Joshua Tree Half Marathon
Nov. 7, 2020
Joshua Tree Nat'l Park
Get the Best Price
This has quickly become a favorite of thousands to cap off their racing season! Join us for a fun night under the stars at the 4th running of the Joshua Tree Half Marathon. As the sun dips below the horizon, the party begins with a night race through the desert!
Quick Info
Race Details
Date: November 7, 2020
Location: Joshua Tree, California
Start Time: 6:15pm – 10:15pm
Weather: 64° / 39°F
Course Type: Loop
Stroller friendly? No
Disability friendly? No
Dogs allowed? No
Expo
November 7, 2020, 10am–5:00pm
Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground
Bib & Packet Pickup
Expo pickup recommended (bibs available until 5:30pm). Other options.
Registration Periods & Pricing
Early: $109 Feb 7 – May 3
Regular: $129 May 4 – Sep. 6
Late: $149 Sep. 7 – Race Expo
Refund Policy
Refunds available during:
*Early Registration: yes (no fee)
*Regular Registration: yes ($10 fee). *Late Registration: NO
*Refunds not available due to weather
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
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. This will be a night run. Running through the desert at night comes with unique challenges. The course will not have lighting.
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 trails. The dirt roads will have sand on them adding to the challenge of this course. The loose sand on course that, depending on recent weather and traffic conditions, can range from hard packed dirt to deep sand (imagine running on the beach).
The darkness and the loose sand make this a challenging course and not stroller friendly. Runners should take these conditions into consideration when choosing this race.
*Headlights are required
**Gaiters and buffs/bandanas/etc. are recommended
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course beginning around mile 3. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more.
All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a free HydraPouch when you register.
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 5:00pm at the Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. This is where you'll pick up your bib and race packet (available until 5:30pm). All cars should be parked by 5:00pm to avoid congestion and to allow enough time to get ready for the race.
The sun will set at 5:51pm 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
Registration Periods
Early Bird: Feb. 7 – May 3
Regular: May 4 – Sep. 6
Late: Sep. 7 – Race Expo
*There is a limited number of entries to each race, and this event may sell out. If the event is sold out, registration will close regardless of registration period.
Such a fun and beautiful race
This was such a fun and beautiful race. And the three days of camping were awesome, right near the finish line.
Yosemite Half Marathon Runner
2019 Joshua Tree Half Marathon Post-Race Info
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
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