Flagstaff Marathon

Known already in just its three short years (the 2009 race will be its fourth annual running) for its reputation as one of the most challenging, difficult marathon events in the Southwest, the Flagstaff Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is an off-road/trail marathon event that takes runners into the rugged, mountainous terrain just to the north of the city, on trails rising into the San Francisco Peaks and the Kachina Peaks Wilderness areas.

No part of the course is run on paved surfaces -- it's a 100-percent off-road race. From the starting line at the Flagstaff Nordic Center on Highway 180 in the Cocino National Forest (15 miles northwest of the city), the race takes runners into the mountainous areas to the east, rising a total of 1,100 feet in elevation over the course of the half marathon. The terrain is a mixture of single-track mountain trails, dirt roads and cross-country trails, and the course never drops below 8,000 feet above sea level.

Proceeds from the race -- which also includes a 'Kids Kilo' race that's free to all entrants -- go to benefit the North Country Community Health Center, a nonprofit that works to provide comprehensive health care to patients from economically disadvantaged homes and backgrounds.

Event Details

Known already in just its three short years (the 2009 race will be its fourth annual running) for its reputation as one of the most challenging, difficult marathon events in the Southwest, the Flagstaff Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K is an off-road/trail marathon event that takes runners into the rugged, mountainous terrain just to the north of the city, on trails rising into the San Francisco Peaks and the Kachina Peaks Wilderness areas.

No part of the course is run on paved surfaces -- it's a 100-percent off-road race. From the starting line at the Flagstaff Nordic Center on Highway 180 in the Cocino National Forest (15 miles northwest of the city), the race takes runners into the mountainous areas to the east, rising a total of 1,100 feet in elevation over the course of the half marathon. The terrain is a mixture of single-track mountain trails, dirt roads and cross-country trails, and the course never drops below 8,000 feet above sea level.

Proceeds from the race -- which also includes a 'Kids Kilo' race that's free to all entrants -- go to benefit the North Country Community Health Center, a nonprofit that works to provide comprehensive health care to patients from economically disadvantaged homes and backgrounds.

The Flagstaff Nordic Center is located in the Coconino National Forest 15 miles northwest of Flagstaff, Arizona. From Flagstaff, simply follow the Highway 180 signs to Grand Canyon. Our parking lot is alongside Highway 180 at Mile Marker 232.