Durango Marathon - Race Reviews

Ran this race for the second year in a row and again enjoyed fine weather and a fair redirected course as there was construction on parts of the course this year. Race director and committee overcame many obstacles to keep course as true to last year's course as possible. Kudos to the aide stations as many were very lively and there was plenty to eat and drink even to the point of one station grilling sandwiches, etc! Not that many spectators but had my family cheering me on at several points along the course which is all I needed. Course is not easy with hills and wind along the way, but what are you going to do- the race is in the Rocky Mountains after all. I enjoyed the lack of monotony and beautiful scenery along the Animas River section. Overall, great organization, course and race! I hope to add some portion of 'doing the double' next year!

The Website for the Durango Double advertised that runners who did the Double - a 25K or 50K on Saturday and the half marathon or Full marathon on Sunday would receive a finisher's platter. Instead of the platter, we got a poster. I'm extremely disappointed that this was not posted on the web-site prior to the races.

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.

I ran the 'double' - 25K trail run and half marathon road run. The courses were beautiful and had enthusiastic volunteers. I was surprised at all the amenities for a small race. I loved the goodie bag, post race food/festivals (ribs, burgers, etc) and especially the personalized finisher plates for completing the double. Matt Kelly and his volunteers did an excellent job. The rerouted course for Sunday did get a little boring since we had to do out and backs but it was very pretty running along the river. Besides the race starting late (which we were warned of the day before), the race was very well organized and everything went smoothly. I highly recommend running the Durango Double and definitely spend some extra days exploring the beautiful surroundings.

This was the second year I ran the 25K trail run on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Running the muddy trail was challenging and fun. The BBQ rib lunch afterward was delicious and gave me a chance to meet other runners. I really enjoyed the half marathon Sunday. It was a last-minute change, but, since I've become a slower, back-of-the-pack runner, I liked having so many people around me. The river trail is beautiful. (It might have gotten old had I been running the marathon!) I thought Matt Kelly and his crew did a SUPERB job putting on a race under such circumstances! I'll definitely be back!

This was one ridiculously disorganized race. I ran the 50K on Saturday and have to admit the scenery was absolutely stunning. I took the early start and saw a mountain lion on the trail just above Durango. Everything was fine until the so-called split for the 2nd 50K loop. No volunteer and no sign pointing the correct way. I ran all the way down to Aid Station 2, following flagged trees and other runners. When I found out about the mistake, I turned around and ran back up the mountain to start my second loop and finish the whole course. I figure I lost about 50 minutes or more. The barbecue after the race was very good, but we couldn't eat too much because we were running the marathon in less than 24 hours. Marathon on Sunday morning: up earlier than we needed to be because they changed the course and the start location. How could they have not known this Saturday afternoon? What a complete mess. I understand problems happen but this is a race where they go to expos recruiting people to visit and run. They have a video on their website for goodness sake. There's no good reason for not having a "traffic control device." The race just isn't that big. They didn't even bother to put out mile markers. Completely unorganized and with the confusing out-and-backs some people ran too much and of course some people cheated. The course got a little redundant but that's ok. Why couldn't they have certified the course? The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers were terrific and friendly. The post-race party was ok, but they waited too long to hand out awards. They couldn't make up their minds as to whether or not they were going to announce the recipents of the Double Plates. After waiting an hour they finally told us to just come up a get our plates with no announcements. I was not impressed and I do not recommend this race.

One of the first marathons where my disappointment over not receiving the correct sized shirt was actually addressed. Aid stations and the support crew were ENTHUSIASTIC and VERY FRIENDLY. Course had to be changed at the last minute and the race director did a good job organizing everything. Town is a lot of fun and hiking the next day was scenic and interesting.

I did the Horse Gulch 25K. The course was challenging, esp with the rain the night before. It should've been marked better. Sometimes things were marked where they didn't need to be, and other times you had to search to see where the trail was going. The 1st mile or so is tight single track, and being so close to a flood-stage river created a lot of unnecessary bottlenecking. Aid stations were placed in odd places. Sometimes rather close together and at others too far between stations. I would definitely like to applaud the enthusiastic volunteer who stood at the point separating the 25K turnaround and the loop change for the 50K. As runners came up the steep hill, you could hear loud music and knew you were almost there. It was a welcome sight. VERY scenic route. Shirt was almost transparent but still nice. Aid stations had super helpful volunteers. The road race apparently didn't have the necessary people show up to close the roads, so they had to run a crappy re-route. Not par for the course from what I've heard of this race though. Hopefully they'll have a better plan B for next year.

