Runoff Runoff

P.O. Box 518
Creede, CO 81130

Running > Half Marathon, Marathon, Other Running

Event Description

About: The Runoff Runoff was started in 2010 as a way to raise awareness of local and global water issues. Since 2010, the race has grown thanks to the partnership and support of so many organizations and individuals. Through it all, the purpose of the RunOff RunOff remains the same; to educate and engage with you about three important interrelated issues:

1. Legacy Mining Impacts and Water Quality
2. Water Quantity and the Connection with Downstream Communities and Ecosystems
3. Human Rights and Access to Water Worldwide

We strive to preserve these glorious mountains and bubbling tributaries here at the headwaters of the Rio Grande. We take our upstream responsibility seriously, and deeply value your support in this work!

Marathon Course Description: The Runoff Runoff Marathon will begin at Ed Hargraves Park (the ballfields). The course goes south on the floodplain trail. The course continues down Airport Rd. and then turns right onto Deep Creek Rd. after crossing the Rio Grande. Runners continue on Deep Creek Rd. until HWY 149, at which point they turn left. After just one mile, runners take another left onto Middle Creek Rd. (FS 523). After 4 miles, runners stay right, remaining on Middle Creek Rd. (FS 523). Runners reach Soward Ranch and turn around. The race ends at Ed Hargraves Park (the ballfields) on the south end of Creede.

Half Marathon Course Description: The Runoff Runoff Half Marathon will start at Soward Ranch. The course follows the same trajectory as the Marathon, following Middle Creek Rd., spending one mile on Highway 149, and then turning right Deep Creek Rd. Runners will take a left on Airport Rd. at the end of Deep Creek Rd., and will follow it until the floodplain multi-use trail which brings them to the finish line at the ballfields.

NEW 6.6K Course Description: The Runoff Runoff 6.6K begins at Ed Hargraves Park (the ballfields) and follows the meandering Willow Creek floodplain trail out to the Rio Grande and back, finishing at the Ballpark. Runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages are welcome! Friendly dogs are welcome, too, but they must be kept on a leash and owners must pick up after them.  Don't we mean 6K? Wait, don't we mean a 5k?! Are we really going to make you run an extra 1.6 kilometers? YES! And there's a reason. You don't see many 6K races out there, let alone a 6.6K, so you might be wondering: why not a 5K? The Runoff Runoff started as a World Water Day event to raise awareness of local and global water issues. The distance of 6K is the average distance that people have to walk to get clean water in developing countries according to USAID. In Creede, the distance to fresh water in the Rio Grande is 6.6K. Even though we don't have to walk farther than the kitchen tap to get clean water here in Colorado, water spilling from the legacy mining sites in Creede is contaminated.​ Water is an increasingly precious resource that needs protecting, and a resource that is impacted by a changing climate. By running the Runoff Runoff, you are supporting efforts to protect and enhance the headwaters of the Rio Grande for improved water quality, riparian health, wildlife and fish habitat, recreation, community health and wellbeing, and relationships with downstream neighbors. 

Run to the River Challenge: This year, we are introducing a new challenge to the new 6.6K race. Participants will run to the river and bring back Rio Grande water to the finish line. Prizes will be available. How much water? Well, how much does a person drink in one day? How much can you carry? How much do you need for cooking and cleaning? More details will be coming soon.


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