The annual Steamworks Animas Valley Half Marathon will kick off Saturday with the first heat leaving the start line at 7:15 a.m.

The event will start at Baker’s Bridge and continue 13 miles south on East Animas Road (County Road 250). The finish line is at the Durango Sports Club on Florida Road (County Road 240).

East Animas Road will be open to two-way vehicular traffic during the race, said Race Director Matthew Krichman.

Course marshals along the course will alert oncoming traffic of the race, Krichman said.

Family and friends are welcome to drive the course and park anywhere along the way to support the runners.

Steamworks Brewing Co. will host an after-party for the 300 race participants at the Durango Sports Club.

“It’s a huge celebration; the party is part of the reason this race is so popular,” Krichman said.

Runners will receive free food and beer. The awards ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded to overall male and female winners and the first, second and third place runner in each age category.

All finishers will receive a commemorative Steamworks pint glass and a finisher’s medal.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to the La Plata County Humane Society and Manna Soup Kitchen.

“Its a big community event with lots of great sponsors and supporters,” Krichman said.

tferraro@durangoherald.com