2026 Canyonlands Half Marathon
The 2026 Canyonlands Half Marathon, scheduled for March 21, 2026, takes place in Moab, Utah, a vibrant town nestled in the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The event centers around Lions Park, a scenic location along the banks of the Colorado River, offering runners a unique blend of natural beauty and challenging terrain. On race day, Moab is expected to have mild temperatures, with daytime highs around 60°F (15°C) and nighttime lows in the mid-40s°F (7°C), making for ideal running conditions. Participants can expect to run a picturesque, traffic-free highway course that showcases the iconic red rock formations and the Colorado River. The half marathon and 5-mile races provide distinct experiences, with both starting and finishing at Lions Park, offering a memorable route through one of Utah's most breathtaking landscapes.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Half Marathon
- →5 Mile
What is the course like for the Canyonlands Half Marathon?
The course starts and finishes at Lions Park, winding alongside the Colorado River through "postcard alley," offering stunning red rock canyon views for the entire race. Runners travel parallel to Arches National Park and the Colorado River before turning around and heading back to finish at Lions Park. The terrain is paved and traffic-free, with Highway 128 closed to vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians from 7:40 am to noon.
What distances are available for the Canyonlands 5 Mile?
- →5 Mile
What is the start time for the half marathon and the 5-mile race?
- →Half Marathon: 8:15 a.m.
- →5 Mile: 8:35 a.m.
What are the cutoff times for the race?
The course enforces strict cutoff times at all aid stations, with a required pace of 15:30/mile or faster. The finish line closes at noon, and runners missing cutoffs must board the sweep vehicle, after which course services discontinue.
What is included in the registration fee?
- →Unique finisher's medal
- →Custom printed shirt and bag
- →Post-race refreshments (water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, fruit)
- →Gear check service at the start line (using a bag labeled with the bib number)
- →Access to a closed, traffic-free highway course
How much does registration cost?
- →Half Marathon: $155.00 (Total: $183.18 incl. taxes & fees)
- →5 Miler: $125.00 (Total: $148.40 incl. taxes & fees)
What is the packet pickup schedule?
- →Friday, March 20, 2026 | 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Lions Park, UT Highway 128, Moab, UT 84532
- →Race Day Pickup: Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. | Start Line (shuttle required)
What are the shuttle details for runners?
Shuttles are mandatory for all runners. Loading begins at 7:00 a.m., with pickup at the Helen M. Knight School, located at 400 N and 100 W, Moab. GPS Coordinates: 38.5796, -109.5550. Separate pickup locations exist for the Half Marathon and 5 Mile. No parking is available at the start or finish line.
Are there any restrictions on what can be brought to the event?
Dogs are not allowed on shuttles or at Lions Park. An off-leash Bark Park is available at 300 S for pet owners.
What is the policy on race day registration?
No race day registration is available. Entries are non-transferable, and race changes cannot be made after Wednesday of race week.
What medical support is available during the event?
Medical staff are stationed along the course and at the finish line to assist with any emergencies.
What aid stations are available along the course?
Six aid stations are provided, offering water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, and port-a-potties.
What is the event series that this race is part of?
The 2026 Canyonlands Half Marathon is part of the Run Moab Series.