Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Announces Prize Money

September 20, 2023

November 4th Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon Offers $1,000 in Prize Money

/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The November 4^th Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon is pleased to announce that it is offering up to $1000 in prize money in 2023.

With a loop course through the scenic Kaibab National Forest, the Trail Half Marathon will begin and end in Grand Canyon Village, located just a few miles the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

The Half Marathon will take place on the forest roads and trails in the Kaibab National Forrest, which surrounds the Town of Tusayan and borders Grand Canyon National Park.

This is a high elevation race with a starting elevation of 6,595 feet, a max elevation 6729 Ft and a gain of 546 ft. November weather fluctuates near the Grand Canyon, but standard temperatures ranging from mid 40’s to mid 60’s should make this trail run ideal. The course is not a certified distance – and may in fact be a few hundred yards longer than a half marathon.

“The course is demanding, that’s for sure,” says race director Randy Accetta. “After the first mile, Miles 2-4 are actually pretty rugged, with troublesome footing and an overall elevation gain. But the dirt smooths out and should be pretty comfortable for the rest of the race. The last mile rolls downhill on a paved path, part of which is the famed Arizona Trail.”

Prize money will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, with additional course record awards. The first male and female will each receive $150. Second place will receive $100, and third place will receive $50. “We wish we could offer more money,” admits race director Accetta, “but we at least want to celebrate the effort of running fast on trails.”

Special course record bonuses of $200 will go to the man and woman who break the male and female course records. The women’s course record of 1:25:51 was set in 2021 by Shannon Porter from Flagstaff, Arizona.

The men’s record of 1:18:33 was also set in 2021 by Jonathan Hiley, who traveled to the Grand Canyon from Tequisquipan Quetaro, Mexico

The Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon is a joint partnership between the Town of Tusayan and Run Tucson, the premier local event directing company in Arizona. Every participant receives a race shirt and a special souvenir medallion produced by Gilman Surge.

By capping the field at 600, the race organizers will ensure an intimate running experience, with a pre-race motivational talk at the Tusayan IMAX Theater, a race-day pancake breakfast produced by the Tusayan Fire Department, and post-race sightseeing opportunities.

Prize money rules and registration information can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/GrandCanyonTrailHalfMarathon/Page-19

About Run Tucson: Run Tucson (www.runtucson.net) is a full service event and coaching running company, producing running events in Arizona and coaching athletes around the nation. With coaches certified by the Road Runners Club of America (www.rrca.org), Run Tucson manages Arizona’s longest-running coached training group, the Workout Group.

Contact: Randy Accetta at randy@runtucson.net or 520-991-0733.

About the Town of Tusayan: The Town of Tusayan is the gateway community located at the South Rim Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park and its history dates back almost to the beginning of the National Park. Featuring such businesses as hotels, RV parks, restaurants, gift shops, air and ground tours, the Town of Tusayan is committed to its residents and its visitors.

See https://tusayan-az.gov/

Contact: Town Manager Charlie Hendriz at tusayantownmanager@tusayan-az.gov