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 …
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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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Beautiful, fun, and amazing
I almost did not run it this year, because of an injury, and didn’t have the time to train, but at the last minute made the decision to run it, … MORE
I almost did not run it this year, because of an injury, and didn’t have the time to train, but at the last minute made the decision to run it, and I am so glad that I did. The race was very well organized, and I had a great experience with the other renters and volunteers. This is my first time running, and would love to keep it a tradition. I think you have the marathon!
This Race Spoiled Me
This was my first year running the marathon although I’ve ran the half twice before. I compare all my races to this course, and none have topped Ogden. The organization … MORE
This was my first year running the marathon although I’ve ran the half twice before. I compare all my races to this course, and none have topped Ogden. The organization is fantastic and the views are amazing! I can’t recommend this race enough! This race has my heart.
I’ll run it until I can’t.
Ogden is easily a Top 10 marathon in the U.S. Not only is the race organized almost flawlessly, with finish line concessions you’ve craved the entire 26.2 miles, but you’ll … MORE
Ogden is easily a Top 10 marathon in the U.S. Not only is the race organized almost flawlessly, with finish line concessions you’ve craved the entire 26.2 miles, but you’ll catch yourself gawking at the views on views the entire duration of your run. The incline of elevation is extremely forgiving, and the decline is extremely enjoyable, begging you to lean into it and float to Grant Ave. where you’ll be greeted by thousands of cheering athletic supporters to give you that dopamine burst to finish strong. See you next year.
1st marathon, did not disappoint
Well organized event. Medal was a busy on the branding. Staging area didn't have cell reception at least for me (AT&T). Views were amazing. Volunteers were great. Highly recommend. MORE
Well organized event. Medal was a busy on the branding. Staging area didn’t have cell reception at least for me (AT&T). Views were amazing. Volunteers were great. Highly recommend.
The best experience
Such an amazing course! First half marathon! With a sub two! The runners high was real!! Will definitely do every year! The volunteers were so amazing and so helpful! Very … MORE
Such an amazing course! First half marathon! With a sub two! The runners high was real!! Will definitely do every year! The volunteers were so amazing and so helpful! Very organized.
My Can't-Miss Race—Every Single Year
The Ogden Marathon is the highlight of my racing calendar. The production and organization are top-notch—smooth logistics, great support, and a fantastic atmosphere. The course itself is the perfect blend: … MORE
The Ogden Marathon is the highlight of my racing calendar. The production and organization are top-notch—smooth logistics, great support, and a fantastic atmosphere. The course itself is the perfect blend: scenic and diverse, with fast road sections and some challenging stretches to keep you honest. I’ll run this race every year I can. Highly recommended.
Haven’t run Ogden you are missing out!
Beautiful course scenery that keeps you talking for months. Aid stations are always there to pump you up when you need it. The finish line is always spectacular with a … MORE
Beautiful course scenery that keeps you talking for months. Aid stations are always there to pump you up when you need it. The finish line is always spectacular with a free creamie at the end that keeps me going at mile 20. If you haven’t run Ogden yet you truly are missing out.
Beautiful course
First time running a half marathon and glad i chose this one! It was super well put together. Aid stations were super often which was very nice as a new … MORE
First time running a half marathon and glad i chose this one! It was super well put together. Aid stations were super often which was very nice as a new and slow runner! Theres TONS of people running so you are never alone on the course. The canyon is gorgeous with great views the whole way! Theres a few hills at the beginning but then it’s a steady downhill that keeps you moving! Will be doing it again!
Runner for her. #Aimie
I ran this marathon for my sister (my very first marathon), who’s currently battling stage four cancer — and every mile was a reflection of her strength. What made this … MORE
I ran this marathon for my sister (my very first marathon), who’s currently battling stage four cancer — and every mile was a reflection of her strength. What made this race unforgettable wasn’t just the scenery although very beautiful — it was the sense of purpose. I didn’t train the traditional way as a mom of three young kids, but I showed up with everything I had, because sometimes your ‘why’ carries you farther than any long run ever could. For anyone considering this race: bring your heart. The miles will take care of themselves.
Best scenic race I’ve done
Signed up for this race since it was a USATF qualifier and was beyond impressed by everything that went into the race. From the race packet pickup, the expo, the … MORE
Signed up for this race since it was a USATF qualifier and was beyond impressed by everything that went into the race. From the race packet pickup, the expo, the start line, the finish, and the bag pick up after the race. Never seen a more organized race! The views were breathtaking coming from a Florida girl. I feel this race was a hidden gem and I’m so excited to run it again next year. Got my personal record and can’t wait to run Boston again. Only complaint I have is the water station severing red Gatorade. This red dye 40 has been discouraged/avoided to serve to NCAA athletes and banned in Europe due to health concerns. It upset my stomach at the end of the race.
