Welcome to the
Mojave
This is a night race. Running through the desert outside Joshua Tree under the stars and moon, surrounded by quiet desert, distant canyons, and silhouetted buttes, is an experience unlike any other race on our calendar.
New for 2026, the start line, finish line, and expo are all located at the RESET Hotel in Twentynine Palms, with an entirely new course to explore.
The Mojave rewards preparation. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset, the sand gets deeper the farther you go, and your light is the only thing between you and the dark. Come ready, run smart, and take a moment somewhere past mile 7 to switch off your headlamp and look up. There are few darker skies in Southern California.
See you under the stars! — The Vacation Races Team
Note to runners: All of the following information is subject to change. If changes occur due to unforeseen circumstances, adjustments will be made to satisfy local permitting requirements while still delivering a top-tier running experience. We will inform runners of any changes as soon as they are finalized so participants can comfortably prepare for their Vacation Races experience.
Mandatory gear
Carry a Personal Light
At least one personal light option is mandatory for all runners. This can include headlamps, chest lamps, waist lamps, or hand torches. Relying on a phone light is NOT sufficient. Remember extra batteries!
Runners who added a headlamp as a registration add-on can pick it up at bib pickup, next to reusable cup pickup. Runners without a light will not be permitted to start.
Headlamp
Hands free · Recommended
Chest lamp
Wide beam on sand
Waist lamp
Low angle · Shows ruts
Hand torch
Bring spare batteries
Race day
Schedule
12:00 PM
Race Expo & Bib Pickup Open
3:00 PM
Margarita Truck Opens
4:45 PM
Start Line Prize Raffle and “Show Your Glow” Costume Contest Raffle
5:00 PM
All Cars Parked for Start
Last shuttle departs the lots at 5:10 PM
5:00 PM
Expo Closes · Last Call for Bib Pickup
5:30 PM
Pacers Line Up
5:45 PM
Runners Line Up · Gear Check Last Call
5:55 PM
National Anthem
6:00 PM
Race Starts · Waves Every Few Minutes
8:45 PM
Awards Ceremony
10:00 PM
Course Closes · 4-Hour Cutoff
12:00 PM
Race Expo & Bib Pickup Open
3:00 PM
Margarita Truck Opens
4:45 PM
Start Line Prize Raffle and “Show Your Glow” Costume Contest Raffle
5:00 PM
All Cars Parked for Start
Last shuttle departs the lots at 5:10 PM
5:00 PM
Expo Closes · Last Call for Bib Pickup
5:30 PM
Pacers Line Up
5:45 PM
Runners Line Up · Gear Check Last Call
5:55 PM
National Anthem
6:00 PM
Race Starts · Waves Every Few Minutes
8:45 PM
Awards Ceremony
10:00 PM
Course Closes · 4-Hour Cutoff
New for 2026 · Start, finish & expo
RESET Hotel
Everything happens in one place this year. Runners staying at RESET Hotel are steps from the start line, the finish line, and the expo — roll out of your room and onto the course.
RESET Hotel is a modern desert hotel set on 180 acres of open landscape just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Each of the 65 rooms opens to a private patio facing the desert. After your race, cool off in the heated saltwater pool, recharge with the sauna and cold plunge, kick back on your private patio overlooking the desert, and end the day with guided stargazing under some of Southern California’s darkest skies. RESET was designed to help you slow down and soak it all in.
7000 Split Rock Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 · stayreset.com
180
Acres
65
Rooms · Private Patios
1
Venue · Start, Finish & Expo
Sauna
Cold Plunge & Saltwater Pool
Hotel Guests Only+
The bar and pool at RESET are for hotel guests only and are not open to all runners. Please plan accordingly if you are staying elsewhere in Twentynine Palms.
Before the start
Expo
RESET Hotel ↗
Race Expo & Bib Pickup
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Good to know
- ✦The expo runs at RESET from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on race day. Pick up your bib, your race shirt, any headlamp or reusable cup add-ons, and settle in for the afternoon before the 6:00 PM start.
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup will be available at the race expo on Saturday from 12:00 PM–5:00 PM.
Please bring a photo ID to pick up your race packet. If you’re unable to pick it up yourself, someone else may pick it up for you as long as they have a photo of your ID.
If you purchased a headlamp or reusable cup during registration, you can pick those up with your bib at the expo.
