Colorado's Newest Fall Classic.
DURANGO MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5K
October 11, 2026 | Durango, Colorado
Join us on October 11, 2026, for the inaugural Durango Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K—a scenic road race experience through one of Colorado's most beautiful mountain communities.
Starting and finishing at Santa Rita Park along the banks of the Animas River, runners will enjoy crisp autumn temperatures, spectacular fall colors, sweeping views of the San Juan Mountains, and a course designed to showcase the best of Durango. Whether you're chasing a personal best, checking a marathon off your bucket list, or simply looking for an unforgettable race-cation, the Durango Marathon offers a unique combination of challenge, beauty, and community.
As a first-year event, participants have the opportunity to become part of race history and help establish what we hope will become one of the premier fall running events in the Four Corners region.
Marathon
A challenging and scenic road marathon showcasing Durango's unique mountain-town landscape.
Distance: 26.2 Miles
Start time: 8:00am
Time Limit: 6.5 Hours
Elevation Range: Approximately 6,400–6,900 feet
Half Marathon
Experience the beauty of the Durango Marathon course in a shorter format perfect for first-time half marathoners and experienced runners alike.
Distance: 13.1 Miles
Start time: 8:15am
Time Limit: 4.5 Hours
Elevation Range: Approximately 6,400–6,900 feet
Finish Line Celebration
Cross the finish line at Santa Rita Park and celebrate your accomplishment with fellow runners, spectators, volunteers, and community partners.
Race-day festivities will include:
Finisher medals
Participant shirts
Awards ceremony
Music
Sponsor and vendor booths
Food and refreshments
COURSE OVERVIEW
The marathon and half marathon begin at Santa Rita Park before climbing through the eastern side of Durango, past Fort Lewis College, and continuing north along County Road 250. Runners will enjoy expansive mountain views, colorful cottonwoods, and quiet stretches of roadway before returning to town and finishing on the scenic Animas River Trail.
The course starts at approximately 6,500 feet above sea level and reaches nearly 6,900 feet at its highest point before gradually descending back toward town. While the altitude adds an extra challenge, cool October temperatures and beautiful scenery make for an unforgettable race experience.
Course Highlights
All races start and finish at Santa Rita Park
Views of the Animas Valley and San Juan Mountains
Fast river trail finish through Durango
Peak autumn foliage
Fully paved course
Professional chip timing
WHY RUN DURANGO?
Durango is consistently recognized as one of the top outdoor recreation destinations in the United States. Nestled at the base of the San Juan Mountains, the town offers world-class trail running, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, historic attractions, craft breweries, and exceptional dining.
October is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit. Peak fall foliage paints the surrounding mountains in gold and orange, daytime temperatures are ideal for distance running, and visitors can enjoy everything Durango has to offer before and after race day.
Make a weekend of it. Bring your family. Explore the region. Run an unforgettable race.
5K
A fun and family-friendly event for runners, walkers, friends, and family members who want to participate in race weekend.
Distance: 5 Kilometers
Start time: 8:30am
Course Type: Animas River Trail out-and-back
Aid Stations
Aid stations will be located throughout the marathon and half marathon courses approximately every 3–5 miles.
Each aid station will provide water, electrolyte drink, and a mix of sweet and salty snacks.
The turnaround aid stations for both the half and full marathons will also include restroom facilities.
Our goal is to provide a well-supported experience for runners of all ability levels.
MORE THAN A MARATHON
A race built by the community, for the community.
RUN FOR A GREAT CAUSE
The Durango Marathon is proud to support local students through a partnership with the Durango Education Foundation.
A portion of race proceeds will help fund scholarships for local high school students pursuing their educational goals after graduation.
When you register, you're not only investing in your own race experience—you are helping create opportunities for the next generation of Durango students.
Together, we can make a lasting impact in our
community.
EXPLORE DURANGO
Make your race weekend a Colorado adventure.
Popular local attractions include:
Historic Downtown Durango
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Animas River Trail
Mesa Verde National Park
Local breweries and restaurants
Hiking and mountain biking trails
Fall foliage drives throughout the San Juan Mountains
Whether you're traveling from across Colorado or across the country, Durango offers the perfect destination-race experience.
GET INVOLVED
The Durango Marathon is about more than race day—it's about bringing our community together. Help make the inaugural event a success by volunteering, or make a donation to support our goal of funding a new scholarship for local high school students through the Durango Education Foundation.
BECOME A FOUNDING FINISHER.
Every great marathon has a first chapter.
On October 11, 2026, you'll have the opportunity to be one of the runners who helped launch the Durango Marathon. Years from now, when this race becomes a fall tradition, you'll be able to say: "I was there for the very first one."
Whether you're chasing a personal best, completing your first marathon, running with friends, or simply looking for an unforgettable Colorado race-cation, there's something special about being part of the beginning.
The first year only happens once. We’d love for you to be a part of it.
