Shiprock Marathon, Half Marathon & Relays

Saturday, May 4, 2024 • Shiprock, NM • Course Map

Spectacular scenery of the variety seen in car commercials and movies from “Thelma & Louise” to “Rain Man” is what runners experience along the point-to-point course of the Shiprock Marathon & Half Marathon, named for the 1,800-ft. volcanic rock formation by the same name that is visible for most of the race.

The half-marathon portion of the event begins at the half-way point of the full marathon, in the shadow of the actual Shiprock, on Route 13 and follows the full course to the finish line just off Highway 491.

(Note: The race is a two-day event; the half marathon, full marathon and marathon relays take place on Saturday, while the 10K and 5K runs take place on Friday.)

Thanks to its simple and mostly flat course, the half marathon offers views throughout the race of New Mexico’s vast, wide open spaces, its rock and earth formations that feature nearly every shade of red and orange, and the experience of running along stretches of highway that seem to last forever.

The course is paved throughout, and features some long, gradual inclines and declines — the second half of the 13.1-mile half marathon features a steady, gentle downhill grade.

More than 900 runners crossed the finish line in all races combined in 2016 — including just over 680 finishers in the individual half marathon alone — a total that also included many native American Navajos, as this is the only marathon race event that takes place in the Navajo nation.

There’s also plenty to see after the run, while you’re in town for the race, including the Four Corners Monument (where Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico meet) and the Canyon de Chelly National Monument just over the border in Arizona.

Race Weather & Climate

Located in New Mexico’s northwestern corner about 20 miles from the “four corners,” the town of Shiprock sees highly variable weather year-round, though weather in the spring can be quite mild and warm. May has brought record temperatures here as low as 15 degrees (in 1967) and as high as 102 degrees (in 2000).

May 4 average low temp: 45ºF
May 4 average high temp: 72ºF

Past Results

Course Map

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

Starting Time

6:45 AM – full marathon
7:30 AM – half marathon

Fees

$60 and up – half marathon
$80 and up – full marathon

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2024 running of the Shiprock Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay or 10K race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

www.shiprockmarathon.com

Comments

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

See more races in: May, New Mexico

1 comment… add one

Lymer Nez May 6, 2019, 9:55 am

Like to run marathons

Reply