Known already in just its relatively young history 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 rugged, mountainous terrain.

The race — which is set for its 15th annual running this year — is run 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 Coconino 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 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.

10-15-2022, 08:00 am - 04:00 pm