Grand Canyon Trail Marathon, Half-Marathon, & 5k Run/Walk

Post-Race Updates

OCTOBER 26 UPDATE:

Results at WWW.ROADRUNNERRACETIMING.COM

Photos for viewing and purchase can be found here

Post-race email to all participants with details on photos, results, awards, and coupon for next year

Nice Emails Received:

Just a note of THANKS for putting on a very fun and well-organized event. Entering my new age group comes with a lot of apprehension/doubt of still doing what I love to do…running. Though not as fast as I used to be - it felt good to be part of a group that still holds a lot of meaning to me - the running community. It’s nice that your event was all-inclusive and everyone felt wanted, accepted and appreciated. Nice job. Hope to attend another of your events in the near future. - R.D., Alaska

Thank you SO much for a wonderful race this weekend. I am so glad I did the half even though I was worried about the conditions of the trail after all that rain. I appreciate all your hard work and your races are the best! I placed 2nd in my AG! I am still on a high . - A.L., Arizona

Thanks for putting on a great event! I know it is a LOT of work to make such a large event happen with a billion moving pieces. I appreciate the time and effort you and your team put into the race. You guys rock! J.M., Arizona

Grand Canyon Marathon Events

$80

7:30AM MST 1:00PM MST

Price increases after November 30, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

Open to ages 16+.

Sign Up Here

$80

7:30AM MST 1:00PM MST

Price increases after November 30, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

Open to ages 16+.

Sign Up Here

$70

7:30AM MST 1:00PM MST

Registration ends October 23, 2027 at 8:00am MST

Sign Up Here

$35

8:00AM MST 1:00PM MST

Price increases after November 30, 2026 at 11:59pm MST

Sign Up Here

$10

8:00AM MST 1:00PM MST

20 spots left. Registration Opens October 9, 2027 at 7:47am MST

Open to ages 1 - 12.

$60

Registration ends September 30, 2027 at 11:59pm MST

Sign Up Here

Join us on Saturday, October 22, 2027 in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, steps from the stunning South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

9th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Event, with a marathon, half-marathon, and 5k!

Now in its 9th year, this event is produced by life-long runners who know the beauty of running, walking, and hiking through scenic and challenging terrain. Run or walk through the stunning Kaibab National Forest, nestled on the Coconino Plateau just a hop, skip, and jump away from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim.

Developed in partnership with the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, the IMAX Visitor Center, the Kaibab National Forest, and other local community members.

Together, we celebrate the invigorating joy and personal triumphs of trail running. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a budding enthusiast, join us as we conquer challenges and bask in the beauty of our surroundings.

Get set for a thrilling and challenging course that'll take you on a beautiful ride under a canopy of trees, past tree-lined cliffs, and under historic railroad tracks. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to spot some of the local wildlife!

The race kicks off in Tusayan, Arizona, where you'll find the start/finish line and all the post-race festivities. The course is within the recently designated Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.

Once you've crossed the finish line, grab your coveted souvenir medal, relax at the beer garden, and check out the artisan fair with locally-made jewelry, artwork, and other offerings from local and Tribal artisans. After you've recovered, head a few miles up the road to check out the scenery at the Grand Canyon. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience nature's majesty at its finest!

The exciting marathon race will count for 50 States, Marathon Maniacs, and other fun runner challenges.

Last year we added a full marathon race and for 2026 we've added a Marathon Relay: the first runner will do the first lap (which is the half-marathon loop), cross the finish line map, then the team's second runner will do the second lap. Completion time must be under 5 hours. Each team member receives a finisher medal and souvenir shirt.

NOTE: The marathon is a bit long, closer to 26.8 miles. The half-marathon is a bit long, closer to 13.35 miles.

Grand Canyon Marathon time limit: all marathoners must complete the first lap in under 2:45 and the whole marathon under 5.5 hours.

