Death Valley Trail Marathon

Death Valley Trail Marathon & Half Marathon - 2026

The event is the 38th annual Death Valley Trail Marathon and Half Marathon held on December 5, 2026 in Titus Canyon within Death Valley National Park. The start and finish are at the west end of Titus Canyon where it meets Scotty's Castle Road.

Distances offered

• Marathon: 26.2 miles on a single dirt road through Titus Canyon.
• Half Marathon: 13.1 miles out-and-back into the canyon.

Course and logistics

The marathon follows a series of out-and-back legs with turnarounds near miles 8, 13 (entrance to Titus Canyon), and 18. The half marathon runs into the canyon to an aid station at approximately mile 6.5 and returns to the finish. The course is a single dirt road and does not require additional markings.

Aid stations and facilities

Aid stations for the marathon are located near miles 3, 6.5, 9.5, 12, 15.5, and 18; for the half marathon near miles 3, 6.5, and 10. Stations provide water, lemonade, sports bars, and assorted snacks. Energy gels are not supplied; wrappers must be disposed of at aid stations. Portable toilets are located at the start/finish and along the course.

Additional details

The field is limited to 200 participants due to National Park Service rules. Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable; race cancellation policy allows credits toward future races under specified conditions. Headphones and earbuds are not allowed. Finishers receive medals and all registrants receive event T-shirts. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.