August 22 - Arrowhead Half Marathon & 5K
Presented by: Elevated Dental & Hyperice
The Half Marathon course has an additional half mile added to the first ascent for 2026. The 5K course is subject to change for 2026.
Date, Location & Time
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | Arrowhead | Half Marathon: 7 a.m.* | 5K: 8 a.m.
*Date, location and time are subject to change
Register!
Online Registration | On-site registration is also available, more information below
To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Trail Running & Community Races
Named a Road-Trip Worthy Race by Outside Magazine
2021 was the first year the Vail Trail Half marathon found it's home in Arrowhead. We wanted even more aspen trees and beautiful views, so the Arrowhead Half Marathon got a glow-up in 2025! The half marathon course continues to challenge racers with 3,000' of elevation gain over 13 miles. This half marathon will traverse across the beautiful Arrowhead, Bachelor Gulch, & Beaver Creek Ski Resorts, along their incredible network of trails. Racers will run through aspen groves as they ascend on Arrowhead's newest trail, Quiver, to the summit of Bachelor Gulch Mountain (9,560') before descending the Arrowhead Mountain Trail. Finishing off the 13 miles with a traverse across Arrowhead Mountain on the Apache, Ute & Dakota trails. Expect access to aid station a total of 5 times while out on course - more information available below.
The 2025 5K was a point-to-point from The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch to Arrowhead, with a whole lot of downhill (940' to be exact)! This is a great 5K for all ages and abilities - runners, sloggers, and walkers! This is the perfect race for those trying to get into 5K, coming in at 5.6K and mostly downhill - more information available below.

| Time: | Acitivity: | Location: | Address: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday - August 21, 2026 4:00-6:00p.m. | Pre-Race Bib Pickup | TBD | TBD |
| Saturday - August 22, 2026 6:00-7:30a.m. | Registration | Berry Creek Middle School | 1000 Miller Ranch Rd, Edwards, CO 81632 |
| Saturday - August 22, 2026 6:00-7:30a.m. | Shuttles | Berry Creek Middle School | 1000 Miller Ranch Rd, Edwards, CO 81632 |
| Saturday - August 22, 2026 7:00a.m. | Half Marathon Race Start | Arrowhead Village Lawn | 160 Cresta Rd, Edwards, CO 81632 |
| Saturday - August 22, 2026 8:00a.m. | 5K Race Start | TBD | TBD |
| Saturday - August 22, 2026 9:30a.m. | Awards & Raffle | Arrowhead Village Lawn | 160 Cresta Rd, Edwards, CO 81632 |
The Half Marathon course has an additional half mile added to the first ascent for 2026. The 5K course is subject to change for 2026.
Pre-run the course before the signs with Ride W/ GPS! Use the digital map to follow the route and stay on course!
Physical maps are available at the race.
Stats
| Course Stats | 5.6K | 3.5 Miles | 21.4K | 13.3 Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Elevation Gain | 223' | 2,844' |
| Elevation Lost | 937' | 2,844' |
| High Point | 8,403' | 9,560' |
| Low Point | 7,431' | 7,431' |
| Running Surfaces | 80% Single Track, 20% Dirt Trails | 78% Single Track, 22% Dirt/Gravel Roads |
| Max Grade | 9.4% | -10.5% | 17.3% | -18.5% |
These stats are based on our gpx file on ride w/ gps. GPS information can vary depending on the device and provider. If you're concerned that our information is not correct, please contact us at sports@vailrec.com
Race Starts
Half Marathon will start at Arrowhead Village next to the Arrowbahn Lift. Racers will be shuttled from Berry Creek Middle School to the race start.
5K will start at the The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch grass lawn. Racers will be shuttled from Berry Creek Middle School to the race start.
Aid Stations
5K: There will be NO aid stations for the 5K. There will be water at the start and finish. Please come prepared to carry your own water and snacks on the course.
Water will be available at all aid stations to quench your thirst or cool you off!
