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Merus Marathon & Ultra
- Date
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
Apr 17 Saturday, 2027
Registration open· closes Apr 18, 2027 Register Now Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
When and where is Merus Marathon & Ultra?
Merus Marathon & Ultra is on Saturday, April 17, 2027 in Claude, Texas. The first event starts at 7:00 AM local time. Distances: kids run, 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, ultra and trail run. Current entry fees run $10 to $150 on RunSignup, before processing fees. Online registration is open and closes Apr 18, 2027.
Merus Marathon & Ultra race guide
The Merus Marathon & Ultra is a Perspective Pacing trail race at Merus Adventure Park in Palo Duro Canyon, near Claude in the Panhandle, on Saturday, April 17, 2027. The 13.1-mile loop runs on sand, sandstone, red dirt, rock and clay; the marathon is two loops and the 52.4-mile ultra four.
- Venue
- Merus Adventure Park
- Loop
- 13.1 miles
- Ultra
- 52.4 mi (4 loops)
- Terrain
- Sand, sandstone, red dirt
- Canyon floor
- 2,500 ft
- Prices rise
- After Mar 26
Merus Marathon & Ultra FAQ
When and where is the Merus Marathon & Ultra?
Saturday, April 17, 2027, at Merus Adventure Park, 4510 County Road 9, Claude, in Palo Duro Canyon. Events run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Distances are 52.4 miles, marathon, half, 10K, 5K and a youth trail run.
How much does the Merus Marathon & Ultra cost?
Current RunSignup entry fees, before processing fees: Merus Marathon - 52.4 Mi $150 ($160 from March 27); Merus Marathon - 26.2 Mi $120 ($130 from March 27); Merus Marathon - 13.1 Mi $90 ($100 from March 27); Merus Marathon - 10k $60 ($70 from March 27); Merus Marathon - 5k $35 ($45 from March 27). Prices in parentheses are the next RunSignup tier.
What is the Merus course like?
Canyon trail on sand, sandstone, red dirt, rock, stone and clay. The rim sits at 3,412 feet and the canyon floor at Merus at 2,500, with most climbs of 100–500 feet. The half is one 13.1-mile loop, the marathon two and the 52.4 four.
What aid is at Merus?
In 2026 there were four aid stations including the start/finish; the start/finish and Playground were fully stocked and the other two had water, ice and electrolytes. The race is cupless.
Can you have a pacer at Merus?
Last year pacers were allowed for 52.4-mile runners from lap 3, one per runner, with free pacer registration and a $10 fee paid on arrival.
Can you camp at Merus?
Yes. Festival-style camping is near the start/finish, and Merus also has primitive sites, RV sites and rim cabins. Everyone on site signs the park waiver.
Do Merus finishers get a medal?
All finishers get medals, non-finishers get a medal for the miles they completed, and the top man and woman in each distance get awards.
Race facts checked November 9, 2026 against RunSignup: Merus Marathon & Ultra, Perspective Pacing: Merus Marathon (2026 edition) and Perspective Pacing: policies. Entry fees come from RunSignup. Always confirm details with the race before you travel.
Events & distances
| Event | Distance | Start | Entry fee | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merus Marathon - 52.4 Mi | 52.4 Miles | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $150.00 until Mar 26, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
| Merus Marathon - 26.2 Mi | 26.2 Miles | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $120.00 until Mar 26, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
| Merus Marathon - 13.1 Mi | 13.1 Miles | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $90.00 until Mar 26, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
| Merus Marathon - 10k | 10K | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $60.00 until Mar 26, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
| Merus Marathon - 5k | 5K | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $35.00 until Mar 26, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
| Merus Marathon Youth Trail Run | 1 Miles | Apr 17, 2027, 7:00 AM | $10.00 until Apr 17, 2027 | Opens Jul 24, 2026 · Closes Apr 18, 2027 |
Fees shown are the RunSignup price tier in effect now, before processing fees. Times are local to the race.
About Merus Marathon & Ultra
Merus Adventure Park, located in the Palo Duro Canyon offers huge elevation gains throughout the land. The base elevation at the rim of the canyon is 3,412 feet above sea level. The lowest point on the floor of the canyon at MERUS Adventure is 2,500 feet. Most of the elevation gains range from 100 to 500 feet in drop, creating ample opportunities for a challenging race course. Millions of years of erosion have created incredible colors and a variety of surface materials. As you cover the miles, you’ll traverse sand, sandstone, red dirt, rock, stone, clay, and witness some of the most amazing views! Come to Merus Adventure Park and take in the views at the Merus Marathon!
Race Shirt Cutoff - March 26th
Description provided by the race organizer via RunSignup.
Race data provided by RunSignup and refreshed every morning(last sync Nov 12, 2026). Registration happens on RunSignup; Lone Star Strides may earn a referral commission at no cost to you. Always confirm dates and details on the official race page.
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