What you get:

Souvenir colorful long-sleeve race shirt for first 600 registrants
Commemorative medallion and free beer for all finishers
Chip-timed results with finish line video
Fundraising pancake breakfast
Local and Tribal Artisan Fair
Local lodging & tourist discounts
Check out the lodging discount to Red Feather Lodge, steps from the start/finish
Race day photography by Damion Alexander
Prize money, age group awards, and more!

Nice Words

I just wanted to say "Thank You" for an outstanding job of putting this event together.You helped to make it so enjoyable. It was a fantastic trail and I definitely hope to do it again. Thank you Thank you. --MN

The Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon

Day 2

I am in shock at how incredibly amazing this experience was! When can i sign up??? This is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and the most epic one! The hardest ones are the most sacred ones

I’ve not run trail before and let me tell ya, whole different ballgame. It’s 10x harder on your body and a mix of terrain. But it was challenging as all. Would do this again in a heartbeat! 10/10 The scenery, the atmosphere and everything about this was unbelievable and unique!!!

27 degrees at the start. Warms up quickly. Weather couldn’t have been more perfect! Time on trail was just over 3 hours. Longer than a road race. Wasn’t here for time at all, it was for the experience. Had SO much fun!!!! Friendly faces up here, Run Tucson, Randy Accetta & Tia, Volunteers, the town of Tusayan, The Damion Alexander Team, Tusayan Fire/forest service THANK YOU!!!

Event Description

2027 Race Info

We're gearing up for the 9th year! This event is produced by life-long runners who know the beauty of running, walking, and hiking through scenic and challenging terrain. Run or walk through the stunning Kaibab National Forest, nestled on the Coconino Plateau just a hop, skip, and jump away from the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon South Rim.

Local Partners:

Run Tucson supports Run Local! The Grand Canyon Trail Marathon is a joint partnership between the Town of Tusayan and Run Tucson, the premier local running company in Arizona.

Special thanks to the Tusayan Fire District, the IMAX Visitor Center, and the Kaibab National Forest.

Bring the Kids! Children and strollers are allowed in the 5k

Trail Marathon and Half-Marathon Terrain: half mile start on sidewalk, then 11.5 miles of challenging forest jeep roads, including rugged rocky sections, soft dirt, and hard-packed dirt forest roads, with a rolling final mile on the paved Arizona Trail path. According to the National Park Service, the forest is characterized by ponderosa pine, with Gambel oak, New Mexico locust, mountain mahogany, elderberry, creeping mahonia, and fescue.

5k Terrain: mostly paved Arizona Trail, with about one mile on hard-pack dirt forest road

Difficulty: the marathon and half-marathon course is challenging for many, with hills and rugged terrain. Top runners finish about 10 minutes slower than road races in the half-marathon.

Weather: most likely in the 30's and 40's early morning, with daytime highs hitting 60's - 70's . . . but you never know what late October will bring at 7,000 feet.

Chair Athletes: The 5k would be challenging for chair athletes, while the marathon and half-marathon is on a rugged course not suitable for chair athletes.

Pets Allowed: We love pets but they cannot be with participants on the course during the event.

Want Training Advice? Contact RRCA-certified running coach Tia Accetta at tia@runtucson.net.

Contact Form

Event Location

469 AZ-64
Tusayan
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 US View Location on Map

Raising funds for local needs

$95

Raised of $2,000

Donate

Links

http://runtucson.net facebook.com/events/917262422223765

Partial FAQ

Use this link to the landing page to book the reservations: https://book.rguest.com/wbe/group/2162/redfeatherlodge/auth

Group Code: 1194

Password: 14291604

The National Forest Service does not allow portojohns on forest land, so there are no portojohns on the course. The IMAX at the start/finish and half-marathon mark has plenty of restroom space.

The Kaibab National Forest is a big forest, so if you use the forest for a restroom, please bury your toilet paper waste products or pack out what you bring in.

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the official race course.

Yes, you can sign up in the hour before the race starts at the IMAX, near the start/finish line.

Unfortunately, we do not have a formal gear-check. However, the start/finish line is steps from the IMAX parking lot and within a few minutes jog of the Tusayan hotels, so it should be easy to leave your pre-race clothing someplace accessible.