Save $10 (on full or half) with code RAVES10 *** Welcome to the Ogden Marathon, Utah’s Spring Run Off. Held the 3rd Saturday of every May, the Ogden Marathon attracts runners from all 50 states and several countries. The race has gained local and national attention as one of the most scenic …
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Save $10 (on full or half) with code RAVES10
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Welcome to the Ogden Marathon, Utah’s Spring Run Off. Held the 3rd Saturday of every May, the Ogden Marathon attracts runners from all 50 states and several countries. The race has gained local and national attention as one of the most scenic Boston Marathon qualifying courses.
A combination of the areas scenic beauty, world class volunteer support and race organization has made the Ogden Marathon a must do race in Utah!
* Voted “one of the Top Ten Marathons in the World” Runners World – January 2011
* “One of the Best Courses in America for First-Time Marathon Runners” Runners World – January 2012
* “5th Best Marathon in the Country for Beginning Marathon Runners” Shape.com – March 2015
The Marathon’s beautiful course starts at an elevation of 5400ft. As you run the first half you will enjoy open roads, green fields and a beautiful gushing river. At the half way mark and start of the 1/2 Marathon you are at an elevation of 5000ft. The last half of the Marathon is equally beautiful.
You will start the final half by running around Pineview Reservoir then drop into Ogden Canyon where you will run along the roaring Ogden River. Breathtaking views of pine covered slopes changing into steep rock faces will be encountered along with quaint homes nestled along the river’s edge. Exiting the canyon you run onto the Ogden River Parkway for approximately 2 miles which will take you past Dinosaur Park and the Utah State University Botanical Gardens. The course ends downtown on Historic 25th street at an elevation of 4,309 Feet.
The 1/2 Marathon course begins at the last half of the full Marathon at an elevation of 5,000 feet.
Relay Teams may have 2 to 5 participants. Each participant must complete their own registration to join a team. Teams will compete in one of three divisions; Men’s, Women’s and Mixed. Businesses and organizations wishing to compete for the Corporate Cup Traveling Trophy must register for the Corporate Cup Relay team category.
The Ogden Marathon 5K is run over the final 3.1 miles of the marathon course. The race starts near the Junction Downtown and winds along the Ogden River Parkway before looping back down Grant Avenue for about a mile until you cross the Finish Line. The Ogden River Parkway is a paved pathway that parallels the Ogden River through lush trees. As a result, this winding course probably isn’t the best place to set your 5K personal record, but it will rank among the most enjoyable 5K runs you’ll ever experience. Expect chilly morning winds coming from the canyon.
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Gorgeous course
I'm a "local" but given the bus schedule, chose to stay at a hotel that got me about 45min closer to the bus because you need to be on a … MORE
I’m a “local” but given the bus schedule, chose to stay at a hotel that got me about 45min closer to the bus because you need to be on a bus at 4:30 in the morning. It’s mid May so I will be chilly up top, plan for it. They had fire barrels to take the edge off and a TON of porta potties. That’s super nice because the line won’t kill you. This race is mostly downhill but you do need to mentally prepare for the first 1.5mi which is UP hill. If I hadn’t drive the course the night before I might have freaked out. You start near the reservoir in a tiny little town called Eden. From there, you run UP a hill and then UP another hill to get to the road that runs along the reservoir. Then, you cross the dam and start the canyon part of the race. This is super pretty because it’s quiet, there’s no traffic, only birds and running water and rocks. You’re deep in a canyon so it’s not sun on you but the sun is up. As you run down the canyon, it is not steep at all. I think there was only about 600ft elevation loss over all so I would not consider this a true “downhill canyon” race like many in Utah. You won’t have trashed legs at the end of it. Towards the end of the canyon portion is Ogden waterfall which is huge, coming down from the top of the rocks on the right side of the course. This makes for a good cool breeze. As you run out of the canyon, you drop under the road to run through the park/botanical gardens which is flattened out before dropping you onto the street that leads you to the finish. Be prepared, this last mile feels looooong. You’re running a city street on a straightway and I think it’s about 10 blocks to the finish line. At the finish line, there was ice cream but no chocolate milk and only dixie cups of water. That was a bummer because I really needed water and doing shots was not enough! There’s a festival in the park behind the finish line. Parking for this race is GREAT. Tons of parking everywhere that is not far from the bus loading and the finish. Medals were nice and a long sleeve shirt was also nice. Course support was good and I loved that the people working the water stations were also doing canyon clean up since the canyon is usually closed to pedestrians. The expo was a little frustrating because it was held in a building adjacent to where they were also holding graduation ceremonies so parking was a challenge.
Scenic and fast
Starting with the good. The course was fast downhill race with a few rollers in the middle. Very scenic along a river or reservoir the entire run. Some unique sections … MORE
Starting with the good.
