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Parks & Recreation Special Events Descriptions

Snowdown 3 on 3 Basketball

Join in the Snowdown Celebration by playing 3 on 3 basketball with your friends at the Durango Community Recreation Center! Teams are guaranteed a minimum of 4 games and each participant will receive a free event t-shirt. All officials are volunteers and teams not playing will be assigned scorekeeping duties. Division placement is based on the age of oldest player on the team.

Form your team of four now and register at the Recreation Center.
Early registration ends on January 27 at 6 p.m.
Late registration ends on Friday, February 1 at 12:00 noon.
No registrations will be accepted on tournament day.

Valentine’s Day 5K

Love is in the Air – A Love for Running! As Durango’s first footrace of the New Year, the event features a great course, good friends, excellent raffle prizes, and, of course, unpredictable weather. The first 100 registered participants receive a t-shirt on race day.

The race starts and finishes in the Durango Recreation Center’s Amphitheater. The race begins at 10:00 a.m. Number pick-up and race day registration takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. in Durango Recreation Center’s Twilight room.

Early registration ends at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10.
Late registration is available at the Recreation Center until Friday, February 15 at 12:00 noon.

All-Comers Spring Swim Meet

Durango Parks and Recreation and the Durango Swim Club will be hosting the second annual All-Comer’s Swim Meet at the Durango Community Recreation Center. There will be race lengths for all ages in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Races begin at 9:00 a.m. Check-in takes place from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Don’t miss out on this exciting event to challenge yourself or engage in a fun swim race against a friend or family member.

Wet N’ Wild Egg Hunt

Don’t miss the hunt for eggs in the Recreation Center Leisure Pool. Join the wet ‘n wild excitement by searching for eggs in the water! Kids will hunt for eggs and win prizes, candy and toys. The Easter Bunny will visit during the celebration! Bring a basket to collect goodies. Southern Lights Photo and Frames will be there to take your picture with the Easter Bunny for FREE!

The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcasting live on 99.7 The Point. Egg hunts will be divided by age group. Ages 8 and under are invited to participate. The Egg Hunt will be followed by a FREE open swim for the participants and their family.

South Rim Duathlon (Map)(Results)

Durango Parks and Recreation will kick-off the sixth annual South Rim Duathlon at 10:00 a.m. from the Sale Barn Trailhead (across from Home Depot). This popular trail run and mountain bike race features three different course lengths. The long course consists of a six mile run and a 18 mile bike ride, while the short course consists of a two and a half mile run and a six mile bike ride. Children twelve and under race for free on the kids course, consisting of an 800 meter run and a one mile bike ride. Enjoy the exciting post-race atmosphere as food and great raffle prizes will be available to all participants.

Early registration ends Saturday, May 3 at noon.

Race day registration and packet pick-up takes place from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Sale Barn Trailhead.

Racers may register for the short course or for the long course in the following divisions: male solo, female solo, male team, female team, or mixed team.

The Town Series: Mother’s Day Telegraph, Presented by First National Bank of Durango (Map)(Results)

As the first race in The Town Series, the popular Mother’s Day Telegraph trail event offers three courses in Durango’s Horse Gulch trail system. You and your family may run, walk, or hike any course, whether you plan to complete the entire Series or not. The 10K course sends participants to the top of the Telegraph trail for beautiful views and an exciting descent. The 5K course follows the rolling Meadow Loop and the one mile fun course features a fun trail experience for everyone.

The race begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Horse Gulch Trailhead (located behind Sonic).

Race day registration and packet pick-up takes place from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at the trailhead.
Early registration ends on Sunday, May 4 at 6 p.m.
Late registration closes on Friday, May 9 and re-opens on race day. Kids 12 and under race for FREE on the fun course.

Animas River Days (Detailed Schedule [pdf])

Join Animas River Days for a weekend full of fun under the summer sun. The event highlights the adventurous and festive spirit of Durango with a FREE family event to celebrate the Animas River. Free bus and shuttle rides are available for this event. (Bus Route Map [PDF])

The event includes something for everyone from annual and new boating events, to local food fare, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, fly fishing and tying demonstrations to creative and interactive activities for the kids.

