Hello again to the folks who have registered for the 2022 Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon and 5k. To help you have a great experience next week, we've put together a final round of race weekend information, including updates on the weather, the course, our partners, and you!

Photos: We're super-glad to have our Tucson friend, Damion Alexander, on hand. Damion will ride his bike throughout the race course on race morning, then in the days after the race he'll post photos for all to see.

Timing: The race will be timed by our good friend Greg Wenneborg from Roadrunner Race Timing (see www.roadrunnerracetiming.com for results after the race). He reminds us to put numbers on the front of your clothing so that the timing mat can pick up the chip and he can see your number when you cross.

Volunteers: This event could not be produced without help -- we're grateful to folks from the Town of Tusayan who have volunteered to manage aid stations and provide post-race support, and we're grateful to the 10 friends from our training group in Tucson who are traveling up to Tusayan to pitch in at registration and race day.

OK -- please review the material below for even more updates on race details. We're heading up to the Canyon so will be largely out of email contact, but we'll see you all on Friday and Saturday!

Randy and Tia Accetta, Race Directors
Snow Thursday, with Sunshine and Colder Temps Friday and Saturday

It looks like it will snow on Thursday in the Williams, Flagstaff, and South Rim areas, so please be careful driving to Tusayan. We're expecting any accumulated snow will melt off by race morning, but there are a few items to note:

1) The half-marathon is run on a mix of terrain in the national forest. If it does indeed snow significantly on Thursday, the terrain will no doubt be wet and muddy, perhaps with ice on parts of the course early on Saturday morning

The terrain does NOT allow for sag wagon capabilities, so please do NOT expect to be picked up and driven to the finish line. Thus, if you do not want to do the half-marathon, you can easily move to the 5k -- simply tell the timer at the 5k starting line.

2) The 5k course is partially on a paved multi-use section of the Arizona Trail and partially on a forested dirt road. That course may be icy as well, with slippery terrain in sections.

3) Race morning will be cold, so be sure to wear layers (see detailed suggestions below). Again, your souvenir shirt is a long-sleeve technical shirt. We will have last year's red long-sleeve shirts for sale for a few bucks, as well as some extra beanies, baseball caps and buffs. (Unfortunately, we did not make very many souvenir beanies this year, so you may wish to pack your own ski hat!)

4) Course markings: We normally mark the course with emergency flagging tape and chalk arrows on the ground, with mile markers in the middle of the trail in chalk. If the snow has cleared, there will still be chalk arrows and chalk mile markers on the trail. If there is snow on the ground, we will use additional flagging to mark the course with limited mile markers.

5) WORST CASE: Your safety is our primary concern. If the Tucson Fire Department, race organizers and Kaibab National Forest decide that the forest conditions are too dangerous to hold a safe event, we reserve the right to cancel the timed race. We would still hold a social event so that you can receive your shirts and medals (and free beer), but for safety reasons we reserve the right to cancel the timed, formal half-marathon race and the timed-formal 5k event.

Please note that we will NOT have the ability to mail out race items should you decide to not attend.

6) Social Running: If you run or hike down into the Canyon, please be mindful of slippery and snowy terrain. We've run down the Canyon in the winter, so it is certainly doable, just please be safe!
Race Day Local Highlights
This is the fourth year we've produced the event and we're super-excited about continuing to work with the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, the merchants from the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce, and the National Forest and National Park Services to bring runners and walkers to the beautiful Kaibab Plateau and South Rim area.

Here are some of the things that the Town of Tusayan has put together for you:

IMAX Staging: Thanks to Marty and the crew at the IMAX, much of our event staging will be held indoors at the IMAX facility. Packet pickup, bathrooms, souvenir sales, and food for sale will be available inside the IMAX

Race Day Free Beer: Thanks to the Town of Tusayan, the Tusayan Fire Department, and the IMAX folks, each participant will receive a free beer or glass of wine on race day. Bring your number for the free pour from Grand Canyon Brewing, with all others at $5 per cup.

Race Day Crafts Fair: Our friends at the Town of Tusayan are putting together a local artisan craft fair, staged at the finish line on race morning and early afternoon. We'll send more info once we get additional details.

