Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k - Tusayan, Arizona

The event is a trail running weekend near the Grand Canyon South Rim in Tusayan, Arizona. It offers multiple distances that follow forest service roads, multi-use paths, and sections of the Arizona Trail through the Kaibab National Forest. Start, finish, and race festivities take place in and around the IMAX Theater in Tusayan.

Distances

• Marathon (two laps of the race course)
• Half-marathon (about 13.1 miles, one lap)
• 5k (out-and-back, partially on paved Arizona Trail)

The half-marathon is a clockwise loop with varied terrain: rugged forest service roads, rolling uphill sections, smoother downhill stretches, and a paved multi-use path near the finish. The course does not descend into the Grand Canyon. Marathon entrants complete two laps. The 5k turns onto a dirt road at about 0.8 miles, reaches a turnaround near 1.55 miles, and returns on a mostly downhill stretch.

Aid and services include water and aid stations on the half-marathon at approximately Miles 3, 6, 9, and 11.5, with water at each stop and select sports drink and gel offerings at some stations. The organizers advise participants to be self-sufficient and to hydrate before arrival because the event takes place at high altitude.

Accessibility and rules: dogs and animals are not allowed on the course. The half-marathon course is not suited for chair athletes; the 5k has a paved section that may be chair-capable but includes a dirt road that can be difficult to navigate. Participants receive a souvenir medal, a long-sleeve race shirt, and post-race food. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.