Man Against Horse Race 50 Mile, 25 Mile, & Half Marathon

Saturday, October 19, 2024 • Prescott, AZ

If you’re curious as to what the race name means, you’ll be surprised to know that it’s quite literally a race between man and horse. The 39th Man Against Horse Race is an annual tradition that was spurred by a bar bet made back in 1983 whereby participants compete to cross the finish line, whether in a 50mi, 25mi, or half marathon course, before the horse does.

Strenuous but flat, the half marathon portion of the Man Against Horse race is truly one for the books. Taking runners through Prescott, Arizona’s spectacular open landscapes, participants can expect to traverse through grazelands, rolling mountain backdrops, and wooded forests, and if you’re lucky, get to experience the most beautiful sunrise you’ve ever seen.

For those who might be fans of the hit television show “Yellstone”, this event will surely make you feel like an extra in the cast!

With a mix of trail, road, and mountainous terrain in the backlands of Arizona,, this course isn’t your typical half marathon course with notable street names and landmarks. Rather, it’s a daunting race against the clock (or in this case, the horse) mapped out only by coordinates.

One thing that’s certain, however, is that it’s a looping course that’ll bring all runners back to where they started; that’s if they meet the cut-off time…

With awards given to both the top horse and runner, along with secondary awards provided to the top 10, this race is truly a competition between Man (or woman) and horse.

Fitting to the race theme, all finishers will also be awarded with a finisher’s buckle (that’s right, a buckle… Not a medal). Finally, for those concerned about staying fueled, several aid stations can be expected throughout, stocked with your favorite snacks and beverages.

Race Weather & Climate

Prescott, Arizona, is nestled in the central part of the state, surrounded by picturesque landscapes. It’s approximately 100 miles north of Phoenix, the nearest major city.

By October 19 in Prescott, Arizona, autumn has settled in. Daytime temperatures average around 67°F (19°C), while nights become cooler, with lows around 37°F (3°C). Precipitation during October in Prescott typically remains minimal, usually less than 0.5 inches (1.3 cm), offering comfortable conditions for outdoor enthusiasts.

Man Against Horse Race Results

Man Against Horse Race 50 Mile, 25 Mile, & Half Marathon Race Results

Man Against Horse Course Map

See the race route map for the Man Against Horse Race 50 Mile course map here.
See the race route map for the Man Against Horse Race 25 Mile course map here.
See the race route map for the Man Against Horse Race half marathon course map here.

Starting Time

The half marathon run start time is 7:45 AM.
The half marathon ride start time is 9:00 AM.

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2024 Man Against Horse Race 50 Mile, 25 Mile, & Half Marathon, you can use the registration link here.