Joshua Tree Half Marathon
Joshua Tree National Park | Nov. 3, 2018
We tried something new last year and the Inaugural Joshua Tree Half Marathon was our first ever night race! It was a lot of fun. Thanks to all those who joined us. 2018 brings a new course that you'll love even more!
Quick Info
Race Details
Date: November 3, 2018
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Start Time: 5:45pm – 9:45pm
Weather: 64° / 39°F
Course Type: Point-to-point
Stroller friendly? Kinda (dirt/sand)
Disability friendly? Kinda (dirt/sand)
Dogs allowed? No
Expo
November 3, 2018, 10am–5:30pm
Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended (available until 6pm). Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $99 Feb 16 – May 13
Regular: $124 May 14 – Aug. 26
Late: $149 Aug. 27 – Race Expo
Refund Policy
Refunds available during Early Registration (no fee) and Regular Registration ($10 fee).
Deferral, Race Transfer, and Bib Transfer available during all registration periods ($20 fee).
Travel & Other Info
Fly Into
Palm Springs (PSP) - 1 hr.
Ontario California (ONT) - 2 hrs.
Los Angeles (LAX) - 4 hrs.
Driving Directions: Google Maps
Lodging
We strongly recommend staying at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. Other options.
The Course
We have made several significant changes and improvements to our inaugural course. This course is a challenging course through the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree, Ca (just minutes outside of Joshua Tree National Park) near Copper Mountain.
The race will start and finish at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. With the exception of a quarter mile at the start and a one mile section in the middle, this course is entirely on dirt roads and trail. The dirt roads will have sand on them adding to the challenge of this course.
It is completely runnable, but runners should understand these conditions are difficult and not stroller friendly. That is the price we pay to run under the stars through the desert!
Half Marathon Aid Stations
At our road half marathons our aid stations typically start at mile 3 and are every other mile after that with a bonus aid station around mile 12. They are not always right at the mile marker so check your race guide to find out where they will be exactly. Our 5K races typically have a single aid station midway through the race.
You can find toilets, water, Go Gnarly electrolyte drink and Honey Stinger gels at every aid station. Usually around mile 7 and 11 we'll have cut fruit and bananas.
At every aid station we'll have basic first aid supplies, and we normally station our EMT's near mile 7.
Our road half marathons and 5Ks are cup-free. That means we will not have disposable cups available for you to use. When you register you will have the option to receive a free hydrapouch with your registration or you can use you own hydration system.
Training
We are pleased to share a FREE half marathon training program customized for this course to help you prepare. We've teamed up with Active at Altitude as the Official Training Partner to offer 2 levels of training:
These programs are free and are sent via e-newsletter every 4 weeks.
Bib & Packet Pickup
Bib Pickup » You have 2 options for picking up your bib:
1. Pickup at the expo (recommended)
2. Mailed 2 weeks before the race ($20 fee)
Bring Your Own Bag » In our ongoing effort to eliminate waste we encourage you to bring your own bag to hold you bib, race shirt, and any goodies you pick up at the race exp.
Race Shirts » If you're unhappy with the fit of your race shirt, or couldn't order the size you wanted we'll host a shirt exchange at the finish line on race day. Note that sizes and quantities will be limited.
Travel Info
Getting Here
If you're flying in for the race, we recommend flying into to Palm Springs International airport (PSP). It's the closest but it's small.
If PSP doesn't work for you, the next closest airports are ONT and LAX.
Where to Stay
We definitely recommend staying at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. That's where the expo, start, and finish lines will be located.
Need more options? Check other options on the Joshua Tree Travel Info page.
Restaurants & Activities
Our friends at the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce have rounded up some of the best hotels, restaurants and shops providing special promotions for the Joshua Tree Half Marathon!
Race Day
The race expo will be open from 10am to 5:30pm at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. This is where you'll pick up your bib and race packet (available until 6pm).
The sun will set at 5:49pm and the race will begin promptly at 6:15pm. You'll have 4 hours to complete the course.
Clubs & Trifecta
We like to encourage our runners to get out and enjoy the area where we hold our races, so we designate certain challenging and iconic activities in the park to be a part of our official club hikes and less-intense, 3-part trifecta. These will be the Oasis Club, the Boy Scout Club, the Keys Club and the Hidden Valley / Barker Dam / Keys View trifecta.
Learn more about the Club Hikes and Trifecta at Joshua Tree.
Registration Packages & Pricing
Next price jump in...
Registration Periods
Early Bird: Feb. 16 – May 13, 2018
Regular: May 14 – Aug. 26, 2018
Late: Aug. 27 – Race Expo
I love Vacation Races
Yes!!! I'm going [to Yosemite] in 2018 and I am super excited, but first Grand Canyon Half Marathon, Lake Powell Half marathon, Zion Half marathon... :) I love Vacation Races races...can you tell? ;)
Superfan