Question 1

Where is the San Juan Softie located? How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

The SJS starts and ends a few miles north of Durango, CO. Durango is a full service town on the border of the San Juan mountains. Access is possible via road (approximately 3 hours from Albuquerque and 6 hours from Denver) or air through La Plata County Airport.

Question 2

What distance is the SJS?

Accepted Answer

The SJS is approximately 104 miles long. No other distances are currently offered

Question 3

Do I need to have run another race of a certain distance before running SJS?

Accepted Answer

We strongly encourage having completed other mountain ultras before attempting SJS. That said, we will not be gatekeeping this race; if you feel prepared, you are welcome to run.

Question 4

Is there required gear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For your safety, all runners are required to carry a rain jacket, 2 light sources, gloves, whistle, hat, water capacity, and cup/bowl throughout the race. Starting in 2026, we also require satellite tracking devices. The race director reserves the right to require rain pants depending on weather forecast; a decision to require rain pants will be communicated to runners at least 5 days before the event. A tracker may be required; this will also be communicated with plenty of advanced notice. Required gear may be checked at any time by race staff/ volunteers, including at the starting line, aid stations, on the course, or at the finish. Failure to carry all required gear may result in a DQ. In the event of a dispute, the race director has final say.

Question 5

Are there prizes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! First, second, and third place prizes for men and women will be provided by Durango Running Company, as well as a cash prize provided by the race: $500 for first, $250 for second, and $100 for third.

Question 6

2 light sources?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This can include a runner’s primary headlamp and an emergency keychain/fob light. Light belts, flashlights, etc. are welcome as well. No, a phone doesn’t count.

Question 7

Can I use my own tracking device?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Starting in 2026, we require satellite tracking. You can register your own device on our live tracking or rent one for a fee from our tracking provider MAProgress. The details on how to do it all will be sent out a month or so before the race. Please reach out to us at rd@sanjuansoftie.com if you have any concerns or questions or if the extra cost is an issue for you.

Question 8

Are poles allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Poles would be quite helpful.

Question 9

Are pacers allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, pacers are allowed starting at mile 45.5 at the Cross Mountain aid station. Pacers can join runners at Cross Mountain, Ryman Creek, and Elbert Creek aid stations. (These locations are indicated in the aid station chart above). Runners are allowed 1 pacer at a time. All pacers must complete a waiver and have a pacer bib before joining their runner.

Question 10

Can my pacer carry my gear?

Accepted Answer

No muling allowed.

Question 11

Is there an age requirement?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all participants must be at least 18 years old on the day of the race.

Question 12

Can I defer to next year?

Accepted Answer

Deferrals for pregnancy will be considered. All other reasons, including injury, travel restrictions, or failure to train do not qualify for deferral. If you will not be able to run, please unenroll yourself on Ultrasignup or let the race director know so that we can make space for another runner.

Question 13

Can I transfer my bib to another runner?

Accepted Answer

As of 2026, we maintain a waitlist and no longer allow bib transfers. Your spot will go to the next person on the list!

Question 14

Why is it called the San Juan Softie?

Accepted Answer

Compared to other 100 mile races in the area (Hardrock, Ouray 100, High 5), this is easy! But make no mistake – this is a challenging mountain ultra with significant vert and exposure above treeline.

Question 15

Should I be concerned about fires for 2026?

Accepted Answer

As many folks who live in the west are likely aware, it has been a sad winter for our snowpack. The San Juans currently have the second-worst snowpack in our recorded history, and there is not much hope of that improving this spring. As we hopefully showed last year, in the case of a fire on or near the course, we will do our very best to work with the Forest Service to reroute or find ways to still make the event happen. Unfortunately, smoke from wildfires throughout the west may also be a large concern this year. We will be monitoring Air Quality Index leading up to and on the morning of the race, and reserve the right to cancel if it is at unsafe levels (150 or above). Our insurance does not cover circumstances like wildfires, and many of our costs for the race are paid long before race day; we will refund as much as we are able in the case of a cancellation, but cannot make any guarantees. We also encourage runners who are traveling to us to seek out refundable travel and/or lodging, just in case!

San Juan Softie 100-mile Ultramarathon

Trail in United States, Durango

Distances

About

Catering & aid stations

Pacers

Results

Typical weather in Durango

Route maps

What's included in entry

FAQ