| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | |
| H (°F) | 66 | 85 | 84 | 78 | 79 |
| L (°F) | 42 | 56 | 65 | 53 | 55 |
The JT Half Marathon provides challenging course, lots of sand and a tough climb out of the blocks. The night sky is beautiful, the people are great, the support is … MORE
The JT Half Marathon provides challenging course, lots of sand and a tough climb out of the blocks. The night sky is beautiful, the people are great, the support is fantastic. Not a lot of spectators out in the desert, but those who are out there are cheering for every last runner.
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Joshua Tree half is a very enjoyable run for the beginner to experienced. There’s a mix of compacted dirt and sand for most of the trails. Maneuvering around slower traffic … MORE
Joshua Tree half is a very enjoyable run for the beginner to experienced. There’s a mix of compacted dirt and sand for most of the trails. Maneuvering around slower traffic through sand was challenging but expected when running in the desert.
The expo area begging to end is very well organized and a great place to come early and stay late. Vacation races always put on a great race. Good time!!! Can’t wait for the next one.
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This race is tougher than I thought it would be. The sand can be killer and there is a lot of uphill. Being at night is what makes it fun … MORE
This race is tougher than I thought it would be. The sand can be killer and there is a lot of uphill. Being at night is what makes it fun but really makes it hard to find the best footing. Crossing the finish line feels like a huge accomplishment with this one. Get the shoe gators. They are well worth it! Vacation races is well organized and the start/finish line is in a really awesome location. The staggered start really helps with all the people. I will absolutely run another vacation race 1/2. Maybe not this one! But I am happy I did it.
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Come out and do it. This race is so much fun. The atmosphere is great, its a party in the desert before and after the race. Music, food, and positivity. … MORE
Come out and do it. This race is so much fun. The atmosphere is great, its a party in the desert before and after the race. Music, food, and positivity. You can walk it, jog it, run it, its for all ages and levels. You dont even have to run just come out and support us.
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It's running on sandy trail which switches to asphalt at some points. I loved running at night under a full moon sky with my friend. Organizers were amazing. the whole … MORE
It’s running on sandy trail which switches to asphalt at some points. I loved running at night under a full moon sky with my friend. Organizers were amazing. the whole race was really well organized.
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Vacation Races are the cream of the crop. They do such a phenomenal job with production and every aspect of their races! The scenery at this one was different...I only … MORE
Vacation Races are the cream of the crop. They do such a phenomenal job with production and every aspect of their races! The scenery at this one was different…I only saw a handful of Joshua Trees the whole race…but the coolest part by far was looking back at the hundreds of glowing headlamps winding through the course. Mile two was the toughest with an uphill through softsand in a relatively tight pack. I performed my usual for a tough course (this is not a PR course). I didn’t see many stars since we had an almost full moon, but the sunset at the beginning of the race was epic. I would do this race again (or any Vacation Race) in a heartbeat! The glow-in-the-dark medal is cool. 😉
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This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! Beautiful scenery, awesome staff, and great trail to run. It does get cold, so dress in light layers! MORE
This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! Beautiful scenery, awesome staff, and great trail to run. It does get cold, so dress in light layers!
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The race was so organized, fun, and an awesome experience. Signing up was easy, checking in even more so. The aid stations were so helpful and well lit. Loved all … MORE
The race was so organized, fun, and an awesome experience. Signing up was easy, checking in even more so. The aid stations were so helpful and well lit. Loved all the coordinators, booths and expo!
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This was certainly my first desert race and only my second trail AND night race, ever. As a morning runner the race start time was a bit of an adjustment … MORE
This was certainly my first desert race and only my second trail AND night race, ever. As a morning runner the race start time was a bit of an adjustment but overall a well worth it one. To watch the magnificent sunset over Joshua Tree is something that words simply cannot do justice. I came here to honor my late husband a mere 10 days before his one year anniversary. Joshua Tree is an incredibly special place and my husband showed me its magic many years ago. We loved coming out here together on special occasions and even on just random whims (Pappy and Harriet’s, anyone?).
This event was very well organized but there is a lot to be said for experience and learning from your mistakes. I underestimated the amount of trail and desert sand I’d be running on but despite the unexpected difficulty of the unsteady terrain it made for a heck of a challenge and one to be proud of once it was said and done. My advice, bring trail shoes!
