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.
Race Details
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Start Time: 7:30am
Start/Finish Location: Santa Rita Park, Durango, Colorado
Distance: 26.2 Miles
Course Type: Road and paved recreation path
Time Limit: 6 Hours
Course Description
The marathon begins at Santa Rita Park before climbing through eastern Durango and onto College Drive. Runners will continue north along County Road 250, enjoying views of the Animas Valley, surrounding mesas, and the colorful cottonwoods that line the valley each fall.
After reaching the turnaround near Stevens Creek, participants will retrace the route south before finishing on the scenic Animas River Trail. The final miles provide a fast, picturesque finish as runners return to Santa Rita Park and the finish-line celebration.
Course Highlights
• Approximately 1,300 feet of elevation gain
• Highest elevation approximately 6,925 feet
• Scenic County Road 250 corridor
• Beautiful fall foliage throughout the course
• Fast river trail finish
• Fully supported aid stations every 3–5 miles
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
Marathon Start: 7:30am
Marathon Awards: 11:30am
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 / 19 mile 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
Mid HW 250 ~9.5 miles — water and powerade
Marathon turn around ~12.75 — water, Powerade, mini cokes, pretzels, m&ms
Mid HW 250 ~16 miles — water and Powerade
Half marathon turn around ~19 miles — water, Powerade, mini cokes, pretzels, m&ms; two porta-potties
River trail/32nd ~22.5 miles — water, Powerade
Finish line ~26.2 miles — water, Powerade, mini cokes, pretzels, m&ms, apples, bannanas
Finish Line Celebration
Yo!Fittness — Available to provide assisted streching
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