Freezing temperatures and sunny skies greeted the runners as they arrived for the 10 a.m. start of the 2024. Moab Trail Half Marathon on November 2. The event served as the USATF Trail Half Marathon Championship for the second year in a row. Moab also hosted the half marathon championship in 2012 and 2013.

Christian AllenOrem, UT, won the race in 1:19:02, breaking the course record of 01:21:36 set last year by Meikael Beaudoin-Rousseau. Finalist Mason CoppiLakewood, Colorado, also broke the previous record with a time of 1:20:34. To complete the first three, David SinclairSouth Burlington, Vermont, timed in 1:21:38.

On the women’s side, Allie McLaughlinColorado Springs, Colo., was the top runner with a winning time of 1:34:34, breaking the women’s course record set last year by Bailey Kowalczyk almost two minutes. In 1:36:40 he finished second Taylor TuttleBoulder, CO. To complete the top three, Rachel TomajczykWilliams, Arizona, in 1:37:34.

AGE GROUP CHAMPIONS

Nearly 100 runners were registered in the USATF Championship category and there were 77 finishers. The age group winners were:

40-44 – Josh Eberly1:26:58
45-49 – Sanford White1:44:07 and Sarah Barbier2:00:00
50-54 – Chris Grauch1:36:36 and Heike McNeil2:31:09
55-59 – Edwin Johnson2:00:01 and Suzy Matsumoto2:15:41
60-64 – Michael De Lange2:25:21
65-69 – Richard Fargo2:04:55 and Anita Rawlinson3:32:57
70-74 – Buzz Burrell2:24:12
75-79 – Frank Kunkle3:02:21

Full results can be found here.

Courses at the USATF Half Marathon Trail Running Championships

The course climbs about 800 feet over the first 4 miles and becomes increasingly technical before a steep descent of about 600 feet between miles 8 and 9. The terrain throughout the 13-mile course varies from jeep tracks sandy areas, side trails, single tracks and a small section of road. This mix of surfaces provides a challenging and exciting course for competitors.

Remaining USATF Championships

There are still two championship distances remaining in 2024. The USATF 10K Trail Running Championships will take place November 16 in Bentonville, AR, at Dirt Circusand the USATF 24 Hour Championships will take place on November 23 in Goodyear, Arizona, at Big beef.

Contributed by Joe Jurczyk

Photo credit: Karley Rempel