Joshua Tree Half Marathon
Twentynine Palms, CA
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Save $10 w/code VRRAVES26 *** The Joshua Tree Half Marathon has quickly become a favorite of thousands to cap off their racing season. This is a one-of-a-kind NIGHT RACE that takes you through the desert and under the stars with colorful lights leading you to the finish! Running through the desert outside … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Nov 07):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 83 | 65 | 74 | 77 | 81 |
| L (°F) | 57 | 42 | 57 | 53 | 52 |
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Tough, sand, dust, darkness. Great swag!
Good event as always with Vacation Races. Glad to see no major changes with new ownership. Except price increases. :( But anyway great swag and well run event. Good location … MORE
Good event as always with Vacation Races. Glad to see no major changes with new ownership. Except price increases. 🙁 But anyway great swag and well run event. Good location for an event. Easy parking, lots to space to chill out pre and post race. Lots of merch at expo. Course was Tough with lots of dirt and loose sand. Negative was eating some dust kicked up from everybody running. Incline for several miles to start and then pockets of loose sand made this one a real challenge. This was my worst finish time in almost 60 Half marathons run! I blame a lot of my poor performance on 3 days of hiking Joshua Tree NP before the race. I had bad muscle cramps by mile 7. Had to run/walk the rest of the course. Not much scenery to see at night. And poor timing this event with a almost fun moon cycle meant that stars were not very visible. Very disappointed not being able to star watch the whole trip because the moon cycle. Anyway fantastic finishers medal, shirt, and other swag available to purchase. Aid stations were good also, lots of gels, fruit, drinks. My 12th Half Marathon with Vacation Races. I only need 3-4 more to have done them all. Probably will try to finish them all since I’m close.
Realistic Expectations Required
The production for this race was top notch. Organized flawlessly. Plenty of parking. Most notably was the lineup to the start. They ask that everyone is at the expo at … MORE
The production for this race was top notch. Organized flawlessly. Plenty of parking. Most notably was the lineup to the start. They ask that everyone is at the expo at least 1.5 hour prior to start, which initially gave me a little anxiety, but it ensured that everyone was where they needed to be for the start of the race. It made a big difference compared to other races I’ve been to.
The race started just as the sun was setting. Get your pictures there! The first 2ish miles have been described by other reviewers in the past as an incline, but I didn’t really feel it was that dramatic of an incline. It was a bit congested in the beginning and it is particularly sandy those first few miles. I think a lot of people either didn’t understand where they should be in the wave placement or underestimated their time. A lot of people started walking in the first mile and it really clogged things up. Personally I conserved my energy those first few miles rather than waste energy weaving around people and fighting the sand.
The trail opened up after those first few miles and I was able to find some relatively packed sand. But it’s all weather dependent where and when the sand will be packed so hard to predict.
Headlight is a must. I made the mistake of buying a crappy headlight and it ended up being my biggest regret. I had trouble running confidently because I couldn’t really see.
Speaking of headlights, there was definitely a strobe light effect from all of the headlights bouncing around and casting shadows everywhere. It was distracting and made it even harder to see at times but that’s part of the challenge.
Some people said you don’t need trail shoes but I would recommend them. Or at least some kind of hybrid shoe.
There’s about a mile of paved trail around mile 6. If you’re a road runner, this is your moment!! It was such a relief to run without dodging rocks and sinking into sand. I’m clearly not a trail runner.
The hardest part for me personally was the last 1/2 mile. The last part of the course (at least this year) was the sandiest and had two sharp right turns in a relative short distance to the finish. It was tough give a final push at the end when you’re slowing down to turn. I felt like it robbed me of that classic finish but whatever. I was just glad that I finished. It is truly an accomplished that challenges all of your senses!
Beautiful night race!
Loved the location and the time of the race (first night race!). The sand and the hills are no joke so didn't try to PR based on any of the … MORE
Loved the location and the time of the race (first night race!). The sand and the hills are no joke so didn’t try to PR based on any of the other reviews for the course in past years.
Dress for the wind over the sand – it was cold on the ears but didn’t need a buff for the face.
Tough Race Under the Stars
This race is extremely difficult, in my opinion. There are tons of hills, and a very steep hill for the first 2 miles of the race. Hills usually would not … MORE
This race is extremely difficult, in my opinion. There are tons of hills, and a very steep hill for the first 2 miles of the race. Hills usually would not bother me, but you are running in very deep sand, and it feels as if you are running on the beach, the majority of the time. The sand is very soft, and you must watch your footing. Yes, it is a beautiful race under the stars, but I was so tired and exhausted throughout the run, that I was unable to enjoy looking up at the stars. Perhaps I should’ve just run slower, and stopped to smell the roses!
