Yaateeh runners! Welcome to the Four Corners Quad Keyah Marathon Series.
The Four Corners Quad Keyah (“Four Lands” in the Navajo language) will be staged at the Four Corners Monument near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona on the Navajo Nation. There will be options of trail and paved routes each day, which will feature local music acts and a heated food tent. Registration includes performance t-shirt, finisher’s medal each day, pre-race breakfast, professional timing and multiple pieces of race gear, including unique four-state finisher’s award.
Schedule of Races
A marathon and half marathon will be completed each day, Thursday through Sunday. There is no course limit and all runners will have the chance to finish the race each day. Each day will begin and end in one of the four states: Thursday will feature a marathon beginning and ending in Arizona; Friday is Utah. Saturday will be Colorado, while Sunday will begin and end in New Mexico.
Course
Each day’s race will begin and end in the same distinct state, offering runners a chance to complete four marathons in four states in four days. Runners may choose to compete on a trail or a one-mile paved option each day. The routes consist of a variety of terrain and scenery, and offer runners a variety of experiences. Routes may be adjusted by race organizers due to weather conditions and other factors.
The Arizona and New Mexico trail routes will utilize a 5.75 mile trail/dirt road course, which runners will complete four times, with a 3.2 mile out-and-back for the final distance. Utah will feature a 3.75 mile loop course, including some challenging singletrack in the beautiful surrounding canyons. Colorado will have a scenic and very runnable 5.2+ mile trail course that runners will complete five times.
The loop nature of the events will allow runners to have regular access to their personal kit and to course support – food, heated space, medical support and live music.
Registration
If there are still open slots, on-site will be held at the race site at Four Corners on race morning each day an hour prior to race time up to the start. Your registration includes a light pre-race breakfast each morning, on-course support (including Honey Stinger gels, Tailwind Nutrition, sweet and salty snacks and fresh fruit plus medical support), race swag, Quad Keyah poster, entertainment throughout the weekend and post-race food each day. All proceeds benefit youth adventure and community wellness programs on the Navajo Nation.
Food & Entertainment
There will be post-race food each day in the main heated event tent at the Monument, including hot soup, pizza, build-your-own sandwiches, hummus wraps, fresh fruit, PBJs and salty snacks. We will also have a variety of live entertainment each day near the event tent, including drummer Gary Elthie, Navajo blues musician Nolan James, a variety of local royalty, local band Red Hawk, among others.
The Quad Keyah Marathon Series and the Navajo Parks Race Series are co-sponsored by the nonprofit organization NavajoYES and Navajo Parks & Recreation with major support from Teec Nos Pos Trading Post, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, Four Corners Monument, Beclabito Chapter and CERT Team, Navajo United Way, Office of Navajo President & Vice President, Navajo Nation EMS, Teec Nos Pos Chapter, Honey Stinger and Tailwind Nutrition.
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Road day
We chose to do the road today for 13 and a half miles after 4 days of running it feels like you have friends within the participants. Food tent is … MORE
We chose to do the road today for 13 and a half miles after 4 days of running it feels like you have friends within the participants.
Food tent is amazing. Community was there as well and made up lunch for the runners and family. Navajo Tacos were great.
Day 3 4 corners half marathon
Day three was Colorado we ran North from four corners monument onto the trail and then did a Switchback Loop and it was multiple laps of that we ended up … MORE
Day three was Colorado we ran North from four corners monument onto the trail and then did a Switchback Loop and it was multiple laps of that we ended up not able to do the Switchback due to our legs switched to finishing on the road due to our limitations.
Need to upgrade to fair race practices
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a … MORE
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a timing mat at their turnaround point and their distance was shorten two days. I know for a fact today the two half marathoners trail runners cheated and did not complete their routes. They were supposed to go back out to the cattle gate after they finished their last lap and they didn’t. They both ran from the trail straight to the finish line, yet they are Overall Female 1 and 2 for Day 3. Meanwhile, no one is looking at consistent times, the timing mat with the laps and making adjustments to the results. I was the first overall female for the road series and received absolutely NOTHING!
