Rachael Rudel from Fort Collins set a new women's record at the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. She finished as the first female runner in the race.
Key points
Rachael Rudel set a new women's record
Event took place on April 19, 2026
Location was Fort Collins, Colorado
Rudel finished as the first female runner
Mentioned in this story
Fort Collins
Rachael RudelHorsetooth Half Marathon
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins gets embraced after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes down the last stretch before the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins grabs the banner as she crosses the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Braden Nicholson of Loveland grabs the banner as he cross the finish in first place overall during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Q&A
What is Rachael Rudel's record time for the Horsetooth Half Marathon?
The specific record time set by Rachael Rudel at the Horsetooth Half Marathon has not been disclosed in the provided content.
When did Rachael Rudel break the women's record at the Horsetooth Half Marathon?
Rachael Rudel broke the women's record on April 19, 2026.
Where did the Horsetooth Half Marathon take place?
The Horsetooth Half Marathon took place in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Who was the first female runner in the Horsetooth Half Marathon?
Rachael Rudel was the first female runner in the Horsetooth Half Marathon.
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Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins comes up the last stretch before the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins gestures to the announcer before crossing the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
People stand and watch as runners come over Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins poses for a photo with family after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Evan Christopherson of Fort Collins crosses the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Jayan Nitzsche of Fort Collins crosses the finish line as he throws up the CSU ram gesture during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
A runner comes down the last of the race before the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Braden Nicholson(2) and Andy Wacker(7) hangout after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Braden Nicholson of Loveland eyes the finish during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners head back towards town during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners head back towards town during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
People stand and watch as runners come over Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Braden Nicholson of Loveland comes up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
Graham Good and the Painters perform at the after party for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
People hang out at the after party as runners are seen finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
A runner gets cold water from a sponge after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Graham Good and the Painters perform at the after party for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
A runner takes a break after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
People cheer on runners at the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Medals sit on a table for runners at the finish line for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins gets embraced after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins gets embraced after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes down the last stretch before the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins grabs the banner as she crosses the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Braden Nicholson of Loveland grabs the banner as he cross the finish in first place overall during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins comes up the last stretch before the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins gestures to the announcer before crossing the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
People stand and watch as runners come over Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins poses for a photo with family after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Evan Christopherson of Fort Collins crosses the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Fort Collins' own Rachael Rudel breaks Horsetooth Half women's record
Jayan Nitzsche of Fort Collins crosses the finish line as he throws up the CSU ram gesture during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
A runner comes down the last of the race before the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Braden Nicholson(2) and Andy Wacker(7) hangout after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Braden Nicholson of Loveland eyes the finish during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners head back towards town during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners head back towards town during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
People stand and watch as runners come over Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Braden Nicholson of Loveland comes up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
26 / 34
Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Runners pass by after coming up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes up Monster Mountain near Horsetooth Reservoir during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026. The event was the race's 53rd edition in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Graham Good and the Painters perform at the after party for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
People hang out at the after party as runners are seen finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
A runner gets cold water from a sponge after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Graham Good and the Painters perform at the after party for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
A runner takes a break after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
People cheer on runners at the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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Check out photos from this year's Horsetooth Half Marathon
Medals sit on a table for runners at the finish line for the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes down the last stretch before the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins comes down the last stretch before the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
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.
Rudel shot out the gate fast and was with the very first wave of runners up Monster Mountain.
She hit the halfway point in just over 37 minutes and needed only 35 minutes for the final 6.5-plus miles.
"I felt really good. The whole goal was to feel comfortable and push the flats. It was a great day condition-wise. Maybe a little hot at the end, but I felt really strong," Rudel said.
Rudel finished seventh in the overall race, the highest Horsetooth Half finish for the women's winner in at least the past decade. She finished nearly nine minutes ahead of women's runner-up Allie Schaich (Engelwood, 1:21:07).
This was a popular victory, with Rudel enjoying vocal and prominent support throughout the race and at the finish line.
Hugs flowed, smiles widened and the cheers came from seemingly every direction.
