COURSE MAP

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Course Description & Route Directions:

Marathon Description: Set a PR for your WOW factor on this course! This course is unique and wild. The canyons around Moab are unlike anywhere in the world, and this course conquers some of the most spectacular! You will travel through narrow canyons with spectacular vertical walls on both sides and along the rim-tops of deep canyons with spectacular vistas in every direction. The terrain changes frequently to keep the miles clicking and includes narrow single-track, rugged jeep trails, sandy washes, Moab-style slickrock’, a short section of dirt road, a few sections of no-track, a very old mining trail, a couple sections with climbing and even a little slot canyon.

Views will take your breath away and include the spectacular red rocks of “Behind the Rocks Wilderness” and “Amasa Back” area, also view the sheer vertical walls of Pritchett, Hunter and Kane Creek Canyons and views into Canyonlands National Park. In the distance are the beautiful 12,000 foot La Sal Mountains. You’ll pass by several arches, lots of lizards, some really cool and funny looking rocks, possible eagles and hawks, some neat ancient pictographs, a couple small creeks and springs, and our friendly aid station volunteers who will be there to hydrate and fuel you in some of the craziest spots!

What truly makes this course special is the feeling it evokes. Much of the route winds through such remote and otherworldly terrain that you’ll forget about everyday life and feel transported to a place somewhere between reality and another world. There are moments when you’ll look around in disbelief and wonder how such landscapes can even exist. Somehow, that sense of awe seems to provide its own energy, carrying you forward from one canyon to the next.

The elevation gain is about 3500 ft. There are two major climbs, one at the beginning, which is nice and gradual, and one just after the ½ way point which is shorter and steeper. There are several other short climbs and descents throughout the course. The top runners will run all but the scramble section at mile point 17.5ish and are expected to finish in less than 4 hours. Average runners will do a combo of running and walking and are expected to finish in the 5 to 6 hr range.
If you want to cross the finish line feeling ecstatic, humbled, and completely in awe by where your own two feet have carried you, this race is for you.

Marathon Route Instructions: Starting at the Pritchett Canyon entrance, proceed up Pritchett Canyon Trail (5.7 miles of rugged jeep track) connecting to Hunter Canyon Rim Trail (1.8 miles), proceeding along the Hunter Canyon Rim single-track trail and down to Kane Creek Road (2.2 miles). Turn left and head south on Kane Creek Dirt Road to the Hunter Canyon singletrack trail (1.3 miles). Continue 1 mile up the canyon and turn around and come back out. Then continue south on Kane Creek Road (1 mile). Turn right and head up the “Scorched Earth Wall” (2 miles). Once atop the rim, continue generally north on the faint jeep trail, which turns to singletrack, then slickrock, then off-track canyon bottom (2 miles). Then turn left on the ‘Captain Ahab’ singletrack for 2.3 miles to Amasa Back jeep trail, continuing for about 1.5 miles where the jeep trail will turn into the ‘Pothole Arch/Rockstacker’ singletrack/slickrock and includes a beautiful section along the canyon rim (2.2 miles). Rockstacker turns into the Jackson Trail singletrack, which descends down the exposed canyon wall alongside the Colorado river and into the Kane Creek drainage (1.8 miles). Continue across Kane Creek to the finish line, which is just one short steep hill, less than 1/4 mile away.

½ Marathon Course Description: The Half Marathon course showcases some of the most spectacular and unique terrain in the Moab area and is proud to serve as the USATF Trail Half Marathon Championship course. Combining world-class competition with unforgettable scenery, this course offers a true trail running experience unlike any other.

The race begins by following the first nine miles of the Marathon course, traversing the stunning landscapes of Pritchett Canyon and the Hunter Rim. Runners are treated to towering red rock walls, expansive vistas, rugged slickrock, narrow singletrack, and dramatic canyon views stretching in every direction. The terrain is constantly changing, keeping the miles interesting and the scenery fresh. In the distance, the snow-capped La Sal Mountains rise above the desert, while the wild landscapes of Behind the Rocks Wilderness surround you.

After descending “Tricky Rock” into Gatherer Canyon, you’ll tackle the switchbacks climbing toward Kane Creek Road before turning onto the Hymasa Trail. From there, the course drops into the depths of Kane Creek itself. Most years, the creek bottom is firm, damp, and highly runnable. Other years, runners may encounter softer sand or even flowing water—typically no deeper than knee-high, unless the local beavers have been particularly busy before race day!

Perhaps what makes this course truly special is the feeling it evokes. Much of the route winds through landscapes so remote and otherworldly that you’ll forget about everyday life and become completely immersed in the journey. There are moments when you’ll look around in disbelief and wonder how such places can even exist. Somehow, that sense of awe provides its own energy, carrying you forward from one spectacular canyon to the next.

The final miles feature a short section of dirt road and a fun stretch of flowing singletrack leading to the finish. Whether you’re competing for a national championship, chasing a personal best, or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Moab Trail Half Marathon will leave you exhilarated, amazed, and already planning your return.

