Run the beautiful road to Zion. This course is a challenging but incredibly beautiful steady climb towards the mouth of main Zion Canyon. Chase the sunrise over The Watchman and come run below the vibrant cliffs. Don’t miss this chance to run in the desert and end in the lovely town of Springdale.
This is a paved course, making it friendlier for all runners!
The race begins in Virgin, UT where participants will run on a partially closed road that winds and climbs uphill as it follows the curves of the Virgin River.
You’ll run on Hwy 9 through small but unique towns before getting on a paved path parallel to the road passing the town of Grafton and through Rockville with stunning views of the south west side of Zion.
You’ll finish in Springdale in front of Cable Mountain Lodge near the gateway to the South entrance of Zion National Park!
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course at around mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Keep in mind, the exact location of each aid station may vary from race to race. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more.
All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a FREE Nathan reusable cup when you register.
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Beautiful Course
I will always recommend Vacation Races. All of their races are well done from the packet pickup expo to the finisher food box. The course had amazing views of mountains. … MORE
I will always recommend Vacation Races. All of their races are well done from the packet pickup expo to the finisher food box. The course had amazing views of mountains. The only downside is that it is on a main road into Zion NP. They had it shut down so it was safe, just a little boring to run 13 miles on one road.
AMAZING EXPERIENCE
Wow, my first race with Vacation Races was an absolute blast! It was only my second race ever, and let me tell you, they knocked it out of the park. … MORE
Wow, my first race with Vacation Races was an absolute blast! It was only my second race ever, and let me tell you, they knocked it out of the park. From the expo day to the post-race recap, they really went above and beyond. Totally worth every penny! We were a bit worried about the chilly weather and what to do with our layers, but they had it all sorted. Heaters at the start line and clothing drop-off stations at mile 3? Genius! And the scenery? Absolutely stunning, especially with that beautiful sunrise. Having pacers was such a game-changer; I couldn’t have reached my goal without them. And can we talk about those free professional pictures? Such a sweet addition. Oh, and the aid stations? Loaded with tasty snacks! I’m already counting down the days until my next race with Vacation Races!
Great introduction to destination racing
After an 8 year hiatus from running, I finally dove back in with Vacation Races because they’d been on my wish list for a long time. It was absolutely worth … MORE
After an 8 year hiatus from running, I finally dove back in with Vacation Races because they’d been on my wish list for a long time. It was absolutely worth it! This was such a well organized race! I was stressed because I couldn’t get to Springdale in time on Friday for bib pick up and assumed morning of would be chaos. It wasn’t. Not only did I walk right up to the tent around an hour or hour and a half before start and got my bib right away, but there were plenty of port a potties, warming stations, coffee, and snacks available. It went so smoothly.
The course itself was gorgeous and surprisingly safe considering the road was not shut down. The climb in the middle was no joke but I appreciated that the last few miles were flat or descending. I would do this one again in a heartbeat! Thanks Vacation Races for helping me get back my joy and confidence!!
Vacation Races for the Win
This was my second Vacation Races event, and they did not disappoint! The race production is smooth, the swag is awesome, and the runner's goodie box after crossing the finish … MORE
This was my second Vacation Races event, and they did not disappoint! The race production is smooth, the swag is awesome, and the runner’s goodie box after crossing the finish line was full of delights.
The uphill course is a gradual and deceiving at times. I logged a lot of miles hiking the week before the race and was happily exhausted crossing the finish line. I recommend exploring the park in the days leading up to the race instead of after if you prefer less crowds.
