Saturday, September 28, 2019 • Huntington, UT • Course Map
The only running event that takes participants through the Wedge Overlook area of eastern Utah’s San Rafael Swell, also known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” this race offers up some of the southwest’s most pristine natural beauty, including Utah’s majestic towering red rocks, which tell the geological timetable as you run through the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
There are actual dinosaur footprints on the side of the road along the race route, and during the race runners also will make their way past one of the largest Native American pictograph panels found anywhere in Utah, also known as the Buckhorn Panel.
Due to its exclusive location and the multiple paleontological and archeological vistas (and the fact that the San Rafael Swell is considered one of the world’s great hidden treasures), this is the only run of its kind — and it’s most definitely for the runner that enjoys the tranquility and beauty of running in an outback-like environment.
For runners looking to qualify for other races, all three race distances are run on USATF (USA Track & Field) certified courses. A few hundred runners cross the finish line in all three races combined each year, including just over 100 runners in the half marathon alone.
Primarily a flat and downhill race (for the half marathon) with only gently rolling hills, the 13.1-mile race starts on Buckhorn Draw Road at an elevation of 5,650 feet above sea level and descends over the course of the race to an elevation of 5,100 feet, so it will not put unnecessary strain on the joints.
There is only one access road through the canyon, but it is fairly compacted so there will be little if any loose gravel on the road.
By Jared Haddock
Race Weather & Climate
Located in eastern Utah, about a 2 1/2-hour drive southeast from Salt Lake City and within a short drive of the nearby Cedar Mountain Recreation Area, Huntington typically sees dry, warm weather in September, which has brought record temperatures here as low as 22°F (in 1978) and as high as 97°F (in 2000).
- Sept. 28 average low temp: 39ºF
- Sept. 28 average high temp: 74ºF
Course Map
See the race route map for the Little Grand Canyon Half Marathon here.
Course Time Limit
7 hours
Fees
- $60 and up for the half marathon
- $75 and up for the full marathon
- $45 and up for the 10K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2019 running of Huntington’s Little Grand Canyon Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K race, register online at RaceEntry.com here.
Official Race Website
scenicrunningutah.com/little-grand-canyon
Facebook Conversations
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