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. All races begin at 8:30 a.m., except for Sunday (New Mexico), which starts at 8:00 a.m. 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.
Awards & Gear
All finishers receive a unique finisher’s medal for each race, depicting the state they completed that day. Runners receive a variety of swag throughout the event, including a variety of the following: long-sleeve performance t-shirt, beanie/headband, event poster and an NPRS/Navajo Parks bag. There will be overall male and female award to Series winner in the marathon and half. There are not age-group and overall awards in the daily races. All four-state finishers will also receive a beautiful, unique Christmas ornament.
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.
LESS
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!!!
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.
Day 3 of 4 Day Series Colorado
3 Days 3 Half Marathons 3 States - One more 2 GEAUX! You will find out what you’re made of but you will enjoy the Absolutely Beautiful Scenery EVERYDAY!!! The … MORE
3 Days 3 Half Marathons 3 States – One more 2 GEAUX! You will find out what you’re made of but you will enjoy the Absolutely Beautiful Scenery EVERYDAY!!! The Staff are Amazing, everyday you enter the gate you receive breakfast and race swag! Lot’s of Support along the Race Route from Runners! Today was Colorado and I liked this Trail but be prepared for lot’s of Sand – I had to empty my shoes several times during the run. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Cortez – 45 minutes from 4 Corners and 45 minutes from Durango Airport – Very nice, affordable, complimentary breakfast, heated pool and hot tub – 4 Stars!!!
Tough and difficult course of all days
Toughest course for us indeed! The slow and difficult uphill passages and strong winds and colder temps made this one day more challenging but also more rewarding just to finish … MORE
Toughest course for us indeed! The slow and difficult uphill passages and strong winds and colder temps made this one day more challenging but also more rewarding just to finish it!
Utah, Day #2 - Four Corners Quad Keyah
I ran this race on Dec. 2, 2022. It was the second in the four-race series. The trail changes a little bit each year, we were told. But this year, … MORE
I ran this race on Dec. 2, 2022. It was the second in the four-race series. The trail changes a little bit each year, we were told. But this year, the Utah race consisted of challenging trails on rocks, steep inclines, a small amount of bouldering, and some narrow cliff-side trails. All doable, but challenging. It was fun and difficult trail on this day. As with each of the four races – the community is awesome. See reviews for other days/states for more complete picture.
Day 2 Utah
Multiple loops on a trail course that had 1,435’ of elevation changes, wind gusts, rocks, single switchbacks and sand. This was only my second time ever running trails (day 1 … MORE
Multiple loops on a trail course that had 1,435’ of elevation changes, wind gusts, rocks, single switchbacks and sand. This was only my second time ever running trails (day 1 was my first). Most of the runners enjoyed it but I struggled as i repeatedly seemed to hit my toe on rocks hidden in sand. Utah was technically only a small portion of the mileage run on Day 2. (See photo).
The Scenery is Breathtaking!!
Utah was Day #2 of the 4 Day Series and it was a Challenge but the View is Absolutely Gorgeous!! Runners are now becoming friends and helping each other - … MORE
Utah was Day #2 of the 4 Day Series and it was a Challenge but the View is Absolutely Gorgeous!! Runners are now becoming friends and helping each other – The Staff is Amazing and the Swag is over the Top – Highly Recommend – You will Challenge yourself and be Very Proud of Your Accomplishments!!
Day 1 Arizona
Two loop out and back trail course was mostly In Arizona. 4848’ elevation with approximately 762’ change in elevation and approximately 19mph wind gusts. Trail was a mix of sand … MORE
Two loop out and back trail course was mostly In Arizona. 4848’ elevation with approximately 762’ change in elevation and approximately 19mph wind gusts. Trail was a mix of sand and small rocks. My GPS read around 13 miles, others had similar mileage.
High Desert & Winter Trails
Yá'át'ééh! (Welcome/Hello!) This is a unique marathon/half, for a great cause. Starting at the Four Corners monument, you have the option of doing a certain number of trail loops on … MORE
Yá’át’ééh! (Welcome/Hello!)
This is a unique marathon/half, for a great cause. Starting at the Four Corners monument, you have the option of doing a certain number of trail loops on a different trail each day, starting and ending in a different state. Or, you can do one-mile loops on a paved road/flat gravel loop, if you need to. So, invest four days, walk away with a different state’s marathon (or half) completed, seeing different scenery each day.
The good? Most things. Registration is limited, so you won’t be crowded off a trail by hordes of people. An aid station (or two) is on every trail loop so you don’t go unsupported. Since they’re all loops, you also have options to grab your support bag or get back to your car. Courses tend to be well marked (there was very little way to get lost here). Medals are high quality/really nice, and there’s a unique swag item each day. Aid stations are well stocked (water/electrolytes/soda/chips/pretzels/crackers/pickles/candy/etc). Music is located with the aid stations and at the Monument. And if you know the Four Corners area, you know runners/walkers will be pulling out cameras.
Now, the only cautionary factor. This is high desert *trail* in winter, people. If you’re going for a personal speed record, this isn’t likely to be your jam.
Winds were a feature 3 days out of four, and we did have sleet briefly on one day, with some spitting rain on days 2 and 4. Footing could be…umm…cautious in spots. There’s a bunch of sand on one day’s trail, and a second day’s trail could be pretty steep and exposed in spots – but the organizers tell you that up front. And did I mention cold and dry?
BL: C’mon out, it’s a lot of fun, but be prepared to be slower than you think.
Exceeding Expectations on Day #1
It was Cold and Windy - And we are from South Louisiana!!! But expectations were exceeded from the time we entered the gates from the Staff. The ease of checking … MORE
It was Cold and Windy – And we are from South Louisiana!!! But expectations were exceeded from the time we entered the gates from the Staff. The ease of checking in and getting our bibs, shirts, parking, bathrooms, Start of Race and Instructions of Loop. Very Impressed and Highly Recommend!
Wonderful race series
The whole vibe of this event is great. The race director, Tom, is amazing! Very friendly and full of information about the area. This event was great! If I wasn’t … MORE
The whole vibe of this event is great. The race director, Tom, is amazing! Very friendly and full of information about the area. This event was great! If I wasn’t trying to get a half in every state, I would definitely do this one again.
Great event
This race was a challenge for me because it had a long section of sand running, but the views and vibe of the event made it worth the effort. MORE
This race was a challenge for me because it had a long section of sand running, but the views and vibe of the event made it worth the effort.
Great race!
This was a great race. Beautiful scenery and lots of challenges. I would definitely recommend this race. There is a trail option and a road option. MORE
This was a great race. Beautiful scenery and lots of challenges. I would definitely recommend this race. There is a trail option and a road option.
Great race!
This was a great race. Beautiful scenery and lots of challenges. I would definitely recommend this race. There is a trail option and a road option. MORE
This was a great race. Beautiful scenery and lots of challenges. I would definitely recommend this race. There is a trail option and a road option.
Amazing experience!
Every morning starts and ends at the monument in a different state. The race director and scenery are amazing! We had an amazing experience! MORE
Every morning starts and ends at the monument in a different state. The race director and scenery are amazing! We had an amazing experience!