Earn Race Credits
We're looking for fantastic volunteers to join the fun during race weekend! It's the perfect way for friends and family to get in on the action without running. Volunteer shifts are open for the expo and race days and come with sweet perks: up to $100 off a future Vacation Races event. Race credits vary by role, are transferable, and can even be combined.
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEERPre-race costume contest · Raffle 4:45 PM
Show Your Glow
GLOW BIG OR GO HOME.
You’re running through the desert in the dark. Might as well make it a rave.
Show Your Glow is our pre-race costume contest, and we want to see your brightest look. Roll up in neon, glow sticks, light-up accessories, or whatever makes you impossible to miss after sunset. The more creative, the better.
4:45 PM
Contest & raffle
The costume contest and raffle kick off at 4:45 PM, before the race.
Judging
Vacation Races team
Winners are selected by the Vacation Races team.
Prizes
Swag & merch
Prizes are Vacation Races swag and merch.
Glow + light-up gear at the Merch Store
In addition to Joshua Tree race merchandise, the Merch Store will have a limited stash of glow + light-up gear to get you race-night ready, including light-up tutus, glow scrunchies, headbands, and more. Limited quantities available. When the glow is gone, it’s gone.
On the day
Race Day Activities
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Merch Tent
Beach hoodies, tees, sweatshirts, tanks, water bottles, stickers, hats, bags and posters, plus limited glow and light-up items. Glow gear sells out fast — come early for the best selection.
Free for runners
Face Painting by Lana Chromium
Lana Chromium, a face and body painting artist will be at the expo, free for all runners — glow up before you head to the line!
Opens 3:00 PM · Open through race closure
Margarita Truck
Alcohol served from 3:00 PM and open through the end of the race. Bring ID.
Live music
DJ Gravity One
Los Angeles veteran DJ with 20+ years behind the decks — clubs, commercial radio, and an instructor at Scratch DJ Academy.
Runner Snacks
Runner bar
Stop by the Runner Bar booth for your new go-to long-run fuel. Runner Bar is real-food energy, created by runners for the miles that ask more of you. Whether you’re chasing a PR, exploring a new trail, or simply showing up for yourself, swing by to taste the difference and fuel your next adventure.
Runner Recovery
SportPharm
Visit the SportPharm booth to meet a trusted pharmacy partner for athletes and sports medicine professionals. SportPharm™ offers innovative over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription-only (RX) topical pain-relief solutions designed to support recovery, performance, and movement. From everyday soreness to training demands, stop by to learn how they help athletes feel and perform their best.
Runner Recovery
Breathe 4 U
Recreational aromatherapy infused oxygen bar for performance enhancement, recovery or fun!
Food Truck
JT Desert Drifters
JT Desert Drifters be serving hand dipped cod fish and chips, fish tacos, chicken sandwiches with choice of house made sauce - ranch, Korean bbq, hot honey bbq, 100% beef burgers, tallow fries, garden burgers. All items are fresh and made to order.
Future Events
Book Your 2027 Race
Thinking about 2027 event registration already? Make sure you visit the Event booth onsite at the expo for the lowest offered pricing, an excusive on-site discount, and some free merch!
Night Sky Viewing +
Are we alone in the Universe? Join astronomer Dr Gary Blackwood, retired NASA /JPL, for an entertaining laser-guided night sky tour under the dark moonless sky. You'll see the Milky Way, the stars of the autumn zodiac, and enjoy the star lore of native American and ancient cultures from around the world. View the rings of Saturn and distant galaxies through high-powered telescopes. Learn about current NASA missions that are searching for extraterrestrial life in the Galaxy.
Night Sky viewing sessions will be held at RESET Hotel after the race at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. 
On the Course
Brand new for 2026
The Course
An entirely new 13.1-mile loop starting and finishing at the RESET Hotel. You’ll run on dirt roads, a short paved stretch, and long sections of sand trail. Gaiters and trail shoes are recommended, a personal light is mandatory, and there are plenty of spots along the way worth stopping for a look at the sky.