Gorgeous, well-organized race
This was my very first marathon ever. I live in Charlotte, NC (where the elevation is about 750 feet above sea level, which is relevant). I wanted my first marathon … MORE
This was my very first marathon ever. I live in Charlotte, NC (where the elevation is about 750 feet above sea level, which is relevant). I wanted my first marathon to be somewhere totally different, with beautiful scenery to keep things interesting and without too many hills to worry about. Well this one fit the bill! My cousin who lives in Ohio (elevation 900 feet above sea level) ran it with me, and we both think the difference in altitude had a slight effect on our pace, but it was never *difficult* to breathe. The only uphill I remember was at mile 14, and although it was a bit long and gradual, it wasn’t the beast I was expecting. It was more noticeably downhill than expected in some sections, which was pretty hard on the legs in the later miles. But it was manageable and I barely trained on hills. Aid stations were frequent and well stocked with water, Gatorade and gu, and an abundance of enthusiastic volunteers! Organization was fantastic from expo to the finish. Bathroom lines looked very long at the start line if you didn’t get on the first round of buses, but there were porta pots all along the course. Overall the experience was very positive and Ogden will hold a special place in my heart
Breathtaking scenery, well produced race
This was such a beautiful race. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. There are a couple small inclines, but the course is primarily downhill. Walking was difficult for several days after … MORE
This was such a beautiful race. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. There are a couple small inclines, but the course is primarily downhill. Walking was difficult for several days after the course. It actually really surprised me how much my legs hurt. The production was top notch and the volunteers were wonderful. They had 4 separate start lines for the different races. For the 1/2 marathon we were bussed up to the start very early in the morning. It was freezing but they had fires going to warm up and plenty of port a potties.
EXPO was great with options to purchase anything you forgot and lots of vendors. AFTER PARTY was nice with snacks and food trucks. No beer though. I was a little disappointed the band wasn’t playing. They were still sound checking when I finished the 1/2. Not sure what they were waiting for? Overall, a great race and I would definitely recommend. For those traveling in for the race, don’t stay too long there is not much to do Ogden.
One of my favorite
The best race ever. Maybe Im a little biased because I live in Ogden and love it. I’ve ran the ogden half several times and the full once. I think … MORE
The best race ever. Maybe Im a little biased because I live in Ogden and love it. I’ve ran the ogden half several times and the full once. I think it’s the best one I have done. Lucky me only has a five minute drive to the buses. The race is well organized and has beautiful scenery. Lots of great volunteers. So many aid stations. So many people at the end cheering everyone on. It amazes me how well organized and put together the Ogden Marathon is. Can’t wait for the 25 year anniversary race.
Exceptionally well organized
Shake run was fun. P/P was easy and fast. Some cool additional swag for purchase. The bib was made on thicker than normal plastic. nice long sleeve rave shirt. Busing … MORE
Shake run was fun.
P/P was easy and fast. Some cool additional swag for purchase.
The bib was made on thicker than normal plastic. nice long sleeve rave shirt.
Busing to the top of the mountain was easy and well organized. volunteers were great, you could tell the wanted to help and cared. Aid stations were full of everything, I think at one a person was making burritos. Plenty of porta potties. American Air called my while on mile 10ish to tell me my flight had been canceled. bummer Great experience and would recommend the marathon.
The Way It Should be!
Overall beautiful course with a gradual descent. The worst section toward the end was repaved and is now nice and smooth :) Great support with aid stations along the way. … MORE
Overall beautiful course with a gradual descent. The worst section toward the end was repaved and is now nice and smooth 🙂 Great support with aid stations along the way. I love that they close the canyon and city streets to traffic during the race. They are so organized with the drop bags drop off and pick up. It was perfection. The T-shirt and medals are very nice. The atmosphere is good. We had such great weather this time. The people were very friendly. They have some crowd support, but not a lot which I am fine with. Even the snacks at the finish were good and there was live music at the finish. My favorite Wasatch front race in Utah!
Things to consider to improve – The bike path is too narrow at the end and it can be difficult to pass slower runners and walkers. Some way to avoid the congestion would help.
Great choice for first marathon
This was my first full marathon, I have done 7 half & various trail races. I highly recommend this race to anyone! Ogden's production is miles ahead of the rest … MORE
This was my first full marathon, I have done 7 half & various trail races. I highly recommend this race to anyone! Ogden’s production is miles ahead of the rest with a great website and swag. Spacing and services of aid stations was perfect. Busing was efficient and start line had sufficient port-a-potties, and fire pits. The minor production complaint was packet pickup felt crowded & like it should be in a bigger venue, and the suggested app didn’t work at the start line. The quality of the race would make Ogden a great race anywhere – but the incredibly gorgeous scenery makes this a must do. I rate Ogden better than the Salt Lake marathon (I have done the 1/2 there 2x).
Bonus: I saw so many different birds! I had to restrain myself from pulling out the Merlin app to identify them.
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!