For all you trail runners out there, the Mercy Foot & Ankle Center Mountain Marmot Trail Run presented by Durango Running Company is the race for you.
Have you ever stood at the bottom of a mountain, staring up at the top, thinking to yourself: “I wonder if I could run all the way up there?” Well, now you’re going to find out!
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“Mountain Marmot” is an epic trail race. The course is simple—start at the bottom of the mountain…run to the top and back. Sounds hard? It’s definitely a challenge. But think how great you will feel when you make it to the top!
One thing is for sure: You won’t find a more beautiful course anywhere around. You’ll be running some of the most amazing single-track trails in Colorado, right as the Fall colors are just starting to change. The views will be stunning. This is a race you will never forget.
The distance is just shy of 12 miles. Because of the elevation gain, think of it as equal to a half-marathon. The best part is, the second half of the race is entirely downhill! If you have run similar races like Imogene, Kendall Mountain, or Kennebec Mountain, you will find this race to be easier by comparison, but still plenty challenging.
Don’t be intimidated! This run is very doable. The trails are non-technical, and the grade is fairly steady throughout, making it easy to get into a nice rhythm as you run.
Mountain Marmot Trail Race Video
Get pumped up for the Mountain Marmot by watching this awesome video from the race. Don’t worry about the light dusting of 
snow — that was a rare fluke. Late September is typically a beautiful time of year for running.
Post-Race Party
Because this race is such an impressive accomplishment, we’ll have a post-race celebration worthy of your effort. Once you cross the finish line, enjoy great food, beer, live music, and festivities—all included in your entry fee!
Registration Fees
| By July 15 | $59 |
| After July 15 | $69 |
| No race day registration |
Your entry includes:
- a great race shirt!
- awesome finisher’s medal!
- free race photos!
- a post-race party with free lunch, beer and soda, and live music.
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Shirts & Finishers Medals
You must register by August 1 to guarantee your race shirt and finisher’s medallion. They are going to be awesome, so don’t miss out!
Race Cap and Deadlines:
This race is tightly capped. Based on the growing popularity of this race, we do expect to sell out. Please do not hesitate if you are wanting to run this race.
Age Restrictions and Cut-Off Times:
Due to the nature of this race, we ask that participants between the ages of 12 – 15 register with an adult and agree to stay together on the course throughout the race. Participants under the age of 12 are not allowed.
The race course will remain open for 4 hours, which translates to a 20 minute/mile pace. Last year’s winner finished in 1 hr 30 minutes. Average time for middle-of-the-pack is around 2 hr 25 minutes.
Race Course:
In our 2016 post-race survey, runners gave this course a score of 6.79 on a scale of 1 to 7, and they rated the scenery a whopping 6.94 out of 7. Wow! They really liked it!
The course starts at the base area of Purgatory Resort near Lift 1 and follows single-track trails up the mountain to the top of Lift 8, the highest point on the mountain. The elevation gain is roughly 1800 feet. The course will be well marked and easy to follow. This is some of the most beautiful running terrain you will ever find!
Download printable course map.
From the bottom of Lift 1, you will follow the beginning sections of the World Championship single track course, then take Paul’s Park trail over to the back side of the mountain to where it connects with Los Pinos trail. You’ll then follow Los Pinos up to the top of Lift 8, elevation 10,800. At the top, be sure to take a moment to enjoy the incredible view — you earned it! You descend on Paul’s Park trail, back to the World’s course, then onto Diggler, and all the way down to the finish line at the base area.
Unlike other trail races that take you deep into the backcountry, in this race you will feel relatively close to civilization. Even when you are five miles out, you will be passing by Resort warming huts and ski lifts, and you will always be able to orient yourself back to the base area of the mountain.
What Are Runners Saying About This Race?
“This race was by far the most beautiful I have ever ran!!”
“AMAZING course and location….scenery was absolutely breathtaking!!!!!! I had a huge smile on my face the whole time and loved every mile. Can’t wait for next year. Thanks for organizing a great event!”
“This has been my most favorite race ever, this is my 6th race this year and second in CO.”
“JUST HAD A GREAT TIME AND REALLY ENJOYED THE VIEW WOW! I WILL RUN AGAIN NEXT YEAR.”
Who Came Up With This Idea?
Your race course manager is Brett Sublett, owner of Durango Running Company and veteran runner of countless distance races. He designed the course and will be out there taking care of you on race day.
Your race director for this event is the same guy behind the Steamworks Half Marathon, the Thirsty 13 Half Marathon, and the Durango Turkey Trot. With 12 years of experience putting on popular running events, you can trust that this race will be a quality event.
Aid Stations:
There will be four aid stations on the course, located roughly at mile 2.6, 4.5, 6.7 (summit), and 9.4. The aid stations will provide water, snacks, first aid, and a cheering section. You are strongly encouraged to carry your own water so you can hydrate when you need to.
Bag Check:
We will have a secure area for you to leave a bag for after the race.
Prizes:
All participants will receive this awesome finisher’s medallion worthy of this impressive accomplishment.
Top male and female in each age group will receive the highly coveted stuffed marmot as your first place prize. Each runner will also receive a great race shirt included with your entry fee. Note: you must register by August 1 to guarantee your shirt and finisher’s prize.
Post-Race Party:
Stick around after the race for a great party! Every runner will get a fantastic breakfast burrito and a beer or soft drink. Relax on Purgy’s patio and enjoy the live music and awards ceremony.
Questions:
Feel free to contact Matthew, Race Director and Purgatory Resort Events Manager: [email protected].
Sponsors:
We are pleased to introduce our new title sponsor for the Mountain Marmot. The experts at the Mercy Foot & Ankle Center are leaders in the treatment of all types of foot and ankle ailments and injuries that cause pain, instability, or weakness. The Mercy Foot & Ankle Center’s team-based approach provides you with personalized care, tailored to your unique condition and goals. From physical therapy provided by skilled therapists with decades of experience treating foot and ankle conditions, to specialized care provided by Dr. Doug Lucas, our fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, and podiatrist Dr. Dan Stilwell, we have solutions to help get you back on your feet.
Huge thanks to Durango Running Company, our presenting sponsor for this race! They spent countless hours designing this fantastic race course, and they will be out there managing the course on race day! They are Durango’s only specialty running store, and the only place you need to go for shoes and all your running gear.
Race Results
