About This Race
The Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon is a rugged 13.9-mile trail run held on Navajo Nation land near Page, Arizona, offering a rare opportunity to race through the secluded slot canyons of Canyon X. Combining deep desert sand with technical bouldering and narrow sandstone crevices, the event provides a culturally immersive experience that begins with a traditional Dine prayer and corn pollen ceremony at sunrise.
What Makes It Unique
- Technical Slot Canyon Navigation: Unlike standard road races, the course requires runners to navigate shoulder-width crevices and use ropes and ladders to scramble through the narrowest sections of the canyon.
- Cultural Immersion Rituals: The race is deeply rooted in Navajo heritage, featuring a traditional prayer and historical storytelling by race director Harold Bennally at the start line.
- Handcrafted Artisan Awards: Finishers receive custom-made silver bracelets adorned with authentic Sleeping Beauty and Kingman turquoise rather than traditional mass-produced medals.
Media Coverage
The Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon is About More Than The Numbers
Trail Runner Magazine
This editorial feature explores the cultural significance of the race as a community-focused event on Navajo land, highlighting race director Harold Bennally's vision and the spiritual connection between the runners and the slot canyon terrain.
Verna Volker and Native Women Running
iRunFar
A profile of activist Verna Volker that discusses the emotional and ancestral impact of running the Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon.