Utah is a remarkable destination for marathon enthusiasts, boasting a diverse landscape and a myriad of options for runners seeking challenge and adventure. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some spectacular marathons in Utah that are truly worth exploring.
From popular events like the Salt Lake City Marathon to hidden gems such as the Skyline Mountain Marathon, there’s something for everyone.
Get ready to conquer one of these unforgettable races as we present an array of striking marathons in Utah.
Pro´s:
- ✅ Quality Ingredients
- ✅ Easy to degist
- ✅ Energy boost
Con:
- ❌ Not many different flavors
Utah’s Marathon Scene
In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the most highly-regarded marathons in Utah, including notable events such as the Huntsville Utah Marathon, Cytiva Logan Marathon, and the Escalante Canyons Marathon.
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular marathons in Utah.
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Popular Marathons in Utah
In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the most highly-regarded marathons in Utah, which offer unforgettable race experiences for runners of all levels.
1. 🏃♂️ Utah Valley Marathon
The Utah Valley Marathon takes place in Provo and is known for its scenic course, which includes running along Provo Canyon and following the Provo River. The race typically occurs in early June, offering runners a great time to enjoy the weather and the beautiful landscapes Utah has to offer.
2. 🏃♀️ St. George Marathon
The St. George Marathon happens in early October and is a popular race for its stunning views and challenging course. With a point-to-point route starting in the Pine Valley Mountains and finishing in downtown St. George, this marathon showcases the natural beauty and diverse terrain that Utah has to offer.
3. 🏙️ Salt Lake City Marathon
The Salt Lake City Marathon is an iconic race that takes place in April and offers incredible skyline views and a tour of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. The marathon boasts great organization, making it an unforgettable experience for both seasoned and first-time marathoners.
4. 🏔️ Ogden Marathon
Taking place in May, the Ogden Marathon offers participants a scenic course featuring wonderful views of the Wasatch Mountains, Pineview Reservoir, and the Ogden River. The event hosts multiple race distances, making it a perfect option for runners looking to challenge themselves on a beautiful and well-organized course.
5. 🏜️ Moab Trail Marathon
For those interested in experiencing Utah’s unique landscapes while racing, the Moab Trail Marathon is an excellent choice. This adventurous race takes place in November and showcases the incredible natural beauty of Moab’s red rock scenery and challenging desert terrain. Runners can expect a diverse mix of technical trails, slickrock, and sandy washes, making this race a thrilling experience for trail running enthusiasts.
Rural Marathons in Utah
We have compiled a list of some amazing rural marathons in Utah that will challenge your abilities while providing unforgettable experiences.
1. 🏞️ Bear Lake Marathon
The Bear Lake Marathon takes place in the scenic town of Garden City, offering picturesque views of the famous turquoise-colored Bear Lake.
- Location: Garden City, UT
- Features: Beautiful lake views, fresh air, and a unique experience
2. 🌲 Beaver Canyon Marathon
In the town of Beaver, the Beaver Canyon Marathon is a challenging experience for runners seeking adventure. With half marathon and 10K options, this marathon covers beautiful trails surrounded by forests and mountain landscapes.
- Location: Beaver, UT
- Features: Stunning canyon and mountain views, challenging trails
3. 🏔️ Mt. Nebo Marathon
The Mt. Nebo Marathon is held in Payson and offers awe-inspiring views of towering Mount Nebo as you run. This challenging course provides a rewarding experience for those seeking a taste of Utah’s natural beauty.
- Location: Payson, UT
- Features: Incredible views of Mount Nebo, challenging course, close connection to nature
4. 🏜️ Escalante Canyons Marathon
Escalante Canyons Marathon, taking place in the town of Escalante, offers a unique opportunity to explore the incredibly diverse landscape of southeastern Utah. This marathon aims to showcase the rugged beauty of the area, offering a challenging and beautiful course for runners.
- Location: Escalante, UT
- Features: Diverse landscape, rugged canyons, scenic trails
5. 🏃 Monument Valley Marathon
Blanding hosts the Monument Valley Marathon, which leads runners through the breathtaking landscapes of Monument Valley. Explore the iconic red sandstone formations and experience the unique beauty of the area.
