2026 Arches Ultra

The 2026 Arches Ultra takes place on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in Moab, Utah. Starting and finishing at Seven Mile RV Park on Highway 191, this event traverses the technical terrain of the Bar M, Klonzo, and Klondike trail systems bordering Arches National Park. Participants will encounter a mix of slickrock, sand, rocky descents, and smooth singletrack with significant exposure and minimal shade, offering views of red rock canyons and the La Sal Mountains. For late January in Moab, participants should prepare for winter desert conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 30°F to 50°F.

What distances are available for this event?

• →9K (5.6 miles) starting at 9:00 AM with 295 ft of elevation gain
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles) starting at 8:30 AM with 873 ft of elevation gain
• →50K (31 miles) starting at 7:30 AM with 2,894 ft of elevation gain
• →50 Mile starting at 6:30 AM with 4,524 ft of elevation gain

What type of terrain should participants expect?

This is a true technical trail ultra taking place entirely on natural-surface trails. The course includes slickrock, sand, rocky descents, and smooth singletrack with significant exposure and minimal shade. The terrain is located in the Moab desert along the border of Arches National Park, utilizing the Bar M, Klonzo, and Klondike trail systems. Participants may also encounter dinosaur tracks in Utahraptor State Park.

What equipment is recommended for the course?

Trail shoes with aggressive tread and ankle support are essential for the technical terrain. The course is fully marked with flags, ribbons, and rock cairns, and GPX files and interactive maps are provided for pre-race review.

Is this a cupless event?

Yes, this is a cupless event. There are no disposable cups at aid stations. Participants must bring their own reusable cup, bottle, or hydration bladder. HydraPak cups are available for purchase at packet pickup.

What is included with registration?

• →Custom race shirt
• →BOCO Gear Technical Trucker Hat
• →Unique finisher medal
• →Post-race food and drinks at the finish line

When and where is packet pickup?

Packet pickup occurs on Friday, January 30, from 3:00–6:00 PM at Seven Mile RV Park. On race morning, pickup is available from 5:45–8:50 AM at the start line. A photo ID is required to collect your bib, and bibs are non-transferable—proxy bib pickup is not permitted.

What is the weather typically like in Moab on January 31?

For late January in Moab, temperatures typically range from 30°F to 50°F. The event is described as a winter desert adventure, so participants should prepare for cold morning starts and variable desert weather conditions.

Are there charity bib options available?

Yes, charity bibs are available through Wander Project. Participants can receive free entry in exchange for fundraising with the following minimum commitments:

• →Half Marathon: $500
• →50K: $750
• →50 Mile: $1,000

Funds can be raised for Friends of Arches and Canyonlands Parks or any verified 501(c)(3) or international equivalent. Participants must reach 75% of their goal by 6 weeks before the race, with the full minimum due 2 weeks prior. Unmet commitments will result in a credit card charge for the race entry fee.

What is the course marking and navigation like?

The course is fully marked with flags, ribbons, and rock cairns. GPX files and interactive maps are provided for pre-race review. Crew access is limited to specific aid stations as detailed in the race guide.

What are the elevation ranges for each distance?

• →50 Mile: 4,331' – 5,135'
• →50K: 4,331' – 4,852'
• →Half Marathon: 4,462' – 4,780'
• →9K: 4,560' – 4,708'

What should participants know about parking and logistics?

Parking is limited at the venue, and carpooling is strongly encouraged. BLM enforcement is active, and illegal parking may result in tickets. The event is part of the Run Moab Series by Mad Moose Events and emphasizes environmental responsibility through its cupless format and BLM compliance.