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Grand Junction · United States

Marathon races near Grand Junction

1 races in 2026 next one in 72 days
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Upcoming Marathon races near Grand Junction

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Run · trail · Marathon
Steele Trap Trail Run
Loma · 33 km away
Grand Junction · 80 km
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Recurring Marathon races near Grand Junction

Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly

Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon
SUN NOV 1
The Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon take place on Rim Rock Drive within Colorado National Monument. Both races utilize the monument road above the Grand Valley, near Fruita and Grand Junction, Colorado. The marathon begins early in the morning, followed later by the half marathon. Both are chip-timed road races, featuring mile markers every two miles. The point-to-point nature requires shuttle use, as no parking is available at either start line. The course is the primary draw: runners traverse the monument's landscape on Rim Rock Drive, passing overlooks and enjoying high desert views of the valley. Spectators are restricted from the monument interior, making the event focused on the runners, the road, and aid stations rather than crowd noise. Entry provides event apparel, a finisher medal, and monument access. The day concludes at the Fruita Community Center with food, showers, and a post-race gathering. Course records are notably fast for the challenging terrain: 2:40:09 for the marathon and 1:06:45 for the half.
Alpine Bank Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon
SUN NOV 1
The Alpine Bank Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon takes runners onto Rim Rock Drive within Colorado National Monument, overlooking the Grand Valley in western Colorado. This autumn road race offers both a full marathon and a 13.1-mile half marathon, presented by Alpine Bank and organized by the Grand Junction Sports Commission. The course follows the monument road and concludes through the Fruita Community Center setup, with shuttle service provided from Fruita to the starting points. Entry includes access to Colorado National Monument, chip timing, event attire, a finisher's medal, and food after the race. The event attracts seasoned runners, those running their first marathon, and less experienced participants; one past edition featured two women who met during the race and ran most of it together, finishing nearly side by side.
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About Marathon races in Grand Junction

Grand Junction Training Notes

Grand Junction hosts 3 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.

The Liberty Cap Trail runs 4 miles with minimal elevation change. Monument Canyon Trail is 6 miles out and back and has 5-mile and 12-mile loop options. The trailhead is about 30 minutes from town and the route runs 5 miles roundtrip. The local running scene feels route-led more than club-led. Rim Rock Marathon and Half Marathon, Grand Valley Marathon, Trail Fest Fruita, and GJ Turkey Trot Approximation anchor the calendar.

Grand Junction riders get the good kind of hard right away. Grand Junction CyclePaths keeps it friendly, with mountain biking and road biking at friendly levels, but the routes still ask for strong legs and strong lungs. Colorado National Monument Loop gives roadies 38 miles with 2,350 feet of climbing on Option 1, while Option 2 runs 35 miles with about 2,350 feet of climbing. Little Park Road, Glade Park, Douglas Pass, Baxter Pass, and Grand Mesa Hill Climb hold the climbs. Kokopelli trails, Tabeguache Trail, Lunch Loop, 18-Road, and North Fruita Desert keep singletrack riders busy. Grand Junction Rides & Vibes brings the downtown crit energy.

Spring and autumn are the sweet spot here, and locals stack base miles when the desert light is good and the trails are firm. Grand Junction averages 68 days at or above 90°F, so runners and riders usually go early and keep intervals short. Colorado National Monument, Connected Lakes, and the Colorado River bike path still work, but midday is not the move. 4 inches per season. Valley roads can stay rideable, while higher gravel can turn into snow, mud, and hike-a-bike.

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