Vallecito Lake Heavy Half
- Date:
- Sat, May 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Location:
-
17454 Co Rd 501
La Plata County, Colorado
81122
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- durangorunningclub.org Register at runsignup.com
- Tags:
- 14 Miles Gravel Run Trail
Vallecito Lake Heavy Half
The Vallecito Lake Heavy Half Marathon is a beautiful and scenic course around Vallecito Lake. Nestled in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, our race course takes runners completely around the picturesque Vallecito Reservoir with a special section that runs right across Vallecito Dam. If you ever wanted to run all the way around the lake, this race is the only way to do it as a portion traverses private property that is normally not open to the public. After the race is the best post-race party ever, with live music, local beer/soda, and a delicious lunch. Grab a few friends and spend the weekend in the beautiful Vallecito Valley. More than just a great race, this event is a fundraiser for local non-profits.
2026 Event: Based on the overwhelmingly positive feedback that was received we will retain the single track segment along the east shore of the lake. To mix things us the loop will also be run in the opposite direction this year. Word has gotten out on how great this little race is and we expect it to sell out again in 2025 as there is a 250 runner cap. When it does sell out you can sign up for the waitlist. Lastly, all Durango Running Club 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. After the successful transition last year to not using any disposable cups, the Vallecito Heavy Half Marathon will be a cupless event moving forward. Please bring your own preferred water bottle, soft flask/cup, etc. This event has aid stations along remote Forest Service Roads that are difficult to get supplies to and trash out of and eliminating cups helps keep the
area pristine by reducing the risk of litter.
Runner Perks
As great as the race is, this might be one event where the post-race party is even better. All runners will receive a unique finisher’s prize, a custom printed performance long sleeve T-shirt, and the best post-race lunch you will ever have provided by the Rocky Mountain General Store (including a Ska beer or Zuberfizz soda). A photographer will also be stationed on the course and all photos will be completely free to the race entrants. Best of all local Reggae band the One Heart Orchestra will be playing during the entirety of the post-race party.
Packet Pickup Options:
Thursday May 15 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at the Durango Running Company
473 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301
Friday May 16 5:00-7:00 PM at the Weminuche Woodfire Grill
18044 CR 501 Bayfield, CO 81122
Race Morning Packet Pickup
Day of race packet pickup and registration will happen at the start line on the morning of the event from 7-8:30 AM. There will be a strict cutoff at this time. Please make sure you give yourselves enough time to register and/or pick up your packet. All local participants are strongly encouraged to pick up before race morning using the options above.
Race Morning
Parking
All vehicles (staff, volunteers, runners, spectators) must park in the Vallecito Church parking lot or the PRID open space next to the Community Center. There should be NO parking in font of Fur Trappers or the Rocky Mountain General Store. All racers are required to have a valid PRID Use Pass, either a day pass or an annual pass. A day use pass is $6 per vehicle. The race registration includes the option of purchasing this fee for participants; however, all spectators will be required to purchase their own pass (unless riding with a participant). This pass can be purchased directly from PRID the day of the race.
Vallecito Church Parking:
17576 CR 501 Bayfield, CO 81122
Race Start
The heavy half will start at 9:00 AM. Please make sure you use the bathrooms and provide plenty of time for parking. The start line is located behind the Rocky Mountain General Store in the PRID open space.
The Route
The 2026 race will run clockwise around the lake. Runners will follow the marked course travelling north on paved County Road 501, which they will stay on for 2.5 miles. At that point, they will reach the Kokanee Picnic Area, where runners will drop onto the single track that runs between the road and the lakeshore for another mile. After the singletrack, runners will re-join CR 501 for one mile then turn right Forest Service Road 603. At approximately Mile 5, runners will enter private property. Runners must stay on the designated road right-of-way through this approximately 0.5 mile segment. After the private property, runners will stay on FR 603 for approximately 3.5 miles where they will reach the Vallecito Dam, where they will turn right and run along the top of the dam. This road will rejoin CR 501 at approximate mile 10, where runners will turn right and follow the paved road for 1.5 miles. Here runners will turn right at the Marina and follow the cones to the single track
that runs along the west side of the lake. Runners will follow this trail back to the finish. In total the route is approximately 14 miles with 1,000 feet of climbing. The running surface is comprised of four miles of paved road, 3.5 miles of trails, and 6.5 miles of dirt/gravel road.
Aid Stations
You will find four aid stations approximately every 2-3 miles starting at mile 3.5. Aid stations will provide water and Tailwind. They will also have first-aid bags and cell phones for emergencies. The last three aid stations will have snacks. These are the only aid stations that will have food so if you plan accordingly. For those needing a different type of pit stop, there are vault toilets located at approximate Miles 2.5, 8.5, and 12.5 (in addition to numerous porta-potties at the start/finish).
Time Limits
We welcome runners of all abilities, and we offer a generous time limit of 4 hours. This is roughly a 17 minute/mile pace. If you anticipate being slower than that, please contact the race director ahead of time and you must carry your own water and a cell phone for emergencies as the aid stations may close before you arrive.
Course Safety
The race course uses roads that have minimal vehicle traffic, especially on a Saturday morning in May. The course will also be marked with cones for safety. However, runners must remain alert throughout the race, stay on the right shoulder of the road, and obey instructions from course marshals and local law enforcement. Runners should not wear headphones in both ears and no dogs are not allowed in the race. Strollers are not permitted due to the current shape of the forest service road and the single track.
County Sheriffs will be located at the intersection of CR501 and FR603 at the south end of Vallecito Reservoir. This is where oncoming traffic will first intersect the course. Mile markers will be at each mile of the course and signage will be prominent at each turn for runners. We will also have “Race in Progress” signs in various locations along the course to alert vehicles to the race in progress.
Medical
Each aid station will have first aid bags available for minor treatments. We will partner with Upper Pine River Fire Protection District for Ambulance and EMS services.
Spectator Locations
There are several great spots along the course to watch the runners go by. We recommend at the Kokanee Picnic Area and the Vallecito Marina where there is ample off street parking (parking anywhere on the course requires a PRID pass). Vehicles are not allowed on the private road (meaning no spectator can drive all the way around the lake). Spectators may not follow you along the course in their vehicle. In any instance this is observed, the runner will be disqualified.
Timing
The Vallecito Lake Heavy Half Marathon will be professionally timed by Rocky Mountain Timing. Your RFID chip will be on the back of your race bib. Please make sure you do not bend your chip. Runners should wear their race bib on the front of their body.
Results
Results will be posted on runsignup.com at the conclusion of the event.
Travel Information and Lodging
The Vallecito area offers many campgrounds and VRBO options. The Blue Spruce RV Park and Campground is a sponsor of the race, located nearby and offers cabin rentals as well as campsites. Croll Cabins are located along the course and a great place for your friends and family to watch you race by.
Weather
Average temperature at 9am in mid May is 45 degrees. Expect temperatures to start out cool and steadily increase as the morning progresses, potentially reaching into the 60’s. Use the aid stations and stay hydrated. The event will happen rain or shine. If precipitation is in the forecast, runners should dress accordingly.
Fundraising
100% of all revenue generated above what it costs to put on the race will go to local nonprofits.
Refunds & Transfers
As with most races, we are unable to offer refunds, transfers, or deferrals in most cases. If you sign up and are unable to run, please contact the race director to discuss your options.