Half Marathon
13.1
Miles · Loop
6:00 PM
Night Start
5
Aid Stations
4 hr
Cutoff · 18 min/mile
Terrain, Mile by Mile
0 – 1.9
Paved or Sidewalk
1.9 - 3.1
Dirt Road
3.1 - 4.3
Sand trail
4.3 – 4.8
Paved road
4.8 - 7.1
Dirt Road and Trail Combo
7.1 - 7.7
Softer, Deeper Sand
7.7- 10.3
Dirt Road and Trail
10.3- Finish
Road
Aid Stations+
There are five aid stations on course, stocked with restrooms, water, electrolytes, and Honey Stinger gels. Mile 5 and Mile 7 also have oranges and bananas, and an EMT is stationed at Mile 5 and Mile 9. This race is cup-free — bring a reusable bottle, collapsible cup, or hydration pack to fill up.
Running at Night+
A personal light is mandatory and reflective gear is strongly encouraged. The course is well marked, but you are responsible for staying alert, following directions, keeping to the right-hand shoulder on the dirt road section, and remaining on course — leaving the course is grounds for disqualification. Dust can kick up with this many runners on sandy roads, so a buff or bandana is useful if you're sensitive to it.
Stargazing on Course+
There are plenty of spots along the course for stargazing. If you're not chasing a time, step to the side of the trail, switch off your light for a minute, and let your eyes adjust — this is one of the darkest skies you'll ever run under.
Starting Waves+
A wave start keeps the course from overcrowding as runners move from wide road onto narrower dirt road. Look at the color in the top-left corner of your bib and follow the signs at the start; waves are grouped by the finish time you gave at registration (if you didn't give one, you were placed at random). Grouping is not a reflection of performance — start in whichever wave suits your ability. If you are a slower runner or a walker, do not start in the first wave. Expect a pause of a few minutes between waves.
Pacers+
Pacers line up at the start around 5:30 PM, running in 10-minute intervals from a 1:40 pace up to 2:30, plus 2:45, 3:00 and 3:30 pacers. Line up near the pacer matching your expected finish time.
Gear Check+
Gear check is available at the start line — the last call for gear check is at 5:45 PM. Fill a gear-check bag with anything you'd like transported to the finish; write your name and bib number on it. Avoid putting valuables or car keys in your bag. Bags will be available for pickup near the finish line.
Clothing on Course & No Littering+
There's a bin for loose clothing at the first aid station, and those items are brought to the finish near gear check once the last runner has passed — so you may have to wait for them. Anything else found along the course will not be brought to the finish. Clothing not picked up by 11:00 PM is no longer claimable. Please don't drop trash or personal items anywhere other than the designated aid-station bins.
Recovery Snack Pack +
At the finish line recovery area we will have snack bags (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and Muscle Milk, as well as water, ZICO coconut water and electrolytes. Please help yourself to one snack bag, Muscle Milk, and banana per runner. Snacks are for runners only. No spectators, please.
Time Limit+
The half marathon has a 4-hour time limit, about 18 minutes per mile. Walkers are welcome and should keep this pace in mind. We ask for understanding and immediate cooperation if we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner from the course.
Strollers, Wheelchairs & Dogs+
Loose and deep sand makes this course unsuitable for strollers. Dogs are not allowed on course, as our insurance does not cover them, but they're welcome at the finish with the rest of your crew.
New course, clean slate
Course Records Reset
Because 2026 features an entirely new course, previous course records no longer apply. That means 2026 is your chance to set the first record on the new course!
And the perk remains the same: course record holders race free every year their record stands, until someone breaks it.
Overall and Masters awards are available for Male, Female, and Non-Binary runners. Placings are based on gun time, so if you’re competing for an Overall or Masters award, be sure to line up at the front of the Blue wave.
Overall Male
Record open
Overall Female
Record open
Overall Non-Binary
Record open
Masters Male
Record open
Masters Female
Record open
Masters Non-Binary
Record open
Getting there
Parking & Shuttles
Runners can park at RESET, on the neighboring streets, or at Tortoise Rock Casino. A shuttle will take runners to/from Tortoise Rock Casino and the Community Center to the race venue, and return them to their vehicles after the race.
All cars should be parked no later than 5:00 PM. The last shuttles will leave from the secondary parking lots at 5:10 PM to allow the race to begin on time. Arrive early to avoid the rush and give yourself time to get ready.