IMAX Friday Night Pre-Race Pasta Dinner: Marty and the crew at the IMAX Theater in Tusayan are offering a $15 All-You-Can-Eat Special on Friday, November 4th from 5-7pm:
  • Pasta - Penne Marinara
  • Pizza - cheese & pepperoni
  • Green Salad
  • Cookies

Saturday Race Day Fire Department Breakfast: Tusayan Fire Department will host a fundraising breakfast from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm. Price: $8 for adults and $5 for children. What you get:
  • Pancakes
  • Sausage
  • Fruit
  • Biscuits & Gravy
  • Coffee

Local Discounts: Please visit the Grand Canyon Chamber and Visitor's Bureau -- they've put together a list of discounts on a host of tourism activities here: https://grandcanyoncvb.org/coupons/

Red Feather Lodge: Steps from the start/finish line, the Red Feather Lodge is offering a pricing special for all participants, but you need to call them at (928) 638-2414.
The Weekend Schedule
2022 Weekend Schedule, details may be modified
Friday, November 4, 2022
5:00 - 6:30 pm Packet Pickup and Last-Minute Registration at IMAX Theater, 450 AZ-64, Tusayan, AZ 86023. West entrance.
Our team of volunteers will be on hand in the lobby to help you pick up your race materials, including race number, race shirt, a copy of the course map, and (if you ordered it) your National Park Pass and souvenir hat.
YES: you can pick up for your friends and family; this is a small race, so no ID needed
YES: we have crew neck and v-neck sizing in the t-shirt
YES: all shirts are first-come, first-served in terms of sizing
YES: Friday is a great time to snag your stuff so you don't have to worry on race morning!
NO: you cannot pick up your finisher's medal before finishing the race – you gotta’ do the race on Saturday!

5:00 - 7:00 pm All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner at IMAX, $15

Saturday, November 5, 2022
7:00-8:30 AM Packet Pickup and Race Check-in at IMAX Theater. West Entrance.

Bathrooms at IMAX: The IMAX building has plenty of restrooms, so please allow time to use the restrooms in the IMAX before the race. There are no portojohns on the course.

7:30 AM Half Marathon trickle start opens, with ongoing trickle start - start is on sidewalk in front of IMAX
  • Start of Half-Marathon on the sidewalk immediately in front of the IMAX, adjacent to the roadway through Tusayan. All Half-Marathon walkers and Walk/Run folks are asked to start at 7:30. 
  • All age-group awards are chip timed, so you can start whenever you want. Please check in the with the timer at the start line.
  • Permits and insurance do not allow for dogs and other animals on the course.
  • While we appreciate the value of running with head-phones, we request that you do not run with headphones on.
  • While we support adaptive athletics, the half marathon course is not suited for chair athletes. 
  • The 5k course has a paved section that is chair-capable, but the dirt road portion will be difficult to navigate for chair athletes.

7:30 AM Tusayan Fire District Pancake Breakfast starting at 7:30 am outside the IMAX

8:30 AM Half Marathon Prize Money Start
NOTE: Prize money is awarded to standard "gun time" starting at 8:30. Thus, all who wish to be eligible for prize money must start at 8:30 am. Prize money details here.
NOTE: The official Half Marathon start line will close at 8:32 am.

8:45 AM 5k Fun Run/Walk Starts: the start is at the blue "Run Tucson" arch at the edge of the gravel lot to the north of the IMAX. This is also the finish line.
This is a narrow start line -- and over 120 of you have signed up for the 5k this year, so we may have to do a wave start . . . .
  • Part of the course is on an open dirt road, so please be mindful of traffic
  • Strollers are allowed, but again, please be mindful of traffic and other athletes
  • While we appreciate the value of running with head-phones, we request that you do not run with headphones on.

Ongoing: post-race snacks at finish line and beer garden at IMAX. Grab-bag of past Run Tucson race shirts for sale $5 apiece.

