Salt Lake City Marathon
The Lowdown
The Salt Lake City Marathon, held each spring since the early 2000s, has grown into Utah’s premier road race and a marquee event on the regional running calendar. Its history is rooted in community spirit and fitness promotion across the Salt Lake Valley, drawing both competitive marathoners seeking Boston-qualifying times and thousands of recreational runners and walkers. The race traditionally takes advantage of the city’s spectacular backdrop and was established to showcase Salt Lake City’s mix of urban charm and mountain scenery while providing a fast, well-supported course for athletes of all levels. The course threads through downtown neighborhoods and major city landmarks, offering sustained views of the Wasatch Range and the Salt Lake Valley as runners pass tree-lined streets, local parks, and lively cheering sections. Runners often highlight the down-valley stretches as scenic and fast, with excellent crowd support and well-organized aid stations enhancing the experience. The event atmosphere is festive and community-driven, with post-race celebrations, music, and family-friendly activities that make it welcoming for spectators as well as participants. The marathon is USATF-certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifying course, making it attractive to runners chasing time goals.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
23rd Annual Edition in 2026
Apr 25, 2026The 2026 race will mark the 23rd annual running of the Salt Lake City Marathon. The race was first held in 2004 and has grown to become Utah's Best Running Event and Best Half Marathon. The event is organized by High Altitude Events and sponsored by University of Utah Health and Bank of America.
Huntsman Heroes Partnership Raises Over $6 Million Since 2003
Aug 30, 2025The Salt Lake City Marathon has partnered with Huntsman Cancer Foundation for over 20 years, with the Huntsman Heroes charity program raising more than $6 million for cancer research since 2003. 100% of all donations go directly to Huntsman Cancer Institute's research, treatment, and prevention efforts.
Race Ownership Changed to High Altitude Events in 2015
Jan 1, 2015The marathon has changed ownership multiple times throughout its history. After being founded by Devine Racing in 2004, it was sold to US Road Sports in 2012, then to Lifetime Fitness in 2014, and finally to High Altitude Events in 2015, which continues to operate the race today.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Temple Square
Runners pass by the iconic Salt Lake Temple and the historic church grounds in the heart of downtown
Utah State Capitol
The course offers views of the neoclassical capitol building and its terraces overlooking the city
City Creek Center
The downtown stretch runs alongside this open-air shopping and dining center with a creek running through it
The Leonardo Museum
Participants go past the interactive science and art museum near downtown Salt Lake City
Liberty Park
The route skirts or passes near this large urban park known for its ponds, trees, and recreation areas
Wasatch Mountain views
Several sections of the course feature panoramic views of the Wasatch Range and foothills
Emigration Canyon (scenic canyon drive)
The out-and-back or return portions include stretches through or alongside the picturesque Emigration Canyon area
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Salt Lake City, UT, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must register and have an assigned bib to participate
- Minimum age 16 to run the full marathon; runners under 18 must have parent/guardian consent
- All participants must sign an electronic waiver and release of liability during registration
- Runners must be capable of finishing within the official course time limit (typically 6–7 hours)
- Athletes must obey race officials, course marshals and USATF competition rules where applicable
- Wheelchair athletes and handcycles must register in advance and comply with event-specific rules and ramp/assist guidelines
- Strollers, scooters, pets and unauthorized motorized devices are not allowed on the marathon course
- Race entries are non-transferable and non-refundable unless event policy provides a specific transfer/deferral option
- Participants must wear their assigned bib visible on the front of their clothing for the entire race
- Medical personnel have final authority to remove any runner deemed unable to continue safely
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Signed race waiver/registration confirmation
- Emergency contact information
- Proof of eligibility for special categories (military/student/masters)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Virtual Race
- Tour Operator
- In-Person Registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
No refunds under any circumstances
Bib transfers to another registered runner allowed until 30 days before race for a $15 processing fee
Deferral to the following year's race (2027) allowed until 14 days before race with $25 deferral fee; medical deferrals accepted with physician documentation through race weekend
If the event is canceled by organizers (e.g., severe weather or government order), registrants will be offered deferral to the next event or a partial refund at organizer discretion; virtual race option may be provided
The course offers scenic views of the Wasatch Mountains and passes landmarks including the Utah State Capitol and neighborhoods of Salt Lake City before finishing in the downtown area.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical long-sleeve finisher shirt, and there is a post-race festival with food vendors and a beer garden for participants 21+.
The race weekend includes an expo with packet pickup, race gear vendors, and a kids run, and many runners take advantage of a Saturday pasta dinner hosted by local organizers.
Runners should prepare for altitude (Salt Lake City is around 4,300 ft), expect aid stations roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water and electrolyte drink, and plan to use downtown parking or TRAX light rail for easier access to the 7:00 AM start.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.