The Salt Lake City Marathon offers some of the most beautiful scenery to be found in the country. If you like the mountains or have never seen snow capped mountains, you may enjoyed the friendly environment offered in this rural marathon landscape.
This is a qualifying race for the Boston Marathon, so it attracts just as many seasoned long distance runners as it attracts first time marathon runners.
Race History
The Salt Lake City Marathon was started in 2004 through the efforts of a local runners group, Devine Racing. With time, the marathon was joined by a half marathon, 5K, kid’s marathon, and even a bike tour.
All races together typically attract fewer than 10,000 racers, so this is known as one of the least crowded races currently serving as a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
The date for the Salt Lake City Marathon has changed throughout the history of the race, but always ends up settling in April, which is the month in which it is currently being held.
Springtime is beautiful in Salt Lake City, and the weather is on the cool side but generally comfortable for a long distance run. Even without the high number of registrations received by the biggest marathons in the country, the Salt Lake City Marathon attracts long distance runners from around the world.
The finish line party is a healthy mix of first time marathon runners and seasoned professionals with their eye on the Boston Marathon.
Race Course
The Salt Lake City Marathon is perfect for those running their very first marathon, since the course is very flat with more downhill than uphill.
This is a fast course that experienced long distance runners enjoy for the scenery and beautiful weather, but it remains a great place for those just stretching their legs into the long distance arena.
The starting line is on grounds of the University of Utah and winds through the breathtaking Wasatch Mountains and Liberty Park.
This is the perfect race for those that love breaking away from the big city environment to enjoy the mountains, complete with caps of snow most years.
Yet, since the marathon is held in early spring there are some flowers peaking out and the weather is generally cool and comfortable.
This adds to the allure of this rural race course, which winds around the mountains and through wide, straight roads running through town and through surrounding neighborhoods.
There are many places along the course where spectators can cheer on the racers, which adds to the excitement of the marathon experience.
The finish line is turned into a massive celebration with live music, creating the perfect environment for racers to celebrate their accomplishment with those cheering them on from the sidelines.
All roads are closed during the marathon, so spectators will need to pay attention to designated cheering areas along the course.
Registering for the Salt Lake City Marathon
The fastest way to register for the marathon is to visit their website. This is not a race known to fill up, so you typically can get into the race at the last minute if you feel you are well trained and ready for the challenge.
There aren’t as many hotels in the area as you will find in many larger cities, so you may want to plan ahead and book your accommodation just to make sure you are comfortable when race weekend comes around.
There is an expo running throughout the weekend of the April race, so you should get there at least one day early to enjoy that part of the race experience and pick up your race packet so you are ready come race morning.
Training for the Salt Lake City Marathon
When training for the marathon, keep in mind that it is a rather flat course with some downhill sections. You will not need to train for hills, though hills can be useful in your training for other purposes.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the roads are shut down during the Salt Lake City Marathon. This means you may need to keep to a certain pace in order to make it to the end of the race and join the celebration. You can check any time limitations through the race website for the year you want to join the race.
The months leading up to the marathon are crucial for your success. Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon.
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