Bears Ears Marathon
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Bears Ears Marathon
The Bears Ears Marathon is a USATF certified point to point race in southeastern Utah that offers both full and half marathon distances. The course runs from Blanding to Bluff and features views of Bears Ears National Monument, Monument Valley, Ship Rock, the Sleeping Ute, Comb Ridge, and the Abajo Mountains.
Distances:
- 26.2 miles full marathon
- 13.1 miles half marathon
The route begins in Blanding at the intersection of 500 N and Bronco Lane, with a starting elevation of 6,150 feet, and finishes in Bluff at about 4,300 feet. The course has a net loss of approximately 1,700 feet, a gross descent near 2,100 feet, and a gross ascent of about 400 feet. The first section includes a gradual descent through mile 9. Section 2 is described as the fastest five mile stretch and passes through White Mesa, a Ute Reservation, and central San Juan County. The half marathon start is marked near mile 13.1 and half marathon runners are bused to that starting area.
After mile 14 the course drops from roughly 5,200 to 4,900 feet and runs alongside Bears Ears National Monument. Miles 17 to 24 include a five mile stretch of small rolling hills before the return to downhill terrain into Cow Canyon and the town of Bluff.
Aid stations appear at miles 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 and provide water, GU Roctane, GU energy gels, and item drops. Fruit and food are available at the start and finish. Restrooms are located at the start, mile 2, mile 13, mile 20, and the finish. EMS coverage includes a roaming car and personnel at mile 18 and the finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.