Thanks to Skratch Labs, there will be Skratch Hydration Sport Drink at Aid Stations to give you the electrolytes and energy it needs to finish strong.
There will be additional snacks, like pretzels and gummies to keep you going for all 13 miles!
The Vail Trail Running Series is a papercup-less race series. Please keep this in mind when preparing for the race. We highly encourage you to bring your own hydration device or reusable cups.
Thanks to Northside Kitchen, there will be donuts and fresh fruit at race finish for you to refuel!
| Half Marathon | 5K | |
|---|---|---|
| Aid Station #1 | Mile 1.2 & 8.7 | |
| Aid Station #2 | Mile 4.4 & 6.2 | |
| Aid Station #3 | Mile 10.7 |
Course Directions
Half Marathon:
- The race begins in Arrowhead Village, next to the Arrow Bahn Lift
- Run south up Apache Trail to Aid #1
- At Aid #1(1), continue straight up Quiver Trail and turn left onto Village to Village
- Continue on Village to Village and then turn onto Bachelor Loop.
- Turn left onto Piece O'Cake and then turn left back onto Quiver Trail and ascent to Aid #2(1)
- Turn left onto Primerose
- At Aid #2(1), turn left onto Primerose to the top of Bachelor Gulch Mountain
- Turn right and run down Arrowhead Mountain Trail back to Aid #2
- At Aid #2(2), turn left and descend Arrowhead Mountain Trail back to Aid #1
- At Aid #1(2), turn right and run up Apache Trail to Aid #3
- Aid Aid #3, turn left onto Ute Trail
- Turn right onto Dakota Trail and run back to Arrowhead for the Finish!
5K:
- The race begins at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
- Turn right onto Ridge Rider Loop & Bachelor Loop
- Turn right onto Ute Trail
- Turn right onto Dakota Trail and run back to Arrowhead for the Finish!
Vail Resorts Release Of Liability Form
All Beaver Creek Summer Solstice Trail Race participants must sign and return the Vail Resorts Release of Liability Form to participate in the Trail Race. To save you time, you can print the form and bring it with you to bib pickup.
Arrowhead Half Marathon & 5K Rates
| Category | Preregistration | Week-of Registration | Day-of Registration* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Half Marathon | $55 | $63 | $72 |
| Individual 5K | $35 | $43 | $49 |
| Youth (17 & Younger) | 35% | 35% | 35% |
*Day-of registration is available in person only.
Prices increase on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Register Now!
Registration & Bib Pickup
Online registration is available until 3 p.m. the day before the race.
To register online, go to register.vailrec.com>>>Programs>>>Races>>>Trail Running & Community Races
Friday, August 21: Online registration closes at 3 p.m. on Friday. Racers can pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time from 4 to 6 p.m. at TBD.
Saturday, August 22: Race day bib pickup will be available at the Berry Creek Middle School Parking Lot from 6:00 to 7:30 a.m. There will be no bib pickup or registration at the race starts.
- Half Marathon racers may park at Berry Creek Middle School and take a VRD shuttle to Arrowhead Village. The shuttle will run from 6:00-6:40 a.m. (race starts at 7:00a.m.)
- 5K racers may park at Berry Creek Middle School and take a VRD shuttle to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. The shuttle will run from 6:00-7:30 a.m. (race starts at 8:00a.m.)
- Additional Parking is available at Red Canyon High School.
Parking
Parking is available at Red Canyon High School and Berry Creek Middle School on Miller Ranch Road, Edwards.
Registration and day-of bib pickup will be located ONLY at the Berry Creek Middle School Parking Lot.
Amenities
- Berry Creek Middle School: Shuttle
- Arrowhead: Restrooms, water filling, gear drop, racer refuel
- Ritz-Carlton: Water filling, gear drop/transportation
Shuttles
| 6:00-6:40a.m. | Half Marathon Racers from Berry Creek Middle School to Arrowhead Village. It's 1 mile to the race start at Arrowhead Village if you choose to warm up or walk over instead of riding the shuttle. |
|---|---|
| 6:45-7:30a.m. | 5K Racers from Berry Creek Middle School to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Do not get on the same shuttle van that is going to the half marathon start, the 5K has a different start location. |
.Spectators
Spectators may ride the shuttle to the race finish at Arrowhead or park at the Arrowhead Parking Lot. From here, you can hike up the course to cheer participants on. Please provide space for all race participants!
