Community & Road Closure Information

Community & Road Closure Information

Thanksgiving Day 4-Mile • Fort Collins, Colorado

Thank you, Fort Collins neighbors!
For 30+ years, thousands of runners and walkers kick off their Thanksgiving morning with the Thanksgiving Day Run. This page is your go-to resource for road impacts, timelines, parking adjustments, and how to navigate the morning smoothly—whether you’re participating, cheering from your porch, or simply planning your holiday travel.

Event Overview

  • Event: Thanksgiving Day 4-Mile Run/Walk
  • Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026
  • Kids Race Start: 8:45 AM
  • 4-Mile Start: 9:00 AM
  • Event Ends: ~11:00 AM
  • Location: Fort Collins, CO
  • Course Map: Provided below
  • Beneficiary: RamStrength, supporting local cancer survivors

Road Closures & Traffic Impacts

We work closely with the City of Fort Collins to keep impacts minimal. All closures are temporary, monitored by police and volunteer course marshals, and will be re-opened after the completion of the race.

Road Closures: 6:00 AM–11:00 AM

These streets will be fully closed to vehicles:

  • College Ave — Southbound lanes from Laporte → Mulberry
  • Mulberry Street — Westbound lanes from College Ave → Bryan Ave
  • Bryan Ave — Mulberry → Mountain
  • Mountain Ave — Westbound lane from College → Grandview
  • Olive Street — College → Mason
  • Magnolia Street — College → Mason
  • Mason Street — Mulberry → Mountain

Temporarily Controlled Intersections

Police will allow vehicles through safe gaps in runner groups.

  • Shields & Mulberry
  • Shields & Mountain

Expect short delays of 3–10 minutes.

Neighborhood Access

Mulberry Area

All neighborhood streets on the north side of Mulberry will be closed at Mulberry:

Mason St, Howes St, Meldrum St, Canyon Ave, Whitcomb St, Grant Ave, Washington Ave, Gordon St, Wayne St, Scott Ave, Jackson Ave

To enter or exit this neighborhood:
Use Shields Street via:

  • Magnolia St
  • Woodford Ave
  • Oak Street
  • Olive St
  • Akin Ave

Mountain Avenue Area

All neighborhood streets on the north side of Mountain Ave will be closed at Mountain.

To enter or exit this neighborhood:
Use Laporte Ave.

General Resident Guidance

  • Local traffic may move in or out only when safe gaps appear.
  • Expect short, controlled delays.
  • If leaving between 9:00–10:00 AM, please plan ahead, leave early (or later), and use alternate routes.

Parking Restrictions

To keep runners safe and emergency routes clear, temporary No Parking Zones will be in place.

No Parking

4:00 AM–12:00 PM on Thursday, 11/26/26
Signs will be posted 48 hours in advance.

Applies to:

  • All streets directly on the race course
  • Shoulders and bike lanes used for runner staging

Specific restricted areas include:

  • Mountain Avenue
  • College Ave

Vehicles parked in No-Parking zones will be towed per City ordinance.

Resident Parking Tips

  • Park on nearby side streets not impacted by the course.
  • To avoid the morning rush, please move vehicles the night before.

Course Map

Route Link:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49048724

How Residents Can Join the Fun

You don’t need to run to be part of the tradition! Make Thanksgiving morning festive on your block:

  • Cheer from your porch or driveway
  • Set up a music or holiday-themed cheering station
  • Dress up, wave signs, and spread holiday spirit
  • Gather neighbors for a warm drink and cheer party
  • Volunteer

Event Contact Info:

If you live on or near the course and have questions—or need help with specific access needs—please reach out:

Community Impact Team
📞 970-556-3279
📧 lisa@greeneventsco.com

We’re here to help you navigate the morning smoothly.

Thank You, Fort Collins

Your support keeps this long-standing Thanksgiving tradition thriving.
We appreciate your patience, kindness, and holiday spirit.