Utah’s 5 Best Destination Races
Instead of a traditional vacation, many runners are opting for “racecations” where they race in the city they’re visiting. Racing is the best reason to travel in my opinion, and I have a personal goal of racing in all 50 states in my lifetime.
But you don’t have to hop on a plane to take a racecation! Explore Utah and run in a beautiful place while overnighting at one of our five favorite destination races.
Photo courtesy of The Ogden Marathon
Ogden Marathon
May 16, 2020
This race is Utah’s biggest single outdoor marathon and is known for its outdoor beauty, world-class views, and competition; it’s no wonder the phrase “Get Out and Live” is a commonly associated with the area. As for the race, it draws people from all over the country to compete as well as local athletes. I can attest to the beauty of this course as it literally took my breath away running down the canyon. This race also supports the Goal Foundation’s charitable causes. UComplete this race and the St. George Marathon in a year and receive the special Red Rocks & Mountain Tops medal.
What to See: Tourist destinations like Hill Aerospace Museum, Union Station, the Botanical Gardens, and George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park are big hits for the whole family. Or take your little ones to Cold Springs Trout Farm and catch fish.
Where to Stay: Lakeside Resort Properties offer the closest proximity to the race, or stay at the historic Bigelow Hotel if you plan to explore downtown Ogden. Both offer deals for racers, and Bigelow Hotel throws in a free grab-n-go runner’s breakfast.
Sign up for the Ogden Marathon
Photo courtesy of Bryce Canyon Half Marathon
Bryce Canyon Half
July 11, 2020
Run past Bryce Canyon’s legendary red rock and through the small towns of Tropic and Cannonville at this summer race. Although I haven’t personally raced Bryce, it’s getting rave reviews from all my running friends, so I’m adding this half to my must-do list. This event also offers a 5K option on Saturday and a Color Me Fun race on Friday night.
The half is well organized with great local support, and each aid station has a fun theme as locals compete to “win the best aid station.” Race registration also includes a nice tech shirt, medal, and great swag. Runners who return year after year tell me the route has beautiful scenery, and the first 7-mile stretch is downhill—so you’re likely to finish fast.
What to See: While in Bryce, explore the sandstone cliffs on foot or by horse. Take the easy 1.8-mile Queens Garden Trail into the canyon to see the hoodoos up close without tiring your legs for the big race.
Where to Stay: Many stay at the Ruby’s Inn by the starting line, or if you are a camper like me, make reservations at the campground next to Ruby’s Inn.
Sign up for the Bryce Canyon Half
Photo courtesy of Logan Marathon
Logan Marathon: A Top of Utah Tradition
September 19, 2020
This new race offers an open and flat route throughout the west-side of beautiful Cache Valley, with a Start/Finish on Historic Center Street in downtown Logan. Enjoy the Altra Runners Festival on Historic Center Street before and after the race. Free and open to all runners and spectators. Choose from marathon, 10K trail race, 5K fun run, and one-mile family run.
What to See: If you get a chance, explore the hikes up Logan Canyon or stop at the small zoo at Willow Park with your children. I always like to stop at Gossner’s Cheese for a treat after the event.
Where to Stay: Affordable SpringHill Suites is near Utah State University and the finish line, and boasts a free hot breakfast and heated swimming pool.
Sign up for the Top of Utah Marathon
Arches Half Marathon (Formerly The Other Half)
October 11, 2020
Race past red rock canyons, stunning rock formations like Fisher Towers and Castle Rock, and the La Sal Mountains on this paved course that runs parallel to the Colorado River. Runners are shuttled up to the start and the route winds down the canyon with just a few short hill climbs before finishing at Sorrel River Ranch. This event began in 2004 as a fall companion to the popular spring Canyonlands Half Marathon and is the perfect end-of-season race. Runners receive a unique finisher medal, custom long sleeve race shirt, a custom pint glass, great post race refreshments and three beers at the beer garden.
What to See: There’s plenty of hiking in the area at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Or explore Moab in a Jeep, on a mountain bike, or in a raft down the Colorado River.
Where to Stay: Moab is 3–4 hours from Salt Lake City and lodging options range from camping to family-friendly five-star hotels. Red Cliffs Lodge and Sorrel River Ranch offer private shuttles to the start line and are easy to reach after the race ends. For tent campers, plenty of sites line the Colorado River.
Photo courtesy of Snow Canyon Half Marathon
Snow Canyon Half Marathon
November 7, 2020
Run downhill through the red rock wonderscape of Snow Canyon State Park, passing sandstone cliffs and volcanic landscapes on this USATF-certified half marathon route that ends at Snow Canyon High School. All runners must take the bus to the start from the high school, and the entire course is paved. Follow a pacer to stay on track with your desired finish time. Not up for running 13.1? Sign up for the the half marathon, or fun runs with one-mile, half-mile, and 200-meter dash races for kids.
What to See: Take in an easy hike after the event at Pioneer Park, or mosey along the well-marked paths of the Red Hills Desert Gardens viewing cactus and local vegetation. When traveling with children, don’t miss the St. George’s Children’s Museum.
Where to Stay: Chains like Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn in St. George provide easy race access, or opt for the luxurious spa and outdoor adventure scene at Red Mountain Resort—located a quarter-mile from Snow Canyon State Park.
