The Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. team in Farmington, NM, works with runners to select the best shoes based on distance, surface, and individual training volume. They provide Atrex® 3D foot scans for a professional fit, necessary to handle the unique demands of the Four Corners region, whether you are prepping for the paved miles of the Shiprock Marathon or the rugged elevation of the Kennebec Mountain Run.

Why does the Four Corners region draw runners year after year?

The Four Corners region offers runners many race options throughout the year. In 2026, the calendar features a range of events, including short community races, long road runs, technical trail courses, and multi-day marathon events, across New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. That mix allows runners to build a season and vary distance and terrain without constant travel.

The appeal is straightforward. Races move through open desert, mountain roads, river paths, and high-elevation trails, and each course brings a different feel mile to mile. Some weekends are built around speed, others around climbing or maintaining pace over longer distances.

This article brings together thirteen established races, organized by state, to help runners compare distances, times, and course types and choose events that fit their training and goals for the year.

What running races are scheduled in New Mexico for 2026?

Northern New Mexico is home to several of the region’s spring distance races and the early days of the Southwest Series later in the year. Many of these races take place in and around Shiprock and Farmington, with courses that move between town routes and more open terrain.

1. Shiprock Marathon 5K Trail Race and Elder Run

Date: May 1
Start time: Elder Run at 3 p.m., 5K at 5 p.m.
Location: Youth Center, Shiprock, New Mexico

The Shiprock Marathon 5K Trail Race opens Shiprock Marathon Weekend on Friday evening, alongside the Elder Run that is open to participants ages 60 to 110. Both events follow the Blueberry Hill route, starting and finishing at the Shiprock Youth Center, and provide shorter-distance options ahead of Saturday’s half-marathon and marathon.

2. Shiprock Half Marathon and Marathon

Date: May 2
Start times: Marathon at 7 a.m., Half Marathon at 7:30 a.m.
Location: Shiprock High School, Shiprock, New Mexico

Both races start near Shiprock High School and finish at Diné College, following a loop around Shiprock Pinnacle. The courses are certified by USA Track and Field, making them options for runners who track official qualifying times.

3. Hood Mesa Trail Run

Date: May 16
Start times: 15-mile at 7 a.m., 9-mile at 7:05 a.m., 5-mile at 7:10 a.m.
Location: Lions Wilderness Park, Farmington, New Mexico

The Hood Mesa Trail Run takes place on the trail network around Lions Wilderness Park. Runners can choose from several distances, including 5 miles, 9 miles, and 15 miles, each following flowing trail terrain. Proceeds support local trail stewardship and reflect Farmington’s expanding trail running community.

4. Southwest Series: Day 1: Farmington

Date: November 8
Start time: 7 a.m.
Location: Berg Park River Trail, Farmington, New Mexico

This opening race of the Southwest Series takes place on a looped course along the Berg Park River Trail. The 5K, half marathon, and full marathon all begin at the same time, with runners completing repeated laps on a mix of paved and gravel sections.

For runners training locally, having a nearby place to sort out footwear can be useful, especially when a season includes both road and trail races. Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. in Farmington works with runners on fit and shoe selection based on distance, surface, and training volume.

What running races are held in Colorado in 2026?

Southwestern Colorado is home to one of the region’s largest and most active running communities. Many races in this part of the Four Corners are organized by the Durango Running Club or its partner groups, and feature a mix of road and trail formats.

5. Vallecito Lake Heavy Half

Date: May 16
Start time: 9 a.m.
Location: Vallecito Lake, near Bayfield, Colorado

The Vallecito Lake Heavy Half follows a loop around Vallecito Reservoir, including sections of private land that are not typically open to the public. The course measures slightly longer than a standard half-marathon and combines paved and dirt surfaces throughout the route.

6. Narrow Gauge 10 Mile

Date: May 24
Start times: 10 Mile at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:15 a.m., 1-Mile Kids’ Dash at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Santa Rita Park, Durango, Colorado

Held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, the Narrow Gauge races start and finish at Santa Rita Park. The event includes a 10-mile road race, a 5K, and a free one-mile Kids’ Dash for participants ages 3 to 17. With multiple distances and staggered start times, the morning is structured to accommodate both adult racers and younger runners.

7. Kennebec Mountain Run

Date: August 2
Start time: 7:30 a.m.
Location: La Plata City Campground, Hesperus, Colorado

The Kennebec Mountain Run is a fifteen-mile trail race that climbs through the La Plata Mountains. The course includes sustained elevation gain and rugged trail sections, with proceeds supporting La Plata County Search and Rescue.

8. Thirsty 13 Half Marathon

Date: August 29
Start time: 8 a.m.
Location: Durango, Colorado

The Thirsty 13 Half Marathon is a point-to-point race that begins outside Durango and finishes at Ska Brewing. The course drops approximately 1,400 feet in elevation from start to finish, favoring a fast downhill profile.

