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 403rd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 405th largest in 2023.
In 2023, 2.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon. It ranks 415th in the U.S. in the percentage of finishers achieving Boston Marathon qualifying times in 2023.
Its Course Score of 98.81 ranks it as the 240th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 20th 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 185th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 14th 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)
