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    • Home
    • Virtual Races
      • Zion 5k
      • Bryce Canyon 8k
      • Capitol Reef 10k
      • Arches Half
      • Canyonlands Marathon
    • Resources
      • RaceJoy Details
      • Training
      • Log Your Miles
      • Results
    • Partners
    • Our Cause
    • FAQ
  • Home
  • Virtual Races
    • Zion 5k
    • Bryce Canyon 8k
    • Capitol Reef 10k
    • Arches Half
    • Canyonlands Marathon
  • Resources
    • RaceJoy Details
    • Training
    • Log Your Miles
    • Results
  • Partners
  • Our Cause
  • FAQ

The Starter

Utah's first national park is the perfect setting for the first race in our virtual event series. Blaze through 3.1 miles as you transport yourself to the steep red cliffs of Zion Canyon, float along the Virgin River and cross the finish line at the Emerald Pools.  Ahhh-some.  

Register

About Our Beneficiary

Zion National Park Forever Projec

The Zion National Park Forever Project is the official non-profit partner of Zion National Park.  The Forever Project works each day, building a community of supporters and funding projects that empower the next generation of park stewards towards a sustainable future.

Learn more

How To Complete the Virtual Zion 5k

Step 1: Register and Share

Step 1: Register and Share

Step 1: Register and Share

Sign up for this event by itself or with any number of other Utah National Parks Challenge series races. Then, share your referral link and earn a full refund.

Step 2: Get Your Swag

Step 1: Register and Share

Step 1: Register and Share

All registrants of the Zion 5k will receive an event t-shirt and finisher medal themed to the Zion National Park.

Step 3: Run or Walk

Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience

Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience

Pick a day and do it! Plan your own route and use the RaceJoy app to track your participation. By using the app, you'll also receive fun information about Zion National Park, transforming you to a virtual paradise.

Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience

Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience

Step 4: Record Your Results and Share Your Experience

Post instant results from the RaceJoy app or submit your time manually on runsignup.com. Then, it's time to party. Post your pictures, share on social media, and tune in for a special post-race party in early January.

About Zion National Park

Utah's First National Park

Located in southwest Utah and near the city of Springdale, Zion National Park features some of Utah's most outstanding scenery. Red rock cliffs, waterfalls, and stunning vistas are some of the key attractions.


Many of the park's most impressive sites are found in Zion Canyon, along the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, which follows the valley floor. From spring until fall, a sightseeing bus takes visitors through the park along this route, stopping at all the major sites and trailheads. This makes touring the park very simple. In winter, you can drive this route in your own vehicle.

The Zion-Mount Carmel Highway runs east-west through the park and is also a must-do drive. This self-drive route takes you high above the valley and offers incredible views from the lookouts.


Sometimes referred to as a vertical park due to its sheer vertical walls, Zion is a hiker's paradise. The most popular hikes in Zion are accessed off the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive and the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Here, you'll find everything from simple walks along the valley floor to cliff-side trails, like the famous Angel's Landing trail, which is not for the faint of heart or anyone with a fear of heights. 

ZNP Up Close

The Narrows

Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing

The Narrows is the narrowest section of Zion Canyon. Situated on the North Fork of the Virgin River, The Narrows is one of the premier hikes in the park and on the Colorado Plateau. 

Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing

Angel's Landing

Angels Landing, known previously as the Temple of Aeolus, is a 1,488-foot tall rock formation. A trail cut into solid rock in 1926 leads to the top of Angels Landing and provides views of Zion Canyon.

Emerald Pools

Angel's Landing

Emerald Pools

A series of pools along majestic hiking trails and includes incredible views of Lady Mountain, the Great White Throne, Red Arch Mountain and cliffs in all directions.

Kolob Canyons

Kolob Canyons

Emerald Pools

The Kolob Canyons region is home to spectacular finger canyons with soaring cliffs of red Navajo sandstone and deep pocket canyons know for their colorful beauty and diverse landscape.

Weeping Rock

Kolob Canyons

Weeping Rock

Weeping Rock is an eroded, bowl-shaped cliff face where water seeps out and creates a year-round spring that nourishes hanging gardens of moss, ferns, grass and wildflowers.

The Subway

Kolob Canyons

Weeping Rock

The Subway is a small, uniquely-shaped slot canyon carved out by centuries of flowing water. 

Sources for the content of this page include planetware.com, nps.gov, and visitutah.com.

Copyright © 2021 Utah National Parks Challenge and Virtual Race Series - All Rights Reserved.


A High Altitude Challenge Series