9. Southwest Series: Day 2: Durango

Date: November 9
Start time: 7 a.m.
Location: Riverwalk Trail, Durango, Colorado

Day two of the Southwest Series takes place on the Riverwalk Trail near Durango. The marathon, half-marathon, and 5K all begin at the same time, with runners completing multiple loops on a mostly paved path designed for consistent footing and limited vehicle access.

What running races are scheduled in Utah for 2026?

Utah’s Four Corners races may be fewer, but they are key stops in the region’s multi-state endurance events, adding long stretches of open road and desert terrain to the calendar.

10. Southwest Series: Day 3: Bluff

Date: November 10, 2026
Start time: 7 a.m.
Location: Bluff Community Center, Bluff, Utah

Day three of the Southwest Series takes place in Bluff on routes that include both paved and gravel sections. All distances begin at the same time, with marathon, half-marathon, ten-kilometer, and five-kilometer options that cover town streets and surrounding roads.

11. Four Corners Quad Keyah

Date: December 3 – 6, 2026
Start times: Daily race starts at 8:30 a.m. (Sunday half and full marathon start at 8 a.m.)
Location: Four Corners Monument, near Teec Nos Pos, Arizona

The Four Corners Quad Keyah takes place over four days, with runners completing either marathon or half-marathon distances each day across all four states. Most daily races begin at 8:30 a.m., with Sunday events starting at 8:00 a.m. The event includes both trail and paved loop options and also offers a single-day marathon and half-marathon on the final day of the series. 

What running races take place in Arizona in 2026?

Arizona completes the Four Corners calendar with races that carry both elevation challenges and long-standing community ties.

12. Flagstaff Marathon

Date: October 2026 (exact date TBD)
Start time: TBD
Location: Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff, Arizona

The Flagstaff Marathon returns in October with multiple distance options, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and a Kids Kilo. The course runs on off-road trails within Coconino National Forest at high elevation, using a mix of single-track and wider trail sections. The event adds a trail-focused Arizona race to the Four Corners calendar, contrasting with road-heavy marathon weekends elsewhere in the region.

13. Southwest Series: Day 4: Flagstaff

Date: November 7
Start time: 7 a.m.
Location: Buffalo Park, Flagstaff, Arizona

The final Four Corners stop of the Southwest Series takes place at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff. All distances begin at the same time, with marathon, half-marathon, ten-kilometer, and five-kilometer options on a trail and crushed-gravel course at a higher elevation.

Choose Your Races and Build the Season

With 2026 underway, this race calendar gives runners a clear sense of what the year holds. Road races, trail runs, and multi-day events are spread across the year. That makes it easier to choose a few key weekends, adjust training as the seasons change, and keep racing within the Four Corners region without overcomplicating logistics.

As training starts to stack up, the details matter more. Footwear is one of them. Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. in Farmington works with runners to dial in shoes for different distances and surfaces, which can be especially helpful when a season includes both road miles and trail time. It’s a small step, but one that can make training feel more prepared as race days approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What months host the most Four Corners running races?

Most Four Corners races fall between April and November, with the busiest stretch running from late spring through summer. Road races and marathon weekends typically appear first, followed by trail races in the warmer months, often at higher elevations. November stands out for the Southwest Series, which schedules several marathon events within a short time frame across multiple states. Very few races are scheduled in winter, when weather and snow make running conditions less predictable.

Are there good options for first-time racers?

Yes. Many Four Corners races include shorter distances, such as five-kilometer runs, that work well for people signing up for their first race. Events like the Narrow Gauge 10 Mile weekend offer multiple distance options on the same day, so newer runners can choose what feels manageable. Several races also welcome walkers and set cutoff times that allow participants to finish at a comfortable pace. Checking course profiles and elevation ahead of time can help first-time racers pick an event that fits their goals.

Which Four Corners races require trail running shoes?

Trail running shoes are recommended for events that include unpaved or rocky terrain. The Kennebec Mountain Run involves extended trail sections with uneven surfaces and elevation gain. The Shiprock Marathon 5K Trail Race also includes dirt trails. Road-focused races such as the Narrow Gauge 10 Mile and Southwest Series events generally do not require trail footwear.

How hard are these races, and how do runners choose the right one?

The difficulty level varies a lot, which is part of what makes this region appealing to run in. Some races are short road events with gentle terrain, while others involve long trail distances, steady climbs, or higher elevations. Most runners narrow things down by looking at distance first, then surface and elevation. A quick look at the course map and elevation profile usually tells you more than the race name ever will, and helps set expectations before you sign up.

How far in advance do registrations usually open?

Registration timelines vary by event, but most Four Corners races open registration between three and nine months before race day. Larger events, such as the Shiprock Marathon Weekend and the Southwest Series, announce dates earlier to allow for travel planning. Trail races with participant caps may fill sooner once registration opens.

Are aid stations and medical support available at these races?

Most established races in the Four Corners include aid stations along the course and some level of medical support at the start and finish areas. Road races and longer distance events usually provide water, electrolyte drinks, and basic fuel. Trail races can be more self-reliant, especially on longer or more remote courses, so runners are often expected to carry their own water or nutrition. Checking the race website ahead of time helps clarify what’s provided and what you’ll need to bring.