Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Grand Canyon Trail events : October 24, 2026

The event is staged at the IMAX Visitor Center in Grand Canyon Village/Tusayan and takes place within the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. It is organized in partnership with the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, the IMAX Visitor Center, the Kaibab National Forest, and local community partners.

Distances offered:

• Half-Marathon, 13.4 miles
• Marathon, 26.8 miles (two laps of the half-marathon course)
• Marathon Relay, 26.8 miles (team relay with lap exchange; completion under 5 hours)
• 5k Walk/Run, 3.1 miles
• Children’s 5k, 5K
• Virtual race with shirts and medals mailed

Course and terrain details are provided for each event. The trail marathon and half-marathon begin with a half mile on sidewalk, then about 11.5 miles of forest jeep roads that include rocky sections, soft dirt, and hard-packed surfaces, finishing with a rolling mile on the paved Arizona Trail. The 5k is mostly on the Arizona Trail with about one mile of hard-pack dirt forest road. Vegetation includes ponderosa pine, Gambel oak, and other local species. Morning temperatures are often in the 30s and 40s with daytime highs commonly in the 60s to 70s at about 7,000 feet, though conditions can vary.

Race amenities vary by division and include souvenir shirts for many registrants, commemorative finisher medallions, post-race snacks, a beer garden, and an artisan fair. Children and strollers are allowed in the 5k. The marathon and half-marathon courses are not suitable for chair athletes; the 5k may also be challenging for chair athletes. Pets are not permitted on the course during the event. Proceeds support the Tusayan Fire Department and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.