Rising red canyons and stunning rock formations provide the backdrop for Moab’s Arches Half Marathon (known as The Other Half through 2018), a loop half marathon run each fall in Moab, Utah. Organized for the first time in 2004 as a fall companion to the popular spring Canyonlands Half Marathon, the Arches Half Marathon has grown into a popular event in its own right, drawing more than 840 runners at its fall 2016 running.
Arches Half Marathon
October 4, 2025
Moab
Trail
Ready to sign up?
100-500
Some Hills
Mountain Views
High: 76°
/ Low: 41°
The race starts just outside of Moab in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, where Navajo sandstone domes and natural fins can be seen through much of the course. The course is run entirely on slickrock and sandwashes, a departure from the road course up to 2020.
Starting at an elevation of 5300 ft, the course takes runners on a loop along the Behind the Rocks Trail, where they’ll be surrounded by gorgeous views of the surrounding terrain, including prominent landmarks like the rock fins and the La Sal Mountains.
After the race, take a sunset drive through the nearby Arches National Park to experience breathtaking views of the natural sandstone arches and unusual rock formations. A one-mile uphill hike is worth the effort to get an up-close look at one of Utah’s most famous icons, the spectacular Delicate Arch.
The spectacular scenery here may look familiar to movie buffs — the area is a favorite of Hollywood, as Mission Impossible, Austin Powers, and Breakdown are just a few of the movies that have used the backdrop through which the road version of the Arches Half Marathon was run.
Walkers may participate, as long as they can cross the finish line within the race’s 3 1/2 hour course time limit — after then, support on the course for participants will no longer be available.
Overview
Rising red canyons and stunning rock formations provide the backdrop for Moab’s Arches Half Marathon (known as The Other Half through 2018), a loop half marathon run each fall in Moab, Utah. Organized for the first time in 2004 as a fall companion to the popular spring Canyonlands Half Marathon, the Arches Half Marathon has grown into a popular event in its own right, drawing more than 840 runners at its fall 2016 running.
Course Description
The race starts just outside of Moab in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area, where Navajo sandstone domes and natural fins can be seen through much of the course. The course is run entirely on slickrock and sandwashes, a departure from the road course up to 2020.
Starting at an elevation of 5300 ft, the course takes runners on a loop along the Behind the Rocks Trail, where they’ll be surrounded by gorgeous views of the surrounding terrain, including prominent landmarks like the rock fins and the La Sal Mountains.
After the race, take a sunset drive through the nearby Arches National Park to experience breathtaking views of the natural sandstone arches and unusual rock formations. A one-mile uphill hike is worth the effort to get an up-close look at one of Utah’s most famous icons, the spectacular Delicate Arch.
The spectacular scenery here may look familiar to movie buffs — the area is a favorite of Hollywood, as Mission Impossible, Austin Powers, and Breakdown are just a few of the movies that have used the backdrop through which the road version of the Arches Half Marathon was run.
Walkers may participate, as long as they can cross the finish line within the race’s 3 1/2 hour course time limit — after then, support on the course for participants will no longer be available.
