You start at the Shiprock Youth Center at 7:00 a.m., and within the first miles the reason for the trip is in front of you: the dark volcanic spire of Shiprock Pinnacle rising off the desert floor, holding your eye for most of the morning. The course is an out-and-back on quiet highway, which means you see the leaders coming home and then earn the organizer's promised gentle, long downhill on the return. You are above 5,000 feet, so breathe easy early and let the thin air set your pace rather than your watch. Cutoffs are firm, off N13 by noon and finished by 2:00 p.m., and the field is small and friendly. Your entry supports NavajoYES youth programs on the Navajo Nation, which gives the finish-line handshakes a little more weight.
An out-and-back road course on N13 and US-491 with views of Shiprock Pinnacle and, in the organizer's words, 'a gentle long downhill slope on the return.'
Marathon price ($90) increases after December 31, 2026; 5K registration ends April 30, 2027; final marathon close date not stated. Open as of 2026-10-13 on RunSignUp. Marathon $90, half $70, 5K $40, relay $40 per person, Natani Mile $30, Elder Run $20. Free charity bibs with a $1,000 (marathon) or $500 (half) fundraising commitment. Organized by NavajoYES; proceeds support year-round outdoor programs for Dine youth and families. Register ↗
- The 2027 race is billed as the 44th Annual Shiprock Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, which places the first edition in 1984. ↗
- The course is USATF certified and is a Boston qualifier as well as a qualifier for the Abbott World Marathon Majors Masters World Championships. ↗
- Start and finish are at the Shiprock Youth Center, 4198 US-491, Shiprock, NM 87420, on the Navajo Nation. ↗
- Proceeds benefit NavajoYES, which runs year-round outdoor adventure programs for Dine youth and families. ↗
- The town of Shiprock sits at about 5,263 feet, so you will be racing at altitude. ↗
Checked 2026-10-13. Always confirm on the official site before booking travel.