11:30 AM (or so) Half Marathon and 5k Awards at Finish Line

NOTE: All half marathoners need to be through mile 11.5 by 11:30 am.*
*Course closure times are tentative depending on weather and safety conditions.
* Remember to start early if you're worried about the deadlines

12:30 PM Timing at finish line closes, course breakdown begins
Race Morning Weather and What to Pack
As you can see in the image from Weather Underground above, it looks to be a bit chilly on race morning, but warming and sunny by the time you want to enjoy the beer garden!

The 7:00 am temperature looks to be about 20 degrees, while at 8:00 am it may warm up to about 30 degrees with a dew point of 26. The 9:00 am temperature projects to be about 37 degrees, warming to close to 50 by noon. According to the Weather Channel, wind projects to be NNW at about 10 miles per hour -- breezy, but not windy.

Many runners find that 45 degrees is an ideal temperature for longer races like a half marathon, but temps in the 20's and 30's may present some challenges.

You may wish to layer with a synthetic undergarment that wicks away moisture, with running tights and a wind jacket that guards against a cold breeze. Be sure to have headwear of some sort, either a beanie-type hat that covers your ears, a headband that covers your ears, or at least a brimmed cap to keep your skull warm. 

The souvenir race shirt is a comfortable synthetic blend long-sleeve, but we recommend that you bring clothes you have worn in the past too. See more packing advice on our race registration page.

The photo below is from the race in 2020, when we provided face coverings for all participants -- it was cold and windy, so the buffs came in handy . . .
The Course
Course Overview: The Half-Marathon course is a clockwise loop, designed to put the demanding sections of the race early, when you're more chipper. The race will will start at the IMAX parking lot, and head south on the sidewalk on the west side of Highway 64 before crossing onto the bike path of Long Jim Loop for another couple of hundred yards, before you head south onto the dirt roads of the Kaibab National Forest. 

The next 3-4 miles are on Forest Service Road #2607, which will be pretty rugged, with a bunch of "rolling uphill" and some challenging footing (see the photo from near Mile 3). This section is fun to run but it may feel a bit slow.

Aid Station at Mile 4.5 or so, with water.

From approximately Mile 4-8 the trail smooths out and drops in a "rolling downhill" manner -- the footing is easier and you can probably get in a nice little rhythm, especially once you get onto Forest Service Road 2604. 

Near Mile 7.5 you'll go under the historic railroad tracks, then go under them again near Mile 8-- it's a fun little figure-S of a section. Mile 9-11 winds through what is called the Coconino Wash, with pretty smooth footing and some especially nice forested views. 

Aid Station at Mile 8.5 or so, with water and Gu packets.

Mile 11-12 is mostly on the well-travelled dirt road #328, with some significant downhill -- there'll be some hills, but you should be able to make good time at this portion of the course. 

Aid Station at Mile 11.5 or so, with water.

From approximately Mile 12 to the finish you will be on a paved multi-use path, part of which is the famed Arizona Trail. You can run on the pavement, but there is also dirt alongside if you favor the softer surface. This is a rolling downhill section that should give you a pretty quick finish to the finish line with nice shade and the chance to push pace a bit.

We think the Half-Marathon course is almost exactly 13.1 miles (but may be long by as much as .1 or .2 -- hard to tell with the different measuring devices). The maps we've included come from MayMyRun, which says this:

This is a 13.19 mi route in . The route has a total ascent of 555.58 ft and has a maximum elevation of 6,729.3 ft. 

The 5k Route: the 5k will be an out and back on multi-use path and Road #328. Our goal is to make this family-friendly, so it is perfect for running with a jogging-stroller and for children and others. Road #328 is open to vehicles, so keep an eye out. There will be a water stop at the turn-around.

Bathrooms on the course: Due to permit regulations, there are no portojohns on the course. Please take care of your own needs while keeping the forest clean -- in other words, please don't drop used toilet paper all over the course and surrounding forest!

