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.
Race Details
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Start Time: 7:45 AM
Start/Finish Location: Santa Rita Park, Durango, Colorado
Distance: 13.1 Miles
Course Type: Road and paved recreation path
Time Limit: 4.5 Hours
Course Description
The half marathon follows the opening portion of the marathon course before heading north along County Road 250 through the scenic Animas Valley. The route features gentle rolling terrain, spectacular fall colors, and expansive views of the surrounding mountains.
After the turnaround, runners return toward Durango and finish on the Animas River Trail, enjoying a scenic and celebratory final stretch back to Santa Rita Park.
Course Highlights
• Scenic out-and-back course through the Animas Valley
• Mountain and river views throughout the race
• Beautiful October foliage
• Fully paved surface
• Well-stocked aid stations every 3–5 miles
• Scenic finish along the Animas River Trail
Course Map
Race Weekend Schedule
Packet Pickup:
Saturday, October 10, 2026 — 12:00–4:00 PM
Brown’s Sport Shoe, 870 Main Avenue, Durango, CO 81301
Race Day at Santa Rita Park:
Pre-Race warmup, hosted by Yo!Fitness 7:00am
Neighborhood Coffee Co food truck opens: 7:15am
Half Marathon Start: 7:45am
Half Marathon Awards: 10:00am
Finish line closes: 1:30pm
Ska beer garden closes: 2:00pm
Restrooms and Aid Stations
Restrooms are available at the start/finish (in the park building) and on the course at the 6 mile turn-around aid station
Top of the college ~3miles — water and powerade
Half marathon turn around ~6 miles — water, powerade, mini cokes, pretzels, m&ms; two porta-potties
River trail/32nd ~9 miles — water, Powerade
Finish line ~13.1miles — water, Powerade, mini cokes, pretzels, m&ms, apples, bananas
Finish Line Celebration
Yo!Fittness — Available to provide assisted stretching
Ohana Physical Therapy — Will provide access to yoga mats, blocks, straps, bands, foam rollers, ice packs, recovery chairs
Ska Beer Garden — Complimentary beverages for all racers, and additional available for purchase