The first Canyonlands Half Marathon was run on May 1, 1976 had just 22 finishers, including a dog. Today, thousands of runners come together in March to enjoy the scenic red rock formations and winding Colorado River that Moab has come to be known for! Running parallel to Arches National …
MORE
The first Canyonlands Half Marathon was run on May 1, 1976 had just 22 finishers, including a dog. Today, thousands of runners come together in March to enjoy the scenic red rock formations and winding Colorado River that Moab has come to be known for! Running parallel to Arches National Park and the mighty river, runners are in for a real treat. Long considered a “Bucket List” race, in the July 18 issue of Runners World UK, Canyonlands Half Marathon was mentioned in their article “The Worlds Greatest Races.” It’s easy to see why runners return year after year to experience spring in Moab on this famous road race!
As the sun rises over the towering red rock canyon walls, runners gather at Lions Park, a picturesque setting along the banks of the Colorado River. The morning air hums with anticipation as pre-race jitters fade, replaced by excitement for the miles ahead. The course winds alongside the Colorado River through postcard alley, offering stunning views for the entire race, before turning around and heading back to finish at the ever-beautiful Lions Park, adjacent to Arches National Park. After crossing the finish line, runners can unwind on the park’s grassy lawn, soaking in the scenery and celebrating with family and friends.
LESS
Stunning Scenery
This was one of my favorite races. It is run on state route 128, also known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway in Moab, Utah. The road is closed … MORE
This was one of my favorite races. It is run on state route 128, also known as the Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway in Moab, Utah. The road is closed for the race which made it even more enjoyable. This is NOT run in or near the national park. This year was an out and back race starting at Lions Park at the upper edge of town. Which is where packet p/u is the day before. P/U was smooth and they offered additional apparel of hats and shirts. This years shirt was beautiful but is was a cotton shirt (that would be my only complaint on the swag). They’ve run a pt to pt in previous years that would finish in town. The course is a little rolling and on the way back you finish on the bike path leading into the park. The scenery was stunning as you run in the canyon and along the Colorado River the entire time. There is very little crowd support which is fine by me but some people need it. There was less than 800 that ran the 1/2. Finish line was back in the park and just the basic post race food. Mad Moose events put on the race and did a great job. My only knock is there was no communication leading up to the race from the race director BUT they do provide all the info in the Race guide on their website. There is NO parking at the start and you need to take the shuttle to the start line if you stay elsewhere. We flew into Grand Junction, CO and drove 1 1/2 hrs to get to the race and stayed at the Fairfield Inn which is only a 1/2 mile from the start.
I highly recommend this race and would do it again.
Wonderful half
I really enjoyed this half! It was largely downhill, along a scenic river. It wasnt in any national park but along the border of Arches. If you are a national … MORE
I really enjoyed this half! It was largely downhill, along a scenic river. It wasnt in any national park but along the border of Arches. If you are a national park fan, this race puts you in a great area to see Arches and Canyonlands when you arent running. Just dont do what I did and hike 6 hours on the day before the race. My legs were so tired on race day (oops lol)
Rolling hills and beauty
It was cold and very wet which made the race less than comfortable, bus ride to race start and then waiting in the rain for race to begin, entirely paved … MORE
It was cold and very wet which made the race less than comfortable, bus ride to race start and then waiting in the rain for race to begin, entirely paved race along the same roadway, rolling hills were tough
A FIne weekend event
Fast course, good sights, lots of cliffs, we had a big group. Well done. Cold but all good. Local, easy to get too, every one there was an outstanding example … MORE
Fast course, good sights, lots of cliffs, we had a big group. Well done. Cold but all good. Local, easy to get too, every one there was an outstanding example of running community.
Beautiful course mostly down hill
This is a small race well organized. The scenery is spectacular. The course itself is fairly boring. I would encourage you to run it. Wear clothes at start line which … MORE
This is a small race well organized. The scenery is spectacular. The course itself is fairly boring. I would encourage you to run it. Wear clothes at start line which was fairly cold
Iconic Southern Utah
Held in mid-march every year, this race has perfect weather for racing! Usually chilly to start and cool throughout, yet sunny all day. The course is gradual downhill the whole … MORE
Held in mid-march every year, this race has perfect weather for racing! Usually chilly to start and cool throughout, yet sunny all day. The course is gradual downhill the whole way so you can easily race/run it without killing yourself for the rest of the day. You’ll have plenty of time left in the day to explore the wonderful Moab area. I highly recommend pairing this race with a family or friends vacation!
Great Race! One of my favorites!
This is one of my favorite races. I have run this one several times. This is one of our must do races of the year. Moab is the best and … MORE
This is one of my favorite races. I have run this one several times. This is one of our must do races of the year. Moab is the best and running this canyon is amazing. Was a little windy this year but was still awesome! New Race Director this year but I have high hopes for Mad Moose and have enjoyed this and other races of theirs.
