Bears Ears Marathon

Fast, Faster, Fastest. Gradually dropping over 1,700 feet over 26 miles, the Bears Ears Marathon course is designed to be one of the faster courses in the region. Being USATF-certified means becoming Boston Qualified just got easier… faster course, better results.

The Bears Ears Marathon starting line is located at the intersection of 500 N and Bronco Lane and will begin at 7:30 am. Starting line elevation is 6,150.

Section 2 is the fastest 5 miles section of the course, and the most scenic. The course continues downhill through White Mesa, a Ute Reservation, and into the heart of San Juan County. Mile 13.1 is the starting line for the Half Marathon. Half Marathon Racers will be bused down at 6:45 am to the starting area. Both races will start at 7:30 am.

Section 3 features the first of two large descents. Just after mile 14, racers will head drop off of White Meas into Recapture Pocket and run alongside Bears Ears National Monument. This first large drop takes runners from 5,200 feet to 4,900 in elevation.

Section 4 features miles 17-24. After nearly 17 miles of gradual downhill, section 4 has the only uphill features. Racers can expect a 5 miles stretch of small rolling hills that can be unexpected if not planned for in training. Luckily section 4 ends with a return to the gradual downhill feature friendly to racers.

After 25 amazing miles, racers will reach Cow Canyon and Bluff, Utah. This final stretch features the last large descent through Cow Canyon and into the elegant little town of Bluff. Here racers will exit HWY 191 and turn onto Navajo Twins Drive / 7th East. The last series of the race does have a few gradual turns. Racers will finish at an elevation 4,300, resulting in a downhill course that drops over 1,700 feet over the course.