Nov 8, 2024

☰

Premium Listings

Verified Accounts

Free Race Organizer Account

Become An Advertiser

Marathon Details - Little Grand Canyon

North America Marathons > USA > UT > Price > Little Grand Canyon

Little Grand Canyon

Little Grand Canyon & Half Marathon, 10K

Price, UT USA

September 28, 2019

http://www.scenicrunningutah.com/little-grand-canyon

Marathon Results

By Year:

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

This is the only Marathon and Half Marathon where you get to run through the Little Grand Canyon in Eastern Utah and see some of the most pristine scenery in the world. This area is also known as the San Rafael Swell or BuckHorn Wash. These towering Red Rocks are not only Majestic but they tell the Geological timetable as you run through the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous Eras. There are actual dinosaur footprints on the side of the road and you run in front of one of the largest Native American Pictograph Panels in the State(The BuckHorn Panel).

Due to this exclusive location and the multiple Paleontological and Archeological vistas, this is the only run of its kind. This is a limited run and is not for runners that enjoy running in large crowds and in great cities, this is for the scenic-runner that enjoys the tranquility and beauty of running in nature.

Contact Information

Name:	Jared Haddock
Address:	1762 E 500 S Price, UT 84501
Phone Number:	(435) 650 0155
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (18)

Course 4.6

Organization 3.8

Spectators 2.9

Write a review

Number of comments: 18 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Annette Ericksen from Fairview, Utah (11/7/2012) "Loved the run, not the wait at the end of the race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Little Grand Canyons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my second year and had the same likes and dislikes as last time. The course was awesome! I love how there aren't a million people to fight through at the starting line. Didn't like how there was no place to put your sweatshirts or packs at the starting line. You need to have a designated truck to take our stuff to the finish line. Also, it would be awesome to have womens shirts. I hate how big the men's shirts are and how they don't fit right. Overall, thanks for organizing the race!
Cynthia Witman from Eastern Washington State (10/24/2011) "Not so flawless" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I agree with other runners that the course is beautiful. And the support is ok and the after-run food above average. But to be bussed to the start we had to wait and wait and wait, partly because alot of folks had their friends drive past other runners (both ways) to pick them up. In late summer dust this was not fun. Also, it's been a month and a half and I have yet to have a recorded time from mammothmarathon. They keep telling me they'll get to it...
Michael Garza from Marion, Illinois (10/22/2011) "Beautiful back country run." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I can't get over what great organization this race had considering it was basically out in the middle of nowhere. There were plenty of water stations almost every mile. The post race relief station was 30 miles from the closest town and yet it was well staffed and had a great spread of sandwiches, fruit, drinks, desserts and what the best was the snowcones they were making. Boy did they hit the spot. I'd like to see those more often. The second half of the course was really spectacular running thru the canyon area and past the ancient Native American wall paintings. There really weren't any spectators but this was a rural area race thru the back country of Utah. It was about the beauty of the wide open land and not an urban race. If your into smaller races away from the crowds and like the open enviroment of a rural run this is a must do race.
