Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Event overview

The Grand Canyon Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5k Run/Walk is staged in Tusayan, Arizona, near the Grand Canyon South Rim and takes place in the Kaibab National Forest and on the Coconino Plateau. The event raises funds for the Grand Canyon Food Pantry and the Tusayan Fire District. The start/finish area and most race-day activities are at the IMAX Visitor Center in Tusayan. The organizer lists partnerships with the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, the IMAX Visitor Center, the Kaibab National Forest, and the Grand Canyon Chamber.

Distances

• Marathon (two laps)
• Half-marathon (one lap, about 13.1 miles)
• 5k (out-and-back)
• Children's 5k and a virtual race are also offered

Course and race logistics

The courses are mixed-surface trail routes that include dirt forest service roads, hard-packed and soft dirt, rocky sections, a short sidewalk and paved multi-use path (part of the Arizona Trail). The half-marathon is a clockwise loop with rolling uphill and downhill sections and a reported total ascent around 555 ft and maximum elevation near 6,729 ft. Marathoners run two laps; the marathon entry is capped and has time limits (first lap and full marathon cutoffs specified by the organizer). Aid stations and volunteers are placed at multiple points on the course, with a station noted near mile 11.5. The event is chip-timed and offers a long-sleeve race shirt, a finisher medallion, post-race food, and on-site vendor and community activities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.