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Antelope Canyon Ultras

100 Mile / 50 Mile / 55K / Trail Half Marathon

  • Location: Page, AZ
  • Date: March 9-10, 2024 
  • Terrain: Trail
  • Difficulty: Moderate (3.5 stars)

March 9-10, 2024

Page, AZ

Difficulty:

Dirt trail

  • Quick Info

  • Travel & Lodging

  • Explore The Park

  • Register to run

Race Day

*All races begin on the 9th. The 100 Miler finishes the following day.

Expo & Bib Pickup

Quick Info
  • Challenging dirt & sand trail
  • Requirements may apply
  • 74° / 43° F
  • No wheelchairs or strollers
  • Page Airport (PGA) and more options

Race Raves: 4.6/5

Read more reviews from runners like you!

Course Photos

Get a feel for the terrain and landscape that await you out on the course!

Course Descriptions & Maps

This is a stunningly beautiful early season race through the spectacular Arizona desert landscape. The Antelope Canyon region is one of the most photographed places in the country and a sacred region for the Navajo people. From the spectacular Horseshoe Bend to the mesmerizing Waterholes Canyon (Ultras distances only) there is something uniquely breathtaking around every turn.

Note on Navajo Land:

We are so thankful to the Navajo Nation and its people for allowing us to run on their land. The approval of this Ultra series is contingent upon the Navajo Nation's approval of the event each year. As guests on Navajo land, your respect and courtesy at the event help ensure that this event may continue.

  • Trail Half Marathon

  • 55K Ultra

  • 50 Mile Ultra

  • 100 Mile Ultra

Course time limit: 5 hours    
Race start time: 7:30 AM, March 9th

Crew and pacers? None allowed

New! Training Recommendation

The Trail Half Marathon runs around the slickrock formation that the starting line is next to, then links up onto the Page Rim Trail which the city of Page is built upon. The runners will complete a single loop. The Page Rim Trail is smooth singletrack.

This is a fast and very runnable ten mile loop with 4 road crossings and spectacular views of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam. It then returns to the starting line via the more direct route that the other race distances will use to get up onto the mesa.

The Trail Half Marathon runs along the mesa with views over the canyon, but the course does not take runners through the slot canyons as the Ultras distances do. You can watch the Relive map below for a preview of where the course runs.


We recommend booking a tour while you are in the area to see these marvels!


Course Maps & Profiles

GET INVOLVED

Support Our

Park Communities

Fundraise for your chosen race and your registration fee could be waived. All funds go to Wander Project to support efforts in and around the communities that host our events.

Learn more about Wander Project >>

New this year, YOU choose whether the funds you raise support a WP community partner or an organization that matters to you!

Volunteer with Us!

Our amazing volunteers help runners at the race expo, finish line, merch tent, and beyond! Join us for a 3-4hr shift and earn a $50 or $100 credit towards a future race.

Pro-tip: Volunteer at the expo and run the next day OR ask a friend to volunteer and "gift" you the credit (or use it themselves!)

HOW TO PREPARE

Train with VR Partners

Unsure where to begin? Check out the FREE training plan courtesy of Becoming Ultra. This is a 4-month plan meant to prepare you to run a 50K or beyond.

Know Your Guidelines

- Read your race details! Following event rules helps us to put on safe, sustainable events.

- We are a zero-waste event. Please stick to reusable water bottles and avoid bringing disposable items to the race.

- Be courteous towards fellow runners on and off the course.

Join the Community

Vacation Races is honored to have a community of runners who actively support one another! We highly recommend joining one our Facebook groups to get input from other runners, share stories, and learn about the latest updates.

Antelope Canyon Race Details

This is your go-to section for race guidelines and logistics.

Requirements for Registration
Please review our qualifications (mandatory) and recommendations (suggested) before registering for a bib!

ACU 100 Mile
Recommendation

It is strongly recommended that runners interested in registering for the 100-Mile race complete at least one 50-mile race within two years of race day.

ACU 50 Mile, 55K, & Half Marathon
Recommendation

It is strongly recommended that runners interested in registering for either of the 50 Mile, 55K, or half marathon races train on technical trails prior to race day. These are technical trail courses and should not be your first introduction to this type of terrain.

