The Grand Canyon Trail Marathon and Half Marathon is produced by life-long runners who know the beauty of running, walking, and hiking through scenic and challenging terrain. Run or walk through the stunning Kaibab National Forest, nestled on the Coconino Plateau just a hop, skip, and jump away from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim.
Developed in partnership with the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, the IMAX Visitor Center, the Kaibab National Forest, and other local community members.
Together, we celebrate the invigorating joy and personal triumphs of trail running. Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner or a budding enthusiast, join us as we conquer challenges and bask in the beauty of our surroundings.
Get set for a thrilling and challenging course that’ll take you on a beautiful ride under a canopy of trees, past tree-lined cliffs, and under historic railroad tracks. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife!
The race kicks off in Tusayan, Arizona, where you’ll find the start/finish line and all the post-race festivities. The course is within the recently designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.
Once you’ve crossed the finish line, grab your coveted souvenir medal, relax at the beer garden, and check out the artisan fair with locally-made jewelry, artwork, and other offerings from local and Tribal artisans. After you’ve recovered, head a few miles up the road to check out the scenery at the Grand Canyon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience nature’s majesty at its finest!
For the first-time ever we’re offering a Marathon Relay: the first runner will do the first lap (which is the half-marathon loop), cross the finish line map, then the team’s second runner will do the second lap. Completion time must be under 5 hours. Each team member receives a finisher medal and souvenir shirt.
NOTE: The marathon is a bit long, closer to 26.8 miles. The half-marathon is a bit long, closer to 13.35 miles.
Grand Canyon Marathon time limit: all marathoners must complete the first lap in under 2:45 and the whole marathon under 5.5 hours.
Trail Marathon and Half-Marathon Terrain: half mile start on sidewalk, then 11.5 miles of challenging forest jeep roads, including rugged rocky sections, soft dirt, and hard-packed dirt forest roads, with a rolling final mile on the paved Arizona Trail path. According to the National Park Service, the forest is characterized by ponderosa pine, with Gambel oak, New Mexico locust, mountain mahogany, elderberry, creeping mahonia, and fescue.
5k Terrain: mostly paved Arizona Trail, with about one mile on hard-pack dirt forest road
Difficulty: the marathon and half-marathon course is challenging for many, with hills and rugged terrain. Top runners finish about 10 minutes slower than road races in the half-marathon.
What you get:
- Souvenir colorful long-sleeve race shirt for first 600 registrants
- Commemorative medallion and free beer for all finishers
- Chip-timed results with finish line video
- Fundraising pancake breakfast
- Local and Tribal Artisan Fair
- Local lodging & tourist discounts
- Check out the lodging discount to Red Feather Lodge, steps from the start/finish
- Race day photography by Damion Alexander
- Prize money, age group awards, and more!
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