Death Valley Trail Marathon & Half Marathon

Saturday, December 2, 2023 • Death Valley, CA • Course Map

Held deep within California’s Death Valley National Park and limited to just 250 entrants, the Death Valley Trail Half Marathon is a race that sells out well in advance of the day of the race, which takes place in winter so that runners can expect both gorgeous views and temperatures comfortable enough for running.

Runners should be aware that Mother Nature has forced the run to occur outside of the park five times in the 26 years it has been offered and has been cancelled once — so caveat emptor.

Runners looking for a challenge will enjoy this out-and-back course that climbs over 2,00o feet in elevation. Once runners reach the midway point, they will enjoy a fast downhill finish all the way back.

The course begins at 200 feet above sea level, along North Highway and Titus Canyon Road. Racers will take Titus Canyon Road for 6.55 miles and turn around at the aid station.

The course is held on the same road so there are no potential ways to get lost and no turns to lose time on. However, the turnaround point is at 2,500 feet so there is not a high likelihood for runners to PR on this course.

Aid stations are located at the 3rd mile marker and at the turnaround point and will be stocked with various types of hydration and fuel. Runners are highly encouraged to carry water despite the availability of the aid stations.

All finishers will receive a medal upon completing their race. The top overall male and female winners will receive a rubber chicken. The first place winners in each age group will receive a personalized award plaque. Second and third in each age group will receive personalized ribbons.

Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash

Race Weather & Climate

Death Valley has a subtropical — and in the summer, very hot — desert climate. Earth’s hottest temperature on record occurred here back in 1913, when the mercury hit 134°F. However, December temperatures are much more pleasant, with average highs in the 50s and average lows in the 30s.

On race day (Dec. 2), the average low is 40ºF and the average high is 67ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Death Valley Trail Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

8:00 AM

Course Time Limit

6 hours

Fees

$250 and up

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Death Valley Trail Marathon or Half Marathon race, register online at RaceRoster.com here.

Official Race Website

raceroster.com

Comments

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

See more races in: December, California

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