Commissioners signal no objection to 12 Hours of Mesa Verde race; fee increases under review

Organizers of the 12 Hours of Mesa Verde asked the Montezuma County Board of County Commissioners on Feb. 24 for approval to hold the multi-category race at the county fairgrounds and confirmed the event’s local economic contribution.

The presentation, led by Nick McDonald and other organizers, said some categories have already sold out and that total participants are expected to be “over 900.” McDonald said the organizers historically request an allowance of up to two alcoholic beverages per person but that actual consumption often runs lower: “A lot of times, it’s one,” he said.

County commissioners and staff said they had no substantive objections to the event but flagged that county use fees are under review. One commissioner said department heads are compiling fee changes and expected a decision in July; county staff later described the likely outcome as a modest increase but said it would not exceed 100 percent. “We’re reviewing fees right now,” a county official said.

Organizers emphasized that proceeds remain in the local community. “All of the funds that you guys do collect … stay right here locally into this community,” one organizer said, adding the event draws multi‑day stays that benefit local businesses.

County staff noted balancing user fees so events can break even while remaining affordable is an ongoing concern. Commissioners encouraged organizers to plan around the July timeline for any fee changes.

No formal vote was recorded during the presentation; commissioners indicated they did not foresee issues but did not enter a formal motion on the record.

The race organizers and county staff also discussed logistical details such as available participant slots and the potential for trail changes elsewhere in connection with other agenda items. Organizers said they would proceed with necessary coordination with fairgrounds staff and county departments.