ANIMAS RIVER DAYS GOALS AND FUTURE: It is the goal of the Animas River Days committee to revitalize Animas River Days (ARD) in hopes of providing the community with an opportunity to celebrate the Animas River. Historically, ARD focused events around the white water park bordering Santa Rita Park. As an unsung community resource, the Animas River offers a beautiful setting, recreational opportunities, and ecological diversity to the community. ARD would like to celebrate the abundant ways in which the river enriches lives. In 2008, ARD is integrating new events, in addition to historic boating events. Through the variety of event offerings, ARD will demonstrate the value of the Animas River and its influence on the community. The event will incorporate Santa Rita Park, the white water park and key locations along the Animas River Trail.

ANIMAS RIVER DAYS MISSION: Animas River Days will be a community celebration on and around the Animas River, which will reflect and honor our connection to this vital resource flowing through the heart of our city.

ANIMAS RIVER DAYS STRATEGY: Events will be held on and around the Animas River to demonstrate the connection of the community to the Animas River. The events will be sponsored by businesses, not-for-profits and the City of Durango.

THANKS TO: Animas Riverkeeper, Backcountry Experience, Four Corners Broadcasting, 4 Corners Riversports, Morehart Subaru,
Nature’s Oasis, Samson Resources, Southest Whitewater, Trout Unlimited, Zia Taqueria,
A & L Coors Inc . Bank of the San Juans . Carver Brewing Company . Concrete Skates . Durango BMX . Durango Brewing Company . Durango Whitewater . Four Corner’s Riversports . Healthy Hounds and Fat Cats . Mountain Waters . Pedal the Peaks . Phillips Electric . San Juan Citizens Alliance . Ska Brewing . State Farm Insurance - Ken Willyard . Subway of Durango (All 4 Locations)

Fourth of July Fun Run

Kick-off the 4th of July festivities at Rotary Park by participating with family and friends in the 4th Annual Fourth of July Freedom 5K. All ages are welcome to run, walk, stroll, or stride this festive 5K along the scenic Animas River Trail.

The free run/walk will begin at 9:00 a.m. at Rotary Park. Participants must check-in at the Parks and Recreation Special Event Tent between 8:15 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. to register and pick up fun and festive giveaways. The 5K will be timed for your personal information, only. At the end of the race will we be conducting a FREE raffle with excellent prize donations from local businesses. After the race, enjoy the plethora of entertaining holiday activities throughout Durango.

The Town Series: Mountain Park Classic (elevation profile[pdf]) (course descriptions [pdf]), Presented by First National Bank of Durango

The Mountain Park Classic traverses some of the most hidden treasures of this amazing park! Rarely flat, the course has numerous steep climbs and descents, making it one of the most exciting race courses in the Southwest! With over 1,000 feet of climbing, the seven mile course nearly reaches the summit of Hogsback Mountain before descending in Slime Gulch and running to the far reaches of the Park. The four mile course features over 500 feet of climbing, while meandering through parts of the Mountain Park you may have never seen. The one mile family fun course provides a fun trail experience for everyone. Water and aid stations will be located along the challenging seven and four mile course.

Race day registration and packet pick-up takes place from 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.
Early registration ends on Sunday, July 6 at 6 p.m.
Late registration closes on Friday, July 11 at 12:00 p.m. and re-opens on race day.
Kids 12 and under race for FREE on the fun course..

Durango Parks and Recreation Triathlon (Map)

Yearning to participate in a local triathlon? The 5th Annual Durango Parks & Recreation Triathlon gives you the opportunity! By incorporating sprint triathlon distances, Durango Parks and Recreation created a practical race for the beginner triathlete as well as the seasoned veteran, looking to complete a competitive training course. The race begins and ends at the Durango Community Recreation Center. The course includes a 500 yard swim in the lap pool, a 13 mile bike ride, and a 5K (3.1 miles) run.

Racers must check-in at the Durango Community Recreation Center from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 2. The first heat begins at 8:30 a.m. in the Aquatics Area. All racers are required to wear a helmet during the bike ride. Closed toe shoes are also required for the bike ride and run.

