The Cedar City Half Marathon down Cedar Canyon will feature plenty of pleasant surprises and one of the most spectacular downhill closed-canyon runs ever. Whether it’s the sound of Coal Creek, breathtaking views, enthusiastic aid station volunteers, or energy-pumping music with crowds urging you to finish strong—the focus of the …
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The Cedar City Half Marathon down Cedar Canyon will feature plenty of pleasant surprises and one of the most spectacular downhill closed-canyon runs ever. Whether it’s the sound of Coal Creek, breathtaking views, enthusiastic aid station volunteers, or energy-pumping music with crowds urging you to finish strong—the focus of the “Cedar Half” has always been on a quality runner experience over quantity. It’s rare to run a half marathon or a canyon without worrying about traffic. You’ll have the roads and trails to yourself in the Cedar Half. On race day, Cedar Canyon is closed to all vehicles, and at the mouth of Cedar Canyon all runners will transition onto Cedar’s magnificent trail system all the way to the finish line.
The crisp canyon air rushes through aspens and the sounds of water rushing down Coal Creek accompany runners as they wind their way through eons of geologic formations to the mouth of Cedar Canyon. Majestic sandstone pyramids mark the intersection of the Great Basin and the Rocky Mountain formation. This is where runners will transition from SR-14 to Cedar City’s spectacular trail system along Coal Creek through Canyon Park, Veterans Ball Fields, and the welcoming finish at the Bicentennial Soccer Complex. Along the Coal Creek Trail System there are three road underpasses allowing runners to avoid street traffic. The Start Line is 1/3 mile up SR-14 from Woods Ranch (Bus Drop Off). This is necessary to get the proper race distance.
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Fast Downhill, Jaw-droppingly Scenic
This is my hometown race and I honestly feel sorry for people who never get to run it. It's a relatively small race, but one of the prettiest courses I've … MORE
This is my hometown race and I honestly feel sorry for people who never get to run it. It’s a relatively small race, but one of the prettiest courses I’ve ever run. In 2019 they added some fun “extras,” like a band at mile 12 and bagpipers in full regalia serenading us as we came around a bend. My only criticism is that I wish they would do more than hastily scribbled paper certificates for the age group awards. AG medals might add a few bucks to the registration fee, but they’re a nice touch to an otherwise professionally run race.