Monument Valley Ultra

Monument Valley Ultra

A 50K and Half Marathon Adventure Through the Heart of the Park!

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park – February 28, 2026

Welcome to MV Ultra Weekend!

• 50K Start: 8:00am
• Half Marathon Start: 9:00am
• 4-Miler Start: 12 noon.
• REGISTRATION: Online registration for the MV Ultra is now open through an hour before race time on Saturday, Feb 28.

The cap for the race is 500 runners. Online registration is available at the NavajoYES website: www.navajoyes.org. Please contact us if you have need for a hardship discount for registration.

Your registration includes professional timing, race poster, on-course support (including food and drink, medical support and portajohns), event shirt, overall and age-group awards, finisher’s award and post-race food. All proceeds benefit community health and wellness programs on the Navajo Nation.

LOCATION

Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park is located 23 miles northeast of Kayenta, Arizona and 20 miles south of Mexican Hat, Utah. The park straddles the Arizona/Utah border, and the races all start and finish in Arizona.

PACKET PICK-UP

Packet pick-up will take place at the Monument Valley Visitor Center from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27 and again from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. before the 50K, and between 8:00-9:00 for the Half Marathon on Saturday. The Visitor Center is located next to The View Hotel and within sight of the Start/Finish area.

COURSE

• Races: The race is staged on very challenging routes, with the majority of miles on singletrack trail, dirt roads and the Valley Drive.
• 50K Start: The 50K race starts at 8:00 a.m. and there are two cut-offs for runners.
• Half Marathon Start: The Half starts at 9:00 a.m. and there are no cut-offs.
• 50K Detail: The race begins with a loop on the new Sentinel Mesa Trail, then connects with the Wildcat Trail, leading to Three Sisters Aid Station.

The race for the 50K continues with a grueling 11-mile out and back to the top of Mitchell Mesa, and finishes with a segment through the Backcountry area. Runners must be aware of cut-off times to ensure they can complete the race safely.

AID STATIONS

There are well-stocked aid stations throughout the course, providing hydration, medical support, and a variety of nutrition. Stations will include:

• Hydration: Honey Stinger energy gels and waffles, Gatorade, fresh fruits.
• Nutrition: Snacks such as pickles, sandwiches, and PBJs.
• Locations: Wildcat Trail A.S. (mile 4.5), Three Sisters A.S., and light aid station at Mitchell Mesa A.S. (mile 13.5 and 17.5).
• Support: Major medical support at Three Sisters Aid Station and the Start/Finish area.

DROPPING BAGS

Drop bags may be utilized at the Three Sisters Aid Station. Please clearly write your name and bib # on the drop bag. Any leftover bags will be donated to local charities after 30 days.

TOILETS & TRASH

Portajohns will be available throughout the course. Please use common backcountry etiquette for restroom use outside designated areas. Trash bags will be at every aid station for waste disposal.

A CUPLESS EVENT

This is a cup-less event so please plan to have a hand-held bottle or hydration pack. Aid Stations will have ample supplies of fluids.

AWARDS

There are unique finisher’s medals for all finishers, plus special awards for the top finishers, including overall and age-group awards.

PACERS

Pacers may join their runner after arriving back at Three Sisters A.S. after the Mitchell Mesa climb, approximately mile 20.

WEATHER

The average high temperature in March in Monument Valley is 60°F, with an average low of 37°F. Be prepared for variable weather conditions.

LODGING

The closest hotel for race weekend is The Monument Valley View Hotel. Contact: 435-727-5555. The View Hotel is within walking distance of the start/finish area.

For rustic camping, contact Jamieson and Lorraine Black at Dineh Trailriders at (928) 209-2692. Additional lodging is available at Gouldings Lodge.

NAVAJO PARKS PERMIT FEE

The Navajo Parks Permit Fee is charged for a Special Use Permit for events in the park, payable during the registration process. Please note this does not cover your entrance to the park.

CONTACTS

• Registration questions: 928.429.0345, chuskaman@yahoo.com
• Timing questions: 970.394.6561, info@rmtiming.co
• Course and general questions: 505.686.2300, chuskaman@yahoo.com

MORE INFORMATION

For more detailed information, visit the race website.