Monument Marathon & Half Marathon

September 28, 2024

Scottsbluff

Trail

Distances

Marathon, Half-Marathon

Starting Time

7:30 AM

Fees

$65+

Perfect For

Ready to sign up?

100-500

Fast & Flat

Park Run

High: 72°

/ Low: 38°

Known for its namesake bluff that towers some 800 feet over the North Platte River below, this national monument commemorates the area used by fur traders and expedition parties going all the way back to the early 1800s, where they served as a guide to travelers approaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the west.

This small race — just shy of 500 runners crossed the finish line in all three races combined last year — is known for the stark beauty of the park, in which those running the half marathon will spend most of their miles.

Runners begin just outside the park at the Robidoux RV Park just off Five Rocks Road, and from there they’ll head north and west along Old Highway 92 until they reach the entrance to the park. After that, they’ll spend the next several miles running through the heart of Scotts Bluff or alongside the edge of the park, taking in ample views of the towering rock formations scattered throughout. Organizers say to expect both paved roads and wide dirt trails, especially in the early miles of the half marathon, which unfold through Mitchell Pass and run right past Scotts Bluff, “where the pioneers [along the Oregon Trail] crossed with wagons and handcarts.” The courses will remain open for 6 hours, organizers add, so walkers are welcome — if you can keep a pace of about 13.5 minutes per mile, you should complete the course within the time limit, they add.

Monument Marathon & Half Marathon Results

Overview

Set for its 12th annual running through this gorgeous, rocky landscape that is home to historic stretches of the Oregon Trail and the Mormon Trail, the Platte Valley Companies Monument Marathon features a 13.1-miler and 5-kilometer race in addition to its flagship 26.2-miler, all of which take runners through the 3,000-acre Scotts Bluff National Monument. Known for its namesake bluff that towers some 800 feet over the North Platte River below, this national monument commemorates the area used by fur traders and expedition parties going all the way back to the early 1800s, where they served as a guide to travelers approaching the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the west. This small race — just shy of 500 runners crossed the finish line in all three races combined last year — is known for the stark beauty of the park, in which those running the half marathon will spend most of their miles.

Course Description

Past Results

Monument Marathon & Half Marathon Results