The course was fast downhill race with a few rollers in the middle. Very scenic along a river or reservoir the entire run. Some unique sections mile 15-21 though the gorge.
Ample aid stations and plenty of volunteers.
The negatives
If you’re a faster runner be prepared to dodge half marathon walkers during the later miles of the marathon. It is always a struggle with a point to point race no matter how much volunteers try to prevent it, walkers never stay on one side and always walk 4 wide holding hands. Probably lost close to a minute in the last 2 miles weaving all over the road.
Also, bathrooms lines at the start were crazy long, +30min.
Must do and a Beautiful City, 23rd year
One of the best organized marathons in America. ( America First) marathon. From beginning to end it was well done. Great support, super people. Course is a little down hill … MORE
One of the best organized marathons in America. ( America First) marathon. From beginning to end it was well done. Great support, super people. Course is a little down hill but all good. You follow the river and go through the valley. about 1500 people per race, 5 races. Great swag, you will love the race. Bused up the valley and run to the city. 39 degrees start, 72 degrees finish, fire pits at the top before you race.
Amazing course, great aid stations
The course was acenic and peaceful. It wasn't as much of a downhill race as I was led to belive, but it only had one hill at mile 14 that … MORE
The course was acenic and peaceful. It wasn’t as much of a downhill race as I was led to belive, but it only had one hill at mile 14 that was fairly steep. The aid stations were great. There was one every 1.5 to two miles with plenty of water, gatorade, oranges, bananas gels, etc. They also had quite a few aid stations, especially at the end of the race. I wasn’t able to train very much prior to the race, so I struggled to get across the finish line, but I was running with an injured hip! I’ll be entering this one next year, but I plan to start training early in preperation! All in all it was a very good race. The people were amazing, it was very well organized, and kudos to the police department for showing up in mass to make sure the runners were able to run a safe race!
Good first race
Great race near where I live. A scenic area. Everything well done. They have lots of resources for runners including a winter running series and many group runs leading up … MORE
Great race near where I live. A scenic area. Everything well done. They have lots of resources for runners including a winter running series and many group runs leading up to it. Very good.
Pretty Solid Race
Ogden is a very unique race, because while it is mostly downhill, it is still at substantial altitude. I think the race was very well operated and aid stations were … MORE
Ogden is a very unique race, because while it is mostly downhill, it is still at substantial altitude.
I think the race was very well operated and aid stations were good. The swag was also pretty solid and better than I anticipated.
Ogden is a bit unique as well because there aren’t a lot of spectating spots, since you get dropped off in the canyon.
This isn’t really a rip on the race, since it adds to the immense beauty you run through, but for spectating families that can be a bit of a bummer.
Overall, altitude makes it challenging, but it’s downhill, well-run, and good swag. Would recommend for anyone who trains and races at altitude and/or is looking for a beautiful, scenic, and well-run race.
Beautiful & Very Professionally Run
Everything about this race was perfect. The scenery was truly beautiful, the weather was great, and the race was very professionally organized. I ran the half marathon and my partner … MORE
Everything about this race was perfect. The scenery was truly beautiful, the weather was great, and the race was very professionally organized. I ran the half marathon and my partner ran the 12k. We both had a great time and we were both impressed by how smoothly the shuttle process worked.
Overall Good Experience
This is my first race of any kind. I overall had a great time. The canyon is beautiful. My main complaint was at the finish line, there wasn't a lot … MORE
This is my first race of any kind. I overall had a great time. The canyon is beautiful. My main complaint was at the finish line, there wasn’t a lot of signage to direct me to specific things. I wished I would have been able to get food immediately at the finish line. If that was the case, I somehow missed it. Also, I wished there had been an option for a short sleeve race shirt. They gave everyone a long sleeve.
EPIC COURSE, BREATHTAKING BEAUTY
5 marathons in 5 weeks…Ogden Marathon was #5 (finish 3:52), was BEAUTIFULLY BREATHTAKING! Snow Capped mountains made gorgeous backdrops through the miles! It was FUN and I loved running alongside … MORE
5 marathons in 5 weeks…Ogden Marathon was #5 (finish 3:52), was BEAUTIFULLY BREATHTAKING! Snow Capped mountains made gorgeous backdrops through the miles! It was FUN and I loved running alongside the rushing river water! I will definitely do do this one again! It was SPECTACULAR, the expo was FANTASTIC and the volunteers were AWESOME! Only complaint… The bathroom situation at the start line was terrible! Not a great idea to put your only bathrooms in a horseshoe where runners are cramped in and nobody knows which line is which. Many runners missed the last call for bag drop as they had to make a choice… get out of the never ending line (so many runners and not enough bathrooms) or miss the bag drop bus and leave gear behind. Luckily there was a volunteer that assured several of them that she would personal take it to the finish, but it caused unnecessary stress. Overall, one of the most scenic marathons and would highly recommend! You will not be disappointed as it is a top notch event!
