The Navajo Code Talker 10K starts at 8:00 AM in Window Rock, Arizona, giving you time to settle in the night before if you're traveling from out of state. The race offers two distance options: a 10K and a 2-mile event, accommodating both serious runners and those seeking a shorter effort. Entry fees range from free to $40, making this an accessible option for most budgets. The race takes place on September 13, 2026, so plan your travel and accommodations accordingly. Window Rock serves as the venue, providing a defined location for this running event. Whether you're targeting the full 10K distance or the 2-mile option, arrive early to handle registration and warm up before the morning start.
From the Race Organizer
NAVAJO CODE TALKER 10K Honoring the Legendary Navajo Code Talkers! Sunday, September 13, 2026 8am Start Welcome to the Navajo Code Talker 10K! REGISTRATION – Online registration for the Code Talker 10K is now open through September 13th at the NavajoYES website: www.navajoyes.org Registration is $35 for all runners to cover costs of the event and to support the Code Talker Poster Project. The race fee will increase to $40 on September 1st. The race distance is 10K (6.2 miles). Registration will include an event t-shirt featuring a Code Talker Johnny Manuelito, a finishers medal, race bib, post-race snacks and your choice of posters from the Navajo Code Talker Poster Series. LOCATION – The Navajo Nation Museum and Navajo Zoo are located in the capital of the Navajo Nation of Window Rock, Arizona, just off Hwy 264 on the south side of Window Rock. There is ample parking at the Museum. PACKET PICK-UP – Packet pick-up will be available on Sunday at the Navajo Nation Museum parking area beginning at 6:30 a.m. COURSE – The main course is a 6.2-mile loop. The course heads out of the NN Museum, circling the Museum once before heading out on the Museum Trail. The course heads up on the Museum Trail to the WR Dam and on to the Fish & Wildlife trail system, dropping into the historic tribal government complex and then back to the WR Park. From the Park, the route heads back toward the Museum. The course is subject to slight variation at the discretion of race organizers and tribal officials. There is also a non-competitive 2 mile option for this event. AID STATIONS – There will be three aid stations on the course. The first aid station will be fluids only, near the damn just passed mile 1. The second and third aid stations will have both fluids, fruits, and gels. The second aid station is near the half-way point of the course at the Fish & Wildlife Trailhead. The final aid station will be near the Education Center building. There will be pre-race breakfast bars and bananas, along with fluids at the start line. This is a cupless event so runners should plan to bring their own hydration system. WEATHER – September weather in Window Rock can be cool, mild or very warm, so keep eye on the forecast prior to the race. The threat of thunderstorms (generally in the afternoon) always looms in the early fall. PROFESSIONAL TIMING AND AWARDS – Rocky Mountain Timing is the timer for the Code Talker 10K. Overall and age-group awards will be presented to the top finishers in the 10k race. All runners receive a finishers medal. LODGING – Lodging is available at Navajo Nation Inn in Window Rock and Navajoland Inn in St. Michael’s. There are ample lodging options available in Gallup, New Mexico. The Navajo Parks Race Series is sponsored by the Navajo Nation-based nonprofit organization NavajoYES. Navajo Zoo and NN Museum are also key supporters of this event, along with Navajo EMS and Fire & Rescue. CONTACTS Tom: 928.429.0345 Josh: 970-394-6561 (Registration/Timing Questions) info@rmtimimg.co chuskaman@yahoo.com – www.navajoyes.org – www.facebook.com/NavajoYES
Course & Travel Notes
The Navajo Code Talker 10K takes place in Window Rock, Arizona on September 13, 2026, with an 8:00 AM start time, so you'll want to arrive early since sunrise isn't until 6:57 AM. The venue sits at 6,821 feet elevation, which is something to keep in mind if you're coming from a lower altitude. You'll likely fly into Gallup Municipal Airport, which is about 19 miles away, and expect typical early September weather with highs around 79°F and lows around 43°F—though there's roughly a one-in-four chance of rain that day, so pack accordingly.
⛰️ 6,821 ft elevation☀️ Typically 79°F / 43°F · 23% chance of rain✈️ Gallup Municipal Airport (GUP) — 19 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Window Rock, AZ. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 13.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Window Rock, AZ.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Navajo Code Talker 10K 2026 — Window Rock, AZ?
Navajo Code Talker 10K 2026 — Window Rock, AZ takes place on September 13, 2026. The race is held in Window Rock, Arizona.
Where is Navajo Code Talker 10K 2026 — Window Rock, AZ held?
Navajo Code Talker 10K 2026 — Window Rock, AZ is held at PO Box 001 in Window Rock, Arizona.
Where can I find hotels near Navajo Code Talker 10K 2026 — Window Rock, AZ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Window Rock. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.