This was truly an event to remember! We came from the low altitude of Central Texas to run, and were not disappointed by the 'breathtaking vistas', especially on the Sat. trail run. Everything was just as advertised! Congratulations to the race organizers, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who had a hand in putting on such a great weekend of running and celebrating Durango in the fall. Thanks to every single person we met, took refreshments from, laughed with, and ran with! It was awesome!

The Durango Marathon in 2002 (the inaugural one) was my very FIRST marathon. I ran it a second time in 2005. Two years later, I was planning to run the half marathon, and the race was cancelled due to loss of sponsorship. I was elated when it was brought back this year. The race packet was one of the best I have gotten, especially for such an affordable price. Organizers and volunteers worked smoothly and efficiently together to make everything run perfectly. The scenery is spectacular, and along the course, there was music, people in unique costumes, and hydration aids in abundance. Nice cool temps for the race certainly motivate one to run faster. I will definitely be back next year. Durango is certainly more fun to race and visit in than Chicago.

First and foremost I want to thank Matt and everyone else involved for a great race. I was signed up for the half and when I was picking my packet up two days before I decided while in line to switch to the full marathon. I am so pleased that I did because even with the unfortunate nature of having to stop twice for a restroom I still was able to finish with an 8:00/pace at 3:30:00. The food at the finish was excellent. I'm a former New Yorker, so the bagels and cream cheese made my day. The pizza was pretty tasty as well. Nothing could replace the feeling of having someone hand you a beer glass as your timing chip was removed at the finish. The course itself had some challenging points, which as a competitive runner I was pleased to see. I absolutely recommend this race to anyone who wants more than just a typical flat marathon course. And, if you're really up to the ultra challenge squeeze in a trail race the day before. So, again thank you for making my first over-10K race distance such a great one. I will absolutely be returning next year.

The new Durango course is a scenic challenge to the very end. Volunteers were very supportive and a great finish line crew. Great small marathon.

I ran 2 half marathons last year but never a full. My friend and I ran this to cross a marathon off our bucket lists. We're sure glad we did! While the parking situation at packet pickup on Fri. could have been better, everything else was organized well. Could have been more portapotties at the start since it was chilly and we were nervous. The water stations were frequent and some sponsors had a theme, making it fun each mile. The weather and scenery along most of the course were gorgeous, we took pictures and videos along the way. Some nice downhills, not many uphills (thankfully). The North Face long sleeve tech tee is an awesome souvenir as are the finisher pint glass and medal. Not a lot of spectators but that's ok. The other runners were super encouraging to each other as were the volunteers. Durango is a great town to visit too. (I moved here over a year ago after a few visits.)

The weekend was great with the trail runs on Saturday and the road race on Sunday. The views were spectacular and the weather perfect for racing. Running both races made for a challenge but well worth it. The volunteers were great and the race staff very welcoming. I look forward to next year!

I ran Durango's first marathon. It was a great experience... one that I will never forget. But, apparently, they have forgotten me. I am not listed in the info of finishers. While my time wasn't great (5:10:31), I did cross the finish line before the cut-off and I was so disappointed when I discovered I wasn't even recognized. At least I have the medal to prove I finished.

I ran the Durango as my first marathon, as it was their first marathon. We started at the top of the college. It was cool, but by mid morning (running in the valley) it was warmer. The race staff did a great job of helping the runners.

The Durango Double needs to be on your "Must Do List." I have run over 125 marathons and I can truly say this weekend's events have to rank right up there as one of my favorite events to date.

I started off by reading all the 2006 input, so I need not hash over the technical problems again. I ran the Durango Double (50K on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday). In ultra running, the first rule is no whining. Sure, runners (top runners as well average runners) got lost. Some missed the second loop so they either ran a shortened course or added additional distance. These problems will be worked out next year.

After running the 50K on Saturday, I enjoyed a free beer and paid $1.00 a glass for two additional beers. I think I could have had them free if I would have asked. After the marathon on Sunday, I headed to the post party. Free BBQ and beer. I had all the free beer I wanted. Also, in my race packets ((3) - one for each race plus one for doing the double), I got around 10 free beer coupons to one of the local breweries from a sponsor of the races (another fun night).

The idea of having back-to-back days of marathon-distance races in one location is awesome. There were even options for shorter distances. I really hope this takes off in other locations. Two medals plus a beautiful finisher's plate for completing the double is really cool.

I almost forgot to mention their Boston Challenge. By running a trail run on Saturday and running a qualifying Boston Marathon time on Sunday, you were rewarded by getting your Boston Marathon entry paid, plus you were put in a drawing to receive $500 towards your expenses to Boston. I knew a few in my party who came out on top of this deal.

By having a volunteer stand at the intersection where runners need to do a second loop on the 50K, the trail run problem will be solved. The volunteers were great for both the trail and road races. I cannot remember doing a marathon with aid stations as close as a mile at times with so many volunteers and ALL aid stations handing out GU and food.

This was my second trip to Durango and I've now run each of the 4 offered races. They're all great. This is a low-key, small-town event that's quite well organized and supported. The Sunday road runs had to be re-routed due to weather issues a couple of days prior but the new course along the river was still scenic and enjoyable. A larger event would have had to cancel the race rather than re-routing it. I read some of the previously posted negative comments - hopefully those people will not return. This is a great destination weekend for runners in a beautiful place.