The expo was excellent and they had a lot of cool gear to shop and choose from. The raffle was a lot of fun with lots of cool giveaways, especially thanks to the announcer, she was a great host! There was a great energy all around the JT race experience. The aid stations were plentiful and despite how late and dark the night was, the energy of the spectators were awesome and appreciated. At a mile marker towards the end of the run there were these precious younger kids handing out high fives that provided the second wind I was needing. The Medal was worth the trek and the goodies (coffee and cocoa!) were a fantastic way to celebrate crossing that 13.1 mile finish.
I’m floored that I was blessed enough to come in 1st place in my age group and came home with TWO medals! My husband would be so proud.
I will certainly return to Joshua Tree to run another 13.1 stroll! I say this is a bucket list run, without a doubt. Happy trails, runners!
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It’s definitely a hard course but so worth it! I’m a road runner living in one of the flattest cities in the country-Chicago-so it was so different than what I’m … MORE
It’s definitely a hard course but so worth it! I’m a road runner living in one of the flattest cities in the country-Chicago-so it was so different than what I’m used to. But so amazing!!
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Be prepared for lots of sand and dust as described Dress accordingly mainly for post race and have fun! Also make sure to read through race instructions thoroughly mainly course … MORE
Be prepared for lots of sand and dust as described
Dress accordingly mainly for post race and have fun!
Also make sure to read through race instructions thoroughly mainly course info and where surfaces change it’ll help
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This was my first race so I can't compare it to others, but it seems like the organizers did a great job. It was really fun running at night and … MORE
This was my first race so I can’t compare it to others, but it seems like the organizers did a great job. It was really fun running at night and being able to look back and see a line of headlamps. It was very sandy, which worked different muscles than I was used to. But i was very have to have my gators. Over all I had a great time!
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Difficult course, around 90 % of it you would be running on sand, and to make it harder, a 'long' hill between miles 1 and 2, the race website says … MORE
Difficult course, around 90 % of it you would be running on sand, and to make it harder, a ‘long’ hill between miles 1 and 2, the race website says is only around 400ft of elevation gained but my watch and some other runners got a bit more than 600ft and the end of the race. Lots of aid station throughout the 13 miles.
The best part was no doubt the final mile, hearing the people cheering and then getting to the finish line was very emotional, a nice set of lights that makes you feel like you have done something great. Then the medal, what a beautiful medal! Another good note, if you finish top 5 in your age group, you get a customized medal too, that was nice after all the effort.
I would 100% recommend this race to my friends and will most likely participate in some other race of Vacation Races series.
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The aspect of it was interesting. However, the terrain is bad. You go through soft sand, pavement, waves in the dirt, which can really take a toll on your body. … MORE
The aspect of it was interesting. However, the terrain is bad. You go through soft sand, pavement, waves in the dirt, which can really take a toll on your body. The sunset was great but after that you couldn’t really see anything. With everyone’s headlamps and lights you couldn’t see the stars that much. I think it’d be better if they started the race before sunset so you could at least get to see the scenery and sunset. It also was freezing at the end so maybe provide a blanket or foil. Also, maybe be a little stricter with the waves starting times. I was in wave 2 and passed walkers .25 into the race which caused alot of cluster at the beginning of the race. Also, the race is not in the Joshua Tree National Park.
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This was my first Vacation Races event (I think). Incredibly well organized and executed. Lots and lots of pre-race information. The Expo was great. We got there early in the … MORE
This was my first Vacation Races event (I think). Incredibly well organized and executed. Lots and lots of pre-race information. The Expo was great. We got there early in the day. Lots of cool merchandise to pick up and race information. The evening of the event, the sun was setting in the desert and everyone turned on their lights. It was a whole thing – very very cool. The course was well marked and other than a little bunched up at the beginning there was plenty of room. I loved the RaceJoy app that provided info about the desert at every mile marker in my headphones. Loved this event.
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My first Vacation Race and definitely not the last. Though this course was challenging it was rewarding at the same time! Vacation Races take the upmost care of their runners. … MORE
My first Vacation Race and definitely not the last. Though this course was challenging it was rewarding at the same time! Vacation Races take the upmost care of their runners. From the aid stations, mile markers and consistent hydration, gel, bananas, oranges and porta potties it was so well thought through! Thank you again Vacation Races. Till next time!!
