Moab Locals 10K

Revived in December 2023 by longtime race director Ranna Bieschke, the Moab Locals 10K resurrects the spirit of the Winter Sun 10K that Rim Rock Roadrunners founded in 1983, creating a race that belongs to the people who actually live in canyon country. The mostly downhill 6.2-mile course begins at Moab Golf Course (600 E Bench Rd) and finishes at Moab Regional Hospital Recovery Center parking lot, delivering a fast route ideal for personal records. Max Robinson of Fruita, Colorado set the men’s course record at 32:06 in 2024, while local runner Madeline Francis claimed the women’s record at 34:17. The 10 AM start features fire barrels warming runners at the line, costume awards that earn serious local respect, and leashed dogs welcome on course (but not on shuttles that depart the finish area at 9 AM).

Registration ($30 to $35) caps at 150 runners due to permit restrictions, so early sign-up through RunSignUp is essential. Packet pickup happens Friday evening (5 PM to 7 PM) and Saturday morning (8:30 AM to 9:30 AM) at the finish area, with a post-race raffle featuring 70+ prizes donated by local businesses. The race coincides with Moab’s Tree Lighting and Electric Lights Parade, making it perfect for turning race weekend into a full holiday celebration. Pre-race carb loading at Pasta Jay’s (Moab since 1992) or Antica Forma (founded 2014 in Vernal, Moab location circa 2017) fuels your morning, while Sunset Grill (opened 1993) in uranium millionaire Charlie Steen’s clifftop mansion offers celebratory steaks with panoramic views after you cross the finish line.

Post-race recovery includes calm float trips on the Colorado River, which flows directly through town offering riverside trails and paddling perfect for loosening tired legs. Lake Powell sits 275 miles south (4.5 hours), where houseboating through Glen Canyon and exploration of side canyons provide the kind of water-based rest that ultrarunners dream about after logging race miles. Lake.com lists waterfront cabins and houseboat rentals at Lake Powell ideal for a few days of well-earned recovery, letting you trade desert running for mornings floating through slot canyons and afternoons photographing the kind of red rock scenery that makes December racing in Moab worth every uphill training mile.