2021 Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5k Run...

• 5K Run:- Run 3.1 Miles
• Half Marathon:- Run 13.1 Miles

_ The 2021 Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon & 5k Run:

Thanks to all who participated in the 2020 edition.  Click here for the post-race email to participants.

In the meantime, we've opened registration for the 2021 race, so please join us at the 3rd Annual Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k on Saturday November 6th.  The event takes place in the beautiful Kaibab National Forest, just south of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Walk or run a half-marathon, 5k, or the family mile -- then visit the America's greatest attraction, the Grand Canyon. 

The 13.1 mile trail loops through the beautiful forest and high desert of the Kaibab National Forest, while the 5k is an out-and-back, partially on a paved multi-use path through the forest and partially on a forest service road.  The courses do not descend into the Grand Canyon, but all race participants can purchase a National Park Service pass and from the race site easily enter into the Grand Canyon National Park.  

All participants will receive a host of colorful souvenirs:

• colorful long-sleeve race shirt
• commemorative coaster medallion
• stylish souvenir race number
   

We will use this race page, email, and social media channels to provide updated information.  For questions, contact Randy at [email protected].

The Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon is a joint partnership between the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce and Run Tucson, the premier local running company in Arizona.  Special thanks to the folks from the Kaibab National Forest, the town of Tusayan, and the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce for helping prepare for the event.  

Planned 2021 Race Weekend Schedule

NOTE: Our goal is to have a safe experience on Saturday morning, November 6, 2021.

Friday, November 5, 2021: Packet Pickup and Last-Minute Registration at IMAX Theater, 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

See: https://explorethecanyon.com/grandcanyon-visitor-center/

Saturday, November 6, 2021
Packet Pickup and Race Check-in, 7:00- 8:30 AM.
Location: Outside the IMAX Theater, 450 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023

Porta-johns will be available for those in the waiting area. The waiting area will be limited to only the participants starting in the next wave.  Working with the permitting agency at the Kaibab National Forest, the plan is to send groups of four runners every four minutes, but we may modify on race day.

7:30 AM: Half Marathon first wave start. (Ongoing until final wave at 9:20 AM.)
8:00 AM: 5k start opens
9:00 AM: 5K start line closes.
9:30 AM: Half Marathon start line closes.
12:00 PM: All half marathoners need to be through mile 10 by noon.
1:00 PM: Timing at finish line closes.
2:00 PM: Breakdown of event site begins.

*Course closure times are tentative depending on weather and safety conditions.

Wanna' know what else to do?

Tusayan is your welcoming community nestled in the Kaibab Forest just a mile from the main entrance to the Grand Canyon National Park. Comfortable motels, a campground, restaurants, the world famous IMAX Theater, and the official Arizona State Visitor Information Center make Tusayan a perfect home base for enjoying the South Rim. Check out these local options -- and be sure to view their public safety protocols:

• https://www.grandcanyoncvb.org/where-to-stay 
• https://www.grandcanyoncvb.org/where-to-stay/inside-park-lodging 
• https://www.grandcanyoncvb.org/where-to-stay/tusayan-lodging 
• https://www.grandcanyoncvb.org/what-to-do 

What Else To Do:
After the race, you can relax on a sightseeing tour by vehicle, air, bicycle, or mule. Check out this link for possible tours: https://grandcanyoncvb.org/what-to-do/grand-canyon-tours.  Our family (including grandma from Durango and the two kids up from Tucson) and some members of our Tucson training group (called The Workout Group) will probably hike and/or run one of the trails at the South Rim on Sunday morning.  

For an easy recovery run, you may enjoy the flatter Rim Trail alongside the edge of the South Rim. The Bright Angel Trail is well-regarded as a tourist-friendly trail, while the Kaibab Trail is more rugged and steep, with no water available. Please remember that all trails into the Canyon are arduous and potentially dangerous, so we recommend that you take all precaution when running in and near the Grand Canyon. You can find more information on nearby Grand Canyon National Park options here https://grandcanyoncvb.org/national-park-area-info and here https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/hiking-for-fitness.htm.

Where To Stay - Six Hotels/Motels in Tusayan:
Red Feather Lodge - yep RP's legacy is still open an operated by the family. This remodeled family friendly option can offer all the comforts of home - enjoy a beautiful grand entrance, fully remodeled rooms, a workout room, and laundry. Our race crew is staying at the Red Feather Lodge,
 
Grand Canyon Holiday Inn Express and Suites with 30 beautiful suites. 
 
The Grand Hotel is the only 3-diamond hotel in the region and one of the few area hotels with an indoor heated swimming pool and hot tub. Check for safety protocols.
 
Grand Canyon Plaza Hotel beautiful rooms recently remodeled with a gorgeous atrium and an incredible mural as you enter the lobby. They also host a local favorite, The Wagon Wheel Saloon. 
 
Best Western Premier Grand Canyon Squire Inn  This resort style property boasts a newly renovated indoor / outdoor pool and hot tub, indoor arcade and a bowling alley. A little side note - all the photo's in the hotel are different - each hallway and every room - all tell a story about the Grand Canyon.
 
7-Mile Lodge If you decide to stay at the last minute 7-Mile Lodge is perfect - they accept same day bookings only. This cute Lodge will provide you a welcoming local feel.
 
Want to be closer to the Rim? Check availability at . . . 
 
Maswik Lodge- Maswik is named for a Hopi Kachina who is said to guard the Grand Canyon. Originally cabins - in 1972 and 1981 the cabins where replaced with 2 story buildings. Maswik North is currently open - Maswik South is currently under construction.
 
Yavapai Lodge - The largest set of accommodations within Grand Canyon National park located just 1/2 mile from the Rim. Rooms have been recently updated and the Yavapai Tavern now has outdoor seating and on many weekends live music.
 
Thunderbird Lodge - Thunderbird is another contemporary Lodge located on the Rim. Half the rooms have partial Grand Canyon views. 

El Tovar - This 1905 Historic property will have you staying right on the Rim. 78 rooms and history like none other!
 
Bright Angel Lodge - This 1935 landmark hotel / cabins were designed and created by the famous architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter. While there be sure to check out the history of Mary Colter and the famous Fred Harvey and the Fred Harvey Girls.
 
Kachina Lodge - Kachina is a contemporary Lodge located on the Rim. Half the rooms have partial Grand Canyon views.

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The Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon is a joint partnership between the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce and Run Tucson, the premier local event directing company in Arizona, directed by Randy Accetta, an RRCA-Certified Race Director.

469 AZ-64, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
Directions

-) 2021 race registration is open • Registration Information 
 

2020 Results at: runsignup.com