Overall Rating
Overall Rating (60 Reviews)
4.7
(60 Ratings) 🏆 (60 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3.9
SCENERY
4.8
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
4.1
The Zion Ultras & trail half marathon offers a challenging, scenic run through the Southern Utah desert, adjacent to Zion National Park. We offer four distances- a half marathon, 50K, 100K, and a 100-miler. All event distances will start on Saturday. The 100-mile course starts out running east along SR-9 … MORE
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H (°F)  68  55  77  61  63
L (°F)  47  20  43  33  28
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Recent reviews

    This race really challenged me! It’s my 7th half marathon but first trail run. I live in Kansas so training for trail running is a bit difficult. But I finished! … MORE

    This race really challenged me! It’s my 7th half marathon but first trail run. I live in Kansas so training for trail running is a bit difficult. But I finished! Running through Gooseberry Mesa was incredible; stopped to take some pictures. It’s just gorgeous. Highly recommend this race to challenge yourself!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    This race gave you a tons of beautiful scenery, all along the course. The organisation is awesome, like you are the part of a big family. It was a really … MORE

    This race gave you a tons of beautiful scenery, all along the course. The organisation is awesome, like you are the part of a big family. It was a really cool event. The difficulty of the course was really well balance and made it really accessible to any first timer.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    chadrobison FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was simply a well run race. Great swag and shirts, highly organized, great aid stations. This was my 3rd race with Vacation Races and they have all been great. … MORE

    This was simply a well run race. Great swag and shirts, highly organized, great aid stations. This was my 3rd race with Vacation Races and they have all been great. Will continue to do Vacation Races events.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Organization was seemless and the aid stations were stacked!! Beautiful medal or mug at the end (that was a bonus). The scenery running along the cliff edge was so serene … MORE

    Organization was seemless and the aid stations were stacked!! Beautiful medal or mug at the end (that was a bonus). The scenery running along the cliff edge was so serene and stunning. There were a few segments among the rolling rocks that you could say were challenging to navigate, looking for the pink markers or the white painted dots on the ground. However in my opinion having some challenges along navigation make it more fun.

    There was quite a bit of fire road running which to me was not that fun. It definitely made for a fast course however isn’t the most exciting thing to run. I enjoy the single track and being out there.

    Overall the race was a blast and I would definitely do the 50k again.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4
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    kristiannmelgar FIRST-TIMER '23

    I didn’t know what to expect for my first race ever and longer distance in a half marathon. I could have never imagined just how incredible the views and overall … MORE

    I didn’t know what to expect for my first race ever and longer distance in a half marathon. I could have never imagined just how incredible the views and overall experience would be! I’m hooked and looking forward to my next race and hope to be able to run in the 50k next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    cmjaime FIRST-TIMER '23

    Coming from (-56ft) below sea level, I registered for Zion 50k mostly to test my limits and the views. Unsure if I could finish at above 5,000ft of elevation. My … MORE

    Coming from (-56ft) below sea level, I registered for Zion 50k mostly to test my limits and the views. Unsure if I could finish at above 5,000ft of elevation. My goals: beat the Grim Reaper and just finish under cutoff time of 11 hrs. My longest run leading up to the race was 10 miles due to surgery just 6 weeks prior. Could I finish? Heck yeah I did, way ahead of grim reaper time with a few hours to spare before cutoff!! Yeah!! The course had runnable terrain and other areas that were not and I actually had to climb a little. Not to fret, still doable.
    Required to stay on course, follow the pink ribbons. Some areas had abundant ribbon markers and easy to follow but other areas did not and really should have been. We ended up close to a mile over 50k due to circling trying to find a ribbon or getting completely off course with other runners. (VR, please fix this)
    Overall, this was a must do race especially for first time 50k runners! I could totally do this one again!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    TFP-4 FIRST-TIMER '23

    What an incredible experience! Race was very well run, and nicely organized. Aid stations were very well stocked, and volunteers were all very kind and supportive. Views were absolutely amazing! … MORE

    What an incredible experience! Race was very well run, and nicely organized. Aid stations were very well stocked, and volunteers were all very kind and supportive. Views were absolutely amazing! Super fun course. Will definitely be back next year!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    HoldenDent FIRST-TIMER '23

