9 National Park Marathons and Races for 2019
There are many reasons to run a race – to improve heart health, lose weight, work off stress or train for other sports. But sometimes, the stunning beauty of the race course is motivation enough to get out there week after week, increasing your mileage to make it across the finish line. Road and trail races in America’s parks are just that opportunity. From race series events in state parks to ultra marathons in the national parks, they’re a chance to experience the beauty of these national treasures with a select group of like-minded athletes. You can soak in the views at your own race pace, miles away from crowded trailheads and tour buses. Best of all, you get to savor the accomplishment knowing you’re experiencing the majestic landscape in a way few others have experienced it.
Races start early, so you not only get the chance to watch the sunrise over the park, but you may see animals that go into hiding once the crowds arrive. With a limited number of runners allowed to enter each event, your race bib is like having a backstage pass to one of the most spectacular nature shows in the country. When the race is over, you still get to tour the park and celebrate your accomplishment.
Experience America’s wild places at these national park races in 2019.
1. Death Valley Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
Death Valley National Park, California
February 2, 2019
Where to Camp: Boulder Creek RV Resort
The surreal sand dunes and salt flats of America’s lowest and driest park roll out in front of you for miles on this level out-and-back race course. The run starts at Oasis Ranch, with a detour through the rocky channels of Mustard Canyon, with the Panamint, Funeral, Cottonwood, Black and Grapevine mountain ranges looming on the horizon. The best part - you’ll get to experience one of the hottest places in the country when the temperatures are in the comfortable 40-70 degree range. Learn more.
2. Zion Ultra Marathons & Trail Half Marathon
Zion National Park, Utah
April 12-13, 2019
Where to Camp: Zion River Resort
Four long course endurance races send runners over mesas and plateaus in the arid, rocky desert outside Zion National Park. You’ll follow the rim of the Virgin River out of the town to run tight and twisty mountain bike trails across Gooseberry Mesa for stunning canyon views. Monster elevation gains make this one of the most challenging destinations of the year. Learn more.
3. Yosemite Half Marathon
Yosemite National Park, California
May 11, 2019
Where to Camp: Yosemite Westlake Campground and RV Park
The snow is melting, rivers and waterfalls are pumping, and spring is just peeking out in the High Sierra. May is prime time to run the doubletrack dirt fire roads outside Yosemite’s south entrance. The nontechnical course makes for a fast-paced five mile climb through alpine forest, followed by a long and gentle descent. The final leg of the course loops three miles around Bass Lake. Learn more.
Make it a weekend adventure! Find the perfect campground.
4. Grand Teton Half Marathon & 5K
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
May 31-June 1, 2019
Grand Teton’s three iconic spires will be capped in snow as you run by on the paved course outside Jackson. Despite the towering mountains all around, it’s a flat course through open meadow and across the Snake River at an elevation of 6,000 feet. Watch for elk, pronghorn, buffalo and mule deer that hang out in the valley this time of year. Learn more.
5. Grand Canyon Half Marathon
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
June 15, 2019
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Grand Canyon National Park with a 13.1-mile run over the plateaus and prairies of Kaibab National Forest. High elevation on the pristine north rim of the canyon creates cool, dry conditions on the doubletrack forest roads leading to canyon vistas at Crazy Jug and Monument Point. Three heart-pumping climbs rack up a challenging 1,476 feet of elevation gain over the length of the course. Learn more.
6. Glacier Half Marathon
Glacier National Park, Montana
June 22, 2019
Where to Camp: Buffalo Calf Campground
Run the alpine forests overlooking Two Medicine Lake on a 13.1-mile course that’s equal parts climb and descent. You’ll catch the start of Glacier’s colorful but short wildflower season as you climb to 5,980 feet over five miles of alpine meadows and forest. From there, the course descends gradually to the finish line and award ceremony outside Glacier Park Lodge. Learn more.
Make it a weekend adventure! Find the perfect campground.
7. Crater Lake Rim Runs
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
August 10, 2019
Circle the deep blue waters inside a sleeping volcano on this high elevation run. Choose from 6.7, 13, and 26.2-mile distances, all overlooking the crater at 5,900 to 7,800 feet. The elevation, combined with three 1,000-foot climbs over five miles, pushes your cardio capacity to the limits. Learn more.
8. Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
September 6-7, 2019
Where to Camp: Bear Cove Village
In fall, golden sunlight filters through the colorful tree canopy, and mountain streams run high from summer thunderstorms in the Smokies. The less visited Townsend entrance to the park is the starting point for two runnning races on paved roads and trails through historic log cabin settlements and Appalachian farmland just outside the park. Learn more.
9. Towpath Trilogy
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
April 7 Half Marathon; June 16 10K & 10 Miler; October 16 Marathon
Where to Camp: Stanford Campsites - Cuyahoga Valley
Earn three-season bragging rights with spring, summer and fall races on the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail. This urban run follows the historic commerce route that connected Lake Erie with the Ohio River in the early 1800s. Signs of 19th century Midwestern life surround you on the wide, flat course along the canal and Cuyahoga River. Learn more.
