HalfRuns
Moab Trail Marathon

Moab Trail Marathon

Moab Trail Marathon offers a challenging, scenic adventure through Utah's unique desert landscape.

Race Date

Nov 7, 2026

Location

Moab, UT

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Location
Moab, Utah
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10k Trail Run, 1K
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyBQ Relevant

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat SwagWell Organized

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Moab Trail Marathon series plunges runners into the spectacular and otherworldly landscapes of Kane Creek Canyon, Utah. This is not your average road race; expect a true trail adventure with varied terrain that demands scrambling up and down rock formations, navigating diverse surfaces from sand to stream, and embracing the high desert altitude.

While the course is undeniably challenging, the payoff is immense. Runners consistently rave about the breathtaking, majestic scenery, with every turn offering a new, awe-inspiring vista. The USATF Trail Half Marathon National Championships have been hosted here, indicating a course that is both demanding and certified for competitive racing. Aid stations are strategically placed, though some runners recommend carrying your own hydration and nutrition for the more remote sections.

This event is a destination for those seeking an "adventure run" that tests their grit while immersing them in the unique beauty of Moab. The race is well-organized, with clear markings and enthusiastic volunteers, ensuring a memorable experience that draws runners back year after year.

Race-provided description

EVENT INFORMATION Race Date: November 7th & 8th, 2026 We are happy to announce that the Moab Trail Saturday Half Marathon will again be designated as the USATF National Championship! We will also be running Sunday's 1/2 Marathon in addition to the traditional Saturday Races. So, you may run the 1/2 marathon on either Saturday or Sunday (same course, same support, but two separate awards.)  If you want to run the Marathon, 10K or Kids K- they will be offered on Saturday only.  We added the Sunday 1/2 Marathon since Saturdays 1/2 Marathon fills up very early. Please note that all Saturday’s races will likely fill up by early June. There will be a waitlist but please try to sign up early! We expect Sundays 1/2 Marathon to be open until early October (and Sunday’s entry fee is considerably less!). Location Event takes place in the spectacular and beautiful Kane Creek Canyon area near Moab, Utah. Directions to Race Venue/Packet Pick-up/Start/Finish: Heading south on Main Street Moab, turn right on Kane Creek Blvd which is at the McDonald’s. Continue, staying left at the one fork after about a mile, to continue on Kane Springs Road. You’ll follow alongside the Colorado River for just over 3 miles until the road turns from pavement to dirt. The venue/start/finish area is in the Kane Creek parking lot, on the right. Packet pickup parking will be just beyond the venue area between 2pm and 6pm on Friday. Race Day Parking: NO on-site parking on race days (Saturday or Sunday). All participants must take the shuttle to/from the start or be dropped off by friend/family member. Shuttles will leave from the south side of HMK Elementary School (located at North 400 East and Mi Vida.) Please park at the school, Swanny Park, along the streets near the school, or designated parking lots (but not on private property). Additional Shuttle & Drop Off Information Registration Information: Register at RunSignUp.com. Registration limited to the first 900 to sign up for each day. Register early! (Elite runners, please contact race director if you need more time to sign up, we will save some spots for elite runners!) Your Registration includes an incredible course (fully marked), Chip Timing, t-shirt, goodie bag, aid stations on course with water and snacks, post event soup and snacks, a finishers medal and mug,  Sponsor “swag” to top 3 M/F overall in each race, prizes to top age group finishers (10 year age-group increments, M/F) in the marathon and half marathon, $6600 cash purse shared between top Half Marathon Finishers, a chance to be titled the “Half Marathon National Champion” (overall and age group). A portion of your entry fee will be donated to local non-profit organizations, including the Humane Society of Moab Valley, Grand County Search & Rescue, Trail Mix and Community Rebuilds.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Start Time

9:45 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

Kane Creek Recreation Parking, Moab, UT 84532, Moab, UT, 84532

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Desert, Mountain

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Hilly

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles13.1 Miles10k Trail Run1K

Course Map

1 other map for this race

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 & details8/15

3 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather10/10

typical high 60°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

37°

Afternoon (High)

60°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

43%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Moab Trail Marathon?

The Moab Trail Marathon is held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, starting at 9:45 AM.

Where does the Moab Trail Marathon take place?

It takes place in Moab, Utah.

What distances does the Moab Trail Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 13.1 Miles, 10k Trail Run, 1K.

Is the Moab Trail Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Moab Trail Marathon is a hilly, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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