Joshua Tree Half Marathon

The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a nighttime half marathon held in the Mojave Desert. It begins and ends at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. The entire race takes place after dark, making headlamps and reflective gear essential equipment. This event is part of the Vacation Races series and concludes the season, drawing thousands of participants for their final desert race of the year. The course is a loop on sandy dirt roads adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, not within the park boundaries. Sections of soft, deep sand are present, making trail shoes more suitable than standard road shoes. The route winds through high desert landscapes, past distinctive Joshua trees, distant canyons, and silhouetted buttes, illuminated by the moon and stars. Upon finishing, runners are guided by colorful lights into a lively atmosphere with a community focus.