Arches Marathon

The Arches Marathon returns to Moab, Utah on October 3rd, offering a diverse range of distances for runners seeking challenging terrain and breathtaking views.
Runners will start near the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Study Area in Moab, setting off early in the morning when temperatures are cooler. The race takes place during late fall when the desert landscape is alive with vibrant colors from changing foliage. As participants climb towards their first aid station, they'll be greeted by panoramic vistas of the La Sal Mountains. This sandy double track soon turns into a jeep road as runners navigate around Picture Frame Arch and continue through picturesque desert meadows.
The Arches Marathon has been an annual event since 2014, attracting hundreds of participants each year who come to experience some of Utah's most stunning trail running terrain. The race supports local conservation efforts by encouraging eco-friendly practices among athletes and raising funds for the preservation of public lands around Moab. This tradition not only highlights the natural beauty but also underscores the importance of protecting these areas for future generations.
The course features a mix of double track trails, jeep roads, and sandy paths that wind through the desert landscape near Moab. Runners will encounter rolling hills with gradual climbs leading up to aid stations where volunteers provide water, sports drinks, and energy snacks. The terrain is firm but slightly soft underfoot, presenting both challenges and opportunities for runners to test their endurance on varied surfaces.
Weather conditions in October typically feature average temperatures around 15.6°C, ranging from a minimum of 9.0°C at dawn to a maximum of 22.2°C as the day progresses. The feel-like temperature due to wind chill averages about 7.3 mph with humidity levels sitting comfortably low at approximately 40%. Rainfall is minimal during this period, averaging just 1.4mm per month, making for generally dry and sunny conditions throughout most of the race.
The Arches Marathon offers a variety of distances including the Half Marathon (21.1K), Full Marathon (42.2K), 50K, and 15K options catering to all levels of runners from casual enthusiasts to seasoned ultrarunners. Each distance presents unique challenges with scenic views around every turn.