Overall Rating
Overall Rating (5 Reviews)
4
(5 Ratings)  (5 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3
SCENERY
3.2
PRODUCTION
4.4
SWAG
3.6
The Palm Desert 1/2 Marathon & 5K returns to the heart of the desert! Race the Coachella Valley’s original half marathon, or run/walk our flat, fast 5K course. Kids four to 13 can run our 1K kids run. 1/2 marathon & 5K participants receive an official race t-shirt, finisher medal, … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Feb 12):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  78  91  75  69  65
L (°F)  49  64  58  48  41
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Recent reviews

    lug.junkie FIRST-TIMER '22

    The desert sun in January is definitely something to remember. The start is early, the scenery isn't the greatest, but the course is a fun mix of rolling pavement. Last … MORE

    The desert sun in January is definitely something to remember. The start is early, the scenery isn’t the greatest, but the course is a fun mix of rolling pavement. Last mile and a half were serpentine, which could have been better.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    Ali6184 FIRST-TIMER '22

    The aid stations were excellent because the volunteers seemed to care about the runners. The most unique aspect of the race was that there were only a few porto potties. … MORE

    The aid stations were excellent because the volunteers seemed to care about the runners. The most unique aspect of the race was that there were only a few porto potties. The race could be improved with more snacks on course.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    NorseSunRun FIRST-TIMER '18

    I was staying at the very nice Hotel Westin Desert Villas (reviewed elsewhere) and noticed a half marathon scheduled on my last day there. I drove there, parked and lined … MORE

    I was staying at the very nice Hotel Westin Desert Villas (reviewed elsewhere) and noticed a half marathon scheduled on my last day there. I drove there, parked and lined up all within 15 minutes as there were only a few hundred people and plenty of parking. The course is very flat with the distant mountains providing the only scenery unless you consider walls and sidewalks as scenery. The best part of the race is that is in Palm Desert which is really clean, new and relatively uncrowded like Palm Springs was 20 years ago. Maybe the reason is seems uncrowded is because most of the streets have endless walls on either side and the streets are really wide. The water at the aid stations was top notch although they ran out of cups (not water) after about 2 hrs. The weather was an ideal 70 something and the first half was in the shade.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    M_Sohaskey Feb 26, 2018 at 12:40pm

    Ha ha, those "scenic" walls and sidewalks! Sounds like a nice opportunity to run a low-pressure half marathon in a very pleasant venue. And you've gotta appreciate being in good… MORE

    Ha ha, those "scenic" walls and sidewalks! Sounds like a nice opportunity to run a low-pressure half marathon in a very pleasant venue. And you've gotta appreciate being in good enough shape to knock out 13.1 warm miles on a whim. Congrats Brett, always great to see a new review from NorseSunRun! LESS

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    dana.0212 FIRST-TIMER '18

    If there was ever a "chill" race - this is it. Race day temps were great - clear skies and low 60's. Winter weather is great in Palm Desert. Race … MORE

    If there was ever a “chill” race – this is it. Race day temps were great – clear skies and low 60’s. Winter weather is great in Palm Desert. Race location was easy to find, LOTS of parking at the Civic Center Park, plenty of clean bathrooms. Had a hard time finding the bib pick up when I arrived (it was still dark outside) but the tents were easy to see when the sun came up. Race started on time (thank you!) – course was mostly flat and uphill (I felt as if the course is similar to the Surf City Half Marathon – just in the desert instead of along PCH). Challenging hill at mile 7, I was really hoping to break 2 hours, but fell short by 45 seconds. Post race activities were enjoyable – there was a nice vibe to just hang around. Met an 81 year old woman who placed first for her age group (love to see people being active no matter their age, gives me hope to remain active my whole life). Beer garden is always preferred (thank you La Quinta Brewing Co). There was a good turn out. It was an all around enjoyable morning.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3
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    Hikerpam REPEAT RUNNER '16

    Formerly Palm Springs half marathon & 5 K. Move to Palm Desert in 2016. New course not as interesting as previous but as a rectangle has long, straight lines. Available … MORE

    Formerly Palm Springs half marathon & 5 K. Move to Palm Desert in 2016. New course not as interesting as previous but as a rectangle has long, straight lines. Available 2-3 person relay teams makes a nice race for walkers or those who want to split and do shorter distances. Smaller local race so no expo & can sign up that am on site. Long sleeve technical shirt. New this year – beer garden with a free beer and No lines!

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3

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