RESET Hotel
Expo, start line and finish line
The RESET Hotel is the location of the expo, start line, and finish line. We will have limited parking here. The actual RESET Hotel parking lot is strictly for hotel guests. There is a dedicated dirt lot for runners, as well as parallel parking on surrounding streets around the hotel. This will act for the primary parking for packet pick up and for the participants on race evening.
Open in Google Maps
~1.5 miles
Tortoise Rock Casino
About 1.5 miles away from shuttle drop off at RESET hotel.
Open in Google Maps
~1 mile
Community Center Parking
About 1 mile away from shuttle drop off at RESET Hotel.
Open in Google Maps
Parking maps
Tap a map to open it full size.
RESET Hotel — primary parking
Shuttle unloading, porto placement, parking and the start/finish line set-up.
Tortoise Rock Casino
Shuttle loading, porto placement and parking layout. About 1.5 miles from RESET.
Community Center, Cactus Dr
About 350 spots, with shuttle loading on Tamarisk Ave. About 1 mile from RESET.
Getting there
Runner Drop Off
Dropping a runner off? Follow the drop-off signs and drop your runner no later than 5:15 PM in order to facilitate an on time start. If you plan to stay and wait, park with the rest of event traffic. Runner drop-off will be at the RESET hotel. Follow signs and crew member instructions to the runner drop off zone. Please be prepared to drop off your runner quickly and exit the lot to avoid traffic congestion.
Shuttle & runner drop-off zone
The drop-off zone and the route from there to the start line.
For
Spectators
Unfortunately, this is not a very spectator-friendly course. Because of the added dust vehicle traffic may cause, as well as adding unnecessary danger at night, we discourage spectators from driving near the course to watch runners. Spectators are encouraged to be at the finish line to cheer on all our runners.
Spectators can park in the same lots as runners and walk to the finish area.
01
Cheer Zone
New for 2026. Presented by Tortoise Rock Casino and positioned right in front of the casino, the cheer zone is the one place on course built for supporters — noise, lights, and a lift when you need it.
02
Runners only
The runner recovery area is for runners only. Please do not enter it or partake of runners' food and recovery supplies. The medical tent is for athletes only.
Desert, at night
What to Pack
Sand, dust, and a temperature drop after sunset. Pack for all three — and check your batteries before you leave home.
Mandatory
A personal light
Headlamp, chest lamp, waist lamp, or hand torch. Phone lights are not sufficient. Bring extra batteries.
Mandatory
Hydration system
Reusable bottle, collapsible cup, or hydration pack. This is a cup-free race.
Mandatory
Your bib
Worn on the front of your body, clearly visible.
Trail shoes
Gaiters
Reflective gear
Buff, bandana or scarf
Layers as temps drop
Personal nutrition
Offline course map
Glow items for the contest
Why gaiters and a buff+
Gaiters keep sand and rocks out of your shoes; a buff keeps dust out of your lungs. Dust isn't a major problem on course, but with this many runners on sandy roads it kicks up.
Post-Race
Post-race
Information
Cross the line, grab your victory snacks and a refill, and collect your finisher medal — awarded to everyone who finishes! Stick around for the awards ceremony at 8:45 PM, and if you're staying at RESET, the sauna and cold plunge are a short walk away.
Awards & Age Divisions+
Overall & masters medals are awarded to the top five Male, Female, and Non-Binary finishers, Overall, as well as the top five Male, Female, and Non-Binary Masters (40+) finishers.
Age-group medals are awarded to the top five Male and Female finishers in each of the following divisions: 11 and under, 12–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, and 75+. Non-Binary age-group awards are not currently offered. If you earn a overall & masters awards / age-group medal but are unable to attend the awards ceremony, you can request to have your medal shipped to you.
All runners who complete the race receive a finisher medal.
Timing & Waves+
Overall and Masters awards are based on gun time, so anyone competing for one must line up in the first Blue wave — even if your bib shows a different wave color. Age-division and team awards are based on chip time, so line up with your assigned wave. Your chip time doesn't officially start until you cross the line — please give each other space at the start.
A wave start will help us organize the race and prevent overcrowding on the course. When you line up to start the race, look at the color noted in the top left corner of your bib and look for signs at the start to determine where to stand (grouping based on expected finish time runner indicated when registering for the race - if no expected time was shared we randomly placed you in a wave). Grouping is not a reflection of performance - feel free to start in whichever wave is appropriate to your ability. If you plan to walk, please start towards the back to avoid congestion at the start.
