About Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile.

The first Canyonlands Half Marathon was run on May 1, 1976 had just 22 finishers, including a dog.

Today, thousands of runners come together in March to enjoy the scenic red rock formations and winding Colorado River that Moab has come to be known for! Running parallel to Arches National Park and the mighty river, runners are in for a real treat. Long considered a "Bucket List" race, in the July 18 issue of Runners World UK, Canyonlands Half Marathon was mentioned in their article "The Worlds Greatest Races." It's easy to see why runners return year after year to experience spring in Moab on this famous road race!

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Canyonlands Half Marathon and Five Mile is part of our Run Moab Series. Check out all of our Moab races!

Canyonlands Race Guide

Read the 2026 Canyonlands Race Guide for more information.

Course Information

As the sun rises over the towering red rock canyon walls, runners gather at Lions Park, a picturesque setting along the banks of the Colorado River. The morning air hums with anticipation as pre-race jitters fade, replaced by excitement for the miles ahead. The course winds alongside the Colorado River through postcard alley, offering stunning views for the entire race, before turning around and heading back to finish at the ever-beautiful Lions Park, adjacent to Arches National Park. After crossing the finish line, runners can unwind on the park’s grassy lawn, soaking in the scenery and celebrating with family and friends.

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Canyonlands Half Marathon Course Map

Canyonlands Half Marathon Interactive Map

Canyonlands Half Marathon GPX File *download file to view

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Canyonlands 5 Mile Course Map

Canyonlands 5 Mile Interactive Map

Canyonlands 5 Mile GPX File *download file to view

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There are six aid stations along the course. See map below. 

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Aid station supplies include:

• water

• Gatorade Endurance Formula

• port-a-potties.  

Medical staff is stationed along the course and at the finish line.

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Course Time Limits/Road Closure Information

Due to safety concerns and permitting requirements, the Canyonlands Half Marathon course will have strictly enforced cutoff times at all aid stations. A pace of 15:30/mile or faster will meet the cutoff times.

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Aid Station Mileage, Cutoff Times, and Course Limit Information

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If you do not make a cutoff, you MUST board the sweep vehicle. Keep in mind that course services, including aid stations and medical, will be discontinued once the sweep vehicle passes. The finish line closes at noon.

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Hwy 128 is closed to traffic from 7:40 am to Noon between Mile Post 7 and Hwy 191. This includes motor vehicles, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic.

Travel Information

Check out the Travel Page for information about lodging and recreation in Moab!

Packet Pickup

Important: Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile will take registrations at packet pickup on Friday. We will NOT take race day registrations. Runners must ride shuttle to start line. Spectators must wait until designated loading time to board shuttles to Lions Park.

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Date: Friday, March 20, 2026

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location:  Lions Park

UT Highway 128

Moab, UT 84532

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No registration on race day. 

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Race Day Packet Pickup:

Saturday, March 21, 2026

Time: 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.m.

Location: Start Line. Runner must ride shuttle to start line for packet pickup.

There is no race day registration.

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Information Regarding Packet Pickup Process:

1. You will need to have a photo ID in order to receive your packet.

2. Race changes cannot be done after Wednesday on race week.

3. Runners may not pick up someone else's bib.  

4. Entries are non-transferable. See FAQ page.

Shuttle Pickup Information

Important: Runners must ride shuttle to start line. Half Marathon and 5 Mile have separate pick-up locations. Spectators must NOT board start line shuttle; they must wait until 8:30 when spectator shuttles begin running.  

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Shuttles begin loading at 7 a.m.

Location: in front of the Helen M. Knight School located at 400 N and 100 W

GPS Coordinates (Click for Google Maps):

38.5796, -109.5550

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Information Regarding Shuttle Process:​

1. Please board shuttles promptly.

2. Parking for shuttles is located at HMK, but it is limited. Please plan to walk or carpool to HMK School on Saturday morning.

3. There is NO PARKING AT THE START! All participants must to take a shuttle to the start areas. 

4. No spectators at the start line.

5. Runners will be shuttled from Lions Park to HMK after the event.

Start Line Gear Check

There will be an area near the start line area for runners to put their gear bags before the start. 

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1. Use the bag supplied at packet pickup, which will be labeled with your bib number.

2. Bags will be arranged as you left them at the Gear Bag Pickup area at Lions Park after the race.

3. Please do not place valuables in your gear bag.  

4. Mad Moose Events is not responsible for lost items.

Start Times

Half Marathon Start: 8:15 a.m.

5 Mile Start: 8:35 a.m.

Finish Line

The finish line is located at Lions Park, located at the intersection of Hwy 128 and Hwy 191.  Hwy 128 is closed for the duration of the event. There is no parking at Lions Park. All lots at the park are closed for the event.

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Shuttles will be taking spectators and runners between the finish line and Helen M Knight Elementary School, located at 400N and 100W, from 8:30 AM until 12:30 PM. The shuttles will run continuously. There is no parking at the finish.

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Google Maps Directions for Shuttle Pick-up/Drop-off

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All spectators and runners must use the Highway 128 underpass to access shuttle pickup/drop-off location, at Lions Park. Do not cross the highway. Strollers must be able to fold and fit on school bus. No dogs allowed on the shuttles.

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*The finish line is within walking distance of the Fairfield Inn and Springhill Inn, at Lions Park. For spectators staying at that location. Just follow the pedestrian bridge across the river and then use the Highway 191 underpass.

Runners will be served water, Gatorade Endurance Formula, and a delicious variety of fruit. The finish line closes at noon. 

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Dogs are NOT allowed on shuttles or at Lions Park.  An off leash area, the Bark Park, is located on 300 S.

Runner Perks

Runners will receive a unique finisher's medal, a custom printed shirt, bag, great post race refreshments, and a closed, traffic-free highway.

FAQ

The FAQ page contains information about:

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-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.

Volunteer with Mad Moose

Join the Mad Moose Herd and make a difference in the running community by volunteering at one of our upcoming events. As a volunteer, you'll have the chance to support your favorite race company and help fellow runners achieve their goals. And as a thank you for your time and effort, we offer 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!)

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But volunteering isn't just about the rewards - it's also a chance to give back to this amazing community and be a part of something truly special. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just love being a part of the action, we have volunteer opportunities for everyone.

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Click here for more information on how you can get involved and make a difference. Together, we can create unforgettable experiences for runners and show our appreciation for this incredible community.