It’s the perfect stretch of road for a half marathon.
In more ways than one.
Runners would have a difficult time finding a more picturesque route in which to contest a half marathon than from Baker’s Bridge north of Durango on down East Animas Road (County Road 250) to the Durango Sports Club.
And, turns out, that stretch is pretty much 13 miles in length right on the nose – the distance of a half marathon.
“People know this race for having a beautiful, beautful course. It’s hard to find a better half-marathon course. To just have it sitting there is a blessing,” said Matthew Krichman, race director of the Steamworks Half Marathon, scheduled Saturday morning on that stretch from Baker’s Bridge to the Durango Sports Club. “There’s not much (vehicle) traffic, you can’t get lost and it’s exactly 13 miles.”
Krichman, in his eighth year as race director of the popular event, said the event again is a sellout, with 300 runners expected to line up Saturday morning near Baker’s Bridge. Krichman said that, this year, when entries opened in February, the event sold out in a record nine days.
“It’s a small, intimate gathering of close friends,” he said of the vibe of the event. “It’s big enough where it feels like a big event with all those people lining up at the starting line – it’s not like you’re alone on the course. But it never feels so big that anyone gets lost in the crowd. I ran in it the three years before I took it over. It’s a great race from both ends. I miss running in it as a participant.”
The race starts at 8 a.m., with an “early start for walkers and any slower runners who feel they want more time starting at 7:15.”
Krichman said the race typically draws a good number of spectators along the route, too, which adds to its allure.
“One of the great things about this race is that people who live on (County Road) 250 come out to the end of their driveways and cheer the runners on,” Krichman said. “And we make sure that, in addition to handing out water, the volunteers know to also be enthusiastic and cheer the runners as they come through ... We try to make it fun on the course. And a lot of folks bring their families and they come and hang out at the finish line. It’s a big party.”
And with the top three finishers in each of the six age divisions for both men and women earning prizes, and with every runner receiving a Steamworks pint glass after he or she crosses the finish line, Krichman said, everyone is a winner.
Also scheduled Saturday is Durango Parks and Recreation’s “Tear it Up 4 Tyler” Skateboard Contest at Schneider Park, 950 Roosa Ave. The contest will include street and bowl events, as well as a best-trick competition.
Registration is from 10-11 a.m., with the contest starting at 11. Cost is $10, which includes a T-shirt, lunch and a drink.
The annual event is held in memory of Tyler Valencia, who died in a car accident at age 16. Tyler was an avid skateboarder and advocate for Durango Skate Park, although he died a few months before the park opened.
For more information, contact Durango Parks and Recreation at 375-7300 or Charlett Warren at 946-7799.
bpeterson@durangoherald.com