My 1st Half Marathon in Ogden
This was my first Half Marathon i've done and couldn't have asked for a better experience. The amount of pre-race info/help was great and reduced almost all the stress and … MORE
This was my first Half Marathon i’ve done and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The amount of pre-race info/help was great and reduced almost all the stress and anxiety i had going into my first race. Aid stations were plentiful throughout the race and at the end.
Canyon views
The canyon doesn’t have as great a drop as a lot of other local canyon races. That makes it easier on the knees and feet. The start of the race … MORE
The canyon doesn’t have as great a drop as a lot of other local canyon races. That makes it easier on the knees and feet. The start of the race wasn’t too far removed from drop off time so you don’t spend a bunch of time standing around. Those that man the aid stations are AWESOME. Someone was even handing out pancakes.
Ogden Does so Many Things Well
This is my second time running this race and I must say that this race gets better with age (the number of times you do it). This was the first … MORE
This is my second time running this race and I must say that this race gets better with age (the number of times you do it). This was the first race I ever did back in 2022 and it was such a wonderful experience that I knew I had to come back in 2023 and so I did. If you are looking for a good first time marathon in Utah then Ogden is the best choice, if you’re looking to get a PR then Ogden is a great choice, if you’re looking for a fun and well organized race then Ogden is the race for you.
Stunning scenery, very well organized.
This race does have some up and downhills later in the race so be prepared for that. Also it has rained and been cold in the past, so pay attention … MORE
This race does have some up and downhills later in the race so be prepared for that. Also it has rained and been cold in the past, so pay attention to the weather. Parking can be difficult in the morning, arrive early. Race is very well organized, volunteers are great.
Beautiful course views
This is the most beautiful course. It’s a steady downhill for 99% of the race, but the last 3 miles are flatter and not as scenic making them a killer MORE
This is the most beautiful course. It’s a steady downhill for 99% of the race, but the last 3 miles are flatter and not as scenic making them a killer
A race to remember!
Be careful not to push yourself too hard if you come from a different elevation. The race is full of energy and a beautiful course to run. Remember to enjoy … MORE
Be careful not to push yourself too hard if you come from a different elevation. The race is full of energy and a beautiful course to run. Remember to enjoy the journey. There is nothing like getting close to the finish line with crowds of people lined up for almost a half a mile on the side lines cheering you on towards the finish line! Then after hours of work you cross that finish line and someone places an amazing, big, beautiful medal around your neck! Then you are further awarded with vendors who have provided drinks, and ice cream bars, breads, and other treats to help you refuel and recover, along with live music and other things to hear and see!
Beautiful course! Don't miss this one!
The course it stunning. There is so much prep work and thought that goes into each details. Every station from top to bottom is loaded with helpful volunteers. Aid stations … MORE
The course it stunning. There is so much prep work and thought that goes into each details. Every station from top to bottom is loaded with helpful volunteers. Aid stations are stocked! Transportation to the top was quick and effortless. The course is mostly downhill but there are some uphills to conquer. Bag drop is easy and post race refuel is great!
My most exciting challenge
Just do it! I am a mom of 2 I never worked out or got into shape before so when I started running it was so exhausting and hard on … MORE
Just do it! I am a mom of 2 I never worked out or got into shape before so when I started running it was so exhausting and hard on me. At first I did it to lose some weight but I wanted to challenge myself so after 5 weeks of training I signed up for the 5k. I had so much anxiety about doing as I never did this kind of thing before. I know everyone Starts somewhere and this was my start. I plan to do many more races and someday a full marathon!
Unbelievable race experience
The course has such a nice gradual drop and incredible views of the Ogden Valley area. The race directors are top notch and put on a fantastic starting and finishing … MORE
The course has such a nice gradual drop and incredible views of the Ogden Valley area. The race directors are top notch and put on a fantastic starting and finishing line experience.
Great BQ Race
Very well run with frequent aid stations. Great route leads to many BQ finishers. Scenery is beautiful along the way. Volunteers are helpful and the organizers provide frequent email updates. MORE
Very well run with frequent aid stations. Great route leads to many BQ finishers. Scenery is beautiful along the way. Volunteers are helpful and the organizers provide frequent email updates.
Beautiful race! Organized & supported!
Beautiful and challenging course in parts. Excellent water and aid stations. Great organization and communication from signup to after the finish line. Tons of community support. Loved it! Weather was … MORE
Beautiful and challenging course in parts. Excellent water and aid stations. Great organization and communication from signup to after the finish line. Tons of community support. Loved it! Weather was the best this year- finally!