Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk

  • Date Sat 1st November 2025
  • Time 8:00AM EST
  • Location Grand Canyon Village, Arizona
  • Price $11.60 - $64.60
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 5km, Half Marathon, Marathon

Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, November 1, 2025! Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Grand Canyon in Coconino County, Arizona, this exhilarating event takes place in the stunning Kaibab National Forest, just a stone's throw from the iconic South Rim. Participants can choose between two thrilling distances: a challenging half marathon that weaves through rugged terrain with beautiful forest views, or a more leisurely 5K perfect for families and beginners.

This event isn't just about running; it's about celebrating the joy of outdoor activity and community spirit. Enjoy a lively post-race atmosphere complete with a beer garden, artisan fair showcasing local crafts, and delicious snacks to refuel after your race. Plus, by participating, you'll be supporting vital local organizations like the Tusayan Fire Department and the Grand Canyon Food Pantry. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5K is a fantastic way to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to challenge yourself and soak in the natural beauty of one of America’s most awe-inspiring landmarks!

Organiser's Description

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 UPDATES: CLICK HERE FOR THE 2024 RACE REPORT [https://conta.cc/48ys7yl], WITH INFORMATION ON PHOTOS, RACE RESULTS, AND MORE./

CLICK HERE FOR 2024 RACE RESULTS [https://www.roadrunnerracetiming.com/].

CLICK HERE FOR 2024 RACE PHOTOGRAPHS [https://thetucsonphotographer.smugmug.com/Sports/Running/Trail-Runs/Grand-Canyon-Half-Marathon-and-5K].



REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 2025: EARLY BIRDS, IT'S TIME TO HIT THE TRAIL FOR THE 2025 EDITION GRAND CANYON TRAIL HALF MARATHON AND 5K! JOIN US IN THE BEAUTIFUL KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST, STEPS FROM THE STUNNING SOUTH RIM OF THE GRAND CANYON.



PRODUCED BY LIFE-LONG RUNNERS WHO KNOW THE BEAUTY OF RUNNING, WALKING, AND HIKING THROUGH SCENIC AND CHALLENGING TERRAIN . . . AND 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 PRO OR A BUDDING ENTHUSIAST, JOIN US AS WE CONQUER CHALLENGES AND BASK IN THE BEAUTY OF OUR SURROUNDINGS. EXPERIENCE THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF TRAIL RUNNING AND FIND A NEW YOU WITH EACH STRIDE. JOIN US, GROW WITH US, AND LET THE TRAIL TRANSFORM YOU!



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.

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 ITAH KUKVENI ANCESTRAL FOOTPRINTS OF THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL MONUMENT.

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!

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!



YOUR DONATIONS HELP SUPPORT THE VITAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE TWO LOCAL NON-PROFITS: THE TUSAYAN FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE GRAND CANYON FOOD PANTRY.

THE EVENT IS STAGED AT THE IMAX VISITOR CENTER, 450 AZ-64, GRAND CANYON VILLAGE, AZ 86023, ABOUT 3 HOURS FROM THE PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT AND 4 HOURS FROM LAS VEGAS.



CHECK OUT THESE SWEET EVENT TREATS:

*

SNAZZY FINISHER'S RACE MEDAL IN THE 5K AND HALF MARATHON

*

A COLORFUL LONG SLEEVE SHIRT TO COMMEMORATE YOUR EPIC JOURNEY ACROSS THE TRAILS NEAR THE SOUTH RIM

*

TASTY POST-RACE SNACKS TO REFUEL YOUR ENGINE

*

FREE BEER TO CELEBRATE YOUR TRIUMPH, WITH DISCOUNTED POURS SUPPORTING THE TUSAYAN FIRE DEPARTMENT

*

DISCOUNTS TO NEARBY TOURIST ACTIVITIES, BECAUSE YOU DESERVE TO KEEP THE FUN GOING! WHILE YOURE VACATIONING AT THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK [https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm], TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL THE DISCOUNTS OFFERED BY OUR FRIENDS AT THE GRAND CANYON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO AMERICAS MOST AWE-INSPIRING DESTINATION.

*

DISCOUNTS TO LOCAL HOTELS, SUCH AS THE RED FEATHER LODGE AND THE SQUIRE INN, A DELAWARE NORTH PROPERTY



LOCAL PARTNERS:

WE SUPPORT RUN LOCAL. THE GRAND CANYON TRAIL HALF MARATHON IS A JOINT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE TOWN OF TUSAYAN [https://tusayan-az.gov/] AND RUN TUCSON [http://www.runtucson.net], THE PREMIER LOCAL RUNNING COMPANY IN ARIZONA. SPECIAL THANKS TO THE FOLKS FROM THE KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST [https://www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab] FOR PROVIDING THE PERMIT FOR THE EVENT.