Have questions about the best gear for your Ultra?  Check out our recommended gear list for useful guidelines. We update the list regularly to help runners better prepare for your experience.

Bib Pickup & Expo

Bib Pickup Options

You have a couple of options for picking up your bib and race packet. When you register, we ask you to indicate when you plan to pick up your bib. If you plans change, don’t worry about it. We only ask to help us plan in terms of numbers.

Option #1: Race Expo (recommended)
We’ll have our race expo the Friday before the race. We’ll have our merch table set up, so be sure to stop by and say hi!

Option #2: Race Morning (not recommended)
We will have limited race morning packet pickup. If it can be avoided, please do not pick your packet up the morning of the race.

Option #3: Shipped Before the Race ($30)
You can add a shipped bib to your registration for a fee until one month before the race by logging into RunSignup, clicking Manage Registration, and Add Ons.

Refunds: Once your package is shipped, you are officially checked in to the race and no longer qualify for our refund, deferment, or transfer options.

Race Expo

Our race expos are a great chance to get your bib, browse merchandise, and meet other runners before the big event! We'll have a variety of swag from shirts and tanks to our favorite Hydro Flasks and everything in-between.

The race expo is also your opportunity to submit drop bags (Ultras only, allowed until 8pm).

Date: March 8, 2024 (Friday)

Hours: TBD

Location: Page Sports Complex in Page, AZ.

Race Schedule

With any event, details may change. Please refer to the race guide and pre-race emails for final information closer to the race.

Friday

TBD (AM) - All race distances may pick up their bib via a drive-thru bib pickup located at the Page Sports Complex

TBD (PM) - Navajo cultural presentation

TBD (PM) - Race Director Q&A

TBD (PM) - Race expo & bib pickup ends

8:00 PM - Drop bag deadline (Ultras only)

Saturday

4:30 AM - Parking lot opens

5:00 AM - Last minute bib pickup opens
5:45 AM - 50 Mile race begins
6:00 AM - 100 Mile race begins

7:00-7:30 AM- 55K race begins
7:30-8:00 AM - Trail Half Marathon begins

12:30 PM - Half Marathon time limit
7:00 PM- 55K time limit

8:45 PM- 50 Mile time limit

Sunday

12:00 PM - 100 Mile time limit

Arrive early & get ready with us

We encourage runners to arrive early on race morning. Find a parking spot, grab some Summit Coffee or hot chocolate, and listen for updates from our race announcer (they're the one with the megaphone and early-bird energy)!

Set your clocks to Mountain Standard Time (MST)

This event is based out of Page, AZ and uses MST (UTC-7). However, Page is near the border with Utah and your digital devices may automatically jump between the different time zones as Utah observes daylight savings time but Arizona does not. We recommend manually setting the time on your cell phones, vehicle clocks, etc. to maintain the correct local time throughout the event.

*All events start and finish at the Page Sports Complex

Parking & Spectator Shuttles
We've updated the staging location for the expo, start, and finish lines. This means runners won't need to take a shuttle to/from their race - hooray!
Parking (expo, start, and finish)

Page Sports Complex

477 Haul Road, Page, AZ

Horseshoe Bend A.S. Shuttle

Need to access the Horseshoe Bend Aid Station? 

This is a remote location. We will have mandatory shuttle service for spectators, crew, and pacers between parking and this aid station.

Parking and Staging Map

map showing parking and start and finish lines around the Page Sports Complex

Interactive Event Map

Aid Stations

At our ultra marathons the aid stations play a critical role in getting you across the finish line!

The 100 miler will pass through 20 fully stocked aid stations.
The 50 miler has 10 aid stations.
The 55K has 8 aid stations.
The Trail Half Marathon has 3 aid stations.

Ultra Marathon Aid Stations

Before mile 26, we have a more basic set of foods available at each aid station including things like:

  • Water
  • Gnarly Fuel2O
  • Fresh-cut fruit
  • Soda
  • A variety of both salty and sweet items

After mile 26, the aid stations will also have real food that may include:

  • Boiled potatoes
  • Tortillas w/ Nutella
  • PB&J
  • Turkey sandwiches
  • Dill pickles
  • Chips
  • Candies

All aid stations are stocked with self serve aid stations supplies such as anti-chafing agent, and sunscreen. In addition, we will have a limited supply of gels, salt caps, and electrolyte caps. 

