Utah confidently sits among the most beautiful states with its stunning red rock vistas, impressive mountain tops, and lush green valleys. And what better way is there to experience nature than while running a marathon?
Enjoy sightseeing while running in Utah. Reconnect with your inner self by rushing through picturesque landscapes as our ancestors did. Read on to find out about the 12 best running races in Utah, in no particular order.
Regular Marathons
This race category encompasses both competitive and for-fun races—mostly because the purpose of marathons depends only on the runner. Whether you are looking to dip your toes into competitive running or want to test your mettle against the best runners in Utah, these races will be the perfect choice for you.
1. Cytiva Top of Utah Marathon
If you’re a serious runner looking for highly competitive Utah races, we can’t recommend the Cytiva Top of Utah Marathon in Logan. This is one of the oldest-running (pun intended) marathons in Utah. It is the only Olympics-qualifying marathon in Utah, leading to possible participation in the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series.
There are various courses: full marathon, 20K, 10K, and 5K, so you can choose what you like. The organizers offer a comfortable running experience with all the proper amenities and a picturesque course that goes through Cache Valley and the historical downtown of Logan.
2. Salt Lake City Marathon
If you’re looking for Salt Lake City races, there’s no better choice than the annual Salt Lake City Marathon. This is a long-standing race with many courses: from 5K to full marathon, as well as a marathon for kids and a bike tour.
Promoted by the Health University of Utah, this is among the safest and most comfortable racing experiences in Utah.
3. Mt. Nebo Marathon
Have you felt exhausted by the urban surroundings lately? Register for the Mt. Nebo Marathon and experience marathon, half marathon, 5K, and 10K races in Utah’s most scenic locations: Mount Nebo, Utah Valley, and Utah Lake.
4. RUN SLC Race Series
Looking for a long-term commitment to your races? RUN SLC Race Series will be your cup of tea! Start the series by running a brisk 5K in February, go into March with a 10K, and finish with a 15K in April.
This series is great for getting into (or keeping in) shape during the colder months and preparing for more serious marathons after winter.
Holiday Runs
In this category, you will find fun little races to celebrate big holidays. Drag your friends and family to one of these runs and plunge into the holiday atmosphere.
5. The Haunted Half
If you’re looking for spooky half marathons or 5K races in Utah, look no further than The Haunted Half. One week before Halloween, these races will be the perfect highlight of your Spooktober. Grab your costumes, go to Salt Lake City or Provo, and let loose in this magnificently uncanny race.
6. Toquerville Trails Turkey Trot
Want to start your Thanksgiving morning right? Then off you go to Toquerville Trails Turkey Trot. This event is a fun experience for the whole family and a great way to celebrate the nation’s favorite holiday at one of the oldest races in southern Utah.
Because the lengths are rather short (1.8 miles and 3.1 miles), this can be a great introductory race for kids or anyone wanting to get into the running hobby.
7. Santa Run
Get your jolly Christmas mood on with this festive 5K and 10K in Utah’s Gardener Village. Join hundreds of Santas racing each other wearing traditional red suits, hats, and beards (included in the registration fee).
With thematic music playing overhead and tasty holiday treats dispensed at the Milk and Cookie Aid Stations, Santa Run is a fun experience for the whole family that we can’t recommend enough!
8. Sweethearts
One of the best ways of showing love is ensuring your loved one is in good health. If running together isn’t a sign of love—we don’t know what is. Bring your loved ones to the Sweethearts 5K and 1K to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and they will surely thank you for the experience.
Charity Runs
Are you in a giving mood? These runs are the perfect opportunity for you to funnel your running passion into a good cause that will help thousands of people around the world.
9. The Rex Lee Run
The Rex Lee Run, held by Brigham Young University, is an excellent 5K in Utah that has been around for over 25 years, supporting a great cause—cancer research. It is a fantastic opportunity for new runners who want to contribute to the world’s courageous battle against cancer.
10. Pirate’s Treasure Chase
Did you know that September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day? Put on your best pirate voice, dust off your tricorn, and run like a pirate with Pirate’s Treasure Chase.
Though just a virtual race, we feel like it would be a massive mistake not to include this race in our list. Pirate’s Treasure Chase is a new virtual race in Utah that takes place in September. Since it is Suicide Prevention month, at least 15% of the proceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
11. Avalaunch Gives Back
Avalaunch Gives Back is a charity race with a regular 5K run and a fun yeti mascot family run. Avalaunch Media intends to give up to 100% of sponsor money to charities: Water for Life Charity and Allies 2 Refugees. Join your fellow runners at the Wheeler Historic Farm in Salt Lake City!
12. Cupid’s Chase
Love can be shared in many ways. One of them is helping those who really need it. Join Cupid’s Chase 5K, a nationwide charity marathon, to raise funds for people with disabilities.
Conclusion
Running is a great way to strengthen your physique and achieve tranquility of the mind, especially when done in Utah’s scenic vistas.
There are many more Utah marathons you can join, and we urge you to explore other possibilities. Note that we have only listed well-established and long-standing races. However, one-off events (such as 5K Run For Ukraine) often emerge as a response to different world events and issues, so you might also want to discover races in Utah dedicated to them.
