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Built on bad decisions in Boulder, CO.

Utah 50K

  1. Endurance Events USA
  2. 2026 Edition

A demanding desert 50K through the canyon country of southern Utah

Directions
DeadlineApril 30, 2026
This event took place on May 16, 2026

Frequently asked questions

When is Utah 50K?

Utah 50K takes place on May 16, 2026 in Kanab, UT.

How long is Utah 50K?

Utah 50K is 31.1 miles with 3,830 ft of elevation gain.

Does Utah 50K have a lottery?

No — Utah 50K uses open registration; no lottery is required.

Is crew allowed at Utah 50K?

Yes, crew is allowed at Utah 50K. Sign in to Trailrace to see crew access for each aid station.

Are pacers allowed at Utah 50K?

Yes, pacers are allowed at Utah 50K.

Are drop bags allowed at Utah 50K?

Yes, Utah 50K allows drop bags.

How many aid stations does Utah 50K have?

Utah 50K has 5 aid stations along the course.

What is the cutoff time for Utah 50K?

The overall cutoff for Utah 50K is 13h. Per-aid-station cutoffs are available to signed-in Trailrace members.

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All trail races in Utah→
May 16, 2026
Saturday 9:00am MDT start
Kanab, UT
United States
31.1 miles
Out and Back Course
3,830 ft
Elevation Gain
Open Registration
No lottery
No Service Requirement
Does not require trail or volunteer work
No Qualifier
No qualifier race required
Challenging
Some ultra experience recommended
Links
WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTube
2025
Established

What Makes It Great

The Utah 50K offers an accessible entry point into the unique physical demands of high desert running in southern Utah. Starting from downtown Kanab, the out-and-back course winds through the canyon country and high desert terrain that define the Grand to Grand Ultra region. Deep desert sand, red rock scenery, and exposed conditions make this 50K more demanding than a typical mountain or road 50K. The 13-hour cutoff allows runners to experience the dramatic southern Utah landscape while still maintaining a purposeful pace through the heat of a May desert day.

Difficulty

Intermediate
6/10

Some ultra experience recommended

Sun Exposure
Variable Weather
Technical Terrain

Race Highlights

True desert sand running
Sandy desert terrain offers a unique physical challenge that makes this 50K feel significantly longer than the distance
Southern Utah canyon country
Passes through red rock canyons, desert mesas, and dramatic high desert landscape around Kanab
Exposed desert conditions
Open terrain with minimal shade; the desert sun adds substantially to the physical demands

Finish Awards

Finisher Medal
Awarded to all finishers who complete the 50K course within the 13-hour cutoff

Utah 50K

Kanab, UT, United StatesMay 16, 2026

May 16, 2026
Course map for Utah 50K
DistDistance31.1 mi
GainElevation Gain3,830 ft
LimitCutoff13 h
Sun ExposureVariable Weather

Entry Timeline

Registration DeadlineApril 30, 2026
Race DayMay 16, 2026

Lottery

This event uses open registration - no lottery entry required.

Qualifier

This event does not require a qualifier for entry.

Service Requirement

This race does not have a service requirement for entry.
31.1 mi
Distance
Out and Back
Route
13h
Cutoff Time
5,463 ft
Average Elevation
3,830 ft
Total Ascent
3,820 ft
Total Descent
5,873 ft
High Point
4,970 ft
Low Point
Course map
Launch Course Explorer

Aid Stations

LocationMileElevation
Start
Start
0.04,970 ft
Hog Canyon
Aid Station
5.55,210 ft
Best Friends
Aid Station
11.55,213 ft
Old Highway 89
Aid Station
15.55,879 ft
Best Friends
Aid Station
19.55,213 ft
Hog Canyon
Aid Station
25.55,210 ft
Finish
Finish
31.14,970 ft

Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.

On-Site Camping Available

Crew Access Points

Pacer Rules

  • Pacers allowed from designated crew access pacer pickup aid stations only. One pacer per runner at any time. Pacers must carry mandatory gear and wear a race-provided pacer bib.

Crew Rules

  • Crew allowed at designated crew access aid stations only. One crew vehicle per runner.
Weather
Heat Training Recommended

Daytime temperatures reach 78°F+ in May; sandy surfaces intensify heat exposure

High UV Exposure

Exposed desert terrain with minimal shade throughout the course

Gear Rules

Trekking poles allowed

Required Gear

No required gear specified

Recommended Gear

No recommended gear specified

Race reports from other Utah 115 events

2025 Utah 115 Race ReportUtah 115 Mile
By Jon Eisen • 2025
Utah 115 Race ReportUtah 115 Mile
By Ultra Stage Racing • 2025

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Register•May 16, 2026