If any item is of critical importance to your ability to finish, please consider putting it in your drop bag. While we want to do our best to help each runner finish the race, food selection is often a guess as to what each runner will want or need, and we occasionally guess wrong. For example, if you always need a Coca Cola soda at mile 80, do not count on the aid station to provide this; you should put it in your drop bag.

At our busiest aid stations we try and staff a medical volunteer to help with larger issues. See your race guide for more details.

Ultra Marathon Aid Station

All aid stations will have portable toilets for use

Drop Bags (Ultras only)

Antelope Canyon aid stations accepting drop bags: Horseshoe Bend, Water Holes, Page Rim, and Powell.

For any ultra marathon distance you may use drop bags. You can leave a drop bag at designated aid stations. Please observe the following rules: 

  • All bags must be labeled with name, bib # (in large print), aid station, and race distance. Optional, but a good idea if your label comes off, is a card inside with the same information and contact information. Please label your bags the day before the race on your own or at check in.
  • All drop bags must be left in the designated drop off location (near the start line) by 8pm the night before the race.
  • No valuables or fragile items in your drop bags. We are not responsible for any lost/stolen items.
  • Watch the weather forecast. If there is any chance of rain, place your items in zip lock bags inside of your drop bag.
  • Minimum size: Gallon size freezer zip lock. No grocery store plastic bags or garbage bags.
  • Maximum size: Shoe box size for single pass and daytime aid stations. Small duffle or small carry on for multiple pass aid stations.

Half Marathon runners should not use drop bags. Please speak with a race official if this will create a problem for you.

Getting Your Drop Bag Back

Generally all bags come back about 90 minutes after the aid station fully closes (all distances that pass through it). There will be a "Return to Finish Line" area at all aid stations that allow drop bags. This is an area where you can place your drop bag after you no longer need it from that particular location and we will try to get it back early if possible. You must place the bag in this area. Crew or volunteers are not allowed to sort through them in order to reduce the risk of a drop bag inadvertently being returned to the start line.

If you do not want to stick around, we can mail your drop bags to you after the race for $10 per bag.

Offline Course Maps (Avenza)

Now you can use our maps offline with a gps-enabled device!

We plan to mark the course with such rigor that you should not need your own map to help you find your way. However, we have experienced blown down signs and vandalism in the past. We recommend downloading the free Avenza app (available for iOS, and Android devices) before the event. There you can find our uploaded maps that work without cell coverage.

Here's how:
1. Download the free app "AVENZA MAPS" to your smart-phone or tablet while your device is online. It’s compatible with iOS, and Android devices.
2. Open the app > Tap "Store" (Shopping Cart Icon) > Tap "Find Maps" > Search for the specific distance you would like to download. Type your search exactly as it appears below:
     Antelope Canyon 100 mile Ultra
     Antelope Canyon 50 mile Ultra
     Antelope Canyon 55km Ultra
     Antelope Canyon Half Marathon
3. Tap on the label on the map > tap "install" and the map will begin to download.
4. The map is now ready to use “offline”. Simply open the app, click on the Map and your GPS location will appear on the map.

Timing Requirements
Overall Cutoff Times

You must complete your race within the respective cutoff time, otherwise, you will receive a DNF. Your time begins when you cross the start mat, so pay attention to YOUR individual start time and not just your starting window when assessing your progress throughout the race.

100 Mile, Overall cutoff - 30 hours
50 Mile, Overall cutoff - 15 hours
55K, Overall cutoff - 12 hours
Trail Half Marathon cutoff - 5 hours

Minimum Paces (Guidelines only)

Below is a timing guide to help you gauge your progress throughout the race. Beating these times during training will help you avoid a DNF. If you find yourself consistently behind these minimums, your chances of finishing before the official close of the race are slim. Finishing after the minimum pace time or outside of your overall cutoff time will result in a DNF. 

If you do not meet these minimum times, you may be allowed to continue the race at the discretion of race officials. Race officials will consider runner health, extraction resources/accessibility, grim reaper times, etc. to make this determination.

Don't Fear the Reaper!

