The Death Valley Marathon is an out-and-back relatively flat course (fewer than 500 feet of climbing and descending). The course runs along Hwy. 190 through the heart of Death Valley National Park. The entire course is below sea level with fantastic vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges: the Panamints, the Funerals, the Cottonwoods, the Blacks and the Grapevines.
The Death Valley Marathon was the 402nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 349th largest in 2022.
Last year 2.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 3.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2022.
This gives the Death Valley Marathon the 409th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 374th highest percentage in 2022.
Its Course Score of 98.81 ranks it as the 235th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 18th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Death Valley Marathon a PR Score of 98.81. This PR Score ranks it as the 177th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 11th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Death Valley Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: -139 feet (-42m) Min Elevation: -249 feet (-75m)