There were plenty of aid stations and mile markers along the entire way. Of note, this is not a race in the national park, but rather through rural neighborhoods in back roads in the desert.
At the end, they offered chocolate cow’s milk, but I would’ve preferred a plant-based milk option, as even non-vegans are now consuming more plant-based milk.
I will not be returning to do this race again, it was just not enjoyable for me. Perhaps if I had been running slower and better prepared for deep sand, I would have enjoyed it more.
Coolest Night Race Ever!
Vacation Races (4th Event with them) has some of the best and most well organized events in the country. This night race was my first ever and doing it outside … MORE
Vacation Races (4th Event with them) has some of the best and most well organized events in the country. This night race was my first ever and doing it outside of Joshua Tree National Park was amazing! Always love the people who coordinate it, the swag, the medals (ok, really one of my strongest reasons to run these races, the coolest and most artistic medals ever), and just the overall vide. Wish I could do more events, just don’t have enough time in the year.
Very Fun Night Race
I would not go into this expecting a PR (someone beforehand told me to add 30 minutes to my usual half marathon time and that felt pretty accurate) but I … MORE
I would not go into this expecting a PR (someone beforehand told me to add 30 minutes to my usual half marathon time and that felt pretty accurate) but I really enjoyed this race. It was sandy but still runnable. The night scenery was cool but I wish it started 30-60 minutes earlier to get more of the sunset on the run. Plenty of aid stations that ran very smoothly.
The two main downsides for me: the course felt hillier than I think it actually was. There were 2 big hills that were clearly communicated beforehand, but it felt very gradually uphill for 10 of the 13 miles. The post race party was not great- a few snacks given at the end but nothing substantial, and we left pretty quickly. Still- would run again!
Night run at its finest
I’m a repeat offender to this race but due to an injury just walked it this year which is thanks to Vacationraces’ generous time limits no problem. I gave a … MORE
I’m a repeat offender to this race but due to an injury just walked it this year which is thanks to Vacationraces’ generous time limits no problem.
I gave a 5star review for the scenery because although you don’t really see anything due to the fact that it is at night, one starts out with running into the sunset and then has the rest of the race to marvel at the night sky with millions of stars and the Milky Way.
It is quite Sandy the first two miles, but then changes into hard packed sand with even a stretch on paved roads.
Plus, the medals are glow-in-the-dark😊
I’ll be back next year!!
I saw a meteor! ‘Nuff said!
This is my sixth half marathon with Vacation Races. The team never disappoints. Some say this course was challenging, but Antelope Canyon was, by far, the hardest. The best part … MORE
This is my sixth half marathon with Vacation Races. The team never disappoints. Some say this course was challenging, but Antelope Canyon was, by far, the hardest.
The best part of the course? I saw a meteor! And you can’t ask for anything better!
2nd Vacation Race
I had registered and postponed many times over the years, but I finally made it! Running in the sand was very tough. I recommend you trail run before this race. … MORE
I had registered and postponed many times over the years, but I finally made it! Running in the sand was very tough. I recommend you trail run before this race. Don’t forget to pause and look at the stars!
Running JT half marathon
It was a great run breathing in the fresh air Feeling the cold breeze , the track was a challenge if your only used to pavement but it was a … MORE
It was a great run breathing in the fresh air
Feeling the cold breeze , the track was a challenge if your only used to pavement but it was a good night run!
Spectacular scenery, great atmosphere!
This was my first 1/2 marathon and it was a blast. My whole family came and we made it a camping weekend. The campground was prefect, I highly recommend it. … MORE
This was my first 1/2 marathon and it was a blast. My whole family came and we made it a camping weekend. The campground was prefect, I highly recommend it. Vacation Races did a fabulous job with the event. Well-organized and super fun. Will definitely be looking for another race with them. The sandy course through the desert itself was challenging … so many other racers were surprised I chose it as my fist race, but I’d always wanted to visit Joshua Tree and running under the stars seemed like a recipe for magic – and it was! 🙂
Incredible first half marathon
This was an incredible experience for my first half. The race was extremely well managed and the organizers made this a very easy and welcoming experience. The course was very … MORE
This was an incredible experience for my first half. The race was extremely well managed and the organizers made this a very easy and welcoming experience.
The course was very challenging, at night with lots of sand, but it was well marked and tons of amenities along the way. Also running under the full sky of stars was breathtaking.
The energy of the other participants was welcoming as well and made for a run experience.