R. P. from San Antonio, TX (9/22/2011) "Perfect!" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Flawless organization, beautiful and varying scenery, and great support make this one of my favorite marathons out of seven carefully-chosen greats. Enthusiastic volunteers delivered fluids, foods, GUs, and port-o-potties every two miles as promised, making it completely unnecessary to carry supplies. As others have mentioned, the beautiful finishing location, shade, and food was wonderful. The mileage countdown signs were a great idea: they let people who ran different distances keep in sync ('did you see that thing at mile 10...?!') and also kept me from having to do mental math when I got tired. More races should use these. The packet pickup location at the CEU Prehistoric Museum was excellent for out-of-towners like me. We got there early and really enjoyed the small, but well appointed museum that did a great job explaining the geological, paleontological, and cultural history of the area. Although this course has a net downhill, there are some nice uphills and lots of rollers that will make you earn it. There really were not any spectators on the course, but I rated them '5 stars' anyway because the volunteers were excellent and those at the finish were enthusiastic. Do not expect the streets to be lined with cheering fans. The only minor nitpick that I've got is that the organizer should invest in a better megaphone so that racers can hear the instructions. Fortunately the race is pretty simple so it wasn't a real issue.
W. C. from Washington State (9/11/2011) "Fantastic views and organization; too much traffic" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Mammoth delivers what they promise, and they promise a well supported, gorgeous run. Aid q2miles, with portapotty at each one, plenty of water and sports drink, gorgeous course, nice volunteers, excellant end of course food. Only complaint is that many ignored the request to use the buses and had their friends drive the course to be picked up and driven back, which meant traffic and dust to all still running.
Bill Harris from Grabill, IN (9/16/2010) "Well-organized, friendly and scenic marathon." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 From start to finish this marathon was a great experience. The course was some asphalt, but mostly gravel. The several hills were in the early stages with mountains in the distance. The most spectacular portion encompassed the last 8 to 9 miles, traversing the San Rafael Swell with its deep, winding canyons and sandstone formations! Aid stations and porta-potties were manned every two miles by enthusiastic volunteers. Finish line treats included chocolate milk, cookies, pretzels and snow cones. Afterwards, runners were bussed back to the staging area for lunch, which consisted of Navajo tacos, brownies and drink. I was attracted to this race for the scenery and was well-pleased!
G. P. from Michigan (10/11/2009) "Wonderfully run, small marathon - beautiful place" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Friendly and well maintained water stops - everyone went out of the way to help get water, etc. (My only complaint is that the hills were pretty tough in the first 4 miles, and the weather was pretty hot, with no shade.) We spend a lot of time at the finish area and enjoyed the water, the snow cones, fruit, and the shade with everyone else who was hanging out. Just a really nice event - we all truly enjoyed ourselves.
J. B. from Los Angeles, CA (9/22/2009) "Great, small race on a very scenic course" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I decided to do this marathon because of the beautiful scenery that was promised, as well as the small size. It delivered on both. The mile markers counting backwards was a little weird, especially since the first .2 miles sure seemed like twice that. So I don't know if the course was long, or if it just wasn't marked right. It's mostly on a gravel road, and I had stones in my shoes and even my socks after the race. The canyon is beautiful and the scenery along the course is unlike anything I've ever run. There were fewer than 100 marathoners, and I was alone most of the time, except when I caught up to some of the half-marathoners in the last few miles. I did run a PR, but missed a BQ by 12 seconds. Which really makes me wonder about that .2 at the beginning. It got pretty warm by the end but the last 10 miles were basically downhill. I got a snow cone at the finish line, and then you have to ride a bus for an hour back to the start where it looked like they had a pretty good spread of food waiting. But I had to go back to my hotel and catch a plane, so I missed all of that. It was really a great experience and I'm glad I went all that way to do it. I wish I could have stayed for more of the post-race festivities. The entry fee was cheap, the tech t-shirt was nice and everyone involved was pretty cool. It started about 15 minutes late, but the gear drop-off at the start and pick-up at the finish went perfectly. Water stations were well placed and maintained. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary and don't need spectators, this is a great race.
