Get ready for an unforgettable experience in Zion National Park with the popular Zion Half Marathon! This annual race, organized by Vacation Races, attracts runners from all over the world who want to experience the park’s awe-inspiring red rock formations and lush forests on a 13.1-mile course.
The course takes runners through southwestern Utah’s canyon country, with steep inclines and declines, but the stunning views make it all worth it. The race starts in the town of Virgin and finishes at the Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, UT.
Pro´s:
- ✅ Items safe and secure while running
- ✅ Expandable Pocket
- ✅ Adjustable Waist Size
Con:
- ❌ It is an additional item that you have to wear
🏃 8 Points About Zion Half Marathon
Here I have the most important details about the Zion Half Marathon:
1️⃣ The race takes place in and around Zion National Park, known for its stunning rock formations and scenic trails.
2️⃣ The race course follows a paved road that runs alongside the Virgin River, offering runners a unique perspective of the park’s natural beauty.
3️⃣ The race starts in Virgin, Utah, and finishes at the Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, UT.
4️⃣ Shuttle access is available from both Springdale and La Verkin, UT, making it easy to get to and from the race.
5️⃣ The half marathon takes place on March 2, 2024, and starts at 7:00am MT.
6️⃣ The race is organized by Vacation Races, who are known for their well-organized and friendly events.
7️⃣ Participants can expect a challenging but rewarding course, with stunning views along the way.
8️⃣ There is an expo and bib pickup on March 1, 2024, which is a great opportunity to meet other runners and learn more about the event.
If you are even more interested in the Zion Half Marathon, please read on!
💰 Registration Process in 5 Steps
If you’re interested in participating in the Zion Half Marathon, the registration process is quick and easy. You can sign up on the official race website or on RunSignup.com. Here are the steps to register:
- ✅ Go to the official race website or RunSignup.com and find the Zion Half Marathon registration page.
- ✅ Fill out the registration form with your personal information, including your name, email address, date of birth, gender, phone number, and address.
- ✅ Choose the event you want to participate in, such as the Half Marathon, Charity Bib, or Pacers.
- ✅ Review the race fee and make the payment using a credit card or PayPal. The fee is $169 per person.
- ✅ Wait for the confirmation email, which will include your bib number and other important information.
We recommend signing up as early as possible to secure your spot and avoid any last-minute issues. If you have any questions or concerns about the registration process, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
🗺️ Course Details
The Zion Half Marathon is a point-to-point route that starts in Apple Valley, UT and ends in Springdale, UT. The course covers 13.1 miles of partially closed road, with stunning views of the sandstone cliffs and canyons that make Zion National Park famous.
The starting time for the race is 7:00 AM MT, and runners can expect temperatures ranging from 33°F to 60°F. The course is a steady climb toward the mouth of Zion Canyon, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,200 feet.
The course map takes runners on Highway 9 through the small town of La Verkin, UT, before winding through the canyons and offering up views of the sunrise over The Watchman.
The course is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and shuttle buses are available to transport runners to and from the race.
🏃♂️ 4 Information Runners Have To Know
We want all of our runners to have a great experience at the Zion Half Marathon. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or new to the sport, we have some important information to help you prepare for race day.
1. Training
Training is key to a successful race day. We offer free training programs to help you prepare for the Zion Half Marathon. Our programs are designed for runners of all levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, we have a program that will work for you. You can access our training programs on our website.
- 5 Week Half Marathon Training Plan
- 6 Week Half Marathon Training Plan
- 8 Week Half Marathon Training Plan
- 16 Week Half Marathon Training Plan
2. Running Experience
The Zion Half Marathon is a challenging race that takes runners through some of the most beautiful scenery in Utah. The course includes steep climbs and descents, so it’s important to be prepared for the challenge. We recommend that runners have some experience running on trails and hills before attempting the Zion Half Marathon.
3. Strollers and Wheelchairs
The Zion Half Marathon organizers welcome runners who use strollers and wheelchairs to participate in the race. However, they note that the course includes steep climbs and descents, which may be challenging to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair. It is recommended that participants have a strong support team to assist them on race day.
The organizers want to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, and they encourage everyone to participate in a way that is comfortable and safe for them. Zion Half Marathon offers a range of race categories to suit different abilities and fitness levels, and all are committed to making the Zion Half Marathon a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.
4. Finish Line and Results
The finish line for the Zion Half Marathon is located at Cable Mountain Lodge in Springdale, UT. They have a timing system in place to ensure accurate results for all runners. Results will be available on our website shortly after the race.
We hope this information helps you prepare for the Zion Half Marathon. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you have a great race day!
🚑 Aid Stations and Support
The Zion Half Marathon understands the importance of staying hydrated and fueled during the race. To support the runners, they have multiple aid stations along the course, stocked with water, sports drinks, and energy gels. Volunteers are stationed at each aid station to provide the runners with the support they need to keep going strong.
Medical personnel are also stationed along the course to provide any necessary medical attention. If a runner needs assistance, they can look for a volunteer wearing a bright yellow shirt or ask a fellow runner for help.
Spectators are welcome to come out and support the runners along the course. They can cheer the runners on and provide them with extra motivation to keep pushing forward.
Volunteers play a crucial role in making the race a success, helping with everything from aid stations to packet pickup to course marshaling. It is also a great way to be a part of the race and give back to the running community.
🎉 3 Must Do Post-Race Activities
After completing the Zion Half Marathon, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area. Here are a few suggestions for how to make the most of your post-race experience:
- 📷 Take Photos: Don’t forget to capture the memories of your accomplishment with some photos! There are plenty of scenic spots around the park and town to take some great shots. You can also purchase professional race photos to commemorate your achievement.
- 💖 Charity Bib: If you ran the race with a charity bib, take some time to learn more about the organization you supported. Consider making an additional donation or volunteering with them in the future.
- 🍪 Enjoy Some Treats: After all that hard work, you deserve a treat! Many local businesses offer discounts or freebies to race participants, so be sure to take advantage of them. Some runners even report receiving cookies at the finish line!
👀 Top 5 Spectator Locations
Our Option on the Zion Half Marathon
“I think you will like the Zion half marathon. Especially if you appreciate nature and its panoramas and like to get out of the city sometimes.”
“There are really beautiful views waiting for you. The atmosphere and the people also help you feel comfortable.”
“I would definitely recommend that you incorporate hill training to prepare for the Zion Half Marathon. You can expect one or two inclines here.”
“Otherwise, you should carry out the preparation as usual. So by that I mean enough preparation time, nutrition, running gear and so on.”
And now have fun training and good luck when the time comes: Zion Half Marathon – it starts!
FAQ
What is the course like for the Zion Half Marathon?
The course is scenic and challenging, with steep inclines and declines. Runners will pass through Zion National Park and see beautiful red rock formations.
What is the time limit for the Zion Half Marathon?
The time limit is 4 hours and 30 minutes. Runners who do not finish within this time limit will not receive an official finish time or medal.
Are there aid stations along the course for the Zion Half Marathon?
Yes, there are aid stations approximately every 2 miles along the course. They will provide water, sports drinks, and snacks to help runners stay hydrated and fueled.
Have you ever run the Zion Half Marathon? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I’m sure you also like reading about the Snow Canyon Half Marathon or the Charleston Half Marathon.
