2026 Death Valley Marathon
The 2026 Death Valley Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Furnace Creek, within Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, California. The event, held on a paved highway surface along Highway 190, offers a unique and scenic experience through one of the most extreme environments in North America. With temperatures typically ranging from lows of 30–40°F to highs in the low 70s°F during February, runners will navigate a course that lies entirely below sea level, providing dramatic mountain vistas and a chance to experience the desert’s natural beauty. The race features a flat, paved route with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for a wide range of participants. All distances start and finish at Day Use Area #1 adjacent to the Furnace Creek Ranch, with the marathon following a double out-and-back format, the half marathon featuring two turnarounds, and the 10K a single out-and-back course.
What distances are available for this event?
- →Marathon (26.2 miles)
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- →10K (6.2 miles)
What is the event type?
The event is a road race conducted on a paved highway surface.
Where is the event held?
The event is held within Death Valley National Park, specifically in Furnace Creek, Inyo County, California, with the start and finish located at Day Use Area #1 adjacent to the Furnace Creek Ranch (Oasis Ranch).
What is the race date and start time?
The race takes place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, beginning at 8:00 AM PST.
What is the course layout?
All distances start and finish at Day Use Area #1. Runners follow a dedicated bike path on the west shoulder of Highway 190. The marathon follows a double out-and-back format, the half marathon uses a double out-and-back with two turnarounds, and the 10K is a single out-and-back to the Mile 3 aid station and back.
What is the course elevation and terrain like?
The course is predominantly flat with fewer than 500 feet of cumulative elevation gain/loss across all distances. The entire route lies below sea level, making it the lowest elevation marathon course in North America.
What are the critical course rules?
The road is not closed to traffic, so runners must remain on the west shoulder in single file at all times. Headphones and earbuds are strictly prohibited, and no personal support vehicles are allowed. Runners must carry their own nutrition or use aid stations.
What is the course cutoff time?
The course cutoff time is 6 hours, which equates to a 13:45/mile pace for marathoners.
What is the event capacity?
The event is limited to 300 total participants across all distances.
What is the registration status for the 2026 event?
Registration for the 2026 event has closed for online sign-ups.
What aid stations are available?
Aid stations are located approximately every 3 miles, offering water, lemonade, sports bars, and sweet/salty snacks. Runners are strongly encouraged to carry personal hydration due to the desert environment.
What is included in the registration?
All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt. Marathon and half marathon finishers receive finisher medals. Age-group awards include plaques for marathon and half marathon participants and ribbons for all distances.
What is the community impact of the event?
Proceeds from the event benefit the Death Valley Natural History Association and Beatty High School student organizations. Local student volunteers staff aid stations throughout the course.
What are the important notes for runners?
Athlete check-in opens at 6:30 AM race morning at Oasis Ranch for bib pickup. Restaurants and services in the area close early, so runners are advised to plan Friday evening arrivals accordingly. The recommended stay is at The Oasis at Death Valley, which serves as the official event headquarters hotel.
What are the weather considerations?
Death Valley's dry climate demands aggressive hydration before, during, and after racing regardless of temperature. The expected weather conditions for February typically include lows of 30–40°F and highs in the low 70s°F.