J. A. from CT, USA (12/16/2008) "Beautiful, small, fun" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The letter I sent to the race director: Feedback: Excellent! That may be the most fun I have had at a marathon (this was my 6th). It was only my 3rd fastest, and I did not get the "qualifying" time I was hoping for, but that is my problem. I think I failed to realize both the altitude (I run and live at sea level, in coastal Connecticut) and maybe the temperature's effects on me. I had concerns about a "first time" race, but the organization and attention to detail were outstanding. Registration was easy. Packet pickup was efficient. Maybe a Friday night carb-load option would be nice, as a lot of people were from out-of-town, many were staying where I did (Holiday Inn). Pre-race in Huntington was good. The wait for the bus was not that big a deal; minor glitches always come up. Race start was good, despite the delay. Did anybody sing the national anthem? I can't remember. I like it when somebody does.... Aid stations, traffic control, signage, and porta-potties were all excellently placed, and plentiful. Really well done, and the kids staffing the aid stations did an excellent job as well. The course itself was, of course, unique. I can say with confidence that I have never run anything like that before, and probably never will again, except perhaps in the same place next year? The finish line was great. My only disappointment was that I couldn't hang around to cheer on those who finished after me. If I had come with friends who were running, I would have felt compelled to linger at the bridge. I think the bus driver got a little lost on the way back to Huntington. The party on the town green: the food, the music, and getting to know the other runners, was awesome. What a great atmosphere. Your race really had the "feel" of many trail races I have done, as opposed to road races. Take that as the compliment that it is. I always prefer that laid-back kind of feeling. Everyone is trying their hardest, but they are also encouraging their "competition" to excel as well. The fact that the "post-race" was in two places at the same time caused some confusion, as it was very difficult for awards to be handed out, and some people lingered at the bridge while others were back in town. I just stretched out on the grass and enjoyed the experience while I waited for my first ever, at ANY distance, age group award. I sure wasn't going to leave without it, even if I missed my flight back home! Missing the flight turned out to be a non-issue, as hurricane Ike canceled my flight. A couple of the guys from my running group here in CT had been in Utah the previous weekend to run the Wasatch 100. I am pretty sure I had more "fun" than they did, and only earned a slightly lesser sense of accomplishment. Running "only" a marathon allowed me the luxury of doing some fun runs in Zion and Dixie NF before your race, as well. Oh, by the way, a very important point: the price was fair - not cheap, but fair. I have started skipping some races due to the prices getting too high. Keep up the good work. I will definitely encourage the runners I know to consider your race in the future. Thanks.
B. M. from California (10/13/2008) "Great Small Marathon" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The scenery the last 8 miles is so beautiful and amazing that I was happy to walk part of it. This was a great marathon to be able to run on a dirt road in a desolate area and enjoy great scenery and have the awesome support that the volunteers provided. Although this is desolate, there is traffic and some cars whiz right by. It would be great if the road could be closed to traffic at least the last 10 miles. The longer you take to complete the marathon you start to share the road with buses ferrying runners out of the area and returning to pick up more runners. This was a bit annoying at times, since the road is not that wide to accommodate runners and buses. They need better organization with the sweat bags and better instructions communicated with the volunteers and runners of where to leave them. I left my sweat bag on a bus (with my rental car key) and the race directors did not locate it until around 4:00 p.m. The race director found it with a few other bags left at the university and I was extremely relieved. The director is a marathoner and eager to make this marathon better next year. I have no doubt that this run will be better organized and will become one of the best in Utah, if not the U.S. Thanks for a great run!

