Title Sponsor
Animas Surgical Hospital offers advanced surgical care, diagnostic imaging, 24/7 emergency services, urgent care, occupational medicine, and internal medicine. Animas Surgical Hospital is proudly owned and operated by physicians who live and work in Southwest Colorado.
Description
Have you ever stood at the bottom of a mountain, staring up at the top, thinking to yourself: “I wonder if I could run all the way up there?” Well, now you’re going to find out!
The Mountain Marmot Trail Run is an epic trail race. The course is simple — start at the bottom of the mountain… run to the top. Sounds hard? Yeah, it’s going to take some work. But think how great you will feel when you make it to the top!
One thing is for sure… You won’t find a more beautiful course anywhere around. You’ll be running some of the most amazing single-track trails in Colorado, right as the Fall colors are just starting to change. The views will be stunning. This is a race you will never forget.
And because it’s such an impressive accomplishment, we’ll have a post-race celebration worthy of your effort. Once you cross the finish line, there's great food and beer… all included in your entry fee!
Place
# 1 Skier Place
Durango, CO US 81301
Presenting Sponsor
Durango Running Company spent countless hours designing this fantastic race course, and they will be out there managing the course on race day! They are Durango’s only specialty running store, and the only place you need to go for shoes and all your running gear.
Race Cap and Deadlines
This race is capped at 250 runners and we expect it to fill.
Distance
The distance is just over 12 miles. Because of the amount of climbing, think of it more as a half-marathon. The best part is, the second half of the race is entirely downhill! If you have run similar races like Imogene, Kendall Mountain, or Kennebec Challenge, you will find this race to be easier by comparison… but still plenty challenging.
Age Requirement
Due to the nature of this event, participants between the age of 12 - 15 must sign up with a parent or other responsible adult, AND they must agree that they will run the entire race together. Participants under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate.
Packet Pickup
If possible, please come on Friday as this makes race morning easier for everyone.
Friday (day before the race), 4 - 6pm, at Durango Running Company, 473 E. College Drive.
Race morning, 7:30 - 8:30am, inside the Ticket Office at Purgatory Resort. Please arrive and check in by 8:30am to ensure that we can get the race started promptly at 9am.
Parking
There is plenty of free parking at Purgatory Resort. From the main lot, you are 100 yards from the base area of the Resort.
Race Course
The course starts at the base area of Purgatory Resort and follows single-track trails up the mountain to the top of Lift 8, the highest point on the mountain. The elevation gain is roughly 1800 feet. The course will be well marked and easy to follow. This is some of the most beautiful running terrain you will ever find!
Don't be intimidated! While it sounds hard, this run is very doable. The trails are non-technical, and the grade is fairly steady throughout, making it easy to get into a nice rhythm as you run. Unlike other trail races that take you deep into the backcountry, in this race you will feel relatively close to civilization. Even when you are five miles out, you will be passing by Resort warming huts and ski lifts, and you will always be able to orient yourself back to the base area of the mountain.
Aid Stations
There will be four aid stations on the course, located roughly at mile 2.6, 4.5, 6.7 (summit), and 9.7. The aid stations will provide water, snacks, first aid, and a cheering section. Due to the nature of this race, you are also encouraged to carry your own water so you can hydrate when you need to. We will follow all Covid safety protocols.
Weather & Appropriate Clothing
This is a high-altitude running event in September, which means you must be prepared for all types of weather, including intense sun, warm temperatures, rain, cold temperatures, and possibly snow. Typically, the weather in late September is beautiful for running. However, you are responsible for checking the weather report and having the appropriate types of clothing and layers.
The race director, in conjunction with Purgatory Resort's safety manager, reserve the right to cancel or modify the race due to weather if there are concerns about participant safety.
Bag Drop
We will have an area at the start/finish line for you to leave a bag for after the race.
Prizes
All participants will receive a fantastic finisher's prize worthy of this impressive accomplishment. Top male and female in each age group will receive first place prizes. Each runner will also receive a great race shirt included with your entry fee.
Post-Race Festivities
Every runner will get a fantastic breakfast burrito and a beer or soft drink. The awards ceremony will start at noon.
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at https://www.purgatoryresort.com/events/marmot/.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
