The Denver Colfax Marathon is adding a full-time position to its staff: Race Operations Director. Serving as the organization’s second primary leadership position, the Race Operations Director will plan and execute all operational elements. The Race Operations Director will own and execute course design, permitting, on-course operations, safety planning and the full build-out of race infrastructure across the entire race weekend. The ROD reports directly to the CEO and works alongside the Marketing, Charity, Volunteers, Sponsorship, Medical, Warehouse, Elite Athlete, and Festival teams.
About Denver Colfax Marathon
The Denver Colfax Marathon is the largest marathon weekend in the 8-state Rocky Mountain Region, welcoming 28,000 runners and hosting eight races across two days – including a marathon, half marathon, urban 10 miler, marathon relay, and 5K. The weekend also features 150 charity partners and 2,800 youth runners, a charity prize pool of $125,000 and the Colorado Half Marathon Showdown and prize pool.
Key Responsibilities:
Race Directing & Operations
- Secure permits for parks and public rights-of-way; serve as primary liaison to police, city agencies, and on-course security.
- Maintain and continually refine course maps and diagrams.
- Direct full course activation: cones, barricades, security, police, staff, volunteers, SAG support, neighborhood notification, and the Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) program.
- Identify, initiate, negotiate, and coordinate contracted services. Set annual ops budget.
- Oversee all logistics and exchange zones for the extensive marathon relay – largest in the US.
- Oversee Emergency Action Plans (EAPs), insurance, and safety.
Operations Management & Event Build
- Oversee construction and timeline of start, finish, relay exchange zones including truss, fencing, food/beverage.
- Manage and support the Water Station Director and Operations.
- Oversee placement/buildout on course for medical, entertainment, and sponsor activations.
Qualifications
- 5–10 years directing course operations for a medium-to-large distance running event.
- Demonstrated experience managing police, permitting, and city agency relationships for a race or large public event. Experience managing large seasonal/event staff teams (50+) and multiple vendor and contractor relationships.
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics or Business preferred; relevant experience will be considered.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $100,000 to $140,000 commensurate with experience.
- Full-time, exempt position based in Denver, CO, primarily working remote.
- Flexibility can be built into this position to accommodate working at other events in off-peak times.
To Apply
Email cover letter with reference names and resume to hr@runcolfax.org. We will ask permission before contacting references.
Denver Colfax Marathon is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.