The 2026 Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon will take place on April 12, 2026, in LeChee Rock, Navajo Nation, Arizona, USA. The event begins and ends at the coordinates 36.81965, -111.30870, with the start time set for 6:00 AM MST. Participants can expect a challenging mixed-terrain course that includes 100% Navajo Nation sand, double track roads, ATV trails, washes, and slot canyons. The race will feature a half marathon of 13.9 miles and an 8-mile lollipop course, both offering unique and technical running experiences through the stunning desert landscape. The event is expected to have temperatures that start cool in the early morning and gradually warm up, with high UV exposure, making proper sun protection essential. The course is marked with ribbons and signs, and participants must bring their own hydration as the event is cup-less. Tailwind nutrition will be available on the course.
What distances are available for this event?
→Half Marathon – 13.9 miles
→8 Mile – lollipop course
What is the difficulty level of the half marathon?
→The half marathon is classified as medium to very hard, depending on the participant's fitness level.
What is the total ascent for the half marathon?
→The half marathon features a total ascent of approximately 1,200 feet.
What is the cutoff time for the half marathon?
→The cutoff time is 5 hours at the last aid station (mile 11), with no exceptions.
What is the course breakdown for the half marathon?
→Start to Aid Station 1 (Mile 4.3): 4.3 miles of open sand and double track
→Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2 / Canyon X (Mile 6.9): 4.4 miles through slot canyons and washes
→Aid Station 2 to Aid Station 3 (Mile 9.3): 2.4 miles of double track road
→Aid Station 3 to Finish: 1.5-mile loop through a wash and back to the main road
What are the key conditions participants should prepare for?
→Deep sand throughout the course, which may slow down paces
→High UV exposure, requiring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing
→Temperatures ranging from cool at the start to warm or very warm by mid-race
→Cup-less event; participants must bring their own bottles or hydration bladder packs
→Tailwind nutrition is available on the course
What is the course breakdown for the 8-mile event?
→Start to Canyon X Aid Station (Mile 2.6): Follows the half marathon course for the first 2.6 miles
→Mile 2.6 to Mile 3.8: Drops into Canyon X Slot and follows the bed of the canyon
→Mile 3.8 to Water Drop: Climbs a 155-foot sand hill
→Water Drop to Canyon X Aid Station (Mile 5.4): Follows double track road back to the Canyon X Aid Station
→Mile 5.4 to Finish: 2.6 miles along the road with 350 feet of ascent
What is the time zone for the event?
→The event follows local Page, AZ / Phoenix, AZ time, which does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Participants should set their phones manually to Phoenix time zone and turn off automatic time zone to avoid confusion.
When is bib pickup available for the event?
→April 11, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM MST at the start line parking lot
→April 12, 2026, from 5:00 AM to 5:30 AM at the start line on race morning
What should participants bring for hydration?
→Participants must bring their own bottles or hydration bladder packs, as the event is cup-less. Tailwind nutrition is available on the course.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon?
A: The event takes place on 12 April 2026.
Q: Where is the event held?
A: The event is held in LeChee Rock, United States.