Day 4 of 4!
I loved running this series. The trails were very challenging for someone who lives in the flat lands at sea level, but I loved the views. The people were great. … MORE
I loved running this series. The trails were very challenging for someone who lives in the flat lands at sea level, but I loved the views. The people were great. There was a lot of on the course snacks, so no need to bring your own unless you just want to make sure you have food you know you can eat.
Reverse is worse! lol!
Due to a situation outside of the control of the race, the trail we were scheduled to run wasn’t an option. They were about to quickly come up with an … MORE
Due to a situation outside of the control of the race, the trail we were scheduled to run wasn’t an option. They were about to quickly come up with an alternative- which was mainly doing day #2 course in reverse. It was more challenging in reverse, but I am proud to say I did it!
Need to upgrade to fair race practices
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a … MORE
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a timing mat at their turnaround point and their distance was shorten two days. I know for a fact today the two half marathoners trail runners cheated and did not complete their routes. They were supposed to go back out to the cattle gate after they finished their last lap and they didn’t. They both ran from the trail straight to the finish line, yet they are Overall Female 1 and 2 for Day 3. Meanwhile, no one is looking at consistent times, the timing mat with the laps and making adjustments to the results. I was the first overall female for the road series and received absolutely NOTHING!
Meh
This day I did the road option as the trail in UT is a lot more challenging. While they advertise it as 4 states if you do the road option … MORE
This day I did the road option as the trail in UT is a lot more challenging. While they advertise it as 4 states if you do the road option that’s basically all just New Mexico with the exception of the start and finish. It’s rather boring doing 26 laps but it worked. I don’t know that I’d necessarily recommend unless you’re just looking to get the states done – which this even works great for.
Beautiful scenery
The scenery on the trail was amazing! Highly recommend if you are up for a challenge. This is a laid back atmosphere- the people are very friendly & encouraging. I … MORE
The scenery on the trail was amazing! Highly recommend if you are up for a challenge. This is a laid back atmosphere- the people are very friendly & encouraging. I loved it!
Need to upgrade to fair race practices
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a … MORE
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a timing mat at their turnaround point and their distance was shorten two days. I know for a fact today the two half marathoners trail runners cheated and did not complete their routes. They were supposed to go back out to the cattle gate after they finished their last lap and they didn’t. They both ran from the trail straight to the finish line, yet they are Overall Female 1 and 2 for Day 3. Meanwhile, no one is looking at consistent times, the timing mat with the laps and making adjustments to the results. I was the first overall female for the road series and received absolutely NOTHING!
Works to get states done
I added in this half as I needed to get AZ done and it worked well with my race schedule. I just did a half one day and a full … MORE
I added in this half as I needed to get AZ done and it worked well with my race schedule.
I just did a half one day and a full one other day which apparently isn’t a thing (?) but really should be as they’d attract more people who just need one or two states instead of committing to all 4.
The trail was difficult but was pretty at least. They have an aid station on course and finish line food.
Need to upgrade to fair race practices
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a … MORE
The trailer runners are the only runners that will get rewarded, but that are not tracked to go through the mat like the road runners. They did not have a timing mat at their turnaround point and their distance was shorten two days. I know for a fact today the two half marathoners trail runners cheated and did not complete their routes. They were supposed to go back out to the cattle gate after they finished their last lap and they didn’t. They both ran from the trail straight to the finish line, yet they are Overall Female 1 and 2 for Day 3. Meanwhile, no one is looking at consistent times, the timing mat with the laps and making adjustments to the results. I was the first overall female for the road series and received absolutely NOTHING!
Last of the trail loops
To be honest, I really liked this series a lot. Excellent central support, an aid station or two, well marked and/or advised courses, and the concept of four half marathons … MORE
To be honest, I really liked this series a lot. Excellent central support, an aid station or two, well marked and/or advised courses, and the concept of four half marathons in four states is way cool. If I didn’t have so many other states to check off, I’d come back. I love high desert.
