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2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon

Valley of Fire's trail half marathon winds through stunning desert sandstone.

Race Date

Nov 21, 2026

Location

Overton, NV

Solid Pick53

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location
Overton, Nevada
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Hidden Gem

Atmosphere

Low KeyParty FinishGreat Post RaceEasy Parking

The Experience

The Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon is a small but mighty trail running festival held in Nevada's stunning Valley of Fire State Park. With a median field of just 70 finishers and drawing runners from about 16 states, this event offers an intimate experience amid the Mojave Desert's fiery red-rock landscapes. The course loops through ancient sandstone formations and past petroglyphs, with aid stations and hot food provided to keep runners fueled.

Now in its 17th edition (as of 2022), the race is part of a larger ultra festival that includes distances from 1 mile to 100 miles. Participants can camp on-site and enjoy outdoor movies, live music, and karaoke, creating a festive, community atmosphere. While the half marathon field is small, the desert setting and post-race party make it a memorable destination race for those seeking something off the beaten path.

Race-provided description

The Fire Fest Ultra is a trail running festival held in the Mojave Desert's Valley of Fire State Park, featuring distances from 1 mile to 100 miles, including marathon and half marathon options. The course loops through stunning sandstone formations and past ancient petroglyphs, with aid stations and hot food provided. Participants can camp on site and enjoy outdoor movies, music, and karaoke.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 21, 2026

Start Time

TBA

Start Location

Overton, NV

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Desert, Park

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Solid Pick53
Methodology
Heritage20/20

17 years running

Size9/15

~70 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

shrinking

Loyalty4/20

4% returning runners

Course & details0/15

limited extras

National draw7/10

runners from 16 states

Front-pack speed0/5

winner 1:44:34

Weather8/10

typical high 64°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

45°

Afternoon (High)

64°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.0"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

49%

Humidity

Frequently asked

When is the 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon?

The 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026.

Where does the 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Overton, Nevada.

What distances does the 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The 2026 Valley of Fire Marathon Half Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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