Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run

Runners get the chance to run in the shadow of the majestic red rock formations of Utah's Arches National Park at the Canyonlands Half Marathon & 5-Mile Run. Now one of the Moab area's most popular outdoor athletic events, the race has seen its field of runners grow from just 21 at its first running to more than 4,400 runners in 2007, thanks in large part to the stunning red rock scenery that lines the course. Set at a moderate elevation of about 4000 ft., the half is run on a USATF certified and sanctioned course that offers a challenging mix of rolling hills and fast descents. Beginning approximately 11 miles up Highway 128 outside of Moab, the first 11 miles of the race follow the paved highway road as it winds through the beautiful red rock canyons carved by the Colorado River. Two miles from the finish, the road exits the red-walled canyon and continues on Highway 191 and through the streets of Moab to the finish line in City Park, where refreshments, live music, and post-race massages await the finishers. Participation is limited to the first 4000 entries for the half marathon and accompanying five miler, with a lottery in December determining the lucky ones.