Awesomeness!! Amazing landscape!!
Not a fast course being on trails but trading off time for unbelievable scenery was a no brainer! End the end on the last day you realize you met everyone … MORE
Not a fast course being on trails but trading off time for unbelievable scenery was a no brainer! End the end on the last day you realize you met everyone on the trail at least twice a day for four days in a row! Great comradery for sure!
New Mexico Day 4 - Quad Keyah
I ran this race on Dec. 4, 2022. It was Day #4 in the Four Corners Quad Keyah. The final day followed much the same trails as Day #1 (Arizona), … MORE
I ran this race on Dec. 4, 2022. It was Day #4 in the Four Corners Quad Keyah. The final day followed much the same trails as Day #1 (Arizona), but we are told the race director changes the route a little bit each year. On this day the trails weren’t as windy as Day #1, but at certain points the wind was substantial. As this race was the final in the series, there was more of a celebratory vibe, with a full meal available for runners (it was Navajo tacos, with meat and veggie option). Yum! See my review for Day #1 – Arizona for more details on the whole race series.
Day 4 New Mexico road course
Due to an injured toe, I opted to run the road course. Other than the start and finish line (state) the road course is the same course each day. It’s … MORE
Due to an injured toe, I opted to run the road course. Other than the start and finish line (state) the road course is the same course each day. It’s basically a loop around the sidewalk in the monument, across the parking lot and out and back on the driveway. You will see trail runners at times looping back towards the monument. You will also pass a well stocked and attended aid station. The road course is primarily in New Mexico. Speaking of repeating portions of the trials, the Day 4 New Mexico trail course was a repeat of the Day 1 Arizona trail course.
Day 4 of 4!!!
We Did It - 4 Half Marathons in 4 Days and it was Amazing - You want to find out what you are Capable of - Do 4 Corners - … MORE
We Did It – 4 Half Marathons in 4 Days and it was Amazing – You want to find out what you are Capable of – Do 4 Corners – It will push you to limits you never thought you could achieve!! We are leaving and feeling VERY Accomplished – Everything about this 4 Day 4 State Race is Awesome!!! The Staff, The Runners, Swag, Scenery – All Over the Top!!! We stayed in Cortez at the Holiday Inn Express – 100% Recommend!!! Do this Series!!!
Exposed trail - not technical
Even with my slooooooow time, I liked this trail - but agoraphobes should not do this one. Stick to the out and back road option. See my other comments. MORE
Even with my slooooooow time, I liked this trail – but agoraphobes should not do this one. Stick to the out and back road option. See my other comments.
Variations in trail, e.g. very sandy
Several variations in ground type of trail. Very sandy near the river bed then a really steep and quite rocky mountain climb as well as single line trails. Very challenging … MORE
Several variations in ground type of trail. Very sandy near the river bed then a really steep and quite rocky mountain climb as well as single line trails. Very challenging at times.
Colorado Day 3 - Four Corners Quad Keyah
This was Day #3, Colorado, in the four day race series. The trail changes a little from year to year, we are told. This year, the Colorado day was a … MORE
This was Day #3, Colorado, in the four day race series. The trail changes a little from year to year, we are told. This year, the Colorado day was a beautiful couple of miles down towards the San Juan River, which included two miles (four total) of deep sand. It was the most challenging day by far. A great deal of fun, but definitely difficult. The trails also included narrow cliff-side areas, rough rocks, etc, like Day #2 Utah did. See my review for Day #1 for more details on the whole race.
Day 3 Colorado
Multiple loops included steep elevation changes, four miles of a sandy riverbed and repeating a portion of the trails run on days 1 and 2. My Garmin had that we … MORE
Multiple loops included steep elevation changes, four miles of a sandy riverbed and repeating a portion of the trails run on days 1 and 2. My Garmin had that we started around 4,610’ elevation and had around 1,294’ of elevation changes. The majority of course was outside of Colorado.