The Alzheimer’s Association in Southwest Colorado and Hutton Broadcasting invite you to two key events in Durango in August and September 2026.
The Kickoff Party on August 19 is the social launch and team recruitment event at Mesa Verde Estates, while the main Walk to End Alzheimer’s brings the community together for the official ceremony, walk, and fundraising effort. You can attend either or both events to get involved, support families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and contribute to worldwide scientific research.
Register, volunteer, or donate. Use the hashtags #Walk2EndAlz and #ENDALZ to share.
What are the event details?
The 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s season is divided into an informational launch party and the official walk day.
Southwest Colorado Walk to End Alzheimer’s Kickoff Party
The Kickoff Party launches the local walk season, offering supporters an opportunity to network, form teams, and preview the venue.
- Date & Time: Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 6 to 7 p.m.
- Location: Mesa Verde Estates, 380 Crader Ranch Road, Durango, CO
- What to Expect: A sneak peek at Mesa Verde Estates, free food, and live music
- RSVP Information: Attendees must RSVP by Monday, August 17, 2026, by contacting Kristi Dean at kldean@alz.org or calling 727-643-7358.
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the main community event dedicated to raising funds and awareness for care, support, and research.
- Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- Location: Rotary Park / Gazebo Park along the Animas River Trail in Durango, CO.
- Event Schedule: Registration opens at 9 a.m., followed by the Opening Ceremony and Promise Garden presentation at 10 a.m.
- Course: A fully accessible, paved route along the river trail suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
- Participation: Free to register as an individual or team, with fundraising incentives earned at various donation levels.
About the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Staged in over 600 communities across the nation, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® serves as the global gathering dedicated to raising awareness and critical funds for Alzheimer’s and dementia research and support.
The event brings together individuals of all ages and fitness levels to rally support for Alzheimer’s and related conditions. Registration is free, though every walker is invited to fundraise in support of round-the-clock family assistance and scientific breakthroughs focused on effective treatments and an eventual cure.
Register, volunteer, or donate. Use the hashtags #Walk2EndAlz and #ENDALZ to share.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
As the principal voluntary health agency in cognitive decline care and scientific discovery, the Alzheimer’s Association works tirelessly to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease and all forms of dementia. The organization advances this vision by funding global research initiatives, promoting early diagnosis and risk reduction strategies, and delivering top-tier support services.
Supported by local chapters across the country, such as Southwest Colorado, the Association supplies families with cost-free educational tools, localized support groups, expert care advice, and continuous 24/7 helpline guidance.
Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and Alzheimer’s.
Hutton Broadcasting proudly sponsors the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Whether you start by attending the Southwest Colorado Kickoff Party on August 19 at Mesa Verde Estates or by signing up directly for the main walk at Rotary Park, your participation helps advance Alzheimer’s care and research. Contact Kristi Dean at kldean@alz.org to RSVP for the kickoff, or visit act.alz.org/durango to register your team and begin fundraising for the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to attend the Kickoff Party to participate in the main walk?
No, attending the Kickoff Party on August 19 is not required to participate in the main Walk to End Alzheimer’s. The Kickoff Party is a fun, social gathering where community members can learn about the walk, plus enjoy free food and live music. But, if you are unable to attend the kickoff, you can still register for the main walk online at any time or sign up in person on the morning of the main event.
What happens at the Kickoff Party versus the main Walk day?
The Kickoff Party focuses on orientation, team captain recruitment, and community celebration inside Mesa Verde Estates, with food, music, and prizes. In contrast, the main Walk day is an outdoor event held at Rotary Park that features the Promise Garden flower ceremony, a group walk along the Animas River Trail, and activities centered on honoring those affected by Alzheimer’s and celebrating overall fundraising achievements across Southwest Colorado.
Is there a cost to attend either the Kickoff Party or the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
There is no admission fee or registration cost for either event. The Kickoff Party is free to attend (RSVP requested by August 17 for headcount planning), and registration for the main walk is also free. While walkers are strongly encouraged to raise funds to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research and local support services, fundraising is voluntary for all participants.
Can I register my walk team during the Kickoff Party?
Yes, walk coordinators and volunteers will be available at Mesa Verde Estates during the August 19 Kickoff Party to help attendees set up new teams, add team members, or register as individual walkers. You can also pick up promotional materials, fundraising toolkits, and tips to help recruit coworkers, family, and friends to join your team before walk day.
How do funds raised from these events help people in Southwest Colorado?
Funds raised during both events support the Alzheimer’s Association’s dual mission. A portion of the funds directly powers free local community resources, including 24/7 helpline support, caregiver support groups, and educational workshops throughout Southwest Colorado. Remaining funds go to global scientific research grants investigating better diagnostic tools, treatments, and ultimate prevention of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