- Location: Blanding, UT
- Features: Famous red sandstone formations, unique desert landscape, unforgettable experience
These rural marathons in Utah not only provide a test of your endurance skills but also offer the opportunity to explore and appreciate the incredible landscapes that Utah has to offer. Choose your challenge and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Unique Marathons in Utah
In this section, we will introduce you to some of the most distinctive marathons in Utah, showcasing their exceptional features and highlights.
1. 👩👧 Thelma and Louise Marathon
The Thelma and Louise Marathon is an exciting all-women’s race that celebrates sisterhood and empowerment. Following a scenic course along the Colorado River, this event offers not only stunning views but also a supportive and encouraging atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for all participants.
2. 🏔️ Skyline Mountain Marathon
The Skyline Mountain Marathon in Ogden offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains, runners will traverse steep climbs, technical descents, and rugged singletrack trails. For those seeking a demanding and adventurous course, this race is the perfect choice.
3. 🏃♂️ Four Corners Quad Keyah
For an event that stands out from the rest, the Four Corners Quad Keyah is a series of four marathons in four days. Held in the Four Corners region where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet, this event invites runners to explore the cultural and geological wonders of the region while challenging their physical and mental capabilities.
4. ❄️ Bigfoot Snowshoe Festival
The Bigfoot Snowshoe Festival in Midway offers a unique wintertime racing experience. With various distances to choose from, including a marathon, half marathon, and 5K, participants will trek through the snow-covered landscape using snowshoes, creating a one-of-a-kind adventure for those willing to brave the cold.
5. 🏃♀️ I’m Bound for Boston Marathon
For Boston Marathon hopefuls, the I’m Bound for Boston Marathon in Salt Lake City is a great opportunity to shine. This race is a USATF-certified course designed to help runners achieve their Boston Marathon qualifying times. The event’s supportive environment and enthusiastic volunteers make it a perfect choice for those with their sights set on Boston.
20 Marathons in Utah
Half Marathons in Utah
Utah offers a variety of half marathons for runners looking to enjoy picturesque courses throughout the state. We have compiled a list of half marathons in Utah’s prominent cities that runner enthusiasts should check out.
In Heber City, you can take on the Heber Half Run for Autism which supports children and families affected by autism. This half marathon traverses the scenic route through Heber Valley and highlights the area’s natural beauty.
Provo is home to the Haunted Half Marathon – Provo Canyon celebrated on October 28, 2023. This thrilling race takes you through the spectacular Provo Canyon, offering scenic views coupled with a fun Halloween theme.
For those looking for a more challenging race in Logan, the Top of Utah Half Marathon is a favorite amongst runners. The course starts at the top of Blacksmith Fork Canyon, features a net elevation drop, and finishes at the Merlin Olsen Central Park.
If you’re looking to run in a picturesque landscape, don’t miss the Ogden Half Marathon which takes place in Ogden, one of Utah’s oldest cities. This half marathon follows a beautiful route along the Ogden River Parkway, offering expansive views of Utah’s stunning mountain ranges.
Salt Lake City also presents the popular Salt Lake City Half Marathon, boasting well-organized water stations and a diverse, urban course that showcases the city’s unique character.
Runners looking for a USATF-certified course should consider the Southern Utah Half Marathon, held in St. George each April. This race takes you on a scenic journey through the city’s landmarks, providing a great opportunity for personal bests and a chance to qualify for other major events.
Boston Qualifiers in Utah
Two notable Boston Qualifiers in the Beehive State are the Utah Valley Marathon and the REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon, which boast high qualification rates and beautiful courses.
The Utah Valley Marathon takes place in Provo Canyon, offering a fast downhill route that increases the chance of achieving a qualifying time. This event is well-regarded for its stunning landscape, including picturesque mountain views and a scenic course along the Provo River. Additionally, athletes completing the marathon with a Boston Qualifying time are rewarded with a special “Boston Qualifier” shirt.
Another popular event in Utah for achieving a coveted Boston Qualifying time is the REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon. This race starts in the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains and ends in the foothills of Salt Lake City. Like the Utah Valley Marathon, this course also features a predominantly downhill profile, making it an ideal choice for improving personal records and securing a spot at the Boston Marathon starting line.
