Grand Canyon Half Marathon
Enjoy a trail race for all skill levels through the majestic Kaibab National Forest just outside the North entrance to Grand Canyon National Park! Spend the rest of the weekend making new memories at the Grand Canyon.
Quick Info
Race Details
Date: Saturday June 15, 2019
Location: Big Saddle, Kaibab Plateau, AZ
Start Time: 9:00am –1:00 pm*
Weather: 35 – 82°F
Course Type: Loop
Stroller friendly? No
Disability friendly? No
Dogs allowed? No
Expo
Friday June 14, 2019, from 1-6pm
Jacob Hamblin Park - Kanab, UT
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended. Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $109 Dec. 7 – Jan. 20
Regular: $134 Jan. 21 – Apr. 21
Late: $159 Apr. 22 – Race Expo
Refund Policy
Refunds available during:
*Early Registration: yes (no fee)
*Regular Registration: yes ($10 fee). *Late Registration: NO
Deferral, Race Transfer, and Bib Transfer available during all registration periods ($20 fee).
Travel & Other Info
Fly Into
Las Vegas (LAS) - 3 hr. 16 min.
Flagstaff (FLG) - 3 hr. 25 min.
Driving Directions: Expo in Kanab, UT
Directions to Race Start
Lodging
We recommend looking for lodging in Kanab. A few other options are Jacob Lake, Fredonia, or opting to camp.
Other Race Details
Race Guide
The race guide has the answers to all your questions leading up to the race. Read it today!
*TIME ZONE NOTE: The expo takes place in Utah. However, the race takes place in Arizona. These states are in two different time zones. All times listed for the event are based on Utah time (MDT). We recommend manually setting the time on your cell phones, vehicle clocks, etc. to maintain the correct time throughout the event. Click for directions on how to manually change the time on your phone.
The Course
To celebrate the 100 year Anniversary, runners will get a unique opportunity to see canyon views from the north rim! The course takes runners through the forest before revealing breathtaking views of Crazy Jug Point, and Monument Point! A good majority of this course will run on fire service roads (double track dirt roads) within the North Kaibab National Forest. The terrain is runnable, but please note that this is a trail run and runners will either be running on dirt roads, or semi-rocky trails. It's a beautifully brutal course with some breathtaking views of the Grand Canyon!
Race Package
Registration Periods
Early: Dec. 7 – Jan. 20
Regular: Jan. 21 – Apr. 21Late: Apr. 22 – Race Expo
*There is a limited number of entries to each race, and this event may sell out. If the event is sold out, registration will close regardless of registration period.
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
Traveling to the Grand Canyon
Where to Stay
We recommend looking for lodging in Kanab, UT. There are plenty of lodging and restaurant options, and it's the same city where the expo will take place. If you are planning to go to the park after the race, the North Rim Jacob Lake has some places to stay, or you can look at options within the National Park.
Please Note: The race location is very remote. Please plan accordingly with the time it will take to travel regardless of where you are staying. Please keep in mind this race takes place on the North Rim side of the Grand Canyon, not Tusayan (South Rim) where the Grand Canyon Half Marathon used to take place.
Where to Fly
If you're flying to the area keep in mind you will still have a drive ahead of you. We recommend first looking to fly in to Las Vegas (LAS) or Flagstaff (FLG). The St. George Airport (SGU) will be closed during race weekend.
Driving to the Race
Self-Drive: The drive from Kanab to the race start (at Big Saddle Point) will take about 2 hrs. 20 minutes on forest service roads. The roads will accommodate all vehicle types. Driving directions.
Shuttle: We will also have a limited shuttle option to take runners to the race and back to Kanab after the race, if they choose. The shuttle passes are $40. Runners taking a shuttle will need to be loaded by 6:00 am at the Jacob Hamblin Park. Shuttles will return to Kanab after the race once they fill up.
Heads Up!
If you are traveling on I-15 going through the Virgin River Gorge (south of St. George, UT) please note that you may have major delays and possible rerouting. Any vehicles over 10 feet wide will be required to reroute via US 93. You can learn more about this construction project and the detour here. Whether you plan to take the detour or make your way through the gorge, be sure to give yourself extra time to get to the event.
Race Day
The race takes place in a remote area called Big Saddle Point in the Kaibab National Forest. You may either drive your own vehicle to the race or catch a shuttle from Kanab (where the expo will take place). Either way, it's a drive that will take close to 2.5 hours. If you are driving, please leave early for the race as it may take awhile to park all of the cars at the start line area. We recommend departing by 6:15 am to be parked in time for the race. Here's a tentative schedule of events:
5:30 am - Parking lot in Kanab opens
6:00 am – Runners taking the shuttle to start must be loaded
6:30 am – Shuttles depart for start line
7:30 am – First prize raffle (every 5 minutes)
8:30 am – Last call for bib pickup / Pacers line up
8:45 am – Runners line up / Last call for gear check
8:55 am – National Anthem
9:00 am – RACE STARTS!
11:45 am – Awards Ceremony
Race finishers will receive a finisher medal, a food box (filled with snacks), a banana, and a chocolate milk. We welcome runners and spectators to gather at the finish line to take pictures, hang out and make friends for a while, and then we encourage you to go explore Grand Canyon National Park!
>TIME ZONE NOTE: The expo takes place in Utah. However, the race takes place in Arizona. These states are in two different time zones. All times listed for the event are based on Utah time (MDT). We recommend manually setting the time on your cell phones, vehicle clocks, etc. to maintain the correct time throughout the event. Click for directions on how to do this on your phone.
