Cedar City Half Marathon Cedar City, UT   Sep 12, 2026

The Cedar City Half is a perfect high-altitude trainer for those preparing for full marathons, including the Saint George Marathon which is held only a few weeks later. This 13.1-mile closed-canyon course is one of the nation’s fastest.  Runners descend from 8,408 feet in elevation to 5,600 feet at the finish line.

The annual running of 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 Course
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.