Grim Reaper deadlines are cutoff times that result in a DNF and removal from the course if you miss the cutoff time. Even if missed by one second, these deadlines are non-negotiable and exceptions will not be made.

A race official will be onsite to ensure all runners are past checkpoints before the Grim Reaper. You must EXIT the checkpoint before the posted Grim Reaper time to beat it. These cutoff times are shown in the cutoff sheet.

Competing for a Top Finisher spot?

While qualifying times are based on chip time (the moment you cross the start mat), overall top finisher awards are based on gun time. If competing for a top spot, you will need to be at the start line at the beginning of your race's 20-30 minute start window.

When competing for these top spots and starting before the official race start, you will have more of a buffer to beat aid station cutoff times. This does not mean that you have more time to complete the overall race. Regardless of when you start, you must complete your race within the allotted overall cutoff time (i.e. 30 hours).

Pacers & Crew

General Rules

Who Can Have Crew & Pacers?
  • Trail Half Marathon: None allowed
  • 55K Ultra: Crew only allowed
  • 50 Mile Ultra: Crew & pacers allowed
  • 100 Mile Ultra: Crew & pacers allowed 
Rules & Registration
Failure to comply with these rules will result in disqualification of the runner being paced.
  • Register: Friday expo or Saturday before race starts
  • Crew/pacer bib must be visible at ALL times
  • Course access is allowed only at the aid stations listed below
  • Multiple pacers allowed over duration of race
  • One pacer allowed on course at a time
  • Be patient and courteous with event staff and volunteers!
Pacer/Crew Conduct

You are responsible for the actions of your crew and pacers. If their behavior is deemed inappropriate by race staff, you will be disqualified. Please let them know this and only choose crew members that will treat our volunteers and staff with respect while you are out on the course.

Crew & Pacer Course Access

Course access is allowed ONLY at the aid stations listed below:

  • Horseshoe Bend Aid, 2nd Pass (Must take shuttle from main parking lot)
  • Page Rim Trail Aid (Walkable from main parking)
  • Lake Powell Aid (Driving access allowed. Details below.)

Crew access to Horseshoe Bend Aid
Due to limited parking and high runner numbers, there is NO PARKING at Horseshoe Bend. Crew must be shuttled in to the Horseshoe Bend aid station from the start/finish area. Shuttles will pick up/drop off crew approximately every 15 minutes while the aid station is open. Please respect this rule. Parking at Horseshoe Bend for the race will jeopardize the entire event which allows participants to run in some of the most unique areas of this desert.

Crew access to Page Rim Aid
Crew can park at the staging area (start/finish) and walk up a side trail up to the mesa where Page Rim aid station is located. We will put a few signs or markers up to direct crew up to the aid station from the parking lot of the staging area. If crew needs to park closer, they can park along Sage Avenue, Veronica Court, Cheryl Avenue, or Diane Court and walk over to the aid station. Directions to parking near Page Rim aid station.

Crew access to Lake Powell Aid
Crew can park along 20th Avenue and walk over to the Lake Powell aid station. There is also a small gravel parking lot on the corner of 20th Avenue and Ridge Way. DO NOT PARK ALONG RIDGE WAY. Additional parking can be found at the Lake View Elementary School nearby. Directions to parking near Lake Powell Aid Station

Note: You are responsible for the actions of your crew and pacers. If their behavior is deemed inappropriate by race staff, you will be disqualified. Please let them know this and only choose crew members that will treat our volunteers and staff with respect while you are out on the course.

Track Your Runner
Live Updates (Not Available)

Due to the remote location of this race, we will not be able to provide live updates for your friends/family. We do have satellite phones and/or radios at the aid stations so that we can account for runners on the course and keep communication lines open among our staff members, but we do not have the ability to communicate runner whereabouts to your loved ones during the event.

On Course Calls & Texts 

If you would like to let friends and family know your status on the course, you can text them from the areas of the course with cell service (there are many points on the course where reception is good enough to get a text out, but it can be difficult to get a phone call out.)

Location/Tracking Apps

There are also apps available such as RaceJoy which will automatically update your whereabouts when you come into a reception area. Set these up beforehand and test that they are working correctly before you begin your race!

Note: These apps tend to drain your cell phone battery if you plan on leaving it on for the duration of the event.

Carry an External Battery Pack (Or Two!)

