
Moab, United States of America · Saturday 7 November 2026
This race works well for runners chasing a fast time on a road marathon in late autumn. The flat terrain means you won't waste energy fighting hills, which is ideal if you're targeting a personal best or qualifying for another event. It also suits people who want a straightforward running experience without technical footing or complicated navigation, though you'll want to be prepared for desert conditions that can be hotter and drier than you might expect in November. Runners new to marathons won't face the physical punishment of elevation gain, which removes one major variable from the equation. The main challenge here is the environment rather than the course itself. Moab sits in high desert terrain, and even in November the sun exposure can be intense with limited shade on what is described as a road course. You'll need to think carefully about pacing and hydration, as the dryness can be deceptive and catch runners off guard more than a humid climate would. The flat profile also means there's no opportunity to recover on downhills, so managing effort distribution becomes crucial. Be honest with yourself about heat tolerance before entering, and don't assume a flat course will feel easy if you're not accustomed to desert running. The lack of elevation gain is genuinely helpful for time goals, but it won't make the miles disappear if you go out too fast early on.
Adjusted Time
3:52:32
Time difference: -7.5 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Moab Trail Marathon is a full marathon held in Moab, United States of America, scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026. The course is run on road surface with 0m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 0m above sea level.
This is a very flat course with only 0m of total elevation gain across the full distance. The course ranges from 0m to 0m above sea level — a 0m elevation range that makes it one of the flatter races available. Runners targeting a personal best will appreciate the minimal climbing.
Moab Trail Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for marathon running. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for runners targeting a personal best time.
Our difficulty rating for Moab Trail Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Moab Trail Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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