Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Event Overview

The Grand Canyon Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5k Run/Walk takes place in Tusayan, Arizona, near the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. The routes lead participants through the Kaibab National Forest on the Coconino Plateau. The event is staged at the IMAX Visitor Center and serves as a fundraiser for the Tusayan Fire Department and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry.

Available distances and categories include:

• Marathon: A 26.8-mile course consisting of two laps of the half-marathon route.
• Half-Marathon: A 13.4-mile course through forest terrain.
• Marathon Relay: A two-person team event where each runner completes one lap of the 13.4-mile course.
• 5k Walk/Run: A 3.1-mile route accessible to runners, walkers, and strollers.
• Children's 5k: A division for participants aged 12 and under.
• Virtual Race: An option for remote participation where materials are sent by mail.

Course details

The marathon and half-marathon courses feature 11.5 miles of forest jeep roads, including rugged rocky sections, soft dirt, and hard-packed dirt. The routes also include a half-mile sidewalk start and a final rolling mile on the paved Arizona Trail path. The 5k course is primarily held on the paved Arizona Trail with one mile on hard-packed dirt forest roads. The location sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet, and the terrain for the longer distances is not suitable for chair athletes.

Participant Information

All registrants for the 5k, half-marathon, and marathon receive a souvenir long-sleeve shirt. Finishers across all live divisions are awarded a commemorative medallion. The post-race area in Tusayan features snacks, a beer garden, and an artisan fair showcasing jewelry and artwork from local and Tribal artisans. While strollers are permitted in the 5k, pets are not allowed on the course during the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.