Per race website: “This race is in the vault. In 2023, we are not hosting the Zion at Night Half Marathon. Instead, we’re re-thinking how we can share this course with you. Plus, we may be looking into a wider variety of night races for you in the future.”
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Run by moonlight as you take in the solitude of the desert. A half marathon that runs through the night – choose your time and run on top of Gooseberry Mesa overlooking the desert floor below with views of Zion. Introduced in 2020 this small group half marathon style is back by popular demand, but with a new course!
Zion at Night on Gooseberry will treat you to one of the best trails in southern Utah. Don’t miss out on this chance to run under the stars.
Run on some of the most famous trails of southern Utah atop Gooseberry Mesa. Just located southwest of Zion National Park, panoramic views of Virgin, Zion, and even Kolob Fingers can be seen from the mesa. This is a trail half marathon. The terrain is a mix of dirt roads, slickrock, and single track trail as you weave in and out of trees, catching glimpses of beautiful desert landscapes, and breathtaking views. Experience the quiet of the desert in a special opportunity to run either at sunset, under complete moonlight, or as the sun rises– you choose your start time! Experience Zion at Night unlike any other trail race.
Just west of Smithsonian Butte, runners will start out from the Ruby Rider Ranch in Apple Valley, UT. You will head out toward Gooseberry Mesa on a wide dirt road. Your first aid station will be at about mile 3.6 near the Gooseberry Mesa parking area. You will continue on this road for another 1.5 miles before veering left onto the Windmill Trail. The climb may look daunting, but from the start line to the highest point on the course is less than 450 ft. of gain.
The Windmill Trail is a single track section that skirts the northwest edge of Gooseberry mesa granting amazing views of the Virgin Desert below. You will be running on slickrock, but contrary to the name, it is not slick unless there is a thin layer of gravel on the surface or if it gets wet. It’s actually hard sandstone. Watch your footing and take your time- if you are new to trail running, you may find it challenging to find a rhythm in the sections of slickrock throughout the course between miles 6-8. Slow down and enjoy the experience.
* Trail markings: Pay attention to trail markings for the race. We will use pink ribbon bundled with reflective tape to indicate the trail. There will also be arrows pointing you in the right direction at any major turns, and Wrong Way signs indicating that you should turn around to get back on course. There may be a few sections where the course runs along the same path as mountain biking trails. These mountain biking trails are often marked with white dots painted on the slickrock to help bikers navigate. Don’t get side-tracked following the white dots. Though you may see both white dots and pink ribbons simultaneously- KEEP FOLLOWING THE PINK RIBBON.
At mile 6.2 there will be a water-only station. Be sure to top off your fluids in your bottles and packs here and continue on the Windmill trail until it runs into the North Rim Trail. There will be arrows and trail markings to turn right, where you will run on the North Rim Trail for just .3 miles. You will take a left on a short connector trail to get you onto the White Road Trail. This section consists of mostly hard packed dirt with a few rocky sections. Some of the roads can get pretty rutted depending on recent rains, so be sure to watch your step as you start to descend.
The White Road will wrap up the loop portion of the course as you return to the same aid station as before. This aid station at mile 9.7 will be your final chance to refuel before heading back toward the finish.
Continue back on the dirt road heading southeast until mile 11.4 where you will veer right onto a different road. This section overall, is fairly mild but there are a handful of spots with rocks that could trip you up- so be cautious and slow down if you need to. At about mile 12.5, the course will parallel with the dirt road that you originally ran out on- stick to the path you are on and run directly south as you near the finish. At mile 13, make a hard left and return to the finish line at Ruby Rider Ranch.
Aid Stations: 2 full aid stations, 1 water-only station
Time Limit: 4 hrs.
LESS
Picked 4:30am to see Stars & Sunrise!
I personally loved the actual course! It wasn't very scenic in the dark, but having a good headlamp made quite a difference to be able to see where I was … MORE
I personally loved the actual course! It wasn’t very scenic in the dark, but having a good headlamp made quite a difference to be able to see where I was running in the night time hours, until the sun started to rise. I also made it to the observatory overlook right when the sun was starting to rise so the views there were spectacular! This observation point in the race is most scenic that I’ve experienced, it also had fantastic aid stations with great goodies and well stocked fuel for the racers. The last few miles were primed for the runners since it was well marked with ribbons to guide you along the course. I found that part most unique in how well the race course was marked.
The course is challenging with hills to climb, along with fast turns and downhill portions so having good trail shoes makes it easier to run. While there wasn’t much to improve from the race, perhaps having some warming lamps or blankets to offer the runners at the finish line would have been nice since the temperatures were cooler than expected for the month of May!
I would absolutely recommend this race to my friends! Especially the trail addicts who run trail more than road races since the challenges of the course seemed to be in the middle of the race towards the end with the up and down hill portions. Great crew, upbeat staff, and felt the motivation the entire time!
