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Apr 28, 2024

Durango Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.4

Organization 4.4

Spectators 3.6

Number of comments: 53 [displaying comments 21 to 31]

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A. Y. from S.D. (10/11/2006) "Race Saved by Extraordinary RD & Volunteers" (about: 2006) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The trail runs on Saturday were muddy, but the day was clear and we had lots of sloppy fun. The trails were very well marked and overall organization tip-top. Around 5 p.m. Saturday, Matt Kelly, the RD, learned that the traffic barricades for Sunday hadn't arrived and worse, weren't arriving. He matter-of-factly went about setting up an alternative course along the river, on the bike path, that worked out better than you might imagine. (He stayed out in the dark, riding his bike along the new course to be sure it was in order for us.) The pasta dinner went on as scheduled. Pam Reed spoke (she also ran the 25K trail run earlier that day and then the marathon the next day). The support stations were there; it wasn't as crowded as anticipated; and we all got to recognize one another as we traversed the path, so by the final loop, were encouraging each other - there was a great spirit present. I was drawn there by the promise of the Boston Challenge (do a trail run Sat., run a BQ Sunday, and get your Boston registration paid for) and happily achieved it. I think Matt did a fantastic job, along with his magnificent crew of volunteers, in taking a bad situation with the potential for havoc (many others might have canceled the marathon) and putting on a good race. Durango is a lot of fun - wish I could have stayed longer. I feel lucky to have been there, to have run a trail and road run, and to have witnessed true grace under pressure.
V. L. from Dallas, TX (10/10/2006) "Last-minute course change" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I just returned to Dallas after running the Durango Marathon and would love to know "what happened." The course changed at the last minute from the planned USATF certified scenic road route to five five-mile repeats plus another 1.2 along the Animas River. Because the course change was at the last minute and the new route wasn't USATF certified, the race was no longer a Boston Qualifier. Let me preface everything by saying that the Durango area has some of the most beautiful scenery I have seen. The trip was worth it just for the sightseeing. The people were friendly and the hotels and volunteers were great. I would go back just to enjoy the town and scenery. I'm not quite sure what happened between packet pick-up time on Saturday and the race on Sunday to change the course so drastically, but we were told that the volunteers and race director worked through the night to make sure there would at least be a race. I arrived at the point where we were to be bussed to the start at 6 a.m. the day of the race. I was then told that there were logistical problems and to return to the pick-up point at 7:30 a.m. At 7:30 a.m., we were told that due to logistical issues (safety equipment not arriving), the course had to be changed at the last minute to be along the Animas River and would start in the park along that river. That seemed okay to me since my hotel was right along the river and I knew it was a beautiful scenic route. The other change was that walkers and half marathoners would all start at the same time. However, because the length of the river walk was only a total distance of about five miles, we had to repeat the same segment five times. No matter how beautiful the scenery, after about the third time, I was ready to see something new. In addition, the "course" was not blocked off during the race. So, I had to dodge bicyclists with baby trailers, walkers with dogs, sightseers, and kayakers carrying their kayaks to the river. It seemed more like a training run than a race. If I had planned to use the race as a Boston Qualifier, I probably would have been ticked. However, this was a sightseeing race for me since I plan to run Vegas in December. I don't know who dropped the ball, but if the race had gone along the planned route, I would have given it five stars. However, this year I only give it two stars - which is too bad. I hope they get the problem straightened out so they can go back to the original course. And I hope the fiasco this year doesn't impact the number of race entrants next year. The finisher's medals were nice and the technical shirts in our packets were also nice. But most of all, the Durango area is gorgeous and it would be a pity if they couldn't put together a USATF certified course (without mile repeats) that showed off its natural beauty. Oh well. I can use the nice, enlarged, laminated course map I paid $10 for as a place mat.
B. B. from El Paso, Texas (10/9/2006) "Great ultra... scenery is amazing!!!" (about: 2006) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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.
J. L. from Littleton, colorado (10/9/2006) "I loved the race" (about: 2006) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 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!
T. P. from Durango, CO (11/19/2005) "Great trails, roads, scenery, all at one time!!" (about: 2005) First Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 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.
Greg Mikesell from Kansas (11/19/2005) "Great Organization, Beautiful Venue" (about: 2005) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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?
R. M. from St. Louis, MO (10/28/2005) "One of the most beautiful, organized marathons" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 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!
J. P. from Magnolia, Texas (10/26/2005) "A good race, great views" (about: 2005) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 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.
David Hoffman from Milwaukee, Wis. (10/20/2005) "A Destination Marathon" (about: 2005) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 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.
J. K. from a hot tub in my backyard looking at the moon! (10/18/2005) "Durango: Scenic and well organized" (about: 2002) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Durango Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 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.

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