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Vacation races does an excellent job with the production of this half marathon. From the vendor spaces, giveaways, and lead up to the race, down to the hydrations stations and … MORE
Vacation races does an excellent job with the production of this half marathon. From the vendor spaces, giveaways, and lead up to the race, down to the hydrations stations and post run support. This being my first experience with one of their events I was very surprised and happy. The course itself was pretty difficult for a beginner like myself. The sand does a number on the wear and tear of your body. Causing me to gas out long before I should have. This is a race where you definitely should train on sand beforehand, and train on it at incline or with some elevation gain, in order to be better prepared. All in all I was happy with my experience and definitely will be back for more.
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Great set up and bib pickup area. Vendors were great and the atmosphere was perfect. No pressure. Got there an hour before the race and the energy was addictive. Started … MORE
Great set up and bib pickup area. Vendors were great and the atmosphere was perfect. No pressure.
Got there an hour before the race and the energy was addictive. Started off with the most amazing Sunset and it was go time. Short paved road then the hill to ascend you up to the stars. Let me tell you the sand was something else, hard packed to soft loamy sand, bulldozer created roads, but none of that mattered as the energy was great.
I ran with my fiancée (she got me into running) and it was a great experience. It was a hard race but so well set up with markers, aid stations, and folks cheering you on.
I would do again. Just make sure you practice trail running and sand.
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Was very difficult for the first two miles but after the initial elevation gain it gets much easier. Overall a super Unique race I had a blast. MORE
Was very difficult for the first two miles but after the initial elevation gain it gets much easier. Overall a super Unique race I had a blast.
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Try walking/jogging/running on sand to give yourself an idea of what to expect. Go outside at night and walk with a headlamp. Headlamps, buffs and gators are a must. Enjoy … MORE
Try walking/jogging/running on sand to give yourself an idea of what to expect. Go outside at night and walk with a headlamp. Headlamps, buffs and gators are a must. Enjoy the stars and moon. Do at least one night race for the experience.
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Elite Nighttime Event
The JT Half Marathon provides challenging course, lots of sand and a tough climb out of the blocks. The night sky is beautiful, the people are great, the support is … MORE
The JT Half Marathon provides challenging course, lots of sand and a tough climb out of the blocks. The night sky is beautiful, the people are great, the support is fantastic. Not a lot of spectators out in the desert, but those who are out there are cheering for every last runner.
Fun night run
Joshua Tree half is a very enjoyable run for the beginner to experienced. There’s a mix of compacted dirt and sand for most of the trails. Maneuvering around slower traffic … MORE
Joshua Tree half is a very enjoyable run for the beginner to experienced. There’s a mix of compacted dirt and sand for most of the trails. Maneuvering around slower traffic through sand was challenging but expected when running in the desert.
The expo area begging to end is very well organized and a great place to come early and stay late. Vacation races always put on a great race. Good time!!! Can’t wait for the next one.
Hard but worth it
This race is tougher than I thought it would be. The sand can be killer and there is a lot of uphill. Being at night is what makes it fun … MORE
This race is tougher than I thought it would be. The sand can be killer and there is a lot of uphill. Being at night is what makes it fun but really makes it hard to find the best footing. Crossing the finish line feels like a huge accomplishment with this one. Get the shoe gators. They are well worth it! Vacation races is well organized and the start/finish line is in a really awesome location. The staggered start really helps with all the people. I will absolutely run another vacation race 1/2. Maybe not this one! But I am happy I did it.
Bitchin Night Race
Come out and do it. This race is so much fun. The atmosphere is great, its a party in the desert before and after the race. Music, food, and positivity. … MORE
Come out and do it. This race is so much fun. The atmosphere is great, its a party in the desert before and after the race. Music, food, and positivity. You can walk it, jog it, run it, its for all ages and levels. You dont even have to run just come out and support us.
It was an amazing run under the stars.
It's running on sandy trail which switches to asphalt at some points. I loved running at night under a full moon sky with my friend. Organizers were amazing. the whole … MORE
It’s running on sandy trail which switches to asphalt at some points. I loved running at night under a full moon sky with my friend. Organizers were amazing. the whole race was really well organized.
Love Vacation Races!
