About This Race
The Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon offers runners a distinctive desert experience on Navajo Nation lands in Utah, where red rock slot canyons meet expansive sand terrain. This race challenges participants with a demanding 13.9-mile course that weaves through double track roads, ATV trails, desert washes, and the signature slot canyon sections that give the event its name. The course demands respect for both its technical terrain and environmental conditions. Runners navigate nearly 1,200 feet of elevation gain across varied surfaces, with sand underfoot adding complexity to pacing and energy management. The 4.4-mile canyon running section between aid stations represents the race's centerpiece, offering stunning geology while testing navigation skills in slot canyon terrain. This is an environmentally conscious event operating as cup-less to minimize impact on the pristine desert landscape. The race maintains a firm 5-hour cutoff at the final aid station, reflecting the serious nature of desert running conditions. With temperatures ranging from cool starts to potentially very warm conditions, and significant UV exposure throughout, this race rewards preparation and desert running experience.
The 13.9-mile course begins on Navajo Nation sand and immediately establishes its desert character across double track roads and ATV trails. After 4.3 miles, runners reach the first aid station before entering the race's defining 4.4-mile canyon running section, navigating slot canyons and washes to the second aid station at mile 6.9.
The final section transitions to double track road leading to the third aid station at mile 9.3, followed by a 1.5-mile loop south through desert wash before returning to the main road for the finish. The entire course features ribbons and signs for navigation, with sand underfoot throughout adding technical challenge to the already substantial elevation gain.
Aid Stations
3 stations along the course
Aid Station 1
water, electrolyte
First aid station before canyon section
Aid Station 2
water, electrolyte
After 4.4 miles of canyon running
Aid Station 3
water, electrolyte
Final aid station with 5-hour hard cutoff
Practical Info
Cool morning starts transitioning to warm or very warm conditions, with high UV exposure and minimal shade throughout the desert course.
- Personal hydration system (bottles or bladder pack)
Best For
Notable Features
The race's slot canyon sections provide a truly unique running experience, combining technical terrain with stunning red rock geology on sacred Navajo Nation lands. The cup-less format demonstrates environmental stewardship in this pristine desert setting, while the sand terrain throughout adds a distinctive challenge rarely found in trail running.