head west to connect with the Smoky Hill trail and then continue south along the east shades for approximately 0.4 miles. Runners will then turn right at Cherry Creek Park Road at 0.45 miles. At 0.75 miles, participants will turn left to reconnect with the Smoky Hill trail. Runners will continue north along the Smoky Hill Trail until returning to the Smoky Hill Parking Lot at 1.35 miles. Participants will circle around the east and north sides of the parking lot before returning to the start at 1.55 miles to complete the first loop. Participates will repeat the loop a second time to complete the 5k course. Volunteers will be present to direct participants along Cherry Creek Park Rd and the East Boat Ramp Access trail crossing.