Great race. Beautiful course.
Wonderful race. Watch my you tube video. Really big quality finishers medal. Vacation Races puts on a great race. Three aid stations. Very friendly staff and volunteers. MORE
Wonderful race. Watch my you tube video. Really big quality finishers medal. Vacation Races puts on a great race. Three aid stations. Very friendly staff and volunteers.
Fun Course and an Amazing Night Sky!!
This was my second time running the Zion at Night Half Marathon but the 2022 course was in an entirely different location than the 2020 course. Both were great experiences! … MORE
This was my second time running the Zion at Night Half Marathon but the 2022 course was in an entirely different location than the 2020 course. Both were great experiences! The 2022 course in Apple Valley offered various terrain (sand, packed dirt trail, rocky trail, big rocks to scramble up) and was well marked; which is very helpful in the dark. Headlamps are required and necessary but I also recommend a handheld torch in addition to or interchangeably with the headlamp. It is helpful for the very rocky sections. The night sky was so amazing that I turned the lights off to take it all in from time to time. This is an event that is perfect to focus on the awesome experience and not necessarily the fastest time. Vacation Races does a fabulous job organizing its events and this one was no exception. I’ll be back!
Fun, beautiful, high recommend
Beautiful scenery, very well organized, the waves are a great idea it did not feel crowded at all. The one cruel part of the race is the last couple yards … MORE
Beautiful scenery, very well organized, the waves are a great idea it did not feel crowded at all. The one cruel part of the race is the last couple yards where you have to run through particularly tricky rocks. It’s really fun to see people around the parks wearing the shirts after the event.
SICK EVENT
This was put together very nicely. Waves were organized and the trail was marked well. Sick experience to run under the stars. Also finisher medal was top notch. Will definitely … MORE
This was put together very nicely. Waves were organized and the trail was marked well. Sick experience to run under the stars. Also finisher medal was top notch. Will definitely be doing another Vacation Races race.
Started at 5am for the sunrise :)
I've run every Zion Night Race. I like the first one best with full moon coming up and more single track section and Virgin start/finish, than the current Apple Valley … MORE
I’ve run every Zion Night Race. I like the first one best with full moon coming up and more single track section and Virgin start/finish, than the current Apple Valley location with more gravel road sections. All have been great and the sunrise with 4 planets in a row in front of us was awesome. Scenic technical short loop mid way through with amazing views off the rim were awesome!
BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE
Great place to run even during the evening amazing view at the ledge!! That was the best part of the run to realize you ran up so high was mind … MORE
Great place to run even during the evening amazing view at the ledge!! That was the best part of the run to realize you ran up so high was mind blowing will do this run again!
The small starts were great! 💯 loved i
Be prepared for some amazing sights as you run the course. I'd highly recommend choosing the 7;30 p.m. start as you will see an incredible sunset in the " danger … MORE
Be prepared for some amazing sights as you run the course. I’d highly recommend choosing the 7;30 p.m. start as you will see an incredible sunset in the ” danger cliffside” zone! Take some time to take some pix before it gets dark too.
This course was amazing and beautiful!
If running at night have a very good headlamp. Also make sure your headlamp is comfortable. The trail isn't marked the best, so good luck! Train on slick rock if … MORE
If running at night have a very good headlamp. Also make sure your headlamp is comfortable. The trail isn’t marked the best, so good luck! Train on slick rock if possible. The start and finish is on rock (lava rock?), so be careful. Course is very uneven, take care not to fall or hurt ankles.
Difficult, yet Stunning!
Definitely a difficult course! I expected to run on a rocky terrain, I did not expect the thick sand! The last lil bit to the finish was on lava rock, … MORE
Definitely a difficult course! I expected to run on a rocky terrain, I did not expect the thick sand! The last lil bit to the finish was on lava rock, which made it exceptionally hard to “push to the finish” because at this points your legs are jello and lava rock is so unstable. BUT! It was amazing! for at least 8 miles (during the sandy sections), we were able to turn our headlamps off and literally run under the light of the moon and star-filled sky, and it was breathtaking! Definitely a memorable race!
Amazingly beautiful run
This was my first half marathon ever. I thought this run was absolutely perfect. I was in the first race. I hoped that the timing of the sunset would line … MORE
This was my first half marathon ever. I thought this run was absolutely perfect. I was in the first race. I hoped that the timing of the sunset would line up with me being near the cliffs of Lollipop Loop and it was. The race was very challenging, especially on the part that felt like Mars, but I was able to finish that part in the dimming light. Running under the stars was just magical. I think I’m hooked!
Tough but pretty.
This race was tough! Loved the rolling starts, the course views and the swag. I can see how it would be easy to get lost on the course miles 6-9 … MORE
This race was tough! Loved the rolling starts, the course views and the swag. I can see how it would be easy to get lost on the course miles 6-9 during the truly dark hours (I ran at 6 am).
