Registration is open.
Likely to sell out. 252 finished the 5K in 2026, and this year's cap is 277.
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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5k Run/Walk | 5K | Aug 7, 20278:00 AM | $44$49 after May 9, 2027 | 277 |
| 3/4 (ish) Mile Saunter | – | Aug 7, 20279:00 AM | $22$25 after May 9, 2027 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 5K fee goes up to $49 on May 9, 2027.
Online registration closes Aug 7, 2027, unless the race fills first.
At $44, entry is about 26 percent above a typical 5K in Colorado, which costs $35 right now.
A typical finisher at a 5K in Highlands Ranch runs 39:40, about 12:46 a mile, based on 4 races with published results. Women typically finish in 40:55 and men in 34:26.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:03 AM, and the 5k Run/Walk starts at 8:00 AM. The start sits about 5,940 feet above sea level, high enough that most runners from lower ground run noticeably slower.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
9651 S Quebec St, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. Course maps are the organizers' own.
Aggregated from official results (3W Races) for Unicorn 5k (South). Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2026, the fastest tenth finished in 26:27 or better, the top quarter in 32:50, and half the field in 40:20; the last tenth came in after 59:31.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 29:33 | 25:31 |
| 20-29 | 33:50 | 33:06 |
| 30-39 | 25:43 | 22:38 |
| 40-49 | 29:26 | 25:00 |
| 50-59 | 33:30 | 27:41 |
| 60-69 | 35:26 | n/a |
| 70+ | 50:33 | n/a |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2026.
Up 183 percent since 2021.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2021 to 2026, the field went from 89 to 252 finishers, and the median time rose from 40:14 to 40:20.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 252 (+15%) | 40:20 | under 26:27 | 17:50 |
| 2025 | 220 (+12%) | 40:00 | under 29:12 | 17:32 |
| 2024 | 196 (+7%) | 43:05 | under 28:00 | 19:39 |
| 2023 | 183 (-4%) | 40:20 | under 27:19 | 19:29 |
| 2022 | 190 (+113%) | 41:14 | under 26:23 | 19:55 |
| 2021 | 89 | 40:14 | under 26:57 | 22:20 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
Slower than most Colorado 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2026 5K field finished under 32:50, against 29:37 in a typical Colorado 5K, so times here run 11 percent slower.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around August 7 the day usually runs from 60°F at dawn to 91°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 13% of days. Cold snaps dip to 55°F and hot years reach 97°F.
Based on 70 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of Unicorn 5k (South) cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Date: July 30. Time: 4-7pm. Locations- Road Runner Sports Lone Tree-. 8457 S Yosemite St, Lone Tree CO 80124. *Packet Pick Up dates, times and locations are subject to change. This is the only date for ADVANCED packet pick up. You are…
Schedule and packet pickup
Join us at Buffalo Wild Wings at 980 Sergeant Jon Stiles Dr, Highlands Ranch, for the after party. Bring in your race bib and get 6 free wings on race day only.
Schedule and packet pickup
Pre-Event Contact. We would love to work with you to feature your product or business with our racers. There are many ways to be involved and gain exposure, from hosting a packet pick up location or after party, sponsoring a water station…
Schedule and packet pickup
Want to win some cool stuff including 3W Races vouchers, gift cards, and gear from our sponsors? Bring 5 or more items to donate to Backpack Society on race day and you'll be entered into the exclusive race day raffle!! Drop off items…
Course
This course does not have a water station or restrooms. Restrooms are located at the race expo. The 5k is a pure out and back course, running WEST and SOUTH to a turn around and then EAST and NORTH back to the same location as the finish…
Parking and travel
Although parking is plentiful at this venue, we recommend always carpooling or using your bicycle as much as possible! Please park in the free lots at the Highlands Heritage Regional Park. Follow signs toward the DOG PARK at the south end…
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Ready to get off the sofa and gallop around Highlands Ranch with some friends? Yeah, you are! Come frolic with us at the Unicorn Runner 5k in Highlands Ranch to finish off your summer! You'll earn a sweet tee shirt and a flashy unicorn finisher medal!
It's a 5k distance for all, and whether you walk, trot, canter or gallop, we'll be happy to see you! This event also features a shorter saunter for those not quite ready to enjoy a full 5k! The untimed 3/4 mile run is long enough to get your heart rate up and be a 'real run' without being a sprint!
Costumes are encouraged!