We are always looking for volunteers to help on course and with the event. If you're interested in helping, please reach out to sports@vailrec.com. This can be a great way to get out on course and cheer participants, family & friends!
Awards
Following the race, awards & prizes will be presented at the Arrowhead race finish!
- Half Marathon Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over
- 5K Awards: Prizes will be awarded to the top three males and females in the following age groups: Juniors 19 and under, Open 20-39, 40-59 and 60 and over
Raffle
All racers will be entered into a raffle for great prizes from our sponsors! Racers must be present to win.
T-Shirts
At race finish, make sure to pick up your custom race t-shirt (cotton or tech material)! There is a large selection of sizes for you to chose from once you finish! We alternate t-shirt material each race for the Vail Trail Running Series.
Food
Enjoy some delicious donuts & fruit from Northside Kitchen. There will be sandwiches & chips complimentary of Grill on the Gore as well as some free drinks(if you're over 21 years old) thanks to New Belgium Brewing and Best Day Brewing.

Check out Previous Race Results & Photos on the Race Results Webpage.
12.5 Mile Half Marathon Record
- Men: Joshua Smith, 2025 - 1:33:12
- Women: Alli Bender, 2025 - 1:54:32
13.3 Mile Half Marathon Record
- Men:
- Women:
Ritz-Carlton 5K Record
- Men:
- Women:
News Articles
- Eagle County runners claim wins as nearly 250 runners participate in Arrowhead Half Marathon and 5K - 2025
- 88-year-old on journey to finish all of Colorado’s half-marathons makes Vail trail race his ‘birthday run’ - 2024
Volunteer!
Volunteering is a great way to get out on the course to cheer participants on! We also need help checking in participants, giving out racer swag & timing! You can inquire about volunteer possibilities by reaching out to sports@vailrec.com. Volunteers can help themselves to the donuts and get a race t-shirt once participants are finished.
Volunteering counts towards a race for the Series All-Star Prize at the end of the season!
Series Champions
Short (5K) Series:
- Scores are based on your placement in your race category.
- Lowest score is crowned the Series Champion!
- Must complete 3 races* to qualify! Best 3 out of 5 scores
- Long races do not count towards points
Long Series:
- Scores are based on your placement in your race category.
- Lowest score is crowned the Series Champion!
- Must complete 5 races* to qualify! Best 5 out of 7 scores
- Short races do not count towards points
*Most races if no one has completed enough to qualify
Series All-Stars
We appreciate all our participants and hold a special place in our hearts for returning participants! Participants who race in all seven (7) races in the series will recieve a Vail Trail Running Series All-Star gift! Can be a combination of long and short races!
New for 2026, everyone that signs up for the series will recieve an iron-on 2026 Vail Trail Running Series All-Star patch.
A huge thanks to all of our amazing sponsors for the 2025 Vail Trail Running Series!
The VRD's Vail Trail Running Series is yours thanks to our series partner Discover Vail! Individual race sponsors include Capitol Public House, Town of Minturn, Elevated Dental, East West Hospitality and Howard Head. Partners also include Hyperice, FirstBank, Steadman Clinic, Rossignol, Vail Daily, Ptarmigan Sports, Dermatone, Central Rockies Mortgage, Jaunt Media Collective, YETI, Mountain Time Lager, Skratch Labs, Northside Kitchen, Lululemon, Optic Nerve, Outdoor Tech, Vail Honeywagon, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resorts, Arrowhead, Best Day Brewing, Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Co, DemerBox, West Vail Liquor Mart, Alpine Wine & Spirits and INSTINCT Trails Inspired.









