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Reasons to run
JOSHUA TREE
There’s nothing quite like watching the Mojave flip from sunset gold to deep desert blue. Joshua Tree silhouettes sharpen, the air cools, and the sky fills with stars that feel close enough to touch. It’s the kind of night that makes the whole world feel bigger and quieter at the same time.
The desert fades into shadow, your headlamp becomes a small halo, and the night sky becomes the main event. Running here is an experience that feels both intimate and vast — a place made for after-dark adventure.
*At least one personal light option is mandatory for all runners. This can include headlamps, chest lamps, waist lamps, or hand torches. Relying on a phone light is NOT sufficient. Remember extra batteries!
Unforgettable
Night Race Experience
Stargazing
Adventure
Exclusive Joshua Tree
2026 Medal
Great Food
& Fun at the Finish Line
Legendary
Desert Scenery
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HALF MARATHON
6:00 PM (PST)
Sandy Trail Loop
4.5 HRS (20 Min/Mile)
772 ft
5 Aid Stations
The Joshua Tree Half Marathon offers a uniquely beautiful but challenging nighttime run through the Mojave Desert near Copper Mountain. While not traditionally scenic, the course features stunning desert landscapes, star-filled skies, and Joshua trees. Runners will navigate mostly dirt roads and trails with varying terrain, including loose and deep sand that can make footing difficult.
Because the race takes place at night, participants must bring a headlamp or light and wear reflective gear for safety. The course is well-marked, but runners are responsible for staying alert, following directions, keeping left with traffic, and remaining on course to avoid disqualification. Though fully runnable, the demanding conditions make it unsuitable for strollers and require preparation for a tough but rewarding experience.
2027
MEDAL & TEE
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What to
EXPECT
Event Schedule
12:00 PM - Race Expo & Bib Pickup open to all runners
3:00 PM - Margarita truck opens
4:45 PM - Start line prize raffle and “Show Your Glow” costume contest raffle
5:00 PM - All cars parked for start
5:00 PM - Race Expo closes & last call for Bib Pickup!
5:30 PM - Pacers line up
5:45 PM - Runners line up & gear check last call
5:55 PM - National anthem
6:00 PM - RACE STARTS! Waves will start every few minutes
8:45 PM - Awards ceremony
10:30 PM - Course closes
Due to the nature of this course, a headlamp is required for all runners!
Don’t forget your headlamp, add one when you register and pick it up at the expo.
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Hear it from our
vacation racers
Stories from runners at past Half Marathon events
"This night race was my first ever and doing it outside of Joshua Tree National Park was amazing! Always love the people who coordinate it, the swag, the medals (ok, really one of my strongest reasons to run these races, the coolest and most artistic medals ever), and just the overall vibe"
— Paul
"This is my third year running Joshua Tree and I love it! I tell everyone about this race! The beauty is astonishing! Plus, having a race at night is good for those of us who don’t love mornings. The entire vibe of the race is so friendly and welcoming! I will never miss this race, ever!!!!!!"
– Jenna
"This was an incredible experience for my first half. The race was extremely well managed and the organizers made this a very easy and welcoming experience. The course was very challenging, at night with lots of sand, but it was well marked and tons of amenities along the way. Also running under the full sky of stars was breathtaking."
– Max
Event
INFO
Spectators and runners are welcome around the finish line to cheer on runners. They can park in the same parking lots available to runners and either walk to the finish area or use the event shuttles from the further parking lots to the finish line.
Please DO NOT drive to other areas of the race course to watch runners. This will add an unnecessary danger especially being a nighttime race. In addition, the deep sand around the course makes this a hazard for both vehicles and runners.
As nature lovers, we are committed to keeping our events sustainable and managing negative impacts on the environment. Here's how you can help us:
CUP-FREE RACING
Single-use plastic is a huge source of waste at any public event. We have reduced that impact by making our events "cup-free".
What does that mean for you?
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups will not be provided on course or at the finish line. In order to stay hydrated, we ask you to bring one of the following:
1. Reusable water bottle
2. Reusable cup - These light-weight cups fold into a pocket or waistband. Request one when you sign up to run!
3. Hydration pack - These are refillable backpacks meant for running that allow you to access fluid via a built-in straw.
ZERO WASTE CONTAINERS
You can help us reduce trash by sorting disposable items into the appropriate container.
You’ll notice three containers at our events:
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Compostables: Organic goods like banana peels and most food items (without the wrapper please!)
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Recyclables: Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel, and glass. Please dump out any liquids into the compost bin BEFORE recycling the container.
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Everything Else: Non-recyclable food wrappers like from used gel packets and styrofoam. Please dump out any food matter BEFORE throwing away the container.
Please avoid putting organic waste and compostable items in the wrong bin. It gets gross to sort through.
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Overall and Masters awards are based on gun time — if you're competing for those spots, line up at the front of the Blue wave for the start. All age-division and team awards are based on chip time. Your chip time doesn't start until you cross the line, so please be courteous to others at the start.
Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall as well as the Masters 40+ group.
Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and older.
As of yet, we do not offer non-binary age group awards.
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race.
Race weekend isn’t just a start line it’s a full-on adventure, and we want your trip to feel smooth from the moment you arrive. Whether you’re running, crewing, or cheering, HotelPlanner makes it easy to book the right place to stay with exclusive discounted rates for Joshua Tree participants, friends, and family, plus a seamless booking experience and 24/7 customer support. Your Joshua Tree HotelPlanner page is set up with official race weekend dates and lodging options near key event areas like Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line, so you’re close to the action and ready for a stress-free race morning.
