Narrow Gauge Races
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Event overview
The Narrow Gauge Races take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Santa Rita Park in Durango. The event includes a 10-mile road race, a 5K, and a 1-mile Kids' Dash open to ages 3-17. The races name local beneficiaries: Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Juan County, Fort Lewis College and Durango High School track and cross country teams, and The Liberty School. The event is described as the longest continuously run road race in Colorado, first held in 1978.
Distances
- 10 Mile
- 5K
- 1-Mile Kids' Dash (ages 3-17)
Courses and logistics
The 10-mile course leaves the river trail and climbs to Fort Lewis College, follows Rim Drive around the campus, passes Hillcrest Golf Course, and returns along dirt trails and the Animas River Trail to Santa Rita Park. Surfaces include pavement, sidewalk, dirt road, and singletrack. The 5K heads south from Santa Rita Park, crosses the Animas River, follows dirt trails along the river through the Rivergate community to Sawmill Road, and returns to Santa Rita Park on the river trail and sidewalk. The kids' run is an out-and-back on the Animas River Trail; parents may join and free prizes are provided for children.
Packet pickup is available the day before the race at Durango Running Company and on race morning at the start. Free parking is available at Santa Rita Park.
Awards and amenities
10-mile and 5K finishers receive a 16 oz can glass; glasses are available to the first 200 registered adult runners. Age-group awards are given: top three in each age group for the 10-mile and top two in each age group for the 5K receive local-business gifts. Durango Running Club members are eligible for a 10% registration discount when membership is current. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
