Author: Jenny Willden

Jenny Willden is the Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide and a self-proclaimed gear and grammar nut. She's a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and the Adventure Travel Trade Association. A lover of adventure and travel, she's happiest when riding horses or snowboarding in Utah’s mountains. Follow Jenny’s exploits on Twitter @jennywillden or Instagram @jlwillden.

Over six kilometers into a 10K race, the course banks right as I follow the leading runners into an open side gate at the famed Hershey amusement park. If it weren’t for the collective of enthusiastic volunteers banging clappers together and cheering phrases like “Keep going! You can do it!” as we run by, I’d think it had been left open by accident.

Read More

Pro cyclists travel from around the world to compete in the Tour de Utah, but even if you’re not a pro, you can get in on the action at the The Ultimate Challenge, one of North America’s most challenging, non-competitive amateur cycling events. Race is Saturday, August 9, 2014 on the same day and course as Stage 6 of Tour de Utah, which features 10,000 feet of climbing. Three start options are offered that all end at Snowbird Ski Resort. rideuc.com

Read More

Expect to suffer a bit as you run, bike, run, bike through trees, water, sand, and mud at this lap course for a total of 6.2 miles of running and 20 miles of biking. Relay teams welcome. Race held Saturday, July 26, 2014 at Ogden’s Fort Buenaventura. Two other races are offered as part of the weekend: a ladies Skirt in the Dirt 5K or 10K trail run (July 26) and the Nighttime Trail Run (July 25). getoutandlive.org

Read More

The Deseret News Classic is Utah’s oldest road race, and it’s held in the pre-dawn hours every July 24. Start your Pioneer Day day of right by running the marathon, half marathon, 10K, or 5K then stick around after to catch Utah’s biggest parade. The courses are beautiful, and you can’t beat running past the crowds amassed along the parade route! The 10K is Utah’s fastest and most competitive, and there’s prize money on the line for Utah locals! deseretnews.com/marathon

Read More

Forget early morning racing and stay up late instead for this nighttime run that begins at the stroke of midnight and is lit by a full moon. Run a half marathon, 10K, or 5K on either Provo’s River Trail System (June 27) or on North Salt Lake’s Legacy Parkway Trail System (July 11) with glow sticks and receive a light-up medal when you finish the half! Bring a headlamp to help you see. legacymidnightrun.com

Read More

Ever feel disadvantaged on race day with your jogging stroller? This run is for you! Bring your chariot and your kiddos to this 5K and 10K race on Saturday, June 21, 2014 that caters to stroller pushers and awards them prizes! Race held at Ponds Park in Kaysville. thechariotrace.wordpress.com

Read More

Triathletes love this race because it offers an open-water swim course without a long drive from the Salt Lake Valley. The swim is in Daybreak’s Oquirrh Lake, next is a bike ride to Kennecott and back, followed by a run on Daybreak’s trail system. Sprint and Olympic distances offered. Race held Saturday, June 6, 2014. ustrisports.com

Read More

To celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Camp Williams, runners and cyclists have the rare opportunity to race on a military base that’s normally closed to the public on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Plus, your entry fee helps military families! There are race options for everyone, including: 25K mountain bike race, metric century (66 miles) and half metric century (33 miles) road bike races, and 5K, 10K, and half marathon runs. Everyone gets a finisher medal, and there are spectator activities like rock climbing walls, military vehicles, K-9 demonstrations, kids’ races, and live music. ironwillrace.com

Read More

At Goldilocks all-women’s bike ride, you can choose just the right mileage with 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100-mile courses available. The May 10, 2014 ride is non-competitive and fully supported, making it a fun way to spend the day with your best girl friends. Plus, you can change distance anytime, including the day of. The gorgeous course begins in Daybreak, Utah and is a mix of suburban and rural riding with challenging climbs and exhilarating downhills. Registration includes a fully supported course, catered lunch, swag bag, chip timing, free event photography, and finisher’s necklaces. goldilocksride.com

Read More

This new event is billed as an Outdoor Retailer™ Show for everyone. Held May 9-10, 2014 at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy, the Expo is sponsored by the Utah Office of Outdoor Recreation and is a marketplace where outdoor manufacturers and retailers can sell gear and educate consumers. Expedition outfitters, outdoor activity providers, and resorts will also be on hand to help you plan and book outdoor getaways. The show focuses on cycling, running, camping, climbing, backpacking, watersports, and skiing/snowboarding. adventuregearexpo.com

Read More