    Make sure you pay attention to course markers and have the GPX downloaded to your watch. I missed a turn and thus missed an aid station at mile 17 and … MORE

    Make sure you pay attention to course markers and have the GPX downloaded to your watch. I missed a turn and thus missed an aid station at mile 17 and had to run back adding an extra 2.5 miles to my race.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    TimC REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Adjoining Zion National Park, this is a super-scenic race which includes a loop around Gooseberry Mesa with stunning views, as well as a variety of trail terrain ... but not … MORE

    Adjoining Zion National Park, this is a super-scenic race which includes a loop around Gooseberry Mesa with stunning views, as well as a variety of trail terrain … but not loose sand! I ran the 50k a few years ago with the start to the north; this course is a 5-mile dirt double-track start, and a loop around gnarly Grafton Mesa at the end. Amazing organization and volunteer crew too!
    Highly recommended!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    walkstrong FIRST-TIMER '23

    Overall, the entire race was well organized and fun to be involved in. I am looking forward to chasing down some longer-distance goals, ultimately building to a 100-mile completion. MORE

    Overall, the entire race was well organized and fun to be involved in. I am looking forward to chasing down some longer-distance goals, ultimately building to a 100-mile completion.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    mavsrunner FIRST-TIMER '23

    Most challenging and most scenic half marathon trail I’ve ever run, spanning two decades of long distance experiences. Can’t wait to repeat next year with family and friends. MORE

    Most challenging and most scenic half marathon trail I’ve ever run, spanning two decades of long distance experiences. Can’t wait to repeat next year with family and friends.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    cmaryannrun FIRST-TIMER '23

    The views were spectacular but navigating the course was a little more challenging than expected. Luckily I was always near enough runners to help us all find the pink ribbons … MORE

    The views were spectacular but navigating the course was a little more challenging than expected. Luckily I was always near enough runners to help us all find the pink ribbons to follow. However, I did hear of some runners getting lost and going off course by a couple miles. So you really need to pay attention to where you are going.

    It’s a hard race to be competitive because the rugged terrain is always slowing you down and makes it hard to get in a rhythm but that’s what trails running is all about… Expect the unexpected. I just decided to enjoy the views, take pictures and videos make new friends along the way and not worry about my time so much. It was a great experience and I would definitely recommend it to other trail runners.

    The race production was great. Amazing volunteers, well stocked aid stations, an incredible race announcer (who announces who you are when you cross the finish line) and just all around a well planned race. It should definitely be one on any runners bucket list. The finisher medal is very impressive and the expo had great items to buy.

    Don’t wait… Sign up today!!! 😀

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    shakallen REPEAT RUNNER '23

    The most beautiful sunrise on any course ever. Watching the sunrise over Zion National park is stunning. His race has some of everything. Dirt roads with views where you feel … MORE

    The most beautiful sunrise on any course ever. Watching the sunrise over Zion National park is stunning. His race has some of everything. Dirt roads with views where you feel like you can run forever. Single track dirt trails, running along the rim of a plateau, slick rock, uphill, downhill, you name it. The race expo was so fun. There was a s’mores station that my family loved. A coloring board to write your name, backdrops for photos. The race itself was ideal. Everything was well marked. Distances to next aid stations were written on boards. The volunteers and aid stations were top notch. One of my favorite parts of Vacation Races is how rejuvenated I feel after aid stations because of the high quality and caring volunteers. I’ve done every ultra that vacation races offers and I absolutely plan on running these events over and over. Highly recommend.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4
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    lauragez FIRST-TIMER '23

    Best race I have ever run. The most beautiful scenery. Fun race environment. Got me hooked on trail running! Looking forward to doing another one with vacation races :) MORE

    Best race I have ever run. The most beautiful scenery. Fun race environment. Got me hooked on trail running! Looking forward to doing another one with vacation races 🙂

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    THANK YOU VR for organizing a truly spectacular event! The Zion 💯 miles was everything I had envisioned: A hard-fought battle of epic proportions. It was indescribably beautiful, indescribably difficult … MORE

    THANK YOU VR for organizing a truly spectacular event! The Zion 💯 miles was everything I had envisioned: A hard-fought battle of epic proportions. It was indescribably beautiful, indescribably difficult & totally worth it!! 💖
    We saw the sun rising twice over this magnificent land and the most beautiful starry night sky that I have EVER seen! We ran happy. And, oh boy did we struggle too! But it’s in the struggles that you know that you’re in a well organized event, and when well-stocked aid stations, helpful volunteers, well marked & stunning course, and the amazing RaceJoy app can make a world of a difference!

