Canyonlands Half Marathon

Saturday, March 16, 2024 • Moab, UT • Course Map

Runners get the chance to run in the shadow of the majestic red rock formations of Utah’s Arches National Park at the Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run, which will celebrate its 47th annual running as winter is giving way to spring.

Related Race: The Salt Lake City Marathon & Half Marathon on April 22, 2023

Now one of the Moab area’s most popular outdoor athletic events, the race has seen its field of runners grow from just 22 (including a dog) at its first running to more than 2,700 finishers in the half marathon and 5-mile races combined in 2015, thanks in large part to the stunning red rock scenery that lines the course.

Set at a moderate elevation of about 4,000 ft., the half is run on a USATF-certified and sanctioned course that offers a challenging mix of rolling hills and fast descents.

Beginning approximately 11 miles up Highway 128 outside of Moab, the first mile of the race goes east of the start line before following the paved highway road as it winds through the beautiful red rock canyons carved by the Colorado River.

Two miles from the finish, the road exits the red-walled canyon and continues on Highway 191 and through the streets of Moab to the finish line in Lions Park, where refreshments, live music, and post-race massages await the finishers. Participation is limited to the first 5,000 entries for the half marathon and accompanying 5-miler.

While a lottery has been used in the past to allot spaces in the half marathon, organizers note, there will be no lottery for this year’s race — all spots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so runners thinking of signing up for this race are strongly encouraged to register as early as possible.

Runners gather at the starting line of the 2011 Canyonlands Half Marathon near Moab, Utah. (Photo by Karah Levely-Rinaldi/flickr)

Runners gather at the starting line of the 2011 Canyonlands Half Marathon near Moab, Utah. (Photo by Karah Levely-Rinaldi/flickr)

Race Weather & Climate

Located just miles from Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah, roughly 230 miles southeast of Salt Lake City, Moab typically sees March temperatures that average between 35°F and 63°F, while rainfall is usually scarce year-round, averaging just under an inch for the month.

On the day of the race (March 16), the average low is 36°F and the average high is 65°F.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Canyonlands Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

  • 8:15 AM – half marathon
  • 8:35 AM – 5-mile run

Fees

  • $115 and up for the half marathon
  • $85 and up for the 5-miler
  • $65 and up for the virtual half marathon
  • prices subject to increase as race day approaches

Registration

To reserve your spot in the spring 2024 running of Moab’s Canyonlands Half Marathon or 5-Mile race, register online at UltraSignup.com here.

Official Race Website

madmooseevents.com/canyonlands-half-marathon

Comments

Ever run in the Canyonlands Half Marathon? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: March, Utah

10 comments… add one
  • Amelia Bahe March 3, 2020, 1:37 pm

    is there any discount for this race like military or government employee?

    Reply
  • Sue Justesen March 13, 2018, 2:20 pm

    Can someone contact me from Moab Half staff, please??

    THanks, Sue Justesen

    Reply
  • Cherise Glauser November 16, 2017, 12:40 pm

    I am trying to register but the price is incorrect. Your site states:

    $85 for the half marathon, if registered by November 30, 2017
    $95 from December 1 – January 31, 2018

    The website to register is charging $95 and it’s 11/16/17

    Reply
  • Stella Blight November 15, 2017, 7:47 pm

    when is the other half marathon in canyonlands in 2018?

    Reply
  • Eva Reimer November 15, 2017, 4:15 pm

    Hi there,
    My hub is thinking of doing March 17 Moab 1/2 marathon, We will have a new baby (6 week old by then). What are the cancellation details/ refund policy?

    Thanks
    Eva, Jeff and Baby

    Reply
  • Stella Mahoney November 15, 2017, 9:21 am

    To whom it may concern:

    Above, it notes that the cost of the 1/2 is $85 if you are signed up before 11/30/17 and directs you to the registration site. However, when I go to that site: https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=48817 – it notes that the price is $95 and will go up to $105 after 12/31/17. Please let me know how to register at the price listed above.
    Fees
    $85 for the half marathon, if registered by November 30, 2017
    $95 from December 1 – January 31, 2018
    $105 from February 1 – March 15
    $115 at packet pickup, if not sold out

    Thank you for your time.

    Sincerely,

    Stella K. Mahoney

    Reply
    • Marie November 15, 2018, 11:55 am

      The date is 2017 its 2018

      Reply
  • Duncan jakes November 29, 2015, 10:44 am

    Also, the race borders Arches National Park. It’s not relatively close to Canyonlands National Park – even though name suggests it.

    Reply
  • Estie September 22, 2015, 1:43 pm

    Hi, you guys have conflicting dates showing. FYI. Moab’s Half Marathon page shows the Canyonlands Half Marathon taking place on 3/12…not 3/21.

    Reply

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