Racers may participate individually or as a team.
Early registration ends on Sunday, July 27 at 6:00 p.m.
Late registrations will be accepted until Friday, August 1 at 12:00 noon.
No race day registrations will be accepted.

Following the race, gather at the Recreation Center with friends and family to share in the success of the day. Awards and prizes will be presented and refreshments will be available to all participants.

Iron Kid’s Triathlon

Calling all kids! The Iron Kid Triathlon is for you!

The Iron Kid’s Triathlon provides children of all ages and ability levels with a safe and unique athletic experience. Children swim, bike and run an age-appropriate triathlon course, which begins and ends at the Durango Community Recreation Center. All children receive a medal, a certificate, and a t-shirt. Children also receive free admission to the Triathlon Training Clinics offered during the week preceding the race (see below for details).

Bicycles must pass a safety inspection on race day and all participants must wear a helmet during the bike ride.

Check in for the event takes place from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. on race day at the Durango Community Recreation Center.

Registration takes place at the Durango Community Recreation Center or online. Register by Sunday, August 10 at 6:00 p.m. and pay $25.00. Late registration continues until Friday, August 15 at 12:00 noon and costs $30.00. No registrations will be accepted on race day.

Age Group Swim Bike Run Approx. Start Times
5-6 50 yds 1 mile ¼ mile 9:00 a.m.
7-8 100 yds 5 K (3.1 miles) 1 K (.6 miles) 9:30 a.m.
9-10 100 yds 5 K (3.1 miles) 1 K (.6 miles) 10:00 a.m.
11-12 200 yds 10 K (6.2 miles) 2 K (1.2 miles) 10:30 a.m.

Iron Kid’s Triathlon Clinics
Dates Days Time Place
August 12 & 14 T/Th 9-10:30 a.m. Durango Recreation Center

Dirt Lovers Rally

Part of the Four Corners Cup racing series, the Dirt Lover’s Rally is a grass-roots race that everyone can easily enter, endure and enjoy. Gather at Horse Gulch for a race up and over Telegraph and into all the sweet single-track in the Grandview Ridge area.

Beginners will ride the meadow loops, while the Sports and Experts will go over Telegraph and back on Crites. This is a race the whole family can enjoy! Kids 12 & under race for free!

Early registration ends Sunday, August 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Late registration ends Saturday, August 24 at 12:00 p.m.
Race day registration will be available.
Race day registration and check-in is from 8:30- 9:30 a.m.

 Ultimate Frisbee Hat Tournament

Come and experience the face-paced, high-flying game of ultimate frisbee! All ability levels welcome to play. All players will register individually, according to ability level. Names from each ability level are placed in a separate hat and drawn to ensure that teams consist of an equal mixture of beginner, intermediate, and expert players. Each team is guaranteed at least four games, prior to bracket play on Monday. Games will play to 11 points with an hour and fifteen minute time cap on games. All players must bring a white and dark t-shirt. No grey!

After Saturday’s games, enjoy food, drink and music at Ska Brewery, while socializing with fellow ultimate frisbee players from the Four Corners and beyond.

The Town Series: Animas Mountain Mug Run, Presented by First National Bank of Durango (Map)

As the exciting finale race in The Town Series, the Animas Mountain Mug Run provides a tough 6.6 mile course and a fun one mile course to run, walk or hike. Whether you participated in the Trail Series or not, casual walkers and serious runners, alike, will enjoy the scenic course and a unique mug provided by Durango Parks and Recreation.

Early registration ends on Sunday, September 14 at 6 p.m.
Late registration closes on Friday, September 19 at 12:00 p.m. and re-opens on race day.
Kids 12 and under race for FREE on the fun course.

All-Comers Fall Swim Meet

Durango Parks and Recreation and the Durango Swim Club will be hosting the first annual All-Comer’s Fall Swim Meet at the Durango Community Recreation Center on Saturday, October 4. There will be race lengths for all ages in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

Races begin at 9:00 a.m.
Check-in takes place from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m.

Don’t miss out on this exciting event to challenge yourself or engage in a fun swim race against a friend or family member.