The 2026 Pagosa Springs Duathlon proved to be another amazing event, bringing together athletes, volunteers, families and supporters for a day of recreation, community and purpose — all in support of Aspen House.
A total of 44 participants took part in this year’s event, with more than half traveling from outside the Pagosa Springs area.
Their participation not only made for a successful race, but also expanded awareness of Aspen House’s mission far beyond the local community, introducing new supporters to the organization’s vision of creating a fully supportive group home for adults with developmental disabilities.
Set against the scenic backdrop of the Turkey Springs Trail System, participants enjoyed beautiful blue skies with good cloud cover in the morning as they tackled the course either individually or as relay teams of runners and cyclists.
The event also featured children’s running and biking races, where the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts enthusiastically joined the day’s festivities, adding to the fun and family-friendly atmosphere.
The success of the duathlon was made possible through the leadership of Race Director Keena Carstensen, whose dedication and careful planning brought the event together.
Aspen House also extends its heartfelt appreciation to the many volunteers who generously donated their time and talents to coordinate logistics, mark the course, manage registration, handle countless behind-the-scenes details, and even provide music and a little dancing at points along the course to help make the race more fun.
“The Pagosa Springs Duathlon is about competing, but its also about so much more,” said Carstensen. “It’s about bringing people together around a shared purpose. Every participant, volunteer, sponsor and supporter helped raise awareness for Aspen House and move us even closer to opening the doors to a home where adults with developmental disabilities can live close to family, friends and their supportive network, with the dignity and independence they deserve.”
Proceeds from the event will help support the mission of Aspen House and help build the fully supportive group home on Vista Boulevard, a project that continues to gain momentum through the generosity of donors, volunteers and community partners.
With another successful event in the books, Aspen House looks forward to welcoming even more participants and supporters next year as the organization continues building not only a home, but a stronger, more inclusive community.
For more information about Aspen House or to learn how you can support the project, please contact Pattie Copenhaver at (970) 398-1636 or executivedirector@aspenhousepagosa.org, or visit www.aspenhousepagosa.org.
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