Escalante Canyons Marathon
Escalante Canyons Marathon: a small-town desert race with a fast, certified course.
Race Date
Oct 10, 2026
Location
Escalante, UT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Location
- Escalante, Utah
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2M, 5K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 173
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Escalante Canyons Marathon, now in its 13th running, offers a unique desert racing experience in southern Utah. This event, typically held in early October, provides a fast and certified course, making it a potential personal best opportunity for runners. The race is USATF certified with a net drop of -0.76 m/km and 72% start/finish separation, indicating a point-to-point design conducive to quick times.
With recent fields averaging around 59 finishers, the Escalante Canyons Marathon offers an intimate atmosphere. While loyalty is low, with only about 2% of participants returning, the steady field size suggests a consistent draw. Runners can expect typical race-day temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to upper-60s Fahrenheit, with minimal precipitation and moderate winds.
Beyond the race itself, participants can explore the stunning natural beauty of the Escalante Canyons region, known for its dramatic desert landscapes. The event is a testament to the intrepid spirit of its runners, embracing the challenges and rewards of this distinctive Utah race.
Race-provided description
Home Marathon Half Marathon 5K Fun Run Race Info Race Results Blog Register Other Local Info Attractions Gallery Videos Sponsors Privacy Terms Of Service Contact Select Page Escalante Canyons Marathon Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K Fun Run Race Day: Saturday, October 11, 2025 Click Here to Register A BIG WELCOME TO THE 2025 ESCALANTE CANYONS MARATHON, HALF MARATHON, & 5K!! This marks the 13th running of the Escalante Canyons Marathon, and we welcome all our runners. You are an intrepid bunch, especially this year! We will do our best to make sure you have a great race experience, despite the uncertain weather. Note that we do NOT intend to cancel the race unless conditions prove to be unacceptably dangerous. We wish you all safe travels as you make your way to the Escalante Canyons area. We’
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Desert
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.76 m
Separation
71.9%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
UT24009TJD · Escalante Canyons Half Marathon
Net uphill grade — expect a more challenging race. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
4 years running
~49 finishers a year
small race — neutral
2% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:41:42
typical high 69°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
69°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
44%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 173 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2023
Total finishers
173
Median time
2:23:19
Latest turnout
59
States
1
Turnout by year
2017–2023
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Escalante Canyons Marathon?
The Escalante Canyons Marathon is held on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Where does the Escalante Canyons Marathon take place?
It takes place in Escalante, Utah.
What distances does the Escalante Canyons Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2M, 5K run.
Is the Escalante Canyons Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Escalante Canyons Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Escalante Canyons Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 173 runners who have completed the Escalante Canyons Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Escalante? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