State #16, 1st with Vacation Races
Vacation Races held a great event. This was Half Marathon #34 for me (since 2008). I decided to pursue Half's in all 50 States when races resumed in 2022. I … MORE
Vacation Races held a great event. This was Half Marathon #34 for me (since 2008). I decided to pursue Half’s in all 50 States when races resumed in 2022. I stayed close to the start so drop off was a breeze (there were shuttles from further away but I can’t comment). I agree a couple more heaters at the start might have been nice, but I made arrangements to only need to be there for 15 minutes or so. Waves went off easily. The first 10 miles are on the road/shoulder headed into Springdale. The only place more scenic would be in the park itself. The course turned to a paved trail for the final 3 miles. Keep in mind it’s 3,600-3,900 feet of elevation which is quite a challenge if you live at sea level. I run with a hydration pack but there seemed to be plenty of aid stations. I stopped for a porta potty at mile 5 and my wait was 6-7 minutes, so not bad, but there could have been more provided. Packet pickup was a breeze and the finish itself was a beautiful quick downhill finishing at the resort. Extra signage made it perfect for photo ops. Husband was able to easily park near Cable Mountain for my 3+ hour finish. Nice box of treats along with chocolate milk and a banana at the end. Medal was top notch without being too ostentatious. Easy hike to Riverside Park (as pictured on the medal) the following Monday for me would have been a nice pic, but I forgot to take one! 🙂 All in all a truly lovely experience. Will definitely run Vacation Races again. Looking at Yellowstone/Grand Teton in 2026 maybe…
Challenge for a girl from flat Ohio…
We had all the odds stacked against us, but we didn’t plan to have a DNF. Too pretty and we traveled so far to only come this far. One of … MORE
We had all the odds stacked against us, but we didn’t plan to have a DNF. Too pretty and we traveled so far to only come this far. One of the best run events I have ever run…. Organizers know what they are doing. Expo was great. Course was great. Only criticism would be having more warming stations or some covered area where would could collectively congregate and stay warm prior to the race would be ideal. But loved it. I may have been sick – but it was spectacular and unforgettable. Definitely want to come back for a redo.
A very scenic half marathon!
Definitely do uphill training for this race! It was more than I expected. However this race was very organized and well planned. It was cold at the start but accommodations … MORE
Definitely do uphill training for this race! It was more than I expected. However this race was very organized and well planned. It was cold at the start but accommodations were made for runners to keep them warm with fire-pits and gas lit stations. Hot chocolate, coffee and bananas were served. The drop off location was well run and the lines kept moving. Overall I would do this race again! Love Vacation Races!!
AMAZING race
I LOVED this race!! The entire experience, my first with Vacation Races, was amazing. From signing up to the finish line, it was easy and so well executed. The scenery … MORE
I LOVED this race!! The entire experience, my first with Vacation Races, was amazing. From signing up to the finish line, it was easy and so well executed. The scenery was unbelievable and the weather was perfect. Highly recommend this to anyone thinking of doing it!!
Loved, Loved, LOVED this race
I’ve never run a half before, so I can’t say objectively how hard the course was. Before this, 10 miles was my longest run. The scenery was breathtaking. I smiled … MORE
I’ve never run a half before, so I can’t say objectively how hard the course was. Before this, 10 miles was my longest run. The scenery was breathtaking. I smiled the whole way. It went by quickly (except those last three miles) because I was just looking around, taking it all in. The medal is badass and I wore it all day. I love it. It was a little tough being there so long before we started bc it was cold, but other than that is was all flawless. I really hope to run another Vacation Race. Well done by all involved
A scenic introduction for my first HM!
Incredible scenery joins you on a well marked path all the way up to the entrance of Zion national park. This was my inaugural half marathon as I've always been … MORE
Incredible scenery joins you on a well marked path all the way up to the entrance of Zion national park. This was my inaugural half marathon as I’ve always been a short distance runner and the impeccable event organization, friendly staff and volunteers made it easy on the nerves. Allowing a stress free run winding through giant navajo sandstone cliffs. Vacation Races also do a commendable job with their eco efforts keeping waste down to a minimum, handling their responsibilities to keep such a special area pristine.
I would recommend this run to anyone looking to log some races and see an amazing place in one go. My family enjoyed activities before and after the event. Make sure to bring plenty of clothing options as the weather can change frequently.
This will be your favorite race
Vacation Races knows how to host a race, it's fun and Zion is a spectacular venue. This is a do not miss event, I've attended several times and highly recommend … MORE
Vacation Races knows how to host a race, it’s fun and Zion is a spectacular venue. This is a do not miss event, I’ve attended several times and highly recommend it.
Number 6 is in the Books
While my time is not what I would have liked, this race NEVER disappoints! Vacation Races always puts on a tremendous race and the scenery at Zion can't be beat! … MORE
While my time is not what I would have liked, this race NEVER disappoints! Vacation Races always puts on a tremendous race and the scenery at Zion can’t be beat! Grab a friend, put in some miles, and make the Zion Half a priority!
