The Man Against Horse Race returns to Prescott, Arizona on October 17th, featuring three challenging distances for runners and endurance horses alike: a 50-mile run/race with horse companionship, a 25-mile event shared by both species, and a half marathon that offers an introduction to trail running. This historic race celebrates its 42nd anniversary in Prescott, bringing together athletes from across the United States and beyond. On the morning of October 17th, runners and riders will gather before dawn at the starting line set against the backdrop of Mingus Mountain. The air is crisp with an average temperature around 17.4°C as participants prepare for their respective distances. By sunrise, the race atmosphere fills with energy from both human competitors and their equine counterparts. This annual event not only serves as a testament to local legend but also supports various community causes. Since its inception in 1983 following a bar bet between Gheral Brownlow and Steve Rafters, The Man Against Horse Race has grown into a significant tradition for endurance athletes. Each year draws thousands of participants who come to test their limits against the terrain and their equine companions on scenic trails. The race courses wind through diverse landscapes encompassing tall grasslands, high desert areas, and ponderosa pine forests that line Mingus Mountain's slopes. The 50-mile route features a single large loop with significant elevation changes of approximately 7,300 feet gain and loss, while the 25-mile course shares much of its initial path before diverging for a few miles to reconnect near the finish. On race day, participants can expect temperatures ranging from an average low of 11.8°C in the morning hours up to a high around 23.1°C by midday. The weather is generally dry with minimal rainfall expected and firm trail conditions that are slightly soft underfoot due to recent precipitation. Winds typically blow at about nine kilometers per hour, providing some relief from the heat but also adding an element of challenge.
The Man Against Horse Race offers three distinct challenges: a 50-mile run/race where horses and riders compete alongside runners for nearly the entire course; a 25-mile event shared by both species with similar terrain features; and a half marathon that serves as an introductory trail running experience. Each distance has unique elevation profiles, ranging from significant changes in the longer events to more moderate gains and losses on shorter courses. The race website at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=135391 provides detailed registration information for all participants. Fees range from $50 for the half marathon (both running and introductory riding) to $135 each for both horse and runner in either the 25 or 50-mile events. Early bird pricing ends on October 1st, after which registrations may not guarantee a race shirt. For bib pickup details, participants are advised to visit the event page for specific times and locations starting from early morning hours leading up until shortly before each start time. Bring your registration confirmation email along with proper identification if requested by race organizers. The official start location is situated near Mingus Mountain in Prescott, Arizona at coordinates 34.6549, -112.2265. Age requirements vary but generally open to adults and young adults capable of completing the distances safely under supervision or alongside experienced companionship for younger riders. Ensure you review all race guidelines before attending this historic event. The Man Against Horse Race in Prescott, Arizona on October 17th offers a unique opportunity to compete against nature's endurance athletes while exploring some of America’s most stunning trails and vistas. This long-standing tradition continues to attract participants who appreciate the blend of athleticism, camaraderie, and scenic beauty that defines this unparalleled race experience.
Races Offered
Horse 50M
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$135.00
Runner 50M
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
80.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
06:30
sell
$135.00
Horse 25M
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
40.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$120.00
Runner 25M
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
40.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$120.00
Runner Half Marathon
Oct 17, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
sell
$50.00
Intro Ride 13 Miles (Half Marathon)
Oct 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
20.9K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:00
sell
$50.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for October in Prescott.
thermostatTemperature
11.8° / 23.1°
wb_sunnyFeels like
8.5° / 18.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 34m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
0.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.0 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (4.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
37.4%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:36
nightlight
Sunset
17:53
About Prescott
Learn more about the host city, Prescott.
Prescott is a city in Arizona, and the county seat of Yavapai County. It is home to the world's oldest rodeo, and to the famous Whiskey Row
