The Narrow Gauge Races

  • Date Sun 24th May 2026
  • Time 8:00AM MDT
  • Location Durango, Colorado
  • Price Free - $54.00
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 10 Mile, 5km, 1 Mile

Event summary

Join us for an exciting day of community, competition, and scenic beauty at the Narrow Gauge Races on Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Durango, La Plata. Celebrating its legacy as Colorado's longest continuously run road race since 1978, this beloved Memorial Day tradition will take place at the picturesque Santa Rita Park along the Animas River.

Participants can choose between two exhilarating race distances: the challenging 10 Mile Run, which ascends to Fort Lewis College with breathtaking views of the La Plata Mountains, and the more accessible 5K race that winds along the eastern banks of the river. Both races promise a thrilling mix of terrains, including sidewalks, dirt trails, and singletrack paths. Plus, there’s a Kids' Fun Run for the little ones to join in on the excitement! With live music, delicious food, and custom 16 oz can glasses for all participants, this event is not only a race but a celebration of community spirit. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event, where age group awards and local business gifts await the top finishers!

Organiser's Description

_BE A PART OF HISTORY -- THIS IS THE LONGEST CONTINUOUSLY RUN ROAD RACE IN COLORADO! _Since 1978, the Narrow Gauge 10 Mile Run has been one of Durango's oldest Memorial Day traditions. This year, we're back at beautiful Santa Rita Park along the Animas River. We are excited to announce our beneficiaries of the races this year are Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Juan County, The Ft Lewis College and Durango High School Track and Cross Country Teams as well as The Liberty School. The 10 Miler will climb from the river trail up to Fort Lewis College with the best views of the La Plata Mountains then past Hillcrest Golf course. It will be a mix of sidewalk, dirt and paved road as well as singletrack trails The descent will take runners back to the east side of the Animas River to the Rivergate Bridge then north along the river trail back to the start/finish. For a change of pace the 5K race heads south from Santa Rita Park crosses over the Animas River and continues south along the eastern banks of the river on a dirt trail that will take runners to the Rivergate community. After ascending thru the heart of Rivergate up to Sawmill Road ,runners will descend back down to the river and cross over the bridge to the Animas River Trail and head north back to Santa Rita Park on the sidewalk. Parents can join in on the Kids' Fun Run. One of the most exciting weekends of the year; Iron Horse/Memorial Day Weekend.A great race for those who want to make it a biathlon weekend or who are cheering on the bikers on Saturday and want their own footrace on Sunday. We even have a few racers who are doing all three: Narrow Horse 1500 Meter Swim on Friday, The Iron Horse Bike Race on Saturday and a Narrow Gauge Road Race on Sunday! There will be music, food, a sweet custom 16oz can glass for all 10 mile and 5k racers. THERE ARE AGE GROUP AWARDS! TOP 3 IN EACH AGE GROUP IN THE 10 MILE AND TOP 2 IN EACH AGE GROUP IN THE 5K WILL BE RECEIVING A GIFT FROM A LOCAL DURANGO BUSINESS. Are you a Durango Running Club member? Members get a 10% discount. Make sure you are logged in to your Runsignup account and that your membership is current before registering and the discount will automatically apply.

RACE TIMES:
5K: 8:15 am

10 Mile: 8:10 am

FREE Kids' Fun Run: 9:45 am

REGISTRATION GIFT:
10 Mile and 5K participants will receive a 16 oz can glass at completion of race. _*Note: Our deadline for t-shirts is Friday, May 3. You can still sign up, but we can't guarantee your size if you register after the deadline, sorry! We have glasses to the first 200 registered adult runners._

PACKET PICK-UP:
Packet pick-up will be on Saturday before the race from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at the Durango Running Company and on race morning at the starting line starting at 7:00am.

Races

  • The Narrow Gauge 10 Mile

    Incl. $4.00 Fee & T Shirt and 16oz Can Glass

    Sun 24th May 2026 (8:00AM MDT)

    $54.00

    OPENS 16 JAN 26
  • The Narrow Gauge 5K

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T Shirt and 16oz Can Glass

    Sun 24th May 2026 (8:15AM MDT)

    $32.80

    OPENS 16 JAN 26
  • The Narrow Gauge 1-Mile Kids' Dash

    Sun 24th May 2026 (9:30AM MDT)

    Free

    OPENS 15 JAN 26

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Location

Santa Rita Park, 149 S Camino Del Rio, Durango, 81301, CO, United States

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