Vacation Races are the cream of the crop. They do such a phenomenal job with production and every aspect of their races! The scenery at this one was different...I only … MORE
Vacation Races are the cream of the crop. They do such a phenomenal job with production and every aspect of their races! The scenery at this one was different…I only saw a handful of Joshua Trees the whole race…but the coolest part by far was looking back at the hundreds of glowing headlamps winding through the course. Mile two was the toughest with an uphill through softsand in a relatively tight pack. I performed my usual for a tough course (this is not a PR course). I didn’t see many stars since we had an almost full moon, but the sunset at the beginning of the race was epic. I would do this race again (or any Vacation Race) in a heartbeat! The glow-in-the-dark medal is cool. 😉
Amazing Half Marathon
This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! Beautiful scenery, awesome staff, and great trail to run. It does get cold, so dress in light layers! MORE
This was my first half marathon and I loved it!! Beautiful scenery, awesome staff, and great trail to run. It does get cold, so dress in light layers!
Absolutely amazing VR inaugural race!
The race was so organized, fun, and an awesome experience. Signing up was easy, checking in even more so. The aid stations were so helpful and well lit. Loved all … MORE
The race was so organized, fun, and an awesome experience. Signing up was easy, checking in even more so. The aid stations were so helpful and well lit. Loved all the coordinators, booths and expo!
Surreal Experience
This was certainly my first desert race and only my second trail AND night race, ever. As a morning runner the race start time was a bit of an adjustment … MORE
This was certainly my first desert race and only my second trail AND night race, ever. As a morning runner the race start time was a bit of an adjustment but overall a well worth it one. To watch the magnificent sunset over Joshua Tree is something that words simply cannot do justice. I came here to honor my late husband a mere 10 days before his one year anniversary. Joshua Tree is an incredibly special place and my husband showed me its magic many years ago. We loved coming out here together on special occasions and even on just random whims (Pappy and Harriet’s, anyone?).
This event was very well organized but there is a lot to be said for experience and learning from your mistakes. I underestimated the amount of trail and desert sand I’d be running on but despite the unexpected difficulty of the unsteady terrain it made for a heck of a challenge and one to be proud of once it was said and done. My advice, bring trail shoes!
The expo was excellent and they had a lot of cool gear to shop and choose from. The raffle was a lot of fun with lots of cool giveaways, especially thanks to the announcer, she was a great host! There was a great energy all around the JT race experience. The aid stations were plentiful and despite how late and dark the night was, the energy of the spectators were awesome and appreciated. At a mile marker towards the end of the run there were these precious younger kids handing out high fives that provided the second wind I was needing. The Medal was worth the trek and the goodies (coffee and cocoa!) were a fantastic way to celebrate crossing that 13.1 mile finish.
I’m floored that I was blessed enough to come in 1st place in my age group and came home with TWO medals! My husband would be so proud.
I will certainly return to Joshua Tree to run another 13.1 stroll! I say this is a bucket list run, without a doubt. Happy trails, runners!
Amazing first trail race!
It’s definitely a hard course but so worth it! I’m a road runner living in one of the flattest cities in the country-Chicago-so it was so different than what I’m … MORE
It’s definitely a hard course but so worth it! I’m a road runner living in one of the flattest cities in the country-Chicago-so it was so different than what I’m used to. But so amazing!!
Beautiful venue and just as scenic!!
Be prepared for lots of sand and dust as described Dress accordingly mainly for post race and have fun! Also make sure to read through race instructions thoroughly mainly course … MORE
Be prepared for lots of sand and dust as described
Dress accordingly mainly for post race and have fun!
Also make sure to read through race instructions thoroughly mainly course info and where surfaces change it’ll help
Sandy but a lot of fun!
This was my first race so I can't compare it to others, but it seems like the organizers did a great job. It was really fun running at night and … MORE
This was my first race so I can’t compare it to others, but it seems like the organizers did a great job. It was really fun running at night and being able to look back and see a line of headlamps. It was very sandy, which worked different muscles than I was used to. But i was very have to have my gators. Over all I had a great time!
Challenging and fun race
Difficult course, around 90 % of it you would be running on sand, and to make it harder, a 'long' hill between miles 1 and 2, the race website says … MORE
Difficult course, around 90 % of it you would be running on sand, and to make it harder, a ‘long’ hill between miles 1 and 2, the race website says is only around 400ft of elevation gained but my watch and some other runners got a bit more than 600ft and the end of the race. Lots of aid station throughout the 13 miles.