Although this was my first race, I spoke to many people who were impressed by the production quality and how the race was managed.
So much dust
This race has great potential, but is a one and done for me. Vacation Races in general is a great company. Well run races, good merch, better medals. This is … MORE
This race has great potential, but is a one and done for me. Vacation Races in general is a great company. Well run races, good merch, better medals. This is maybe my 8th. The campground the race starts at is super cute. Parking was easy. Expo same day. Weather is perfect for running. Maybe 60 when we started. Race starts at sunset and has a great view of the mountains. This is a good distraction from the long, dusty, sand roads you’ll be running. Like all their national park races—you aren’t in the park. You are on boring neighborhood roads with small houses, barking dogs, and loads of dirt. This race should give buffs as swag. You will inhale so much dust that it’s hard to breathe. 90% of the race. The uphill portion is supposed to be the first three miles. What it seemed like for 13 miles is you were either going up or on flats. I remember only a short downhill. They advertise the stars and yes they are beautiful when you turn your headlamp off. However, wearing a headlamp for 13.1 miles is not fun. Running in sand is hard. Breathing heavy dust is difficult. And the stars are beautiful whether you’re running or not. The finish was eventful. No fires or mylar. It was cold. No reason to stay really. The end of race snack box was great vegetarian 100%. Would love to see VR give out plant based milk after. Not everyone is a baby cow. Medal glows in the dark for this one. Kind of fun. The location of the race to the national park was good/better than others.
A race to remember
There is something magical about a night trail race in the desert. The course is a sandy trail that can be challenging, and yet I found it to be one … MORE
There is something magical about a night trail race in the desert. The course is a sandy trail that can be challenging, and yet I found it to be one of the easiest half marathons to complete. The people, the experience, and most of all the scenery (beautiful views before it got dark; lights of fellow runners afterwards) were mesmerizing. If you use RaceJoy (and headphones), you also got a fun fact each mile.
Absolutely magical to run at night!
Running at night in the desert is really special! I recommend everyone do it at least once. I wouldn’t necessarily say that you need to do this race to do … MORE
Running at night in the desert is really special! I recommend everyone do it at least once. I wouldn’t necessarily say that you need to do this race to do that though. This race company is very organized. The course entries are expensive and they don’t do a great job with snacks and swag. The race expo could have been way better. More vendors would have really filled it out. Since they had a captive audience they really needed to have more things to offer. The participants in this race obviously were not accustomed to trail running and trail running procedures(Stay right, except to pass) so that was frustrating, but hey, nothing is perfect.To repeat myself. This race is worth doing at least once. I am not in a hurry to sign up for another one with VR.
Would do it again!
My last half marathon race was in 2017. I told myself I would do one more at 40yrs old and here I am. I finished and I felt great and … MORE
My last half marathon race was in 2017. I told myself I would do one more at 40yrs old and here I am. I finished and I felt great and now I plan to do a half marathon a year. I enjoyed this course because it was at night and enjoyed the beautiful night sky. It was cool to look ahead and look back at all the headlamps and colorful vests moving along. The weather was perfect. The course was quite difficult considering the different types of terrain. Aid stations were always stocked and volunteers were very nice and supportive.
Great
This race was great I thought the sand was difficult to run in so probably practice that a little bit. The race was beautiful but if your looking for scenery … MORE
This race was great I thought the sand was difficult to run in so probably practice that a little bit. The race was beautiful but if your looking for scenery for majority of the race you don’t see much after mile 4 because it gets pitch dark but the stars were extremely cool so it is worth running.
Most challenging, Most beautiful!
This is a tough race! Sand and gravel, in the dark, but oh so much fun! My most challenging so far - harder than the half I did in deep … MORE
This is a tough race! Sand and gravel, in the dark, but oh so much fun! My most challenging so far – harder than the half I did in deep snow a few years ago 😂 Make sure you have a good headlamp! Excellent race organization… I’ll be there next year!
Fun night Race
Sunset at start line was awesome. First two miles were the most challenging part with the path being vary narrow and the sand thick. Everything was flat after but required … MORE
Sunset at start line was awesome. First two miles were the most challenging part with the path being vary narrow and the sand thick. Everything was flat after but required eyes on the path to avoid tripping.
Awesome race
Awesome race Discourse is a challenge. It’s a great uphill fly out in a little bit of road. It’s an amazing race at night and the stars are beautiful the … MORE
Awesome race Discourse is a challenge. It’s a great uphill fly out in a little bit of road. It’s an amazing race at night and the stars are beautiful the runners are also friendly and the staff and volunteers are very cool