Utah is a runner's paradise, offering everything from fast road marathons to grueling 100-mile trail ultras. Whether you're chasing a Boston Qualifier, exploring stunning red rock canyons, or testing your limits on technical mountain trails, Utah has a race for you. Here's your complete guide to Utah's biggest and best running events in 2025.
Marathon & Road Races
St. George Marathon
Date: October 4, 2025
Location: St. George, Utah
Distance: 26.2 miles
Why Run It: One of the fastest marathons in the country with a net elevation loss of 2,600 feet. Perfect for Boston Qualifying attempts. Stunning course through red rock canyons.
Salt Lake City Marathon
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Distance: 26.2 miles, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
Why Run It: Urban course through Salt Lake's most scenic areas. Great for first-time marathoners with excellent crowd support.
Ogden Marathon
Date: May 17, 2025
Location: Ogden, Utah
Distance: 26.2 miles, Half Marathon
Why Run It: Beautiful course through Ogden Canyon with mountain views. Well-organized with great swag.
Ultra Marathons (50K+)
Wasatch Front 100 Mile Endurance Run
Date: September 5-6, 2025
Location: Kaysville to Brighton, Utah
Distance: 100 miles
Why Run It: One of the toughest 100-milers in the country. 26,000+ feet of elevation gain. Requires lottery entry and qualifying race.
Bear 100
Date: September 26-27, 2025
Location: Logan to Fish Haven, Idaho
Distance: 100 miles
Why Run It: Point-to-point course through the Bear River Range. Stunning fall colors. 22,000+ feet of elevation gain.
Zion 100
Date: April 11-12, 2025
Location: Virgin, Utah (near Zion National Park)
Distance: 100 miles, 100K, 50K, 50K relay
Why Run It: Run through the stunning red rock canyons of Southern Utah. Multiple distance options make it accessible.
Speedgoat 50K
Date: July 19, 2025
Location: Snowbird Ski Resort
Distance: 50K (31 miles)
Why Run It: The hardest 50K in the country. 11,000+ feet of elevation gain. Created by ultrarunning legend Karl Meltzer.
Trail Races
Antelope Island Buffalo Run
Date: March 22, 2025
Location: Antelope Island State Park
Distance: 50 Mile, 50K, 25K
Why Run It: Early season ultra with stunning views of the Great Salt Lake. Well-organized and beginner-friendly.
Squaw Peak 50
Date: June 7, 2025
Location: Provo, Utah
Distance: 50 miles
Why Run It: Classic Wasatch Front trail race. 13,000+ feet of elevation gain. Great training for 100-milers.
Registration Tips
Pro Registration Tips
1. Register Early: Popular races like St. George Marathon and Wasatch 100 sell out quickly. Set calendar reminders for registration opening dates.
2. Lottery Races: Wasatch 100 and Bear 100 use lottery systems. Enter early and have a backup race plan.
3. Qualifying Requirements: Some ultras require qualifying races. Plan ahead and complete qualifiers 6-12 months in advance.
4. Training Time: Give yourself 16-20 weeks for marathons, 6-12 months for 100-milers.
Course Preview Tips
Before race day, familiarize yourself with the course:
- Study Elevation Profiles: Know where the climbs and descents are
- Watch Course Videos: Many races have YouTube previews
- Join Race Facebook Groups: Connect with other runners and get insider tips
- Practice Similar Terrain: If it's a downhill marathon, train on downhills. If it's technical trails, practice technical running
- Check Weather History: Look at weather patterns for race day over the past 5 years
Utah-Specific Race Considerations
Altitude
Most Utah races start at 4,000-5,000+ feet elevation. If you're coming from sea level, arrive 2-3 days early to acclimate. Stay hydrated and don't expect PRs on your first high-altitude race.
Weather Extremes
Utah weather can be unpredictable. Summer races can be scorching (100F+), while spring/fall races can have snow. Always check the forecast and pack layers.
Technical Terrain
Many Utah trail races feature rocky, technical terrain. Invest in proper trail shoes and practice technical running. Consider gait analysis at UtahRUN to ensure you're in the right shoes.
Training Resources
Preparing for a Utah race? Check out our training resources:
- St. George Marathon Training Plan
- Top 10 Trail Running Routes in Utah (great for training!)
- Hydration Guide for Utah Runners
Final Thoughts
Utah offers some of the most beautiful and challenging races in the country. Whether you're a road runner or trail enthusiast, there's an event that will push your limits and reward you with unforgettable experiences. Start planning your 2025 race calendar nowthe best races fill up fast!
"The mountains are calling, and Utah's trails are ready. Pick your race, commit to the training, and experience the magic of running in the Beehive State." - UtahRUN Team
