The 2026 Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, starting at the Cocopah Casino & Resort in Somerton, United States. The event features a USATF-certified, out-and-back course on US Highway 95, characterized by a flat and fast profile with an elevation of approximately 140 feet. Participants can anticipate cool January weather conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F and minimal wind, which provides favorable conditions for achieving personal records. The race is hosted by Caballeros de Yuma, with proceeds directed toward local youth and community programs.
→Friday, Jan 30: In-person registration from 4:00–8:00 PM in the Cottonwood Room at Cocopah Casino
→Saturday, Jan 31 (Race Day): In-person registration from 6:00–7:00 AM; Marathon & Team Relay start at 7:00 AM; Half Marathon start at 7:20 AM; 10K start at 7:40 AM
→Awards Ceremony: Overall awards at 11:00 AM; Age Group awards at 11:30 AM
→Course Closure: 1:00 PM
What is included in the registration fee?
→Technical fabric finisher T-shirt
→Finisher medal
→Goodie bag (available for the first 300 participants to check in)
→Hydration stations at nearly every mile (water and Gatorade)
→Access to first aid stations at select points
→Coffee and hot chocolate available pre-race near the start
What awards and prizes are available?
Age Group Awards (Marathon & Half Marathon):
Top 3 Male and Female in the following categories:
→Under 20
→20–29
→30–39
→40–49
→50–59
→60–69
→70+
Cash Prizes (Individuals Only - Marathon & Half Marathon):
→1st Place: $250
→2nd Place: $100
→3rd Place: $50
Course Record Bonus:
→A plaque is awarded to the first participant to break the existing course records.
What are the current course records?
Marathon:
→Male: 2:26:56 (Gary Krugger, 2014)
→Female: 3:05:34 (Courtney Langer, 2023)
Half Marathon:
→Male: 1:10:49 (Adam Dalton, 2020)
→Female: 1:25:24 (Ivette Sandoval, 2022)
10K:
→Male: 39:33 (Barrett Dahl, 2024)
→Female: 45:40 (Arcy Selk, 2023)
Team Relay:
→2:47:06 (Tangerinos, 2024)
What are the course details and rules?
→Course Type: USATF-certified out-and-back on US Highway 95.
→Elevation: Near-flat with a net descent of ~74 ft outbound and a climb of the same amount over the final ~2 miles.
→Surface: Paved highway shoulder (closed to traffic, but runners must stay alert).
→Restrictions: Only registered runners are allowed on the course. Bikes, strollers, and spectators are not permitted.
→Runner Safety: Runners must stay on the designated shoulder and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
What is the format for the Team Relay?
→Team Size: 4 runners per team (teams may complete the race with 3 members if one drops; one runner must complete 2 legs).
→Exchange Points:
• Aid Station #6 (~Half Marathon turnaround)
• Aid Station #11 (Marathon turnaround)
• Aid Station #6 (return leg)
→Logistics: Teams are responsible for self-transporting runners to exchange points.
→Changes: Any changes to the team lineup must be reported to race staff before the start.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is 2026 Yuma Territorial Marathon and Half Marathon?
