This is the first time I've had the opportunity to run the telegraph trail 50K. Truly an awesome race with unparalleled scenery. Due to the race being on a single track, not a lot of room for spectators. Overall a great race though. Offers a lot for any ability.

This was my first marathon so I was a little unnerved by the last-minute course changes and start time delay, but it all turned out to be just fine. I didn't mind the out-and-back course laps; it gave me a chance to pace myself and to know what to expect further down the line. The aid station volunteers were really nice and I have to say the runners were incredibly supportive. This gave me confidence to keep on moving and maybe even be crazy enough to do it again!

I've always wanted to be a tourist here, but I live in Durango and am thrilled that we have a running event of this quality to show off to our out-of-town friends. Matt and John have done a superb job of organizing. The volunteer coordinators managed (again) to overcome the 'volunteer fatigue' that plagues area events and kept the aid stations, start, and finish areas well staffed.

I ran the 25K + 1/2 marathon double. The trail race was very well supported, and the trail intersections were well marked. The free burritos at the trail race finish were superb!! Traffic control on the road portion was excellent, and the course was well chosen to provide a good running experience, and to showcase the best of the Southwest in scenery. Scenery? It just doesn't get much better than this. And the technical race t-shirt is actually something you can use.

Great small-town marathon in a beautiful environment. Very well organized. The altitude was not a factor for this flat-lander. You can run 26.2 miles anywhere; why not run a marathon in a beautiful mountain setting with great organization?

Coming from St. Louis, I stressed about the elevation, but I was able to run the race just a little more slowly than I usually do. This was fine because everything around us was so beautiful & picturesque. Matt Kelly does a super job of organizing & the volunteers were wonderful. It was an added bonus to have Jeff Galloway passing out Carb Boom gels at mile 13. DO RUN Durango!

Well, I ran the 50K the day before (yes I know this is a marathon website, but if you go to Durango, there is a race the day before the marathon that they offer). If you do both, you have done the double and a very nice plate will be give to you for completing both. So I will comment on both. First the trail run, either 50K or 25K, is run mostly off-road, poorly marked and poorly stocked with food or aid stations. I know: I ran off the poorly marked course for an extra 3 miles. If you do the double, you pay double the entry fee but only receive one shirt. On the marathon, not a large turnout, aid stations every mile, great volunteers, and great views. Not a very good expo and if you run the trail run, packet pickup is only Saturday, the morning of the race, and you must go back to the expo to pick up the bib for the marathon after the race. Overall, a good marathon, but rethink the trail race.

We flew in and out of Las Vegas, ran St. George, 2 hours away, did the Grand Circle on the drive to Durango and visited 5 national parks. Durango has Mesa Verde, an hour away, and a steam engine train ride into the mountains. It's a rolling, scenic out-and-back course along a moutain brook with snow capped peaks. It is much easier and more scenic than St. George. No stone plaque 10-deep per age group but does have a running cap for the 1st 3 finishers per age groups, with your finishing place printed on back. My wife took a first in 60-99 in her 1st marathon. I went hatless although I was the 1st (and only) 70 year-old. This is a true destination marathon.

The 2005 Durango Marathon was a wonderful experience! I highly recommend this event to everyone and anyone. Starting at Fort Lewis College was perfect, allowing us to stay indoors until the gun sounded. Then running through town out to the highway and the mountains and scenic views along the way was striking. The water stations at every mile hosted by friendly encouraging volunteers were just great. The climbs at elevation were tough - conversely, the downhills were a treat! Overall, the marathon was well organized with a fantastic course and very helpful volunteers. Only a few spectators along the way, but so what! Who are you running for anyway? THANKS to everyone in Durango for making this a great experience.

I just returned from doing Durango and I'm spreading the word, 'Do Durango!' The course is challenging for one coming from a flat state like Florida but easy enough to finish. The ever-changing scenery keeps it very interesting; one minute you are in countryside, the next running along the river and then through beautiful neighborhoods. And water, water every where! With a water station at every mile filled with some of the best volunteers I have ever encountered. There was music, food and cheering along the course. Durango's volunteers are by far the best! Great job, Durango volunteers and Mat Kelly. You have a great marathon.... Do Durango and experience it for yourself.

I just returned from running the Durango Marathon. This course is hard but beautiful. Being a flat-lander who trains near sea-level, I found the elevation and hills a wee bit challenging. BUT the friendly, helpful and vocal support from the volunteers made up for this ten fold. Aid stations every mile, from mile 1 to mile 25. You knew you were coming up to a station before you ever saw it. The volunteers, many dressed in bright-colored costumes, were cheering, laughing and yelling support at 99 decibels. The organizers put on an excellent run.