Arches Marathon and Half
15K, Half Marathon, Marathon, 50K
October 7, 2023
Moab, Utah
About Arches Marathon and Half
The Arches Marathon and Half event is located at Behind the Rocks trail. We're taking you to explore Moab's last hidden gem. The course is made up of jeep road, slickrock, and sandy washes;
Moab running at its best!
Started in 2004 as a fall companion to the popular Canyonlands Half Marathon, Arches Half Marathon has hosted many runners on the road course. In 2021, Arches became a trail event. The new course features beautiful red rock formations, views of the snow covered La Sal Mountains and the awe inspiring Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. We have added a marathon division and we extended cutoffs. In 2022, Arches Marathon and Half will host a 50K. See more of the Moab desert and finish an ultra!
Arches Marathon and Half is part of our Run Moab Series. Check out all of our Moab races and then head to our store to get your very own Run Moab running apparel.
Course Information
Arches 50K GPX *download file to view
Lowest Point 4516'
Highest Point 5726'
Elevation Gain 2979'
Elevation Loss 2979'
Arches Marathon Interactive Map
Arches Marathon GPX *download file to view
Lowest Point 4516'
Highest Point 5726'
Elevation Gain 2644'
Elevation Loss 2657'
Arches Half Marathon Interactive Map
Arches Half Marathon GPX *download file to view
Lowest Point 5184'
Highest Point 5727'
Elevation Gain 1178'
Elevation Loss 1214'
Arches 15K GPX *download file to view
Lowest Point 5228'
Highest Point 5726'
Elevation Gain 745'
Elevation Loss 768'
Aid Station Mileage, Cutoff Times, and Course Limit Information
Cupless Aid Station Information
That's right! We have gone cupless!
What does that mean?
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Bring your own re-useable cup (Mad Moose Hydrapak cups are available for purchase during packet pick-up)
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Water dispensers will be located at the start/finish line and at every aid station.
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Runners can use these to fill bladders, bottles, and reusable cups
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Gloved volunteers will pour sodas/misc drinks into runners' reusable cups.
Arches Marathon and Half Race Guide
See the 2023 Race Guide.
Travel Information
Check out the Travel Page for information about lodging and recreation in Moab!
Packet Pickup
Date: Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Start/Finish Line
Behind the Rocks Trail.
Race Day Packet Pickup:
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Time: 6:15 AM - 7:50 AM
Information Regarding Packet Pickup Process:
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You will need to have a photo ID in order to receive your packet.
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Runners may pick up the goody bag and shirt of a registered runner who will not be in attendance.
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Runners may not pick up someone else's bib.
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Entries are non-transferable
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See race guide for all information about packet pickup.
Directions to Start/Finish Line
GPS Coordinates (Click for Google Maps)
38.416408096367164, -109.46382891349295
From the south end of Moab, head south approximately 13 miles. You will head out of town on a single lane road. As you begin to head up the first steep hill, the road will open up to a passing lane. Once you get to the top of the hill, the dirt road will be on your right. The turn is just past mile marker 113. If you pass the rest area, you have gone too far. Take a right turn, and follow the road approximately 2.5 miles to the start. You will see the start line on the left hand side. The dirt road is difficult to spot. The road is technical, but passable for 2WD. Please allow plenty of time to find the start. You can reference the map below for more information.
In order to increase runner safety, NO VEHICLES MAY LEAVE the parking area from 7:40 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Vehicles may still enter the parking area throughout this time.
Start/Finish Line Camping Information
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There are spots for tents and RV/Campers. The road leading to camp is slow and technical in spots.
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We will have toilets available for the campers, beginning Friday. There are plenty of spots to accommodate everyone. No reservations required!
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Please be sure to camp in designated spots. If you are not, you may be asked to move.
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Please follow directions of parking attendants.
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If you arrive after 9 PM, please DO NOT camp in the main camp loop. There are many options for dispersed camping along the Behind the Rocks Rd. Please see the Race Guide for camping map. Do not drive past road closed barriers or around blocked off areas.
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Quiet hours begin at 9pm. Please be respectful to the runners that must get up early.
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Campfires are not allowed in the camp loop. Please look for alternative camping along the Behind the Rocks Rd. if you would like to have a campfire.
The RDs will be there all week, so join us for a night or for the full week!
There are several other options for camping/lodging in the Moab area. Please see the Complete Guide to Moab Campgrounds or our Travel Page for more information.
Race Morning Schedule
Saturday, October 7th 2023
6:15 a.m.-7:50 a.m.
Packet Pickup
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7:00 a.m. - 50K and Marathon Start
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8:00 a.m. - Half Marathon and 15K Start
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10 minutes before each race start - pre-race announcement
RUNNERS MUST ATTACH CHIP TO SHOE. NO CHIP ON SHOE = NO TIME
In order to increase runner safety, NO VEHICLES MAY LEAVE the parking area from 7:40 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Vehicles may still enter the parking area throughout this time.
Finish Line
The finish line is located at the same location at the start line.
Runner Perks
Runners will receive a custom race shirt, a custom BOCO trucker hat, and unique finisher medal!
FAQ
The FAQ page contains information about:
-Pricing
-Race Rules
-Distance Changes
-Cancelation, transfer, and no refund policy
-Other Runner Requirements
Results
Find the Results hosted on Ultrasignup!
Race Photos
Race photos are taken by Aktiva Sport Photography. They will send an email to runners once the pictures have been processed. Please allow 1-2 weeks for processing.
This event is supported by Dan Mick Jeep Tours
Our Moab events could not happen without the help of Dan Mick Jeep Tours. Many of the Mad Moose Events’ aid stations are in extremely isolated areas, with rugged 4x4 routes to get to them. Dan Mick ensures that we are able to provide supplies to our runners, which allows us to continue to bring you to rarely experienced areas of the Moab backcountry.
Dan Mick Jeep Tours has been assisting Mad Moose Events for many years. They are as equally skilled as aid station volunteers as they are navigating the 4x4 trails. Dan Mick Jeep Tours currently provides support for Moab’s Red Hot Ultra, Behind the Rocks Ultra, Amasa Trail Race, Thelma and Louise Marathon and Half, as well as Arches Marathon and Half.
While you are staying in Moab, please take a look at their website and book you, your friends, and your family a tour. They offer sunset, half day morning, half day afternoon, and full day guided trips on many of the most popular off-roading routes in the area.
Volunteer with Mad Moose
Do you like helping your fellow runners succeed? Do you want to support your favorite race company? Do you enjoy giving back to this awesome community? Consider volunteering at one of our future events! As if getting to give back to the running community wasn’t enough, we want to show our gratitude by having all volunteers earn credits toward FREE race entries of your choice! (Friends and Family - You can earn race credits for your runner to use toward their next Mad Moose Event!)
Click HERE for more details about volunteering with Mad Moose!
Already earned some free entries this year and love helping on race day? Consider becoming a Mad Moose Ambassador!
