About Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile.

On March 15, 2025, we will celebrate 50 years of Canyonlands Half Marathon and 5 Mile in Moab, Utah! Known locally as THE MOAB HALF MARATHON, it has become a valued tradition in the community. Join us for the celebration!

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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 2025 Canyonlands Race Guide for more information.

Course Information

Lucky runners will start at Sandy Beach, a boat launching site located next to the Colorado River. Pre-race jitters are replaced the excitement as runners take in awe inspiring views of towering red rock canyon walls and the red reflections of the rising sun. The course will travel east for a half mile before turning around and heading down river toward the Moab Valley. After traveling down post-card alley for the entirety of the race, runners will finish at the ever beautiful Lions Park, adjacent to Arches National Park.

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Canyonlands Half Marathon Course Map

Canyonlands Half Marathon Interactive Map

Canyonlands Half Marathon GPX File *download file to view

• Lowest Point   3961'

• Highest Point  4088'

• Elevation Gain 443'

• Elevation Loss 531'

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Canyonlands 5 Mile Course Map

Canyonlands 5 Mile Interactive Map

Canyonlands 5 Mile GPX File *download file to view

• Lowest Point   3960'

• Highest Point  4146'
• Elevation Gain 440'
• Elevation Loss 456'​

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There are four 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 12:15 pm.

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Hwy 128 is closed to traffic from 7:40 am to Noon between Mile Post 14 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 not board start line shuttle. Race is point to point. 

Date: Friday, March 14, 2025

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 15, 2025

Time: 6:35 a.m.- 7:15 a.m.

Location: Swanny Park near shuttle 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. Race is point to point. Shuttle buses do NOT return to Moab. They are bound for Colorado. 

Runners MUST show bib to enter shuttle. 

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Half Marathon Start: shuttles load between 7:00 and 7:20 a.m.

Location: the south side of Swanny City Park along Park Drive.

GPS Coordinates (Click for Google Maps): 

38.5774, -109.5536

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Five Mile Start: shuttle vehicles load between 7:20 AM and 7:35 AM

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. Runners must show their bibs to board a shuttle.

2. Runners staying upriver from the Half Marathon race start on Hwy 128 can be dropped off there no later than 7:30 AM.

3. Please board shuttles promptly—it takes considerable time to move people up a narrow winding canyon road.

4. No parking at Swanny Park. Parking for shuttles is located at HMK, but it is limited. Please plan to walk or carpool to Swanny City Park and HMK School on Saturday morning.

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

6. No spectators may ride the start line shuttle. No spectators at the start line.

7. 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. Vehicle leave 5 minutes before the start of the event. We will adhere to schedule strictly because of road closures in place.

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

2. Bag must be placed into Gear Bag vehicle 5 minutes before the start. Vehicle must head to finish on schedule. 

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

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

5. 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 1 PM. The shuttles will run continuously. There is no parking at the finish line.

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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 food. The finish line closes at 12:00 pm. 

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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.