Death Valley Trail Marathon

Event overview

The Death Valley Trail event on December 6, 2025 includes a marathon, half marathon, and 10K held in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, CA. The race is limited to 200 total participants under National Park Service rules. Registrations are 100% non-refundable; if the event is cancelled a credit toward a future race is offered. Participants receive a T-shirt; finisher medals are awarded for the marathon and half marathon. Age-group awards are given as plaques or ribbons.

Course and logistics

• Marathon
• Half Marathon
• 10K

The route follows a single dirt track on Westside Road in the Badwater Basin. The half marathon is a single out-and-back; the marathon runners complete that out-and-back twice. The turnaround is within a few miles of the lowest point in North America (-282 feet); the lowest point on the course is -265 feet. The start and finish are at essentially sea level elevation. Course cut-off time is 6 hours (13:45 min/mile for marathoners; 27:30 min/mile for half marathoners). Aid stations are located at about miles 3, 6.5, 10, 13, 16, 19.5, and 23 and provide water, lemonade, bars, and snacks; energy gels are not supplied. Portable toilets will be at the start/finish and at the same aid-station locations. Headphones and earbuds are not allowed because the road is open to traffic. Parking and shuttle buses operate from the Furnace Creek Ranch area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.