Water and Aid Stations: We want you to be self-sufficient on the race course, but we'll have water at three spots (probably near Mile 4, Mile 8, and Mile 11.5. We'll have plenty of food and water and gatorade at the finish line, with support from the Tusayan Fire Department, Coconino County Sheriff, and others as needed.
Near Mile 3 climbing one of the rugged early sections.
Near Mile 7.5, cruising under the historic Grand Canyon Rail tracks
Near Mile 12, with about a mile of paved and mostly downhill to the finish.
About You
390 total: 257 half, 125 5k, 30 deferrals
Updated Awards, Prize Money, Course Records
We're once again offering prize money to top overall finishers in the 2022 Half Marathon.

The first male and female will each receive $250.
Second place will receive $150.
Third place will receive $50. 

Course record bonuses of $200 will go to the man and woman who break the male and female course records.

Course Records
Half Marathon Men's Record: 1:18:33, Jonathan Hiley, Tequisquiapan, Quetaro, Mexico, 2021
Half Marathon Women's Record: 1:25:51, Shannon Porter, Flagstaff, AZ 2021
5k Men's Record: 17:04, Jeffrey Smith, Grand Canyon Village, AZ, 2021
5k Women's Record: 24: 54 Tonya Kiesow, Williams, AZ, 2021

Age-Group Awards
In the Half-Marathon, first place in 10-year age groups will get an award, courtesy of the Town of Tusayan.

In the 5k Fun Run/Walk, first place man and woman overall and first place in 10-year age groups will receive awards courtesy of the Town of Tusayan.

Please note that you must be at the 11:30 am awards ceremony to receive prizes -- age group awards will NOT be mailed.

Please note, too, that due to limited registrations there are no age-group awards for the non-binary category. For more information on non-binary categories, see https://nonbinaryrunning.com/races.

Special thanks to the Town of Tusayan and the local merchants in Tusayan for providing the grab-bag of awards.
Run Tucson, who are you, anyway?
A few years ago we at Run Tucson were contacted by Laura Chastain, then the head of the Grand Canyon Chamber of Commerce. Even though we live in Southern Arizona, she asked us to help produce this event in early November as a way to support local businesses in Northern Arizona by bringing runners and walkers to the South Rim area. Laura has moved on from the Chamber, but we've had a great time working with the Chamber, the Town of Tusayan, the Kaibab National Forest, the Tusayan Fire Department, and others in the region.

Now, you may ask, who is Run Tucson? Run Tucson is headed up by a husband-wife team located in Tucson, where we're raising a 15-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. As life-long runners, we produce races in Tucson and coach runners in Tucson and around the country.

Raised in Walla Walla, WA, Tia ran cross country and track at the University of Idaho. She is an RRCA Certified coach with an M.A. in Education. She currently coaches runners from around the country via online coaching, while also heading up our Tucson based training group called The Workout Group. Tia has run a couple of 2:48 marathons and hopes to run the Grand Canyon Half this year.

For the past 11 years Randy has been the Director of Coaching Education for the RRCA, heading up their nationally-renowned coaching certification program. Years ago he was the Director of Programs at the well-known Craftsbury Running Camp and was the Arizona coach for Team in Training. He also teaches at the University of Arizona, where he was named the Entrepreneurship Teacher of the Year in 2021-2022. Sadly, as a runner, he has slowed down considerably since running a 2:19 marathon a long, long time ago.

We work with national running community leaders like the RRCA, Ashworth Awards, Leslie Jordan Designs, Road Race Management, Peloton, and others.

Our local mission at Run Tucson is to make Tucson a better place to live through running -- our national mission is to inspire happy lives through running. Thus, this opportunity to help produce the Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon fits our passion perfectly -- we can improve a local community while providing an inspirational event for the national running community!

We'll add you to our emailing list so you can see the events we put on -- we'll give all of you discounts to our home-town races just to give you another reason to travel to Arizona!
Tia and son Aric at the Grand Canyon in a May snowstorm, after checking out the Half-Marathon course a few years ago.
Randy and daughter Anabelle at the Kaibab Trail at the South Rim a couple of years ago.
For information about our events, the RRCA, and The Workout Group, contact Randy Accetta
(520) 991-0733
For information about in-person, online, or group coaching, contact contact Tia Accetta.
(520)891-4369