🏔 Experience Durango at the height of Colorado's fall colors
🍂 Run beneath golden cottonwoods and sweeping mountain views
🚂 Explore one of the West's most iconic mountain towns
🍺 Celebrate with local restaurants, breweries, and community partners
🎓 Support scholarships for local students through the Durango Education Foundation
🏅 Earn your place as a Founding Finisher of the inaugural Durango Marathon
Stay and Travel
Stay for the Weekend
The Durango Marathon is more than a race—it's the perfect excuse for a fall mountain getaway.
Whether you're traveling from across Colorado or across the country, you'll enjoy colorful fall foliage, historic downtown Durango, outstanding restaurants, craft breweries, hiking trails, and one of the most beautiful mountain settings in the Southwest.
Official Host Hotel:
Holiday Inn & Suites
We're excited to partner with Holiday Inn & Suites Durango as the official host hotel for the inaugural Durango Marathon! Whether you're traveling from across Colorado or across the country, they will provide the perfect home base for your Durango Marathon weekend.
Make your race weekend easy by staying just minutes from the start and finish area while enjoying comfortable accommodations and a special discounted rate exclusively for Durango Marathon participants.
Durango Marathon Participant Rate
$190 per night
Available for Saturday and Sunday of race weekend.
Your stay also includes breakfast:
Sunday: Grab-and-go breakfast available beginning at 6:00 AM so racers can fuel up before the race.
Monday: Full breakfast served in the hotel restaurant.
Reserve your room today—our discounted room block is only available until September 10th and is expected to fill quickly.
Our Community Partners
The inaugural Durango Marathon wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners.
By supporting this event, they're helping create an unforgettable race weekend while investing in scholarships for local students through the Durango Education Foundation.
Become a Community Partner
The Durango Marathon is made possible through the support of local businesses and organizations that believe in healthy communities, outdoor recreation, and educational opportunity.
As a sponsor, you'll receive valuable exposure to runners and spectators while helping fund scholarships through the Durango Education Foundation.
Whether you're interested in a major sponsorship, an in-kind donation, or supporting a specific aspect of race weekend, we'd love to partner with you.
Ready to learn more?
Our Sponsors:
Our Community Partners:
Race Weekend Schedule
Make the most of your Durango Marathon weekend! From packet pickup and exploring downtown on Saturday to race day festivities on Sunday, here's what to expect. Additional activities and exact times will be announced as race weekend approaches.
Saturday • Explore & Prepare
The day before the race is all about getting ready. Pick up your packet, visit our sponsors and vendors, explore historic downtown Durango, and enjoy a relaxing evening before race day.
Highlights
Packet Pickup
Last-Minute Registration (5k and half marathon only)
Course Questions & Information
Explore Downtown
Sunday • Race Day!
Race morning brings together runners, volunteers, spectators, and the Durango community for an unforgettable day. Cheer on participants, celebrate your finish, and enjoy the finish line festivities.
Highlights
Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K
Chip Timing & Live Results
Finish Festival and Sponsor/Vendor Expo
Awards Ceremony
Community Celebration
More details coming soon! Start times, packet pickup hours, expo information, parking, and race-day logistics will be updated as race weekend approaches.
Make it a weekend getaway! Stay with our official host hotel, enjoy Durango's restaurants and breweries, ride the historic railroad, or extend your trip to explore Mesa Verde National Park, Purgatory Resort, and the San Juan Mountains.
Durango Marathon
Conquer Durango's Signature Fall Marathon
The Durango Marathon is the signature event of race weekend and an opportunity to experience the beauty of Southwest Colorado one mile at a time. This scenic road marathon showcases Durango's vibrant fall colors, sweeping mountain views, quiet country roads, and the iconic Animas River corridor, all while challenging runners at an elevation of approximately 6,500 feet.
Whether you're chasing a Boston qualifier, checking a marathon off your bucket list, or simply looking for a memorable destination race, the Durango Marathon offers a uniquely Colorado experience. As part of the inaugural year, participants will have the opportunity to become founding finishers of what we hope will become one of the region's premier fall running events.
Durango Half Marathon
Half the Distance. All the Durango Beauty.
The Durango Half Marathon offers runners the perfect blend of challenge, scenery, and accomplishment. Designed for both first-time half marathoners and experienced racers, the course highlights many of the same stunning landscapes as the full marathon while providing a more approachable distance.
Run beneath golden cottonwoods, take in views of the San Juan Mountains, and enjoy crisp October racing conditions before finishing along the beautiful Animas River Trail. Whether you're pursuing a personal best or simply looking for a memorable race experience, the Durango Half Marathon delivers everything that makes fall running in Colorado special.
Durango Marathon Weekend 5K
A Fast, Fun Run Along the Animas River
The Durango 5K is the perfect way for runners, walkers, families, and spectators to join the excitement of race weekend. Whether you're looking for a fast 5K, a family-friendly event, or a chance to support a great cause while cheering on marathon participants, this event is designed for everyone.
Taking place on the scenic Animas River Trail, the course offers a flat and enjoyable route with beautiful river views and a festive finish-line atmosphere. It's an ideal introduction to race weekend and a great opportunity to experience the energy of the Durango Marathon without tackling the longer distances.