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Quick Links

Marathon Search
Upcoming US Marathons
Upcoming International Marathons
Search Marathon Results
Latest Running News
Recent Newsletters
Race Director Tools

Calendars

US/Canada

International

World Marathon Majors

Annette Ericksen from Fairview, Utah (11/7/2012) "Loved the run, not the wait at the end of the race" (about: 2012) 6-10 previous marathons \| 2 Little Grand Canyons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my second year and had the same likes and dislikes as last time. The course was awesome! I love how there aren't a million people to fight through at the starting line. Didn't like how there was no place to put your sweatshirts or packs at the starting line. You need to have a designated truck to take our stuff to the finish line. Also, it would be awesome to have womens shirts. I hate how big the men's shirts are and how they don't fit right. Overall, thanks for organizing the race!
Cynthia Witman from Eastern Washington State (10/24/2011) "Not so flawless" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I agree with other runners that the course is beautiful. And the support is ok and the after-run food above average. But to be bussed to the start we had to wait and wait and wait, partly because alot of folks had their friends drive past other runners (both ways) to pick them up. In late summer dust this was not fun. Also, it's been a month and a half and I have yet to have a recorded time from mammothmarathon. They keep telling me they'll get to it...
Michael Garza from Marion, Illinois (10/22/2011) "Beautiful back country run." (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I can't get over what great organization this race had considering it was basically out in the middle of nowhere. There were plenty of water stations almost every mile. The post race relief station was 30 miles from the closest town and yet it was well staffed and had a great spread of sandwiches, fruit, drinks, desserts and what the best was the snowcones they were making. Boy did they hit the spot. I'd like to see those more often. The second half of the course was really spectacular running thru the canyon area and past the ancient Native American wall paintings. There really weren't any spectators but this was a rural area race thru the back country of Utah. It was about the beauty of the wide open land and not an urban race. If your into smaller races away from the crowds and like the open enviroment of a rural run this is a must do race.
R. P. from San Antonio, TX (9/22/2011) "Perfect!" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Flawless organization, beautiful and varying scenery, and great support make this one of my favorite marathons out of seven carefully-chosen greats. Enthusiastic volunteers delivered fluids, foods, GUs, and port-o-potties every two miles as promised, making it completely unnecessary to carry supplies. As others have mentioned, the beautiful finishing location, shade, and food was wonderful. The mileage countdown signs were a great idea: they let people who ran different distances keep in sync ('did you see that thing at mile 10...?!') and also kept me from having to do mental math when I got tired. More races should use these. The packet pickup location at the CEU Prehistoric Museum was excellent for out-of-towners like me. We got there early and really enjoyed the small, but well appointed museum that did a great job explaining the geological, paleontological, and cultural history of the area. Although this course has a net downhill, there are some nice uphills and lots of rollers that will make you earn it. There really were not any spectators on the course, but I rated them '5 stars' anyway because the volunteers were excellent and those at the finish were enthusiastic. Do not expect the streets to be lined with cheering fans. The only minor nitpick that I've got is that the organizer should invest in a better megaphone so that racers can hear the instructions. Fortunately the race is pretty simple so it wasn't a real issue.
W. C. from Washington State (9/11/2011) "Fantastic views and organization; too much traffic" (about: 2011) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Mammoth delivers what they promise, and they promise a well supported, gorgeous run. Aid q2miles, with portapotty at each one, plenty of water and sports drink, gorgeous course, nice volunteers, excellant end of course food. Only complaint is that many ignored the request to use the buses and had their friends drive the course to be picked up and driven back, which meant traffic and dust to all still running.
Bill Harris from Grabill, IN (9/16/2010) "Well-organized, friendly and scenic marathon." (about: 2010) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 From start to finish this marathon was a great experience. The course was some asphalt, but mostly gravel. The several hills were in the early stages with mountains in the distance. The most spectacular portion encompassed the last 8 to 9 miles, traversing the San Rafael Swell with its deep, winding canyons and sandstone formations! Aid stations and porta-potties were manned every two miles by enthusiastic volunteers. Finish line treats included chocolate milk, cookies, pretzels and snow cones. Afterwards, runners were bussed back to the staging area for lunch, which consisted of Navajo tacos, brownies and drink. I was attracted to this race for the scenery and was well-pleased!
G. P. from Michigan (10/11/2009) "Wonderfully run, small marathon - beautiful place" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Friendly and well maintained water stops - everyone went out of the way to help get water, etc. (My only complaint is that the hills were pretty tough in the first 4 miles, and the weather was pretty hot, with no shade.) We spend a lot of time at the finish area and enjoyed the water, the snow cones, fruit, and the shade with everyone else who was hanging out. Just a really nice event - we all truly enjoyed ourselves.
