Mountains to the Desert Classic
- Date
- September 26, 2026
- Distance
- Telluride to Gateway · Norwood to Gateway · Ridgway to Gateway
From the Organizer
The Mountains to the Desert Classic (M2D) is celebrating its 23rd anniversary as the primary fundraising event for the Just For Kids Foundation!
M2D is a beloved local ride beginning in Telluride, Ridgway, or Norwood and finishing in Gateway, Colorado. Whether participants choose to ride 100 or 70 miles, they will experience the full beauty and grandeur of the Colorado landscape, as it tracks the San Miguel River and transitions from high mountains to desert terrain. From alpine glow and aspen forests to sandstone cliffs and palisades, join this iconic ride in support of our San Miguel County communities.
Let's ride! Bring your friends and family and let's celebrate! Return shuttles and more itinerary or logistical information available here.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
65°
Typical Low
30°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Telluride 4wnw, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Telluride, CO
Population
2,595
as of 2023
Elevation
8,726 ft
Nearest Airport
TEX
Telluride Regional Airport · 5 mi
Time Zone
Mountain Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mountains to the Desert Classic, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
110
Days to train
- Race
- Mountains to the Desert Classic
- Date
- September 26, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Telluride, CO
Durango Brewer's Trail Series
49 miles away
16th Annual Telluride Foundation Rundola: Run for Good
Less than a mile away
Ourayce 10K Fun Run
10K
10 miles away
Durango Main Avenue Mile
49 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Mountains to the Desert Classic?
- Mountains to the Desert Classic is a running race held in Telluride, Colorado on September 26, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Mountains to the Desert Classic?
- Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Telluride, Colorado at 300 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Mountains to the Desert Classic?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Mountains to the Desert Classic
Sep 26, 2026