Joshua Tree Half Marathon
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Joshua Tree Half Marathon
The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a night race through the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree National Park on November 7, 2026. The course covers 13.1 miles on a sandy trail loop composed mostly of dirt roads and trails with sections of loose or deep sand. The route is generally runnable but requires attention to footing and navigation.
The event enforces a 4 hour course cutoff. The course is marked and staffed with aid stations that provide water and electrolyte drink from coolers; this event is cup-free so participants must carry a reusable bottle, collapsible cup, or a hydration pack. Because the race runs after dark, a headlamp or flashlight is required and reflective gear is recommended for safety. Runners must follow course directions, keep left with traffic where instructed, and remain on course to avoid disqualification.
Race weekend includes an expo and bib pickup on November 7 with scheduled hours. Parking is provided in designated lots; organizers advise parking early. Timing is chip based; competitors aiming for overall awards must start in the first wave. Place medals are awarded for top finishers in overall and age-group categories, and all finishers receive a finisher medal. The event also emphasizes zero waste practices with compost, recycling, and trash sorting at the venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
