Elephant Rock Trail Run

Welcome to the 9th edition of Utah’s iconic Elephant Rock Trail Run Races, an exhilarating mix of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. This year's event offers four distinct race distances: a grueling 50K, a marathon, a half-marathon, and a shorter but still demanding 7-mile run.
The centerpiece of the day is undoubtedly the 50K course, which winds through some of Utah’s most rugged trails starting at Holbrook Canyon. This point-to-point route traverses diverse landscapes including singletrack paths in The Great Western and Sessions Mountains, as well as fire roads that crisscross Kenney Creek and Mill Creek. However, due to potential trail conditions and weather concerns, the traditional course has been modified for 2026. Instead of running through the potentially overgrown section from Mill Creek to Kenny Creek, runners will take an out-and-back detour on one part of the route totaling about 15.5 miles before reconnecting with Mueller Park.
The first half of this revised 50K course is particularly demanding, featuring a staggering elevation gain of around 6,084 feet within just over 15 miles. Runners will need to carry at least two liters of water for the initial climb and navigate through dense vegetation that might require bushwhacking in certain sections. After this challenging segment, runners transition into one of Utah’s most scenic trail loops near Mueller Park.
For those tackling shorter distances, the half-marathon is a 16.3-mile loop around Mueller Park that features rolling hills and technical terrain with an elevation gain of approximately 2,516 feet overall. The full marathon adds another twist by incorporating parts of both the half-marathon route and sections leading to Elephant Rock before returning via more challenging trails.
The 7-miler offers a taste of what longer distances entail without the commitment, taking runners from Mueller Park’s bridge out to the iconic rock formation and back in under an hour. This race is ideal for road runners curious about trail running or anyone looking for a shorter but equally scenic adventure.
All courses are marked clearly with over 80% dirt trails complemented by fire roads and paved sections at start/finish areas, ensuring participants can focus on the stunning Wasatch Mountain views rather than navigation challenges. The race starts early in the morning to maximize daylight hours and takes place under strict time constraints: a cut-off of 2 PM for all races except the 50K which extends until 6:30 PM.
The Elephant Rock Trail Run Races are not just about conquering distance; they celebrate the beauty and spirit of trail running. Whether you're an experienced ultrarunner or new to mountain trails, this event promises a unique blend of natural wonder and athletic challenge that will leave you with unforgettable memories.