Shiprock Marathon

The Shiprock Marathon will provide a unique and memorable running experience the first weekend of May in Shiprock, New Mexico!

The Marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m. with the start/finish area in Shiprock. Runners who expect to compete for overall or age-group awards should start in the front of the mass start at 7:00. The Half Marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. This year’s race is USATF-certified and is a Boston qualifier!

The out-and-back road course includes views of Shiprock Pinnacle and a gentle long downhill slope on the return. There will be great course support and live music along the way. Expect to see the likes of Red Hawk, Pinon Pickers, Mountain Spring, local royalty including traditional sounds, pow-wow, hoop dancing, rez country, Navajo blues and much more!

A 5K Trail Race will be offered as well. There are plaque and/or medal awards for overall and age-group top finishers in the 5K. Runners receive a performance t-shirt, post-race snacks, plus they have a chance at awards.

Aid stations will be available every single mile along the Marathon and Half Marathon courses. Aid stations will include Honey Stinger gels, fresh fruit, Gatorade and water, and sweets and salties. Portajohns will be available at the start lines and along the course. There will be medical support throughout the route and at the finish.

The Finish Line

Food Area – You will receive a Fit-Ful snack box when you cross the finish line, which will also have a variety of beverages – water, Gatorade and chocolate milk. Be sure to visit the Domino’s food truck and flash your bib for your slice of Domino’s pizza. There will also be a fresh fruit tent next to Domino’s, if you are looking for a banana, clementine or apple.

Post-Race Party & Awards – There will be live music, great food and awards at the finish line. All Marathon and Half Marathon finishers will receive a well-earned medal when they finish. Results will be available instantly and awards will be presented to overall and age-group winners as soon as possible. Any awards that are not presented will be mailed or delivered to the winners.

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.