This course was fun!!
Just being prepared, you're unprepared
The course was beautiful. The run was amazing. For a first timer, this was definitely a challenge. Most of the course was a dirt road. You warm up with a … MORE
The course was beautiful. The run was amazing. For a first timer, this was definitely a challenge.
Most of the course was a dirt road. You warm up with a slight downhill run over the first mile, then for the next 5 or so you’re going to be gradually climbing. Mile 6 is where I got all messed up – the trails got narrow, you begin to run and climb on slick rock (not sure why it has this name as it isn’t slick), but you really need to watch out for the trail markers. My only complaint is that the markers were spread too far apart and it was easy to get lost. Once you make it to through all of that, then you get back to the easy dirt course and you start going downhill. At this point, you just focus your mind on the finish and cruise to that final 1 mile of uphill road. Enjoy the night sky and the surrounding nature. It’s beautiful out there.
Great race
Very smoothly run race, course was outstanding. The start line was very laid back due to rolling start times which was really helpful for us first timers! MORE
Very smoothly run race, course was outstanding. The start line was very laid back due to rolling start times which was really helpful for us first timers!
Running by moonlight in the desert
This was more amazing than I imagined it would be. The course was difficult as it was night and on a desert trail. But it was organized and marked well … MORE
This was more amazing than I imagined it would be. The course was difficult as it was night and on a desert trail. But it was organized and marked well so that you could find the course easily.
The entire experience was amazing. From start to end. It was organized well so I knew where to go to check in and begin running. I would recommend this for anyone who likes an adventure (oh and enjoys running, of course!)
Absolute epic runners high
Definitely worth running under the stars but bring a headlamp. After mile 6 you leave the dirt trails for some “rock climb running”. You run in waves every 30 minutes … MORE
Definitely worth running under the stars but bring a headlamp. After mile 6 you leave the dirt trails for some “rock climb running”. You run in waves every 30 minutes so socially distance appropriate
Awesome and unique racing experience
Super unique race run through trails just outside Zion through all hours of the night. I started the race at midnight (go big or go home) and it was such … MORE
Super unique race run through trails just outside Zion through all hours of the night. I started the race at midnight (go big or go home) and it was such a cool experience. Headlamps were key but it was also super awesome to put the headlamps on red light mode and take in the stars and night sky. Some definite trail running in here where we had to go slow and steady. Volunteers were out there at all hours of the night to cheer you on which was great! Many people to cheer you through the finish where you were met with an awesome medal, water, and snacks of course. Good mix of runners and walkers, everyone was very friendly. My watch recorded the total distance at 13.4 rather than 13.1 with the last half mile being uphill (slight killer) but overall a great race. Would highly recommend to friends, would love to come back and run it again, maybe next time at sunrise!
'Twas Awesome!
Running at night was wonderful. If you want to avoid a running crowd, better start between 1am and 3am as I did. We were lucky that there was enough moonlight … MORE
Running at night was wonderful. If you want to avoid a running crowd, better start between 1am and 3am as I did. We were lucky that there was enough moonlight shining on the path. There are a couple of steep hills and running along the Gooseberry trail was amazing and fun -I’d return to run during daylights-. However, headlamps are necessary don’t underestimate the darkness.
Worth it!
A great trail run out on by a great group of people. The night/headlamp aspect makes this race truly unique and a must do. It gets completely dark around 8:30pm, … MORE
A great trail run out on by a great group of people. The night/headlamp aspect makes this race truly unique and a must do. It gets completely dark around 8:30pm, so if you release then or after you’ll be running the whole race in the dark/with a headlamp (must bring your own). The aid stations were spaced out perfectly (must bring your own bottles to fill) and the no disposable cups was a great aspect to keep the environment beautiful and cut down on waste. The first roughly 5 miles or so are on a dirt road/wide trail that does have some rocky areas and hills, so watch your footing but it’s nothing too technical. From approximately mile 5/6 and carrying on to approximately mile 8/9 it is quite technical with ledges mere feet away (shouldn’t be an issue if you have a headlamp – nothing to worry about) and 3-4 foot high rocks you have to make your way over or around, etc. Starting around mile 8/9 you get back to the same dirt road/calmer elements you came out on. It’s a fun course that you should not be worried about but excited about. It’s worth it! There are plenty of people running the whole course for time and there are plenty of people walking or walk/jogging and enjoying simply completing the race. Whatever you’re choice, this race is an experience you won’t want to miss out on. A must do that will get you excited to run.
8pm Start at Night in the Dark
First Trail Race; First Night Race Half Marathon; Tough Race all in the dark, Red Light helped viewing night sky; Good Weather, Good Volunteers, Access Road and part of course … MORE
First Trail Race; First Night Race Half Marathon; Tough Race all in the dark, Red Light helped viewing night sky; Good Weather, Good Volunteers, Access Road and part of course was a Washboard.