Book early to snag the best rates and make the most of your time in Joshua Tree, California.
This year, the start line, finish line, and expo are all at RESET Hotel — our official lodging partner and the most stunning basecamp in the desert. You'll toe the start line steps from your room and cross the finish line right back where the weekend began.
RESET is a modern desert hotel set on 180 acres just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Each of the 65 rooms opens to a private patio facing the open desert. Unwind by the heated saltwater pool, recover in the sauna and cold plunge, gather around fire pits, and end the night with guided stargazing under some of Southern California's clearest skies.
Make Twentynine Palms your home base for race weekend! From design-forward boutique hotels and historic desert inns to trusted national brands, vacation rentals, and RV stays, you'll find a wide range of places to stay close to the race and Joshua Tree National Park. Click the link below to explore lodging options and book your stay.
The official Race Shirt is picked up at expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded upon crossing the finish line.
Exclusive Race merchandise will be available both at the race expo and near the finish line! When possible, we'll have race merch for sale in our online store after the race is over.
Please allow time for us to add items online.
Make Your Medal Even More Meaningful with iTab 🏅
Now, you can make it last forever with an iTab, a custom engraved plate with your name and finishing time that clips right onto your medal ribbon.
Pre-order before race day, and it’ll be sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out on pre-order, no worries. You can order yours today for just $15, including postage & packaging here
RESULTS
Live results will hosted online by Laurel.
Visit the results button below for final finisher times after the event is completed. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. Because our age group winners are based on chip time, it is possible to cross the finish line before someone else in your age group while still finishing with a slower time than them.
Top Finisher but missed the awards ceremony? You can request to have your place medal shipped to you!
Got questions about your placement? Please email timing@brooksee.com.
SHIP MY MEDAL
Visit this link to have your place medal shipped to you.
HALF MARATHON RACE PHOTOS
Don’t forget your smile! FinisherPix will be onsite, capturing your race day smiles. Photos will be available 24-48 hours after the event completion. Pre-Order your photos here!
When you pre-order, photos will be automatically sent to you, digitally, a few days after the event completion. Remember your race experience forever!
Share your experiences with us! Be sure to use the event hashtag in any photos you post from the race or your adventures exploring the park so we can share in the fun with you!
Be sure to use #JTHalf in anything you post!
Any participants hoping to compete for overall awards will need to start in the BLUE wave at the very beginning of the race. The Overall Male, Female, Non-Binary and Masters Male and Female will be based on GUN time for this event. Age Group awards will be based on CHIP time.
FUNDRAISE THROUGH WANDER PROJECT
Turn your miles into meaningful impact! Reach your fundraising goal and your registration fee could be waived, giving you the opportunity to race for more than just the finish line. Every dollar raised supports charitable initiatives that strengthen the communities and protect the wild places that host our events, helping ensure these incredible destinations can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Explore
JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree Half Marathon is where trail runners of all abilities come together to tackle one of the Southwest's most thrilling night races. Experience the raw, rugged beauty of Joshua Tree National Park after dark — and discover why this iconic desert landscape is unlike anywhere else on earth.
LOST PALMS OASIS
The trail begins at Cottonwood Spring. After the palms, it climbs southeast through scrub desert, with more boulders and rocky gullies along the way to Lost Palms Oasis. At 3.3 miles, a spur trail leads right to an overlook of the palms. The climb out of the canyon is strenuous—allow 5–6 hours for the hike.
BOY SCOUT TRAIL
The Boy Scout Trail is a mostly flat route along the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks and is popular for its variety of scenery. You’ll pass Joshua tree forests, boulder fields, and sandy washes. After 1.25 miles, a marked turnoff leads right to Willow Hole. Many hikers enjoy sunset views on the return.
KEYS RANCH TOURS
Keys Ranch, a National Historic Site in a remote rocky canyon, is accessible only by guided walking tours to preserve its character. The half-mile tours last 90 minutes. Tickets must be purchased in person the same day at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms starting at 8:30 am.
HIDDEN VALLEY
From the parking lot, follow the path between rock walls into Hidden Valley. Pass through a narrow gap to reach a sandy floor and a T-junction—choose any direction to explore. This rock-enclosed valley was once rumored to be used by cattle rustlers, and there’s no wrong way to explore it.
BARKER DAM
Barker Dam, built in 1900 for cattle and mining, now collects rainwater for wildlife like birds, rabbits, squirrels, bighorn sheep, and rattlesnakes—keep your distance. Water isn’t always present. The trail is easy; wear closed-toe shoes due to cacti. Follow the rope fencing from the parking lot to the trailhead.
Beat the next price increase.
Be the first to unlock priority access, race updates, and exclusive perks.
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@Copyright Vacation Races
This year, the start line, finish line, and expo are all at RESET Hotel — our official lodging partner and the most stunning basecamp in the desert. You'll toe the start line steps from your room and cross the finish line right back where the weekend began.
RESET is a modern desert hotel set on 180 acres just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Each of the 65 rooms opens to a private patio facing the open desert. Unwind by the heated saltwater pool, recover in the sauna and cold plunge, gather around fire pits, and end the night with guided stargazing under some of Southern California's clearest skies.
