Marathon de la Vallée de la Mort

Death Valley Marathon is held at Furnace Creek, California, on February 6, 2027, in the heart of one of the American West's most iconic deserts. The course is entirely on road and winds between arid mountains and vast mineral expanses, an unusual setting for a running race. Three distances are offered: a marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles) and a 10K (6.2 miles), so you can pick a short outing or take on the full distance. Start times and elevation gain are not listed.

This is a road race, but the surroundings make it feel like nothing else on the calendar: no urban relief, no crowds, just open desert. February is the sensible month for it, and the marathon suits a runner who wants a quieter, less packed race than a big-city event. Build for 16 weeks with a weekly long run, and rehearse your hydration plan in training, because drinking on schedule matters more than usual in dry desert air. The 10K works well as a first race here.