The best part was no doubt the final mile, hearing the people cheering and then getting to the finish line was very emotional, a nice set of lights that makes you feel like you have done something great. Then the medal, what a beautiful medal! Another good note, if you finish top 5 in your age group, you get a customized medal too, that was nice after all the effort.
I would 100% recommend this race to my friends and will most likely participate in some other race of Vacation Races series.
Fun but hard
The aspect of it was interesting. However, the terrain is bad. You go through soft sand, pavement, waves in the dirt, which can really take a toll on your body. … MORE
The aspect of it was interesting. However, the terrain is bad. You go through soft sand, pavement, waves in the dirt, which can really take a toll on your body. The sunset was great but after that you couldn’t really see anything. With everyone’s headlamps and lights you couldn’t see the stars that much. I think it’d be better if they started the race before sunset so you could at least get to see the scenery and sunset. It also was freezing at the end so maybe provide a blanket or foil. Also, maybe be a little stricter with the waves starting times. I was in wave 2 and passed walkers .25 into the race which caused alot of cluster at the beginning of the race. Also, the race is not in the Joshua Tree National Park.
Amazing
This was my first Vacation Races event (I think). Incredibly well organized and executed. Lots and lots of pre-race information. The Expo was great. We got there early in the … MORE
This was my first Vacation Races event (I think). Incredibly well organized and executed. Lots and lots of pre-race information. The Expo was great. We got there early in the day. Lots of cool merchandise to pick up and race information. The evening of the event, the sun was setting in the desert and everyone turned on their lights. It was a whole thing – very very cool. The course was well marked and other than a little bunched up at the beginning there was plenty of room. I loved the RaceJoy app that provided info about the desert at every mile marker in my headphones. Loved this event.
Mama Runner to TWO
My first Vacation Race and definitely not the last. Though this course was challenging it was rewarding at the same time! Vacation Races take the upmost care of their runners. … MORE
My first Vacation Race and definitely not the last. Though this course was challenging it was rewarding at the same time! Vacation Races take the upmost care of their runners. From the aid stations, mile markers and consistent hydration, gel, bananas, oranges and porta potties it was so well thought through! Thank you again Vacation Races. Till next time!!
Beautiful area, Rough Terrain
Vacation races does an excellent job with the production of this half marathon. From the vendor spaces, giveaways, and lead up to the race, down to the hydrations stations and … MORE
Vacation races does an excellent job with the production of this half marathon. From the vendor spaces, giveaways, and lead up to the race, down to the hydrations stations and post run support. This being my first experience with one of their events I was very surprised and happy. The course itself was pretty difficult for a beginner like myself. The sand does a number on the wear and tear of your body. Causing me to gas out long before I should have. This is a race where you definitely should train on sand beforehand, and train on it at incline or with some elevation gain, in order to be better prepared. All in all I was happy with my experience and definitely will be back for more.
Be one with nature, and the Sand!
Great set up and bib pickup area. Vendors were great and the atmosphere was perfect. No pressure. Got there an hour before the race and the energy was addictive. Started … MORE
Great set up and bib pickup area. Vendors were great and the atmosphere was perfect. No pressure.
Got there an hour before the race and the energy was addictive. Started off with the most amazing Sunset and it was go time. Short paved road then the hill to ascend you up to the stars. Let me tell you the sand was something else, hard packed to soft loamy sand, bulldozer created roads, but none of that mattered as the energy was great.
I ran with my fiancée (she got me into running) and it was a great experience. It was a hard race but so well set up with markers, aid stations, and folks cheering you on.
I would do again. Just make sure you practice trail running and sand.
Awesome race
Was very difficult for the first two miles but after the initial elevation gain it gets much easier. Overall a super Unique race I had a blast. MORE
Was very difficult for the first two miles but after the initial elevation gain it gets much easier. Overall a super Unique race I had a blast.
This race was a great experience!
Try walking/jogging/running on sand to give yourself an idea of what to expect. Go outside at night and walk with a headlamp. Headlamps, buffs and gators are a must. Enjoy … MORE
Try walking/jogging/running on sand to give yourself an idea of what to expect. Go outside at night and walk with a headlamp. Headlamps, buffs and gators are a must. Enjoy the stars and moon. Do at least one night race for the experience.