Your Timing Chip+
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib and looks like a sticker — do not fold your bib. No chip means no recorded time. The chip is disposable after the race; keep it or throw it away.
Live Tracking & Results+
Live tracking is powered by Laurel, so friends and family can follow your race in real time — no phone or watch needed. Laurel estimates your position between checkpoints from pacing data for accurate updates and predicted finish times.
Live results are hosted online. Results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line and the event director has reviewed them. Because age-group winners are based on chip time, it's possible to cross the line before someone in your age group and still finish with a slower time. Questions about your placement? Email timing@brooksee.com.Tracking Results
Medical Area & Lost and Found+
The medical area at the finish is for athletes only; family members should wait outside for updates.
Lost and found items will be held at the Merchandise Booth. If you have lost an item, please submit a request here. We will hold onto lost items and unclaimed gear check bags for one week only, so be sure to reach out as soon as possible.
A bin for extra clothing will be available at the first aid station. Again, this is the only official clothing drop and any clothing left scattered along the course will be considered trash which may be discarded or donated. Unclaimed clothing from aid station 1 drop (near mile 3) will be donated immediately after the race.FILL OUT THE LOST & FOUND FORM
Race Photos+
FinisherPix will be onsite. Photos are available 24–48 hours after the event; pre-order and they're sent to you digitally a few days after the race. Keep your bib visible on the front of your body so we can identify you. Share your race with us using #JoshuaTreeHalf.HALF MARATHON PHOTOS
Race Swag & Merchandise+
The official race shirt is picked up at the expo upon check-in, and the official race medal is awarded at the finish line. Exclusive race merchandise is available at the expo and near the finish. When possible, we'll add remaining merch to our online store after the race.SHOP RACE MERCHANDISE
Personalize Your Medal +
Our partner, Make It Personal, offers iTABs, custom-engraved plates featuring your name and finish time that attach to your medal ribbon. You can add an iTAB before race day, and it will be mailed to the shipping address provided during registration approximately two weeks after the race. If you didn’t pre-order one, you can still order one after the event.
iTABs are $15, including shipping, and can be ordered below. ORDER ITAB
Nature lovers
Zero Waste
We're committed to keeping our events sustainable and minimizing our impact on the desert. Here's how you can help.
Coolers of water and electrolyte drink are available at all aid stations, but cups are not provided on course or at the finish. To stay hydrated, bring one of:
Bring
A reusable water bottle
Bring
A reusable collapsible cup
Available to add on during registration, and pick up at the expo.
Bring
A refillable hydration pack
You'll see three containers at our events. Please sort disposable items into the right one — and avoid putting organic and compostable items in the wrong bin.
Compost
Organic goods: banana and orange peels and most food items, without the wrapper.
Recycle
Paper, aluminum, cardboard, steel and glass. Empty liquids into the compost bin first.
Landfill
Everything else: used gel packets, non-recyclable wrappers, styrofoam. Empty food matter first.
Make a weekend of it
Explore Joshua Tree
Official lodging partner · RESET & HotelPlanner
Book your weekend stay
Stay at RESET and you're at the start, finish, and expo. Twentynine Palms also has boutique hotels, historic desert inns, national brands, vacation rentals and RV stays — HotelPlanner has discounted race-weekend rates and 24/7 support.
Book lodging ↗
Train with Runna
Personalized training for your next Vacation Races event. Download now and unlock two free weeks!
Use code VACATIONRUNNA
Learn more ↗Hikes & Adventures
1 mi loop · Easy
Hidden Valley
Follow the path between rock walls and through a narrow gap to a sandy valley floor once rumored to hide cattle rustlers. There's no wrong way to explore it.
Guided tour · 90 min
Keys Ranch Tours
A National Historic Site in a remote rocky canyon, accessible only by guided walking tour. Tickets must be bought in person the same day at the Oasis Visitor Center in Twentynine Palms from 8:30 AM.
1.5 mi · Easy
Barker Dam
Built in 1900 for cattle and mining, the dam now collects rainwater for birds, bighorn sheep and rattlesnakes — keep your distance. Wear closed-toe shoes; cacti line the trail.
8 mi point to point · Moderate
Boy Scout Trail
A mostly flat route along the edge of the Wonderland of Rocks, passing Joshua tree forests, boulder fields and sandy washes. A marked turnoff at 1.25 miles leads to Willow Hole.
