Let's Go!
8th Annual Race
Grand Canyon Marathon Events
Half-Marathon
229 spots left. Price increases after July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm MST
Marathon
39 spots left. Price increases after July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm MST
Marathon Relay
5k Walk/Run
151 spots left. Registration ends October 24, 2026 at 7:59am MST
Children's 5k
26 spots left. Registration ends October 24, 2026 at 7:59am MST
Join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, steps from the stunning South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
8th Annual Grand Canyon Trail Event, with a marathon, half-marathon, and 5k!
Now in its 8th 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!
April 2026 Update: Click here for the pre-race email sent to early registrants in April, 2026.
The exciting marathon race will count for 50 States, Marathon Maniacs, and other fun runner challenges.
Last year we added a full marathon race; in 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
The scenery, the atmosphere and everything about this was unbelievable and unique!!! 
Friendly faces up here, Run Tucson, Randy Accetta & Tia, Volunteers, the town of Tusayan, The Damion Alexander Team, Tusayan Fire/forest service 
THANK YOU!!! 
Race Route, Emergency Phone #'s
Event Description
Race Info
Now in its 8th 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:
We support 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
If you have any questions about this event, click the button below.
Event Location
469 AZ-64
Tusayan
Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023 US
View Location on Map
Raising funds for local needs
$1,346
Raised of $2,000
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.
