A 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.
Race Details
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Start/Finish Location: Santa Rita Park, Durango, Colorado
Distance: 5 Kilometers (3.1 Miles)
Course Type: Paved recreation path
Course Description
The 5K follows a scenic out-and-back route on the Animas River Trail. Participants will enjoy beautiful river views, tree-lined pathways, and a relatively flat course that is welcoming to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
The route begins and ends at Santa Rita Park, allowing participants to enjoy the finish-line festivities and cheer on marathon and half marathon runners throughout the morning.
Course Highlights
• Family-friendly event
• Flat and fast course
• Scenic Animas River Trail setting
• Suitable for runners and walkers
• Professional chip timing
• Finisher medal and race shirt included
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
5K Start: 8:00am (starts at finish line)
5K Awards: 9:00am
Ska Beer Garden opens: 9:30am
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).
Post-race snacks and drinks will be located at the finish line — 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