OVERVIEW:

BRING THE KIDS! CHILDREN AND STROLLERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE 5K

DO GOOD! THIS EVENT RAISES FUNDS FOR THE TUSAYAN FIRE DEPARTMENT AND GRAND CANYON FOOD PANTRY -- WE'RE GLAD TO USE THIS EVENT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO THESE IMPORTANT AREA ORGANIZATIONS

TRAIL 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 HALF MARATHON COURSE IS CHALLENGING FOR MANY, WITH HILLS AND RUGGED TERRAIN. TOP RUNNERS FINISH ABOUT 10 MINUTES SLOWER THAN ROAD RACES.

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 EARLY NOVEMBER WILL BRING AT 7,000 FEET.

CHAIR ATHLETES: THE 5K WOULD BE CHALLENGING FOR CHAIR ATHLETES, WHILE THE HALF-MARATHON IS 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 [email protected].

A FEW COMMENTS FROM RECENT PARTICIPANTS:

*

_I HAD AN AMAZING FIRST HALF MARATHON TRAIL RACE EXPERIENCE! THANK YOU SO MUCH!_

*

_BEST LONG SLEEVE TSHIRT I HAVE GOT IN A WHILE_

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_THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE MEDALS COASTERS, THEY'RE ON MY COFFEE TABLE._

*

_REALLY APPRECIATED THE VIRTUAL OPTION! I'VE DONE MANY THIS YEAR AND YOURS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST. REGISTRATION WAS CLEAR & THE MEDAL AND T-SHIRT ARRIVED IN THE MAIL IN A TIMELY MANNER (ACTUALLY THEY ARRIVED ON RACE DAY!). _

*

_ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE. EVERYONE WAS SO HELPFUL AND FRIENDLY...IT WAS AN AMAZING COURSE AND EVENT. WELL DONE._

*

_OH MY GOSH!! I WAS SUPER STOKED TO GET THAT (COASTER MEDAL) WHEN I FINISHED. VERY HIGH QUALITY AND SUCH A SPECIAL MOMENTO TO REMEMBER MY FIRST 1/2 MARATHON. LOVED IT!!_

*

_LOVED THE TRICKLE START. THIS WAS MY FIRST 1/2 MARATHON AND I FELT THERE WASN'T ANY PRESSURE TO START QUICKLY. I WAS ABLE TO GO AT MY OWN PACE AND NOT BE IN ANYBODY'S WAY. VERY RELAXING._

*

_I THOUGHT I WAS WAS PRETTY PREPARED BUT THEN INJURY... THEN FATIGUE. THANK YOU FOR NOT MAKING ME FEEL LIKE A SUPER LOSER FOR TAKING SO LONG TO COMPLETE THE COURSE. THAT WAS KIND AND BEAUTIFUL AND I APPRECIATE IT MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER KNOW.
_

*

_BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, CHALLENGING TERRAIN AND LOTS OF HILLS/INCLINE_

*

_SINCE THIS WAS MY FIRST EVER 1/2 MARATHON (AND I HAVE BAD KNEES), I WAS SO HAPPY I COULD WALK. I TRAINED FOR MONTHS AND FINISHED IN 3 HOURS AND 45 MINUTES BY WALKING THE ENTIRE COURSE!! WOO HOO!!_

*

_HI RANDY AND TIA: JUST WANT TO PERSONALLY THANK YOU BOTH FOR AN OUTSTANDING EVENT. THIS WAS MY FIRST TRAIL WALKING 1/2 MARATHON, AND I TRULY HAD A FANTASTIC TIME. EVERYTHING FROM PICKING UP MY PACKET TO CROSSING THE FINISH LINE WAS PERFECT. YOU BOTH (AND ALL THE SPONSORS AND VOLUNTEERS) ARE AWESOME.THANKS FOR BEING PATIENT AND ANSWERING ALL MY QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS BEFORE. IT REALLY HELPED TO MAKE ME FEEL COMFORTABLE ABOUT THE EVENT AND TIMING. I WILL BE BACK!!_

WANNA' KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO?

TUSAYAN IS YOUR WELCOMING COMMUNITY NESTLED IN THE KAIBAB FOREST JUST A MILE FROM THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK. COMFORTABLE MOTELS, A CAMPGROUND, RESTAURANTS, THE WORLD FAMOUS IMAX THEATER, AND THE OFFICIAL ARIZONA STATE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER MAKE TUSAYAN A PERFECT HOME BASE FOR ENJOYING THE SOUTH RIM.

Races

  • Half-Marathon

    Incl. $4.60 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 1st November 2025 (8:00AM EDT)

    $64.60

    All registrants receive the souvenir race shirt and all finishers receive a commemorative medallion.
  • 5k Walk/Run

    Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sat 1st November 2025 (8:15AM EDT)

    $32.80

    All registrants receive the souvenir race shirt and all finishers receive a commemorative medallion.
  • Children's 5k

    Incl. $1.60 Fee

    Sat 1st November 2025 (8:15AM EDT)

    $11.60

    All finishers in the Children's 5k division will receive a commemorative medallion, but participants in the Children's 5k will NOT receive a free souvenir shirt. If you want your child to receive a shirt, please register for the regular 5k Walk/Run.

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Location

469 AZ-64, Tusayan, Grand Canyon Village, 86023, AZ, United States

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Nov 1, 2025

$11.60 - $64.60