"I feel so much pride, but it’s a different feeling when you have people around you who truly care ... I had fans along the course, so many supporters and people I recognized on the course. It was special," Rudel said.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins grabs the banner as she crosses the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins grabs the banner as she crosses the finish line as the first female runner during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
The 2017 CSU graduate ("Go Rams!" she said) didn't pick up running until college while battling celiac disease and blossomed into a strong distance performer for CSU.
Rudel has continued running at a high level, winning the 2019 Black Squirrel Trail Half women's title and the 2025 Lincoln Half, among others.
The 2012 Fort Collins High alumna is a founding member of the Front Range Elite team, a Fort Collins-based group of elite women's runners.
"Keep your eye out on the Front Range Elite. There’s some really, really fast women doing great things," she said. "Those girls, the team is everything to me. I may not still be out here running if it weren’t for them."
While Rudel's new course record wasn't a new personal-record time, it sets an exciting early tone for her 2026 season.
"It was a really good day and definitely my best on a course like this. This really makes me want to see what I can do at sea level now," Rudel said.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins poses for a photo with family after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Rachael Rudel of Fort Collins poses for a photo with family after finishing the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Loveland's Nicholson wins 2026 Horsetooth Half overall title
Another Northern Colorado runner took the overall title, as Loveland's Braden Nicholson won in 1:06:31, just 45 seconds off the overall course record.
Nicholson was third coming up Monster Mountain early and second by the halfway point before roaring home.
He overtook runner-up Andy Wacker (Boulder, 1:07:05) along the Poudre Trail portion and had a comfortable cushion down the home stretch to cross the finish line 34 seconds ahead.
Braden Nicholson of Loveland grabs the banner as he cross the finish in first place overall during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Braden Nicholson of Loveland grabs the banner as he cross the finish in first place overall during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Nicholson recently moved to Colorado after finishing his college career at North Central College. There, he was an All-American and two-time NCAA Division III champion in indoor track and field.
The Illinois native also joined Front Range Elite's recently started men's elite team, competing with some of Northern Colorado's top men's distance stars.
Denver's Brent Musselman placed third in 1:08:58, while former two-time Horsetooth Half champion Dominic Korir (2019, 2022) finished fourth in 1:09:49.
Fort Collins' Jayan Nitzsche rounded out the overall top five, taking fifth in 1:11:38.
Multiple Northern Colorado locals with top finishes
TOP NOCO OVERALL FINISHERS:
Braden Nicholson, Loveland (1st, 1:06:32)
Jayan Nitzsche, Fort Collins (5th, 1:11:38)
Rachael Rudel, Fort Collins (7th, 1:12:29) (Women's winner)
Evan Christopherson, Fort Collins (8th, 1:12:45)
Josh Torres, Greeley (9th, 1:15:15)
Leo Tornatzky, Fort Collins (12th, 1:17:43) (18U winner)
Gavin McEwen, Fort Collins (14th, 1:18:54)
Itai Bojdak-Yates, Fort Collins (15th, 1:19:51)
Kreg Flowers, Fort Collins (16th, 1:20:14)
Kosuke Amano, Fort Collins (18th, 1:21:14)
Paul Peterson, Fort Collins (19th, 1:21:20)
Ryan Doner, Fort Collins (20th, 1:21:32)
Jayan Nitzsche of Fort Collins crosses the finish line as he throws up the CSU ram gesture during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Jayan Nitzsche of Fort Collins crosses the finish line as he throws up the CSU ram gesture during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
TOP NOCO WOMEN'S FINISHERS:
Rachael Rudel, Fort Collins (1st, 1:12:29) (New women's course record)
AnnMarie Kirkpatrick, Fort Collins (3rd, 1:23:42) (Women's Masters winner)
Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins gestures to the announcer before crossing the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Leo Tornatzky of Fort Collins gestures to the announcer before crossing the finish line during the Horsetooth Half Marathon on April 19, 2026, in Fort Collins, Colo.
Chris Abshire covers high school and community sports for the Coloradoan.
