The Mancos Half Marathon, featuring a scenic course on mostly dirt roads, will kick off early in the morning on June 25, right here at the Mancos Public Library.
(I love the Mancos library. It has the most engaged and engaging staff I’ve ever encountered. It has a nifty building with 
comfortable chairs and conference rooms. It has free fiber Internet.)
The day’s events also include a 5K race, a free fun run, and health, wellness, and kids’ activities. The 12-member organizing team has done an incredible job with course route planning, sponsor recruitment, and behind-the-scenes organization. I expect a stellar day. There will be prizes from Osprey packs, Salomon shoes, the Durango Running Company, and others.
According to the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce, “Mancos” refers to someone with a maimed arm. I’m thinking it will be maimed legs and lungs after this race. The town sits at 7,000 feet elevation and the route peaks at 7,600. Yikes! Anyone coming from sea level will surely struggle.
Heck, I will struggle. With a nagging injury and lackadaisical training, you’ll find me at the back of the pack. Or, in wrangler terms, riding drag.
A view from the off-road element of the Mancos Half Marathon
The race is in its third year, its first with a new name. It was the Cowboy Half Marathon when Ben Hahn, founder of the Mancos Project, established it . Here’s hoping race organizers reclaim that superior moniker next year.
To check out the half-marathon course, with views of Mesa Verde and the LaPlata mountains, click here.
Listen to an interview with race organizers Duff Simbeck and Annette Mullikin on KSJD radio.
See you there!