We highly recommend that runners, crew, and/or pacers carry an external battery pack with them to make sure your devices don't die during the event. Cell phones and trackers are key to your communication and safety, so don't neglect them.

If you're worried about your cell phone battery, you can turn it off after sending a text or leave it in airplane mode to extend the battery life.

Packing & Gear
Packing List

Whether this race will be your first ultra marathon, your first trail race, or your first time running in this area of the country- we recommend coming prepared. We've created a packing list to help you think through what you may need for your race, so you can minimize stress and feel prepared. 

Trail Gear

Running distance trails is no joke. We highly recommend you give your gear some extra care as you prepare for your race. Make sure you have trail shoes that are right for your feet, a hydration system to get you across the finish line, and take stock of any special nutrition needs you may have. 

Looking for recommendations?

Or ask the community!

Search in the group for discussions about trail gear, training, and more.

Finish Line & Awards
Finish Line Facilities

We hope that you will join us at the finish line for as long as you’d like to welcome home the other finishers. One of our goals is to create a welcoming environment for you to hang out with old and new friends. We will have many amenities available to you at the finish line, including food and beverages, a recovery area, and a medical tent. 

ACU Awards

All finishers will receive a finisher medal or specialty award. In addition, we will have special awards for the top 3 male and female overall finishers at the Antelope Canyon Ultras. Unlike our Half Marathons, we do not offer age group awards for these events.

Overall awards are based off of gun time. If you plan to compete for a top overall award, please line up at the front of the starting line so that there is no delay between your chip time when you cross the starting mat) and gun time. 

Curious what you'll receive?
100 Mile Finishers

You'll receive a hand-crafted belt buckle. Each are made using organic materials gathered on the course and preserved in resin.

+ a special award if you place in the top 3 for male or female overall.

50 Mile, 55K & Trail Half Finishers

You'll get to choose between a finisher medal OR a locally-made award (like a ceramic mug or Navajo jewelry).* 


+ a special award if you place in the top 3 for male or female overall.

*There will also be a Navajo family selling their hand-made designs at the start/finish!

Why Do We Use Gun Time?

We offer a larger, more unique overall finisher prize to our runners. If we waited for all the chip times to make sure we have the fastest we wouldn't be able to give out any of the awards and would have to ship them. These awards don't ship well, and we want to be able to give them out in person at the race - it's funner that way.

Race Results

Results

Visit RunSignup for race results. We publish both gun and chip time, but overall awards are determined by gun time. Though age groups are listed on RunSignup, we do not offer age group awards at the Antelope Canyon Ultras.

Racer times are available online ~20 minutes after you finish the race. Keep in mind, the results are not official until all racers have crossed the finish line, and have been reviewed by the event director. 

Top Overall 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@runsum.com.

2016 Race Reports
2014 & 2015 Race Reports

Photo Albums

Videos

Rules & Guidelines
Please review these guidelines so you know what to expect during the race!

Course Marking
For course marking all distances/courses will be marked with pink flags and ribbons. Any tricky junctions will be marked well with signs and flour arrows. A piece of highly reflective tape is attached to each trail marker that may be encountered at night.

Checking in at aid stations
It is the responsibility of the runner to check in at each aid station (coming in only, no need to check out of the aid station). Seek out the aid station worker wearing the fluorescent orange vest and give them your bib number. Failure to check in at an aid station can result in disqualification. If you drop out of the race YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR BIB TO THE NEAREST AID STATION CAPTAIN. If you fail to do this, you will be responsible for all related search party costs.

Dropping
Any runner dropping out of the race MUST hand their bib over to the aid station captain where they are dropping. Failure to do so will result in a 2 year suspension from all Vacation Races events.

Medical
At each aid station there will be a tent with self serve medical items like bandaids, salt tabs, etc. We will have trained medical personnel at the finish line as well as strategic aid stations throughout the course (more info coming soon!). If you find yourself in an emergency, call 911. You will be personally responsible for any costs associated with medical dispatch. If the problems are not urgent, please contact race personnel. We are equipped to respond quickly to problems on course that are not life threateningly urgent.

Getting "Race Ready" for 2024? Join the email list.

We'll keep you in the loop when this event is confirmed, when registrations open, and beyond!

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