    My friend Michelle & I call ourselves “The Ultra Reinas de Atlanta 😃” (Spanish for queens of ultra.) We are thrilled to be amongst the 25% participating females that started & finished the race. And are even more proud to be the 1st Bolivian and the 1st Colombian to participate & finish the Zion 💯Miles!! 🇺🇸 🇧🇴 🇨🇴💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️❤️❤️❤️

    So THANK YOU again VR for the adventure of a lifetime! 💗🏃🏻‍♀️🦄💯🤗

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    philcaballero FIRST-TIMER '23

    washboard dirt road from the highway to race start. 4x4 not needed but be aware your pretty car might get dusty and rattled. not much sun cover at start/finish. colder … MORE

    washboard dirt road from the highway to race start. 4×4 not needed but be aware your pretty car might get dusty and rattled. not much sun cover at start/finish. colder high on the mesas than down in the lower elevations.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    fergjm FIRST-TIMER '23

    This is a great race for someone who is trying to conquer a new distance or perform a PB. I was expecting to finish 1-2hrs slower than I did, lots … MORE

    This is a great race for someone who is trying to conquer a new distance or perform a PB. I was expecting to finish 1-2hrs slower than I did, lots of run able terrain. Get after it in the AM as the afternoon sun takes its toll.

    My only recommendation for the organization is to put up more flagging on the mesa’s and loops, accidentally ran an extra 3K during the race, and also almost turned incorrectly a couple other times

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    hlmaser FIRST-TIMER '23

    Poles are helpful, but not necessary, for climbing into and out of the mesa. Be prepared to climb on slick rock. Aid stations and volunteers are AMAZING. MORE

    Poles are helpful, but not necessary, for climbing into and out of the mesa.
    Be prepared to climb on slick rock.
    Aid stations and volunteers are AMAZING.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    HCoffman FIRST-TIMER '23

    I really enjoyed this race. The course, for the most part, was super fun though. a little easier than I anticipated. The only section that really tore me to bits … MORE

    I really enjoyed this race. The course, for the most part, was super fun though. a little easier than I anticipated. The only section that really tore me to bits was climbing the mesa back up to Gooseberry 3. As well, one thing I wasn’t a crazy huge fan of was how much walking the course nearly demanded (even for a 100 miler) but it did mean that I got to run HARD for the last 10 miles.

    The aid stations were top-notch: tons of sunscreen, ice I could put under my hat, and a variety of foods such that I could always find at least 1 thing that hit the spot. I had to rely on basically no gels because there was always great food to be had.

    Aside from the walking, I had three minor critiques of the race. The first is that it was sometimes hard to find ribbons occasionally, especially during the out-and-back from Guacamole. The second is that the send-off at the start was a little underwhelming; I’ve been at races where it’s incredibly hyped up but this was kind of just a “let’s go!”. Thirdly, I wish there were more photo stations — there were only 2 photo ops out there and they were basically in the same spot. We all love some photos!

    Regardless, V.R. is an awesome company and put on a great race. The scenery out there is unbelievable and I would so highly recommend this race to anyone who asked. Oh, and the buckle you get too is pretty cool: it contains dried plant matter from the region and looks super unique!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    joe.carman REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Course markings were ok on roads and normal trails, but lacking on all mesas, especially the first. We had to consolidate into groups to try and find markers and it … MORE

    Course markings were ok on roads and normal trails, but lacking on all mesas, especially the first. We had to consolidate into groups to try and find markers and it really slowed us down and took away from enjoying the view. Top notch aid stations, great culture, professionally run, but the markings on the mesas really took away from the experience.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3

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  1. Races
  2. Zion Ultras & Trail Half