Stunning!
I have been waiting to do a race in Moab for over a year so this was the perfect fit! Packet pick up was smooth but minimal swag. I did … MORE
I have been waiting to do a race in Moab for over a year so this was the perfect fit!
Packet pick up was smooth but minimal swag. I did love that they gave you a choice of shirt colors-3 colors in both mens and womens styles. The only other swag was socks.
Race morning, you needed to load shuttles to get to the race site. It was so windy and cold race morning! The start line wasn’t set up so it led to quite a bit of confusion.
The course cannot be beat-it runs through the canyon along the Colorado river-it was stunning! It is at high altitude so I suggest arriving 3 days prior if you live close to sea level like I do.
I struggled in this race-I was just getting over an Upper Respiratory infection so my lung capacity was already diminished and running at high altitude made it extremely challenging and one of my worst performances.
The after party was huge in a great park-there was a beer tent, bands, snacks and all kinds of beverages.
The scenery on this one can’t be beat-I highly recommend it!
Another Successful Desert Race
Well organized race with fun volunteers and a fun group of runners. The post race party was great! We are talking great live music and beer! MORE
Well organized race with fun volunteers and a fun group of runners. The post race party was great! We are talking great live music and beer!
Awesome race every year!
the start of the race is always cold, waiting in the shade of the canyon so dressing appropriately is key. Hot chocolate and coffee are available but always run out … MORE
the start of the race is always cold, waiting in the shade of the canyon so dressing appropriately is key. Hot chocolate and coffee are available but always run out early. (How much more $ would it take to double the amounts available? Not much!)
After the first mile the temp changes and it gets hot so it’s ok to drop all your gear in the gear truck before the race starts.
The taiko drums at about mile 10 are a nice touch!
Aid station volunteers are in top of it and do a great job!
Gorgeous race, well organized!
This was one extremely well organized race, from packet pickup through the fun events after the race. The shuttle buses were efficient, the staging area at Granstaff TH perfect for … MORE
This was one extremely well organized race, from packet pickup through the fun events after the race. The shuttle buses were efficient, the staging area at Granstaff TH perfect for a pre-run short hike to warm up, the instructions complete, the views gorgeous coming through the canyon. A bit hot and mildly boring coming through town, but that was inconsequential. Only motivates me to do the half marathon next time, so I can be in the canyon longer. Loved the drummers along the way, volunteers were great, just all of it excellent!!!
Awesome, scenic race! Highly recommend!
This was my first Half Marathon in 2013 and then I ran it again as a repeat runner in 2015! It is a great, well organized race and the scenery … MORE
This was my first Half Marathon in 2013 and then I ran it again as a repeat runner in 2015! It is a great, well organized race and the scenery cannot be beat! The only thing I will say is definitely wear layers – it is very cold waiting in the canyon, and then the temperature can skyrocket as soon as the sun comes out during the race. Medals and race swag is all great – however the shirts don’t always fit true to size. Overall though, I love this race and will definitely run it again!
One of the most SCENIC races EVER!
This race is one of the most scenic you will find. 11 miles of it in a red rock canyon where you run along the Colorado River. This was the … MORE
This race is one of the most scenic you will find. 11 miles of it in a red rock canyon where you run along the Colorado River. This was the 40th year, and the organization shows it. Everything goes off flawlessly; from the shuttles to to the start, to the awesome volunteers handing you your drop bags at the finish. Be sure and layer for the wait at the start.
Fantastic!!
highly recommend Canyonlands Half. Great people and great scenery!! Bring warm clothes for the start line. The finish area was very family friendly and had plenty of goodies to get … MORE
highly recommend Canyonlands Half. Great people and great scenery!! Bring warm clothes for the start line. The finish area was very family friendly and had plenty of goodies to get refueled. I decided to forego the beer tent though as the line was way too long.
Beautiful course
Course was beautiful, but having to stand around in the canyon for 2 hours freezing was not good! Heaters should be provided at the staging area if runners are required … MORE
Course was beautiful, but having to stand around in the canyon for 2 hours freezing was not good! Heaters should be provided at the staging area if runners are required to be there for 2 hours!!!
Gorgeous!
I completed this race in 2012. In order to enter this race you need to be selected through a lottery that opens in November. The race was held on a … MORE
I completed this race in 2012.
In order to enter this race you need to be selected through a lottery that opens in November.
The race was held on a Saturday, St Patrick’s Day. It was incredibly windy at the start so bring layers.
The race starts out with the first 11 miles through the canyonlands on Route 128. The views were amazing throughout this portion of the course. This portion was also relatively flat. However, the wind was so intense it was a tough run. Once you hit mile 10 there are professional drummers on the course providing entertainment.
At mile 11 you exit highway 128 uphill. This was not fun! You then begin to run through downtown Moab. The race finishes in downtown Moab with live bands.