The red canyons and rock formations of Moab, Utah, provide a breathtaking backdrop. This makes it the perfect atmosphere for the Arches Half Marathon.
This 13.1 mile loop is held each fall and was organized in 2004. It coincided with the Canyonlands Half Marathon in the spring. It has since become a successful race, with over 840 runners participating in 2016.
The course for the Arches Half Marathon features a few short, steep hills as it follows a hilly loop course through the red-rock canyons and mesas of the Moab area. The half marathon begins and ends in downtown Moab, near the Moab Information Center, and follows a route that includes an out-and-back stretch along the La Sal Mountains Loop scenic byway and a loop around the north end of Arches National Park.
The course takes runners past some of the park’s most famous sights, including Balanced Rock, the Windows, the Fiery Furnace and Landscape Arch. The race offers a generous four-hour time limit, so runners of all paces can enjoy the stunning Moab red rocks and sights of the course.
Runners make a loop around the Arches National Park, passing by some of the park’s most iconic rock formations, then head out onto the Moab Rim Trail for the second half of the race. The course then winds its way back to the finish line at the golf course.
Grab your friends and start planning your stay at one of Moab’s Mighty four hotels- Expedition Lodge, Homewood Suites, Hampton Inn, and the newly renovated Holiday Inn Express & Suites Moab. Fuel up for your day with free hot breakfast, stay connected with free Wi-Fi and relax after a long day of trail running in one of our comfy guest rooms. Book your stay at one of our amazing Winter in Moab hotels today!