Arches Marathon

The Arches Marathon and Half is a fall trail race series in Moab, Utah, starting near the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area. The series offers a 15K, half marathon, marathon, 50K, and marathon relay, allowing participants to choose from shorter desert trail races to ultra-distances. It is part of the Run Moab Series, with free camping provided at the start and finish area. The routes are entirely unpaved, consisting of sandy double track, jeep roads, and desert meadow trails. Runners ascend early towards the first aid station, with views of the La Sal Mountains appearing. Most distances pass near Picture Frame Arch, surrounded by red cliffs and canyon vistas. The marathon includes over 2,600 feet of climbing, and the 50K nearly 3,000 feet, indicating this is not a flat, road-style race. The half marathon was formerly known as The Other Half, a fall event that complemented the Canyonlands Half Marathon, prior to the Arches race moving to trails to lessen its impact on Moab's roads. This event is also cup-less, featuring water dispensers at aid stations and the start/finish for refilling bottles, bladders, and reusable cups.