Shiprock is the English name for Tsé Bit’a’í, which is the Dine’ name meaning “Rock with Wings”. Because it is sacred to the Dine’, climbing around on it is strictly forbidden. Tsé Bit’a’í figures into several stories, and is part of several ceremonies. This is what makes it sacred- it …
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Shiprock is the English name for Tsé Bit’a’í, which is the Dine’ name meaning “Rock with Wings”. Because it is sacred to the Dine’, climbing around on it is strictly forbidden. Tsé Bit’a’í figures into several stories, and is part of several ceremonies. This is what makes it sacred- it is part of the current Dine’ history and ceremonial life.
Geologically, Tsé Bit’a’í is the remnant of an extinct volcano. Called a diatreme, it is one of many such features throughout the region. Considered to be 27 million years old, Tsé Bit’a’í is quite young in relation to the sedimentary rocks through which it emerges, which make up the Colorado Plateau, and are hundreds of millions of years old.
Thanks to the efforts of many volunteers over the years, the Shiprock Marathon has been hosted here annually for the past 32 years. The marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay pass right by Tsé Bit’a’í on their way to the town of Shiprock where the run ends. From its simple beginning in 1984, the Shiprock Marathon has grown to include over 1500 runners. It is a USATF-certified event (#NM14011JF), and may be run to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
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My First Half Marathon
Ran this race as my first ever half marathon because it required no travel on my part. The course is flat which is nice, however the weather this year was … MORE
Ran this race as my first ever half marathon because it required no travel on my part. The course is flat which is nice, however the weather this year was hot. Post race area is crowded, congested and very loud. I did not stick around. However, scenery was very neat (high desert) and the bussing to start line was organized. Race was good.
I got high!!! (altitude)
This marathon was freezing to start (blowing snow), and a dust storm to end...seriously. Here are some things to know. -Altitude will hurt you if you are a low level … MORE
This marathon was freezing to start (blowing snow), and a dust storm to end…seriously. Here are some things to know.
-Altitude will hurt you if you are a low level flat-lander like me, don’t discount it
-GU was not at the stations where it should have been
-Half marathoners consumed all gels at the end of race course before marathoners arrived
-Scenery is beautiful, actually, amazing!!!
-Swag is really good
Gorgeous, downhill desert run
This net downhill, point-to-point marathon begins close to the Arizona border and ends at Shiprock High School. Everything in between is mostly gorgeous, endless desert. Don't run this race if … MORE
This net downhill, point-to-point marathon begins close to the Arizona border and ends at Shiprock High School. Everything in between is mostly gorgeous, endless desert. Don’t run this race if you like your scenery to change. Run this race if you like the feeling of running, pure and simple. You will feel like you’re not going anywhere, but in the ethereal, almost poetic infinity of the desert, I ran happily. Though the elevation hovers around 4,000 feet, the gradual downhill and bone-dry air should boost you to a fast time.