Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 

The Vallecito Lake Heavy Half Marathon is a beautiful and scenic course around Vallecito Lake. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, our race course takes runners completely around the picturesque Vallecito Reservoir with a special section that runs right across Vallecito Dam. Grab a few friends and spend the weekend in the beautiful Vallecito Valley.  More than just a great race, this event is a fundraiser for local non profits.  

Packet Pickup Options:

Thursday May 11 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at the Durango Running Company

473 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301

Friday May 12 5:00-7:00 PM at the Weminuche Woodfire Grill

18044 CR 501 Bayfield, CO 81122

Race Morning

Parking
All event parking (staff, volunteers, runners, spectators) must park in the Vallecito Church parking lot or the PRID open space next to the race venue. Race morning parking is also allowed at the Weminuche Grill the morning of the race; however, those vehicles must be moved by 12:00 PM when the restaurant opens (unless dining at the Grill after the race).  There should be NO parking in the Fur Trappers or the Rocky Mountain General Store.  All racers are required to have a valid PRID Use Pass, either a day pass or an annual pass.  A day use pass is $5 per vehicle.  The race registration includes the option of purchasing this fee for participants; however, all spectators will be required to purchase their own pass (unless riding with a participant).  This pass can be purchased directly from PRID the day of the race.  

Vallecito Church Parking:

17576 CR 501 Bayfield, CO 81122

Race Morning Packet Pickup
Day of race packet pickup and registration will happen at the start line on the morning of the event from 7-8:30 AM. There will be a strict cutoff at this time. Please make sure you give yourselves enough time to register and/or pick up your packet. 

Race Start
The heavy half will start at 9:00 AM. Please make sure you use the bathrooms and provide plenty of time for parking.  The start line is located behind the Rocky Mountain General Store in the PRID open space. 

The Route
Runners will follow the marked course and exit onto CR 501 travelling south.  Runners must stay on the left shoulder of the road, outside of all traffic cones for the entire race.  The race route will continue to follow CR501 for over 4 miles until exiting to the left to run across the Vallecito Dam.  On the east side of the dam, runners will follow 603 around the east side of Vallecito Reservoir.  On the North East side of the reservoir runners will rejoin CR 501 and remain on that road until turning left to enter the finish area (at same location as starting line).  The full race loop is about 13.7 miles.

Aid Stations
You will find five aid stations approximately every two miles starting at mile 4.5.  Aid stations will provide water and Tailwind.  They will also have first-aid bags and cell phones for emergencies.  The aid station near mile 8 will have snacks.  This is the only aid station that will have food so if you plan accordingly.

Time Limits
We welcome runners of all abilities, and we offer a generous time limit of 4 hours.  This is roughly a 17 minute/mile pace.  If you anticipate being slower, you must carry your own water and a cell phone for emergencies as the aid stations will close before you arrive.

Course Safety

The race course uses roads that have minimal vehicle traffic, especially on a Saturday morning in May.  The course will also be marked with cones for safety.  However, runners must remain alert throughout the race, stay on the left shoulder of the road, and obey instructions from course marshals. Runners should not wear headphones in both ears and no dogs allowed in the race. Strollers are not permitted due to the current shape of the forest service road. 

County Sheriffs will be located at the intersection of CR501 and 603 at the south end of Vallecito Reservoir.  This is where oncoming traffic will first intersect the course.  Mile markers will be at each mile of the course and signage will be prominent at each turn for runners.  We will also have “Race in Progress” signs in various locations along the course to alert vehicles to the race in progress.

Medical
Each aid station will have first aid bags available for minor treatments.  We will partner with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District for Ambulance and EMS services.

Spectator Locations
There are several great spots along the course to watch the runners go by.  We recommend at the Vallecito Marina (mile 2.5) where there is ample off street parking, either side of the dam (mile ~5), and where runners get back to the pavement (mile 11.5).  All of these spots have pull-outs where you can park.  Spectators may not follow you along the course in their vehicle.  In any instance this is observed, the runner will be disqualified.

Runner Perks
All runners will receive a unique finisher’s glass, a custom printed performance long sleeve T-shirt, and a post race lunch (including a beer or NA beverage if preferred). The post race party is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain General Store and Meats. 

Timing
The Vallecito Lake Heavy Half Marathon will be professionally timed by Rocky Mountain Timing. Your RFID chip will be on the back of your race bib. Please make sure you do not bend your chip. Runners should wear their race bib on the front of their body. 

Results
Results will be posted on runsignup.com at the conclusion of the event. 

Travel Information and Lodging
The Vallecito area offers many campgrounds and VRBO options.  Alternatively to the local race area, Durango is a 40 minute drive away with ample hotels available.

Weather
Average temperature at 9am in mid May is 45 degrees.  Expect temperatures to start out cool and steadily increase as the morning progresses, potentially reaching into the 60’s.  Use the aid stations and stay hydrated.

Fundraising
This is race is a 100% volunteer-led effort.  100% of all revenue generated will go to local nonprofits.

Refunds & Transfers
As with most races, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or deferrals.  However, if we have to cancel or adjust due to COVID we will provide runners a fair option.