Outrun Cancer - The John Wayne Grit Series Pioneertown Half Marathon & 10K Benefiting John Wayne Cancer Foundation

John Wayne Grit Series returns to Pioneertown March 21, 2026, allowing runners to experience California’s high desert while supporting the fight against cancer.

COSTA MESA, CA, UNITED STATES, March 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The John Wayne Grit Series Pioneertown Half Marathon and 10K trail run returns Saturday, March 21, 2026, offering runners and walkers the chance to experience California’s rugged high desert while supporting the fight against cancer.

The event benefits the John Wayne Cancer Foundation (JWCF) and supports its mission to lead the fight against cancer through innovative research, education, awareness and support programs. Every step participants take helps fund pioneering cancer research and programs that improve and save lives.

The race begins on historic Mane Street in Pioneertown, a famous Old West movie-set town built in the 1940s and takes participants into the scenic trails of the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve near Joshua Tree National Park. The challenging and picturesque course winds through rugged dirt roads and single-track trails with breathtaking 360-degree views of the high desert and Sawtooth Mountains before finishing back in town for the post-race celebration.

“The John Wayne Grit Series gives us all a chance to get outside, challenge ourselves, and support those who are going through the difficult battle of fighting cancer,” said Ethan Wayne, director of the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. “Pioneertown is a special place that reflects the Western spirit.”

One thing that is unique and special about this course is that there are only two ways to get drinking water on the trail, by foot or horseback. A big thank you to the Desert Riders from Palm Springs and other local volunteers for delivering water to the trail aid stations via horseback. Mounted on their trusty steeds, these modern-day cowboys are pivotal to the hydration of the runners.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN PIONEERTOWN
Participants of all levels — from casual walkers to experienced trail runners — will enjoy:
• Half Marathon and 10K trail run/walk distances
• Scenic high desert trails through the Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
• Start and finish in the historic Western movie-set town
• Meet & Greets with members of the Wayne family
• Post-race celebration and community festivities
• Exclusive John Wayne Grit Series shirt and finisher mug
• Purchase Grit Series merchandise at the event

JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Registration is now open at johnwayne.org. Participants may register individually or form teams (corporate or friends and family). Participants can pay for registration or commit to fundraising and run for free and earn exclusive rewards donated by sponsors. Participants can also sign up for all six 2026 John Wayne Grit Series events and earn the coveted All 6 finisher medal.

PLAN YOUR PIONEERTOWN ADVENTURE
Make it a destination race weekend:
• Explore historic Mane Street in Pioneertown including Red Dog Saloon and Pappy & Harrriet’s
• Visit nearby Joshua Tree National Park or take the Palm Springs Tram
• Enjoy hiking, sightseeing, off-roading, golf and desert recreation

ARE YOU TOUGH ENOUGH?
Show your grit in the fight against cancer. Register now for the John Wayne Grit Series Pioneertown Half Marathon & 10K at johnwayne.org.

Note to Editors: High-resolution photos and additional materials are available upon request. Members of the Wayne family are expected to attend.

ABOUT THE JOHN WAYNE GRIT SERIES
The John Wayne Grit Series challenges participants to run through iconic Western landscapes tied to John Wayne’s legacy while raising funds to fight cancer. All events benefit the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, ensuring every mile run helps advance lifesaving cancer research and programs.

ABOUT THE JOHN WAYNE CANCER FOUNDATION
Inspired by John Wayne’s courageous battle with cancer, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation funds innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes and save lives through research, education, awareness, and support. The foundation continues Duke’s legacy of courage, strength, and grit.

Kelly Hunter
Sunwest Communications
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John Wayne Grit Series - Pioneertown 2026

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