BEARS EARS MARATHON

Bears Ears Marathon is a point-to-point race on November 7, 2026, running from Blanding, Utah, to Bluff. The full marathon covers 26.2 miles and drops more than 1,700 feet along the way, which makes it one of the faster certified courses in the Four Corners area and a common pick for runners chasing a Boston qualifier. The half marathon, 13.1 miles, starts at the midpoint and shares the same descent and views.

The route is USATF certified and passes desert country with sightlines to Bears Ears National Monument, Monument Valley, Ship Rock, Sleeping Ute, Comb Ridge and the Abajo Mountains. The atmosphere is quiet and focused, with long solitary stretches broken by occasional support. A net-downhill course punishes quads that have not been prepared, so build downhill running into your long runs for at least the final eight weeks.