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Man Against Horse Race

Man Against Horse Race: a Prescott tradition since 1983, testing runners against the wild.

Race Date

Oct 17, 2026

Location

Prescott, AZ

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Location
Prescott, Arizona
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 50M, 25M
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell Organized

Course

Exposed

The Experience

First run in 1983, the Man Against Horse Race in Prescott, Arizona, is a long-standing tradition born from a bar bet on Whiskey Row. This unique event challenges runners to test themselves against the rugged Arizona landscape.

The race offers multiple distances, including a half marathon, 25-mile, and 50-mile ultramarathon, drawing participants from across the region. The courses are known for their challenging terrain, set against the backdrop of Prescott's natural beauty.

Participants can expect a race that embodies a spirit of adventure and raw competition, a true test of endurance against the elements and the spirit of the wild.

Race-provided description

HomeRace ManualCourses50 mi Course Strava 25 mi Course Strava1/2 & Intro Course StravaCaltopo 50 mile map Caltopo 25 mile map Caltopo intro ride & HalfResults PhotosAbout RidingMoreHomeRace ManualCourses50 mi Course Strava 25 mi Course Strava1/2 & Intro Course StravaCaltopo 50 mile map Caltopo 25 mile map Caltopo intro ride & HalfResults PhotosAbout RidingHomeRace ManualCourses50 mi Course Strava 25 mi Course Strava1/2 & Intro Course StravaCaltopo 50 mile map Caltopo 25 mile map Caltopo intro ride & HalfResults PhotosAbout Riding Online Registration mail in entry forms50 Mile/25 Mile/Intro Ride/Half Marathon 10.17.26 Online Registration mail in entry forms50 Mile/25 Mile/Intro Ride/Half Marathon 10.17.26 Race HistoryIn 1983 Man against Horse began by a bar bet on Whiskey Row in Prescott Ar

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Prescott, AZ

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Rural

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

50M25M

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details5/15

3 timing sources

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather5/10

typical high 70°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

49°

Afternoon (High)

70°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

47%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Man Against Horse Race?

The Man Against Horse Race is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Where does the Man Against Horse Race take place?

It takes place in Prescott, Arizona.

What distances does the Man Against Horse Race offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 50M, 25M.

Is the Man Against Horse Race course flat and good for a PR?

The Man Against Horse Race is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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