Monument Valley Veterans Marathon

The Monument Valley Veterans Marathon is a rugged desert race run entirely within Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park on the Arizona side of the AZ–UT border. Organized by NavajoYES, it honours Diné warriors and military veterans, with a pre-race program that recognises service members and shares stories from Code Talker families. Field sizes are deliberately small, so there is space on the course, unspoiled views and an easygoing community vibe at the start and finish. Entry fees help fund health and wellness programs on the Navajo Nation, making the race as much a contribution to the local community as a bucket-list run.

The marathon course starts and finishes near the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park visitor centre and quickly leaves pavement behind. Runners follow the main Valley Drive and segments of back-country jeep road, climbing and descending sandy, rutted tracks with constant views of the park’s red sandstone mesas and buttes. Highlights include sections near Totem Pole, the Arches Loop and Rain God Mesa, plus long stretches of open desert where you can see the route winding away in front of you. Underfoot it is almost all dirt, sand and rock, so footing can be loose and the effort level is much higher than an equivalent road marathon.

Mid-November in Monument Valley usually brings crisp high-desert conditions: chilly dawn temperatures around freezing and afternoon highs that often reach 10–15°C (50–60°F). Air is dry, the sun can feel intense when it is out, and wind or dust can pick up across the open mesas. Layers, a hat, and a plan for carrying your own fluids between aid stations are smart choices, especially if you are not used to running at altitude on exposed desert terrain.