Joshua Tree Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Joshua Tree Half Marathon is a night half marathon event in Joshua Tree, California, scheduled for November 1, 2025. The race and expo are staged at Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground. The event includes a standard half marathon and a charity-bib option. The race is presented by Visit 29 Palms and is described as a nighttime race through the desert with course lighting and the night sky as part of the experience.
Course and logistics
The course is a sandy trail loop with an elevation gain of 461 ft and a maximum elevation of 2,774 ft. With the exception of about a quarter mile at the start and a one-mile section in the middle, the route is on dirt roads and trails that feature loose sand, loose rocks, and rolling terrain. Headlamps or flashlights are required and reflective clothing is recommended. Trail shoes and optional gaiters, scarves, or buffs are suggested to manage sand and dust.
All aid stations are cup-free and runners should bring a reusable water container or request a Nathan reusable cup. Expect about five aid stations; aid station supplies include water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, toilets, and basic first aid, and a medic is typically stationed near mile 9. The event enforces a 4-hour course time limit (about 18 minutes per mile). Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.