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 to Camino Del Rio. At Camino Del Rio we will turn south and head toward Gooseberry Mesa. About 4 miles in you will hit the first big climb of the race. The Climb up to Goosebump Aid is a scramble up a 1,500 ft ascent on steep and rocky terrain. After reaching the top of the hill, you will come to your first Aid Station (mile 5.2). You will then continue on to the Grafton Aid Station. This section is a double track dirt road, and a good opportunity to pick up the pace after climbing up onto the mesa.
After coming to Grafton Aid Station (mile 11.4) you will continue on double track to Wire Mesa Aid Station (mile 13.3). This is a fun, technical singletrack loop which runs counterclockwise around the mesa offering amazing vistas of Zion National Park. The loop is roughly 7 miles before returning to Wire Mesa Aid Station (mile 20.8). Runners will head back to Grafton Aid Station (mile 22.7). You will then run counter-clockwise along Grafton Mesa. This loop has some nice non-official single track. There are a lot of intersecting trails along this section. The course will be marked heavily with pink ribbons to make sure the course is clear. After running about 5 miles on Grafton Mesa, you will come back to the Grafton Aid Station (mile 28.2).
Runners will head back along the double track to Goosebump Aid Station (mile 34.4). You will then run counter-clockwise along the Gooseberry Mesa Trail. Gooseberry Mesa is a world class trail. It’s one of the best technical trails anywhere with rolling slickrock, twisty single track, and vistas to die for. The trail will be marked with pink ribbons. Note that sections of this trail may also have markings of white dots painted on the slickrock. These white dots are markings for mountain bikers. Even though some of our course coincides with the mountain biking trails DO NOT FOLLOW THE WHITE DOTS. Our course will veer on and off the mountain biking trails- just make sure to follow the pink ribbons. There will be an aid station set up around 8 miles into the Gooseberry loop (mile 42). From this aid station back to Goosebump Aid (mile 45.7) you will experience mostly slickrock.
From Goosebump Aid you will drop down off the mesa. This is the same steep/rocky trail you used to climb up on the mesa. You will follow some double track out to the Virgin Desert Aid Station (mile 53.8). You will then run a clockwise loop through the desert. This is a great trail when you just want to go fast and easy. It has it all; great views, easy climbing, and a fast flowy downhill.
The next aid station overlooks the Virgin Dam (mile 62.5). From here you will continue on the single track to Sheep Bridge Rd. We will have a water station set up there before heading up toward Smith Mesa Aid Station.
Runners will cross under the highway through a drainage culvert. Next is a steep climb up Mesa Road onto Smith Mesa and the aid station (mile 70.7). Runners will do a loop at the top and descend from Smith Mesa via the Flying Monkey Trail before heading east towards the Virgin BMX Aid Station (mile 79.9). After this aid station, runners will encounter a small stream crossing. If you cross it in the right place, your feet should stay dry…or you might welcome the water relief at this point. You will climb one more hill on single track until you hit the dirt road.
Runners will head up the dirt road 4 miles to the top of another mesa where the Guacamole Trail begins. Guacamole Aid (mile 85.7) is near the beginning of the 7.5 mile loop that you’ll pass through on your way out and back before heading back down the road. You will then climb back up the steep single track back towards the Virgin BMX Aid Station (mile 98.3).
From this aid station, the course heads west on dirt single track until connecting onto some paved roads. You will only be on this section of pavement before jumping off onto another single track trail that will take you west tying into the last section of pavement that will bring you back down to SR-9. Please cross the highway with extreme caution. The finish line is at the Virgin City Park about a block south of the highway crossing.
The 100K route follows the 100 mile route until the second pass through the Goosebump aid station at mile 47.
From here, the 100K drops off of Gooseberry Mesa and heads west, passing through the Virgin Dam Aid station before traversing the desert to the finish line.
The 50K route begins by heading straight towards and then up onto Gooseberry Mesa, then does the 12 mile loop on top. After dropping back off the mesa, the trail heads west to the Virgin Dam aid station and then to the finish.
The Half Marathon is a scenic and very runnable route runs the first mile through the town of Virgin before getting on a double track that runs through the desert along the rim of the Virgin River. The first aid station is at mile 3.7 and the second is at mile 8.8 at the busy Virgin Desert Aid Station. The route then follows the single track of the JEM Trail for the next 3 miles, then onto Sheep Bridge Rd. for a half mile. You will then run east, parallel to SR-9 on a 4 wheeler trail for the next 1.5 miles along a busy highway. There is a large shoulder next to road. Please stay as far away from the highway as possible until finishing at Virgin City Park. Although this is a fast course, be aware that it is over a mile longer than half marathon.
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Beautiful backdrop but challenging!
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!
Just wow!
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.
Awesome Race
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.
Fast fun course with some epic scenery!
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.
What an Amazing Experience!!
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!
A must race, will do again
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!!
Stunningly beautiful, and fun course!
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!
Great first ultra!
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.
Too good to miss !!
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!
VR races are worth the trip
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.
Wow! The scenery can’t be beat.
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.
Challenging but worth the views
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!!! 😀
Glorious!
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.
Beautiful surroundings, amazing race!
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 🙂
Totally EPIC!!
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! 💗🏃🏻♀️🦄💯🤗
awesome event. awesome views.
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.
Views for days!
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
A breathtaking 100k race
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.
A Fun Challenge
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!
Great Culture & Aid Stations... but...
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.