The St. George Marathon, held annually in St. George, Utah, is another fantastic choice for runners seeking a Boston Qualifying time. Between its fast downhill course and the stunning red rock scenery unique to southwest Utah, this challenging race offers a perfect blend of speed and beauty.
Participant’s Experience
Race Reviews
As participants in Utah marathons, runners often share their experiences and thoughts about the races they’ve completed. Reading through race reviews can provide valuable insight into the marathon itself and the perspectives of fellow runners. By browsing these reviews, you can gain a better understanding of whether a specific marathon fits your preferences and suits your skill level.
“I think it makes sense to use race reviews. Personally, I always try to find out as much about the course as possible.”
The Finish Line
At the finish line of Utah marathons, finishers are likely to experience a range of emotions, from euphoria to exhaustion. These races offer opportunities to achieve personal records (PRs) or attain Boston Qualifying times, such as at the REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon. In 2013, the Utah Valley Marathon held a position among the top 25 marathons in the USA that qualified finishers for the Boston Marathon. The average finish time in 2013 was 4:16:34, an impressive accomplishment for the 3000 participants in the full marathon.
USATF Certified Marathons in Utah
Some of the most highly-regarded marathons in Utah include the Deseret News Marathon, Top of Utah Marathon, Escalante Canyons Marathon, and Heber Valley Marathon. These marathons not only offer spectacular courses but also give runners the opportunity to qualify for prestigious events like the Boston Marathon.
The Deseret News Marathon is a Boston qualifier and takes place in Salt Lake City. With its 5:30 a.m. start time, the race showcases the stunning surroundings of the city and finishes with a six-hour course limit.
The Top of Utah Marathon, hosted in Logan, boasts a near 0% race grade, making it an ideal course for those seeking a fast and flat marathon. This USATF certified event also features on-course hydration and nutrition stations for runners.
If you’re looking for a marathon with breathtaking scenic views, the Escalante Canyons Marathon should be at the top of your list. Beginning in Boulder and finishing in Escalante, this USATF certified event takes place on Utah’s All-American Scenic Highway 12, often regarded as one of the most beautiful roadways in the world.
For a race that pays homage to the picturesque Central Wasatch, consider the Heber Valley Marathon. This USATF certified event offers both marathon and half-marathon distances, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.
Our 5 Tips for Marathons in Utah
Now that you have already learned a lot about the marathons in Utah, I would like to give you 5 tips along the way.
1. 🏃♂️ Preparing for a Utah Marathon
Utah’s high elevation and varying terrain call for specific marathon preparation. Focus on building your endurance and acclimating to the altitude. Incorporate hill training into your routine and consider gradually increasing your elevation to help your body adjust.
2. 🏅 Popular Marathons in Utah
There are many marathons in Utah worth adding to your racing calendar. One highly regarded marathon is the Skyline Mountain Marathon in Ogden, which takes place on August. Known for its stunning views and challenging course, Skyline is an unforgettable experience for runners.
Another exceptional marathon is the Mt. Nebo Marathon, held in Payson on September. This race features a challenging but picturesque course that showcases Utah’s natural beauty, making it a must-try for any marathon enthusiast.
3. 👕 Race Clothing Tips
If you run marathons in Utah, weather can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to dress appropriately. Check the weather forecast leading up to the race and select moisture-wicking clothing with layered options that can be easily removed or added depending on the conditions.
4. 💦 Stay Hydrated
High-altitude marathons, like those in Utah, often have a greater effect on your body’s hydration levels. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after the race to stay properly hydrated and avoid altitude sickness.
5. 🌄 Enjoy the Scenery
Marathons in Utah offer breathtaking views of landscapes such as mountains, canyons, and expansive valleys. These captivating surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for your marathon experience, so be sure to take in the stunning scenery as you run!
FAQ
When is the St. George Marathon?
The St. George Marathon is typically held on the first Saturday in October.
What is the course of the Utah Valley Marathon like?
The Utah Valley Marathon course is a fast, downhill course that begins in Wallsburg and ends in Provo.
How do I register for the Park City Marathon?
Registration for the Park City Marathon can be done online through the race’s website. Early registration is recommended as the race often sells out quickly.
Have you ever run Marathons in Utah? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I’m sure we also have the right training plan for you, like our 16 Week Marathon Training Plan or our 52 Week Marathon Training Schedule.
