Thelma and Louise Marathon
Thelma and Louise Marathon: a flat, scenic out-and-back along the Colorado River with red rock views and an empowering all-women's atmosphere.
Race Date
Apr 24, 2027
Location
Moab, UT
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 24, 2027
- Location
- Moab, Utah
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Run alongside the Colorado River beneath towering red rock cliffs in Moab, Utah. This out-and-back course treats runners to an ever-changing panorama of desert arches, the Jug Handle Arch, and mountain vistas. Despite the moonscape setting, this is a flat, fast course—ideal for a PR or a first half marathon. Many of the ~262 finishers (from 27 states) return year after year, drawn by the unique camaraderie of this all-women's event.
Race morning starts with a 6 a.m. launch to beat the desert heat. Amy Lou's Thunderbird serves as lead car, keeping with the Thelma & Louise theme. Aid stations are well-placed with Clif gels, and volunteers are famously supportive. The finish line brings a one-of-a-kind belt buckle medal—not just a finisher's prize but a keepsake of the wild beauty and sisterhood that define this race. The Mad Moose crew keeps logistics smooth, and the post-race spread and party make the weekend feel like a reunion. For those who want to linger, camp on-site or explore nearby Arches and Canyonlands.
With a heritage of 12 editions, this race is a hidden gem—destination-worthy yet intimate, scenic yet PR-friendly. The combination of flat terrain, jaw-dropping scenery, and a welcoming all-female field creates an experience that both first-timers and veterans cherish.
Race-provided description
Because a girls weekend should include an exciting challenge, we present Thelma and Louise Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K! Bring your best friends to Moab and experience remoteness of Moab's Behind the Rocks area. We've designed this course to be rugged and tough enough to be worthy of the name "Thelma and Louise." When Thelma and Louise took a stand, they took a turn onto the dirt. The tires are screeching, the car is turning...are you ready to face the music? See the towering red rock walls of Lone Rock, believed to have been used for religious ceremonies by the Ancestral Pueblo people; their ceremonies worshiped their "mother deity." Catch views of the maze of fins in the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area and the stunning La Sal Mountains at this women's focused event. With sandy washes, technical doubletrack, and smooth jeep trails, the courses offer a variety of terrain, perfect for all runners! Thelma and Louise is part of our Run Moab Series. Check out all of our Moab…
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Lake River, Desert
Surface
Dirt Trail
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Quality Score
Solid Pick5912 years running
~262 finishers a year
growing or steady
7% returning runners
2 timing sources
runners from 27 states
winner 1:57:42
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
72°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
14 mph
Wind
25%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Thelma and Louise Marathon?
The Thelma and Louise Marathon is held on Saturday, April 24, 2027.
Where does the Thelma and Louise Marathon take place?
It takes place in Moab, Utah.
What distances does the Thelma and Louise Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Thelma and Louise Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Thelma and Louise Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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