7.2 mi · Strenuous
Lost Palms Oasis
From Cottonwood Spring, the trail climbs southeast through scrub desert and rocky gullies. A spur at 3.3 miles overlooks the palms; the climb out is strenuous — allow 5–6 hours.
After dark · At RESET
Stargazing
Guided stargazing under some of Southern California's darkest skies, hosted at RESET. Details to be confirmed with the hotel.
Know before you go
The race start and finish are outside the park and do not require a park pass. If you plan to visit Joshua Tree National Park, check nps.gov for entry fees and conditions before you go.
Where to eat
Restaurants
A few of the popular local food and drink spots in and around Twentynine Palms
Pappy & harriets
53688 Pioneertown Rd, Pioneertown, CA 92268
(760) 228-2222pappyandharriets.com
Classic American fare amid rustic Western decor, plus extras including BBQ & live music.
Kitchen in the Desert
6427 Mesquite Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 865-0245www.kitd29.com
Charming cafe preparing New American fare with a Caribbean influence, plus juices & smoothies.
La Copine
848 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 289-8537www.lacopinekitchen.com
Chic indoor-outdoor restaurant offering New American cuisine amid minimalist black & white decor.
The Dez
61675 29 Palms Hwy 3 Joshua Tree, CA 92252
(760) 974-9747thedezfinefood.com
Cozy sandwich shop serving quality coffee and diverse grab-and-go meals.
SBR29
73511 29 Palms Hwy, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 800-1009www.instagram.com/sbr29palms
Casual desert restaurant featuring signature burgers and live music in a lively atmosphere.
The Jelly Donut
56153 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 365-9508jellydonut29.wordpress.com
Local donut shop serving fresh, handmade donuts.
From our presenting sponsor
Spend the Weekend With Us in 29 Palms!
Visit 29 Palms is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Joshua Tree Half Marathon and looks forward to welcoming runners, friends, and families to the City of Twentynine Palms this November!
Fuel up for your adventure at our great local restaurants, browse downtown’s unique shops, and discover colorful murals, local galleries, and attractions that celebrate our desert’s history and creative spirit. From Saturday morning’s 29 Palms Certified Farmers Market to the annual Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition at the 29 Palms Art Gallery, race weekend offers plenty to explore and enjoy. Check out our events calendar for more happenings during your stay!
Ready for more desert adventure? 29 Palms is home to Joshua Tree National Park’s north entrance, just minutes from downtown. Before heading into the park, visit the Joshua Tree National Park Visitor Center in Freedom Plaza. Its award-winning Universal Threads museum exhibit shares the stories, cultures, and enduring connections to the land of the park’s Native American Tribal communities.
Come early, stay the weekend, and let your desert adventure go beyond the finish line!
Still looking for a place to stay? We’re ready to welcome you! Explore our wide variety of unique places to stay and plan your weekend in 29 Palms.
Good to know
FAQs
Do I really need my own light?+
Yes. At least one personal light is mandatory for all runners — headlamp, chest lamp, waist lamp, or hand torch. A phone light is not sufficient. Bring extra batteries. If you added a headlamp at registration, collect it at bib pickup.
Where are the start, finish and expo?+
All three are at the RESET Hotel, 7000 Split Rock Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277 — a new venue for 2026. If you're staying at RESET, you're already there.
Can I use the pool and bar at RESET?+
The bar and pool at RESET are for hotel guests only. Runners staying elsewhere are welcome at the expo, start and finish areas.
Is the course the same as last year?+
No. 2026 is an entirely new course, starting and finishing at RESET. Because of that, all course records reset — every category is open, and the first runner to set a record races free every year it stands.
How sandy is it, really?+
Sandy. You're on sand trail from roughly mile 4.7 to mile 10, and it gets deeper between miles 7.5 and 10. Trail shoes and gaiters are recommended. The first 3.1 miles are dirt road and the last 3.1 are road.
Can someone else pick up my race packet?+
Yes, as long as they have a photo of your ID.
Can my family watch me on course?+
This is not a very spectator-friendly course, and we discourage driving near it at night. The cheer zone in front of Tortoise Rock Casino and the finish line are the two places to be.
Proudly supported by
Our Partners
Presenting sponsor
