subject: Popular Holiday Runs In Utah [print this page] It comes as no surprise that Utah is one of the most popular destinations for those who love the outdoors and love to run marathons. Utah has been ranked to hold some of the most scenic running trails in the USA, and several of the courses are in the top 20 nationwide.
With running becoming the fastest growing hobby in the United States, registration for marathons in Utah are filling up faster than ever. Utah is a great place to run, as there are marathons for every fitness and skill level. 5k and 10K races, as well as, half marathons take place all year long. Winter, spring, summer or fall, a person can choose to run dressed up as Santa, with hundreds of other Santas, run through vibrant fields of lavender or run in a creative costume of their choice.
Here is a look at three popular races that have encouraged thousands of people to get outdoors, train and participate in, every year.
1. The Utah Half Marathon is a Halloween-themed marathon and is undeniably some of the most fun anyone will have in running a marathon. Bring a Halloween costume to the Provo City Marathon, make sure it is one that allows running, and join the largest Halloween party in Utah. Awards are given to the top three female and male finishes, and an award is given for the best individual costume.
The course starts at Alpine Loop at Aspen Grove, goes through the scenic Provo River Parkway Trail and finally finishes at Ron Last Park. This 13.1-mile racecourse has an elevation loss of 2,008 ft., making it a fast downhill course. Add the beautiful scenery, and it is just sheer joy to cruise along in a Halloween costume with hundreds of others.
Bringing a camera is recommended, as some of the most hilarious pictures can be taken and shared with friends and family.
2. The Utah Valley Marathon is one often most advertised marathons in Utah, and takes place in June. The spots in this marathon, and the half marathon, sell out quickly. It boasts of being one of the fastest courses in Utah, and both the full and half marathon courses are USATF certified for qualifying for the Boston Marathon.
The 26 mile course, runs alongside the Provo River, with scenery of breathtaking canyon views and the Bridal Veil Falls. The course begins in Wallsburg and ends right in the heart of Provo city, where lots of excitement and community entertainment is hosted.
The gentle downhill slopes helps to keep up speed, as the overall altitude change is 1750 ft., and it is very evenly distributed with small bursts of uphill. Those running the half marathon will run the last half of the full marathon course.
This race take place in June, and attracts thousands every year, making it one of the fastest growing marathons in Utah.
3. The Hobble Creek Half marathon takes place in August, and it is a great way to reward a long summer of training and get preparation for bigger fall events. Surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, it is a fast downhill course, allowing an opportunity to set a record.
The course begins at Balsam Campground, six miles outside of Springville. Then the 13.1-mile course takes the runners past beautiful views of the mountains and the city, and finishes in town at the Mapleton City Park. A popular touch to this race is that flowers are given to all female contestants who finish the race.
