Death Valley Trail Marathon
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Event overview
The 37th annual Death Valley Trail event is scheduled for Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Death Valley National Park, Inyo County, CA. The event is limited to 200 total participants under National Park Service rules. Registrations are 100% non-refundable; if the race is cancelled, a credit toward a future race will be given. Participants receive a T-shirt; finisher medals are awarded for the Marathon and Half Marathon and age-group awards are given.
Distances
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 10K
Course, services and rules
The course is on the single dirt Westside Road in the Badwater Basin area. The half marathon is a single out-and-back; the marathon covers the same route twice. The start and finish are essentially at sea level; the lowest point on the course is -265 feet and the turnaround is within a few miles of -282 feet near Telescope Peak. Course cut-off time is 6 hours (13:45 min/mile for marathoners; 27:30 min/mile for half marathoners).
Aid stations and portable toilets are located at approximately miles 3, 6.5, 10, 13, 16, 19.5, and 23 (marathon course). Aid stations are stocked with water, lemonade, sports bars, and sweet and salty snacks; energy gels are not provided. Private support along the trail is not allowed; wrappers from personal gels must be disposed of at aid stations. Headphones and earbuds are not permitted because the road is not closed to traffic. Parking is available at the Ranch at Furnace Creek; buses shuttle participants from Furnace Creek Ranch to the race start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.