I ran the 25K trail run on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. It was truly one of the friendliest and well-organized races I've run. Not to mention that Saturday's trail run had breathtaking scenery! Coming from Washington, DC, I did run it slightly slower, due to altitude, but no major problems. The whole spectrum of events offered throughout the weekend made it more than just a race--I've been describing it to my fellow runners as a true 'running festival' where we felt taken care of and entertained through the entire weekend. The plates given to the 'double' runners are the most unique and interesting race premium I've ever received (or probably ever will). Durango itself is so scenic, beautiful, and fun, it just compliments the entire race. There were last minute changes to the marathon/half-marathon course that probably slowed some folks down or upset others who expected to qualify for Boston, but I was not trying for a PR, so was not really affected by them. My advice is to run the Durango Double for the beauty, fun, and friendliness--it is really a race for the senses.

I ran the 50K trail race, which featured the most convoluted course I have ever run. Although the course markings were good, and I was able to follow them without mishap, there was no one on the course making sure that runners actually completed the various loops the correct number of times. As a result, several top runners were disqualified for inadvertently short-cutting the course, and some slower runners received official finish times, even though they too inadvertently short-cut the course. In addition, because the 25K and 50K start at the same time and initially follow the same route, there were way too many runners on the narrow trail at one time, forcing everyone to stop repeatedly over the first five miles while the back-ups were resolved. Durango is such a beautiful area, and there are lots of trails to choose from, so it's difficult to understand why race organizers would select such a problematic course. Perhaps it's because they're ambitiously trying to put on four separate running events over a two-day period. Better to put on one event, and do that one really well.

This was my first marathon and I had a great time. Durango is a beautiful town! Despite having a last-minute course change, I felt well supported and appreciated how efficiently the changes were communicated. The aid stations were wonderful with nonstop encouragement and friendly faces. This was a great first-timer's marathon. Just the right size!

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.

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.

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.

We ran the San Juan 1/2 Marathon as part of this Festival for Runners and found the entire event, from our first contact through the well organized and informative website to the closing activities with an excellent post-race meal and awards ceremony, to be terrific! The shirts are great, the 'goodie bag' really HAD some goodies, volunteers and aid stations were well placed and helpful and the course took advantage of the glorious scenery. Thanks and congratulations!

This is the second year me and my wife have run in Durango (did the half last year) and we'll be back again next year. The course is top-notch. It's a good run (a few hills) and the scenery is breathtaking. The weather was perfect, but the people are what make this race happen. Matt Kelly is a wonderful guy who will take his time and talk to you. Very down to earth, and all of the people in Durango who make this thing happen are wonderful and encouraging. A very well organized race! I'll take this over the big city any day of the week! Look forward to next year.

I just returned from running my first Durango Marathon and I have nothing but good things to say about it. It is my fourth marathon and first road 'local' race. The course is very scenic and I found it be very runner friendly. I beat my own PR by 16 minutes (ran 3:30). The real champions of tuhis race are the volunteers and locals who make this thing happen. Each mile features an aid station manned by very enthusiatic folks who are there to help and cheer you on. I have run two 'big' marathons, and the aid stations in Durango put them to shame. It takes A LOT to put one of these on and although this is a relatively small field, Durango does it right. Of note: I didn't mind not having the roads completely closed to traffic. There are enough volunteers to get you through that it wasn't an issue. Plus, there isn't that much traffic anyway! Bigger 'established' marathons should send a rep down to Durango to check out how they do it and take note. Just becuase you have 40,000 in your race doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. It's a hike from Denver (and we got caught in a blizzard in the high country on the way back) but it was well worth it. I'll be back next year.

I'm glad I picked the Durango Marathon as my first marathon ever. What a gorgeous course and the support was excellent and encouraging along the way. I want to thank Myrna, Dave and Rachel, other runners who I met along the way, for encouraging me. Durango rocks!! Oh, and I can't forget to thank Matt: you rock too!

This is a beautiful course, with the best support and organization I've ever seen at a marathon, especially impressive given that only a couple hundred runners participated. Water, sports drink, toilets, and lots of support staff at each mile. Energy gel three times over the course. An awesome amount of community support for the downtown party at the finish line. The hills on the second half were a challenge, and Durango is at 6700 feet elevation, so the course is not easy, but very scenic. I will be back, and I imagine participation will grow, making this marathon even more exciting and runner-friendly.