Vallecito Lake Heavy Half takes place at 17454 Co Rd 501 in Bayfield, Colorado on May 16, 2026. Despite its name, the actual race distance is 14 miles rather than a traditional half marathon. The event starts at 9:00 AM, giving runners an early morning push into the course. Entry fees range from $75 to $105 depending on registration timing. This running event is positioned for endurance athletes looking for a challenging spring race in the Colorado high country. If you're traveling to compete, book accommodations in Bayfield well in advance, as the town serves as the base for accessing Vallecito Lake and surrounding mountain terrain.
From the Race Organizer
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 14 5:30 PM-7:30 PM at the Durango Running Company 473 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301 Friday May 15 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 a
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for May 15.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bayfield, CO.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 2027 — Bayfield, CO?
Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 2027 — Bayfield, CO takes place on May 15, 2027. The race is held in Bayfield, Colorado.
Where is Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 2027 — Bayfield, CO held?
Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 2027 — Bayfield, CO is held at 17454 Co Rd 501 in Bayfield, Colorado.
Where can I find hotels near Vallecito Lake Heavy Half 2027 — Bayfield, CO?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bayfield. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