J. B. from Los Angeles, CA (9/22/2009) "Great, small race on a very scenic course" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I decided to do this marathon because of the beautiful scenery that was promised, as well as the small size. It delivered on both. The mile markers counting backwards was a little weird, especially since the first .2 miles sure seemed like twice that. So I don't know if the course was long, or if it just wasn't marked right. It's mostly on a gravel road, and I had stones in my shoes and even my socks after the race. The canyon is beautiful and the scenery along the course is unlike anything I've ever run. There were fewer than 100 marathoners, and I was alone most of the time, except when I caught up to some of the half-marathoners in the last few miles. I did run a PR, but missed a BQ by 12 seconds. Which really makes me wonder about that .2 at the beginning. It got pretty warm by the end but the last 10 miles were basically downhill. I got a snow cone at the finish line, and then you have to ride a bus for an hour back to the start where it looked like they had a pretty good spread of food waiting. But I had to go back to my hotel and catch a plane, so I missed all of that. It was really a great experience and I'm glad I went all that way to do it. I wish I could have stayed for more of the post-race festivities. The entry fee was cheap, the tech t-shirt was nice and everyone involved was pretty cool. It started about 15 minutes late, but the gear drop-off at the start and pick-up at the finish went perfectly. Water stations were well placed and maintained. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary and don't need spectators, this is a great race.
J. A. from CT, USA (12/16/2008) "Beautiful, small, fun" (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The letter I sent to the race director: Feedback: Excellent! That may be the most fun I have had at a marathon (this was my 6th). It was only my 3rd fastest, and I did not get the "qualifying" time I was hoping for, but that is my problem. I think I failed to realize both the altitude (I run and live at sea level, in coastal Connecticut) and maybe the temperature's effects on me. I had concerns about a "first time" race, but the organization and attention to detail were outstanding. Registration was easy. Packet pickup was efficient. Maybe a Friday night carb-load option would be nice, as a lot of people were from out-of-town, many were staying where I did (Holiday Inn). Pre-race in Huntington was good. The wait for the bus was not that big a deal; minor glitches always come up. Race start was good, despite the delay. Did anybody sing the national anthem? I can't remember. I like it when somebody does.... Aid stations, traffic control, signage, and porta-potties were all excellently placed, and plentiful. Really well done, and the kids staffing the aid stations did an excellent job as well. The course itself was, of course, unique. I can say with confidence that I have never run anything like that before, and probably never will again, except perhaps in the same place next year? The finish line was great. My only disappointment was that I couldn't hang around to cheer on those who finished after me. If I had come with friends who were running, I would have felt compelled to linger at the bridge. I think the bus driver got a little lost on the way back to Huntington. The party on the town green: the food, the music, and getting to know the other runners, was awesome. What a great atmosphere. Your race really had the "feel" of many trail races I have done, as opposed to road races. Take that as the compliment that it is. I always prefer that laid-back kind of feeling. Everyone is trying their hardest, but they are also encouraging their "competition" to excel as well. The fact that the "post-race" was in two places at the same time caused some confusion, as it was very difficult for awards to be handed out, and some people lingered at the bridge while others were back in town. I just stretched out on the grass and enjoyed the experience while I waited for my first ever, at ANY distance, age group award. I sure wasn't going to leave without it, even if I missed my flight back home! Missing the flight turned out to be a non-issue, as hurricane Ike canceled my flight. A couple of the guys from my running group here in CT had been in Utah the previous weekend to run the Wasatch 100. I am pretty sure I had more "fun" than they did, and only earned a slightly lesser sense of accomplishment. Running "only" a marathon allowed me the luxury of doing some fun runs in Zion and Dixie NF before your race, as well. Oh, by the way, a very important point: the price was fair - not cheap, but fair. I have started skipping some races due to the prices getting too high. Keep up the good work. I will definitely encourage the runners I know to consider your race in the future. Thanks.
B. M. from California (10/13/2008) "Great Small Marathon" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Little Grand Canyon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The scenery the last 8 miles is so beautiful and amazing that I was happy to walk part of it. This was a great marathon to be able to run on a dirt road in a desolate area and enjoy great scenery and have the awesome support that the volunteers provided. Although this is desolate, there is traffic and some cars whiz right by. It would be great if the road could be closed to traffic at least the last 10 miles. The longer you take to complete the marathon you start to share the road with buses ferrying runners out of the area and returning to pick up more runners. This was a bit annoying at times, since the road is not that wide to accommodate runners and buses. They need better organization with the sweat bags and better instructions communicated with the volunteers and runners of where to leave them. I left my sweat bag on a bus (with my rental car key) and the race directors did not locate it until around 4:00 p.m. The race director found it with a few other bags left at the university and I was extremely relieved. The director is a marathoner and eager to make this marathon better next year. I have no doubt that this run will be better organized and will become one of the best in Utah, if not the U.S. Thanks for a great run!

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - Little Grand Canyon