Event Description
An exhilarating day of trail running and delicious chili! Durango's only trail running event that runs through Overend Mountain Park over Hogsback, and ends with a Chili Cookoff! Presented by The Durango Running Club & Backcountry Experience, and benefitting The Good Food Collective.
Registration for runners opens Aug 1, 2027 for this ~7 mile spicy trail run with just over 1,500 ft of gain.
Spicy is in the name as well as on the trail. With a course heading down "Starwars" and the front of "The HOG" racers will have their fun cut out for them adventuring on Durango's backyard trails.
Note: the route for 2026 has been adjusted to avoid construction on Roosa Ave.
Awards will include shoes from Altra, packs from Osprey, SIS gels and lots of other goodies.
We will general bias towards mainly spot prizes, so come out and get some swag!
Or, if you're not a runner come out, taste the chilis, and vote to help crown (belt) the champion ($10 onsite).
Chili Chefs can enter the cookoff for free! To enter, email info@BCEXP.com and bring your best chili for a chance to go home with the Chili Cookoff Champion Belt.
Course map: here
Race Day Info
Check-in: 8-8:50 am at Backcountry Experience
Backcountry Experience.
Race Day Registration: Also at Backcountry Exp, during check-in, 8-8:50 am.
Parking: Racers please park in Town Plaza in front of Walgreens etc, then use the flashing crosswalk at 12th to get to the start/finish at Backcountry Experience.
(This leaves the very close parking for Chili chefs who need to carry hot stufff) (Chili chefs can park adjacent to the event near Backcountry Exp on 12th and Veterans Way.)
Race Start: 9:00 am at Backcountry Experience.
Aid Station(s): There will be a simple aid station at the half way mark (around 3.5 miles) at the bottom of Star Wars before the climb up toward the back of Hogsback (“the hog”). Here there will be some water, some Tailwind electrolyte drink and a heap of SIS isotonic GO gels - caffeinated and non-caffeinated.
There will also be water, Tailwind Recovery, chili(!) and snacks at the finish line.
Supporters: Cheering is encouraged anywhere along the race course, just be respectful of other competitors and trail users.
Post race: Chili tasting and prizes. Race prizes will be distributed as spot prizes for participants & volunteers so make sure to stick around after you finish! All runners also receive automatic tickets to taste and judge the chili. You are also welcome to bring friends and family for the afterparty. (the prize drawings are reserved for runners & volunteers)
Event Location
Durango, CO
1205 Camino Del Rio
Durango, CO 81301 US
View Location on Map
The 2026 Course has been adjusted to avoid construction on Roosa Ave. Total distance ~6.75 mi, elevation gain ~1500 ft.