½ Marathon Route Instructions: Start at the Pritchett Canyon entrance, proceed up Pritchett Canyon trail (5.7 miles) connecting to Hunter Canyon Rim trail (1.8 miles), proceeding along the Hunter Canyon Rim single-track and down to Kane Creek Road (2.2 miles). Turn right and continue up the Kane Creek Road switchbacks for about a mile, then back down and turning left onto the Hymasa singletrack for ½ mile into Kane Creek drainage. Continue for 1 mile in the drainage, exiting at the Amasa Back parking lot for another ½ mile dirt road before the final ½ mile of singletrack with two crossings of Kane Creek before the finish.

10K Course Description: This is the trail that convinced Race Director Danelle Ballengee to move to Moab back in 2000. With spectacular scenery, incredible variety, and terrain that is challenging yet highly runnable, it is a true trail runner’s trail.

The course begins with a fast section along Kane Creek Road, surrounded by towering canyon walls. Keep an eye on the iconic “Tombstone” formation overhead—you may even spot BASE jumpers soaring above. After about three-quarters of a mile, the route drops into the peaceful Kane Creek drainage and follows the creek bed upstream before beginning the climb up the famous Amasa Back Jeep Road, better known as “Cliffhanger.”

As you gain elevation, the views become increasingly spectacular. Snow-capped La Sal Mountains rise to the east, while the vast Behind the Rocks Wilderness stretches out to the south. At the high point near mile 3, the course follows the canyon rim with sweeping views into ‘Jacksons Hole’ and glimpses of the Colorado River far below.

Then the fun really begins. Jackson Trail descends along a narrow ribbon of singletrack etched into the canyon wall. The trail is exciting, scenic, and features a few exposed sections where you’ll want to slow down and take in the views. After one final crossing of Kane Creek, a short climb brings you to “The Squeeze,” where you’ll climb a ladder and pop through a narrow slot before the final sprint to the finish.
Spectacular scenery, thrilling singletrack, and unforgettable views make this one of Moab’s classic trail running experiences.

10K Route Instructions: Head out Kane Creek Road for about 1/2 mile to the Amasa Back parking lot where you will make a sharp turn onto a steep downhill into Kane Creek Drainage. Follow up the drainage for about a mile then turn right onto Amasa Back Jeep Road. Follow Amasa Back Jeep Road for 1.5 miles to the ‘top’ then continue on the Cliffhanger section of Amasa Back Road for another mile before turning left onto the Jackson Trail singletrack where you will descent for 2 miles to the finish.

Kids K Course Description
Kids love it! Parents love it! This is an adventure 1K, not your ordinary dash. It’s a real trail adventure designed especially for young explorers.
Led our by one of our elite runner guides, participants will head out onto singletrack trails and make their way down to a narrow bridge and cross Kane Creek. From there, they’ll run beneath towering canyon walls, pass neat grottos, navigate some fun and challenging rocky sections, duck beneath a natural “canopy,” cross the creek again, and race through the “jungle” before tackling one final surprise. Just before the finish, runners will climb a ladder and squeeze through a narrow slot canyon before popping out onto the finishing stretch. It’s a memorable ending that kids absolutely love.
The course is challenging enough to make kids feel proud, but packed with so much adventure and variety that they’ll hardly notice they’re running. It’s a memorable race that kids love and for many it’s the beginning of a lifelong love of trail running.
Parents or guardians are welcome to accompany their child on the course at no charge; however, they must sign a waiver at check-in.
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Location of Feed/Aid Stations:

1. Pritchett Canyon and Hunter Rim Road intersection, mile point 5.7, Full and Half Marathon Courses.
2. Hunter Canyon Rim Trailhead (on Kane Creek Road at Gatherer Canyon), At mile point 9.7 of Full and Half Marathon.
3. Cattleguard at turn to Scorched Earth Wall: At mile point 13.7 of Marathon only.
4. “Taz’s Canyon” at bottom of slickrock scramble at mile point 17.4 of Marathon only
5. Intersection of upper Captain Ahab Trail and Amasa Back Road. At mile point 3 of the 10K and 20.6 of the Marathon.
6. Junction of Rockstacker & Jackson Trail at mile 24.3 of the Marathon and mile 4 of the 10K. This is a limited supply station and mainly for marathoners, although 10Kers can get aid if needed.
7. Amasa Back Parking lot at mile point 12.2 of Half-Marathon. Only the ½ marathon passes by this station.

Feed/Aid Stations will be equipped with water, Tailwind, GU’s, various fruity, salty, and sweet snack options, bars, oranges, bananas, Coke, and electrolytes. Also, basic first-aid supplies, an evacuation vehicle and communication ability.

Due to the remote location and rugged terrain of the course, vehicles are not able to access the route with food and water other than at these locations. Please carry your own water/food if you think you’ll need it!