Beautiful, well-organized race
This was my first Vacation Race, and I will definitely be running with them again! The race was very well-organized and I appreciate the amount of detail and communication that … MORE
This was my first Vacation Race, and I will definitely be running with them again! The race was very well-organized and I appreciate the amount of detail and communication that the team put out. On race day, we were blessed with sunny, cool weather and it was perfect running temperature. The views of the mountains were breathtaking and the course was scenic and peaceful. I liked that there was a good amount of people so there was still great energy and you didn’t feel alone, but it wasn’t overly crowded. The course was hillier than I thought it would be, and I was definitely not prepared for it. We stayed at the Fairfield Inn right at the start of the race, and I really enjoyed not having to wake up super early. I was worried about the shuttling system, but the whole process was so smooth and we barely had to wait to get back to the hotel. All in all, I agree with the many reviews that rave about this race and the Vacation Races organization!
Beautiful Run!
The run was absolutely beautiful! You are able to see amazing views while you run. The run is along a busy highway. They do a great job of making it … MORE
The run was absolutely beautiful! You are able to see amazing views while you run. The run is along a busy highway. They do a great job of making it safe for all runners. I definitely will be back!
Awesome scenic race
Vacation races always puts on an extremely well run race. I love their destinations! Every year my friends pick a new location to explore and run with vacation races! Highly … MORE
Vacation races always puts on an extremely well run race. I love their destinations! Every year my friends pick a new location to explore and run with vacation races! Highly recommend
Great race, beautiful scenery
This is a must do race. Beautiful views of the mountains. I placed 3rd in my age group which I didn’t expect as the course is challenging. I met lots … MORE
This is a must do race. Beautiful views of the mountains. I placed 3rd in my age group which I didn’t expect as the course is challenging. I met lots of nice runners and the race was very well run with logistics covered. The medals are awesome!
This race cured my plantar facilitis
This was an absolutely incredible race. Amazing views, fantastic weather, and it was relatively easy to do, as I did absolutely 0 training beforehand. I'm a bit sore at the … MORE
This was an absolutely incredible race. Amazing views, fantastic weather, and it was relatively easy to do, as I did absolutely 0 training beforehand. I’m a bit sore at the moment, but it was easy to do the first 8 miles or so non-stop before the blisters started forming. 10/10 would do again, and recommend to anyone else wanting to do so too.
This was a nice paved race.
This was a nice race. It was a little cold, and I wasn’t a fan of having to stand out in it for 2 hours waiting on the race due … MORE
This was a nice race. It was a little cold, and I wasn’t a fan of having to stand out in it for 2 hours waiting on the race due to having to take a shuttle. The hot chocolate and coffee was a nice touch as was the raffle.
The perfect location for a March Half!
The course is breathtakingly beautiful with each mile! Race temps were ideal for running and it was the perfect time to visit Zion. Finishing outside of the park with the … MORE
The course is breathtakingly beautiful with each mile! Race temps were ideal for running and it was the perfect time to visit Zion. Finishing outside of the park with the red cliffs in the distance makes the perfect end of race backdrop. Vacation Races are always well organized, and Zion Half was no exception. I registered about a year ago for this race and was sent many updates along the way. VR’s recommendation to stay in Springdale was perfect. I stayed at the Cable Mountain Lodge where the race finished and thought it was the perfect location for packet pickup and the finish line. Shuttle buses ran very smoothly, and VR employees and volunteers brought a great energy despite the chilly, dark start. Aid stations were placed appropriately throughout the course (and I love the sliced oranges) and the snack box at the finish was awesome. The course was scenic the entire 13.1 miles which helped pass the time, but I loved knowing it was a point-to-point course and that we were heading towards the park with each mile. I also enjoyed running through some of the small towns along the way. The course is not very technical, or actually very hilly. There are a few uphill portions but nothing unmanageable. Running on the side of the street sometimes meant we were running on a slight angle, but that is common in most road races. I think the swag is awesome and I always look forward to purchasing a new shirt or sweatshirt. The medal is beautiful and will be hung with the rest of my VR medals! This was a top-notch half marathon from start to finish.
Beautiful race course
VR did a great job with this race. The course and scenery were amazing! It was amazing to watch the sun come up and light up the red rocks. The … MORE
VR did a great job with this race. The course and scenery were amazing! It was amazing to watch the sun come up and light up the red rocks. The uphill course and wind made it challenging but I still enjoyed it immensely!