Moab Trail Marathon & Half Marathon
Moab, UT
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, Kids Run
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Moab Trail Marathon & Half Marathon is an unforgettable voyage through some of the world’s most scenic and unique lands. The event takes place in the spectacular and beautiful Kane Creek Canyon area near Moab. We are happy to announce that we will again be running Sunday’s 1/2 Marathon … MORE
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Beautiful course
This was a great race! Event is well run and organized. Trail was well marked. Course...beautiful! The race website does a pretty good job laying out the course and where … MORE
This was a great race! Event is well run and organized. Trail was well marked. Course…beautiful! The race website does a pretty good job laying out the course and where your aid stations will be at. A couple of things to let future runners know about. First, this is a trail run. I recommend wearing trail shoes, as there are some areas where climbing is required. Second, this course mostly runs at about 4700-4800 feet, maxing out around 5300. If you are a lowlander from the midwest like me, it may slow you down a bit. Third, my results on my Garmin showed about 5900 feet of elevation gain for the course. Last, I would not call this a beginner course. There are several areas where climbing up and climbing down are required. With that said, this course was a lot of work, with a long climb at mile 14 of about 1.5 miles. The views at the top were well worth the price paid to get there!
Crazy Views, Crazy Course
Super challenging but everyone is going at it hard, the views are amazing, you’re on cloud nine. Some spots where my fear of heights even kicked in. MORE
Super challenging but everyone is going at it hard, the views are amazing, you’re on cloud nine. Some spots where my fear of heights even kicked in.
Freaking amazing race!!!
Incredibly challenging course, breathtaking views, freezing cold water crossings, great volunteers, best marked course I’ve ever seen, and so much fun with girlfriends!!! Sign me up for next year! MORE
Incredibly challenging course, breathtaking views, freezing cold water crossings, great volunteers, best marked course I’ve ever seen, and so much fun with girlfriends!!! Sign me up for next year!
Tough but worth it
I wanted a tough challenge that really represented what it felt like to run trails in Moab and I got it. This was easily my slowest time ever but I … MORE
I wanted a tough challenge that really represented what it felt like to run trails in Moab and I got it. This was easily my slowest time ever but I was not focused on having a solid time, but rather just finishing and enjoying the amazing scenery. I packed my own water and gels because I knew I would be out there awhile and there were only 2 aid stations due to the remote location of the course. They did a great job of spacing us all out due to COVID and I am so grateful the race still happened! The professional photos turned out great and were a real highlight for me. I also received a medal and a cotton t-shirt (would prefer tech so I can run in). There were some sections that were not run-able – you had to do some scrambling – but again, an amazing and unique course I would highly recommend! This really gave me the feel of what Moab is all about and I really enjoyed my time there (it was my first time in Moab). We also spent a few days after the race exploring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, as well as Dead Horse Point State Park. Amazing!
Very challenging course, amazing views!
Wow... this race had everything you “want” in a trail race. Altitude, elevation gain, every size rock to run on, over, between, even Jeep’s going on the same route with … MORE
Wow… this race had everything you “want” in a trail race. Altitude, elevation gain, every size rock to run on, over, between, even Jeep’s going on the same route with phenomenal views and weather. You run in a stream, a road, next to a 300 drop off, etc
Plenty of hotels 5 minutes away and a great excuse to see Utah. Bring your own water, first aid stop is mile 6. Nice shirt and metal (or mug) if you don’t care about metals.
More Than A 5k
Signed my son up for the kids 1k, which was a lot of fun!!! And then signed myself up for the 5k. There is a section where you are doing … MORE
Signed my son up for the kids 1k, which was a lot of fun!!! And then signed myself up for the 5k. There is a section where you are doing a little easy rock scrambling which was fun, but if you are like me and are always shooting for a PR be sure to sign up for one of the first few waves. That scrambling section backs up and makes your race time irrelevant.
More of an Adventure race - gorgeous tho
I wasn't ready for what this race would throw at me. There were parts where I was climbing up rocks on all fours, shimmying down another section practically sitting, skipping … MORE
I wasn’t ready for what this race would throw at me. There were parts where I was climbing up rocks on all fours, shimmying down another section practically sitting, skipping over dry bushes like a mountain goat, and wading through a stream very much against my desire. But it was all part of the otherworldly Moab experience. Every single part of this race was absolutely beautiful. At no point did I look around while running and not feel completely breathless, overtaken by the majestic sandstone sculptures that watched over me. This is a race for anyone who loves the great outdoors. It’s not easy, so prepare to finish 30 – 50% slower than your usual half marathon time. That said, the medal is awful and the coffee mug all finishers get isn’t very useful to someone who doesn’t drink coffee.
Great race in a slick (rock) setting
Billed as an “adventure run,” the 5K included a scramble up (then down) two different rock formations with guides and ropes, plus an obstacle course at the end. Thankfully, no … MORE
Billed as an “adventure run,” the 5K included a scramble up (then down) two different rock formations with guides and ropes, plus an obstacle course at the end. Thankfully, no crawling through mud pits, but we did have to hop to & from pylons with both feet in a burlap sack, wriggle through a child’s nylon tunnel, and toss into a Frisbee golf basket. Yet despite what the website described, I was disappointed to discover there was no crossword puzzle challenge.
Terrain is varied, ranging from single-track to slick rock, a couple stream crossings and the last stretch through a dusty parking lot. The 10-15 minute wait times for the rock climbs contributed to a finish time longer even than the 10Ks I’ve run, so expect that delay if you’re a middle- to back-of-the-pack runner.
Overall high ratings for the course, scenery and swag (Merrell tech tee, medal and finisher’s mug)… would highly recommend.
And if you like to complement your race weekend activities with hiking and sight-seeing, Moab delivers! We stayed at the Gonzo Inn, and found it to be friendly and comfortable. Perfect home base for day trips to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Excellent hiking and amazing sights within easy driving distance.