Race Description
Join us for the Kennebec Mountain Run, a challenging 15-mile trail run through the stunning La Plata Mountains of southwest Colorado.
Test your alpine running skills on this rugged course that features 3,100 feet of elevation gain, topping out at 12,200 feet through Kennebec Pass! Enjoy sweeping views of the Animas River and Dolores River valleys, and alpine wildflowers in full bloom.
Established in 2001, KMR has become a local favorite. We are proud to support La Plata County Search & Rescue with all proceeds from this non-profit event!
Registration
- This event is capped at 150 runners, and will fill up.
- Refund Policy: No refunds, deferrals, or transfers. If you cannot run for any reason, please know your entry fee is going to a very good cause: La Plata County Search & Rescue (LPCSAR). Thank you for supporting them! Should the entire event be cancelled, we will offer an option to defer to the following year, or to request a partial refund.
- Because this event benefits LPCSAR, we require all participants to have an active Colorado Search & Rescue (CORSAR) Card. If you do not have one, you may purchase a CORSAR card online for $3.
- KMR takes place through special use permit from the USFS Columbine Ranger District and La Plata County.
Course Info
The KMR course switches directions each year:
- Clockwise during ODD years (2025, 2027 etc). Click here for clockwise course map and elevation profile.
- Counterclockwise during EVEN years (2026, 2028 etc). Click here for counterclockwise course map and elevation profile.
There is ONE aid station that you will pass through TWO times:
- Aid #1: The Fork, mile 4.2
- Aid #2: The Fork, mile 10.4
- Aid station will provide water and Tailwind. Please carry any additional fuel you may want during the race.
- You MUST carry your own hydration system. We strive to minimize the amount of waste and do not plan to provide cups at the aid station.
- While first-responders are present, response time may be impacted by rugged mountain terrain. Participants are ultimately responsible for any evacuation.
Event Info
Bib Pickup
- Fri, Aug 1: Durango Running Company, 473 E College Dr, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.
- Sat, Aug 2: La Plata Campground (start/finish area) from 6:30am to 7:25am. There is NO race day entry.
Start Time
- The race begins at 7:30am sharp!
- Please plan accordingly.
Directions, Carpool & Parking
- Driving from Durango (about 30 minutes):
- Drive 11 miles west of Durango on US-160.
- Turn north onto La Plata Canyon Road (CR 124) at the Kennebec Café.
- Proceed 8 miles to La Plata CG (3 miles beyond end of pavement).
- Do a U-turn at La Plata CG and park on the southbound shoulder of CR 124. (Please DO NOT obstruct traffic on CR 124 and DO NOT obstruct access to La Plata City CG!).
- Link to Google Maps
- Parking at La Plata CG is extremely limited, so to remain in good favor with the USFS, we are asking runners to carpool.
- You can either:
- Carpool from town with one or more other runners
- Park at Mayday and hop in with another runner
- Park at Mayday and bike or jog the 3 miles up to La Plata CG (good warm-up!)
- Please respect our parking volunteers who will be directing traffic!


Cut-Off Policy
- While we no longer enforce a time-based cut-off, we reserve the right to enforce an emergency cut-off in the event of inclement weather and/or course conditions that pose a danger to runners or volunteers.
- Failing to comply with such a cut-off will result in disqualification, and a permanent ban from this event in future years. Runner and volunteer safety is our top priority.
Awards & Post-Race
- Top three overall male and female finishers will win the highly-coveted, freshly-baked KMR pies!
- We will conduct a raffle for free running shoes from Durango Running Company (thanks, Brett!)
- There will be burritos (Zia Taqueria), beer (Ska Brewing), and other refreshments (Tailwind, Coca-Cola of Durango), and perhaps an opportunity to soak in the river (weather permitting).

Volunteers
- Events like this are impossible without volunteers. Thank you for generously donating your time!
- Please visit the Volunteer page to view and sign up for open positions.
Contact the Race Director
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.