Welcome to the Zions Bank 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 …
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Welcome to the Zions Bank 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 Zions Bank 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. The Gun blows at 6:45 a.m.
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 four divisions; Men’s, Women’s, Mixed and Corporate. The team captain will pay for the entire team to secure their spot. Once you have finished your leg you may continue to run the next leg(s) with your team mate(s) if you wish to continue.
The Ogden Marathon 5K is run over the final 3.1 miles of the marathon course. The race begins on the Ogden River Parkway at the Timbermine restaurant. The course is on the Ogden River Parkway down to Grant Ave. and 18th Street, then the final mile or so runs along Grant Ave. to 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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Scenic small town race
About 1,000 participates in the marathon and about 3,000 for the half. The course is very scenic and peaceful as advertised but it's not as fast as it might appear … MORE
About 1,000 participates in the marathon and about 3,000 for the half. The course is very scenic and peaceful as advertised but it’s not as fast as it might appear on the elevation map. Miles 8-15 is rolling hills circling the reservoir. And the 1,400 ft descent isn’t steep enough to kick your speed into high gear without effort. Also the altitude will have some impact. We all noticed we were breathing heavier than we would at sea level.
This race has great community support. All the folks at the expo and on the course were very friendly. There was even a police officer in uniform helping out at a short-handed water station. I enjoyed meeting others at this race more than any other race.
The Ogden restaurant scene are all clustured around the finish line and also within 2 blocks of most hotels. It was very convenient, never having to get in a car (other than the expo which will require a 10 min drive). The finish line festivities is also very charming with a band and many local businesses on hand.
Overall a great experience and definitely highly recommended.
Love this race
This was my 4th Marathon and it was a blast it was a beautiful scenic run on a gentle down hill course. I took 10 mins off my last PR. … MORE
This was my 4th Marathon and it was a blast it was a beautiful scenic run on a gentle down hill course. I took 10 mins off my last PR. The expo was great too I would run this again
Wow!
What a race! The scenery was beautiful, I can’t believe how well organized the whole thing was, the expo was fun, the shirts are awesome, and the volunteers an overall … MORE
What a race! The scenery was beautiful, I can’t believe how well organized the whole thing was, the expo was fun, the shirts are awesome, and the volunteers an overall energy was just great . Lots of smooth elevation loss, which welcomes personal record times galore. It wasn’t too steep, it was a nice gradual down hill almost the entire course. If you want to set a new PR, come here.
Beautiful year for the Ogden Marathon
Utah spring weather is notoriously unpredictable and Ogden frequently has bad weather years (torrential rain or unseasonably high temps) but this year was not one of those years! It was … MORE
Utah spring weather is notoriously unpredictable and Ogden frequently has bad weather years (torrential rain or unseasonably high temps) but this year was not one of those years! It was perfect race weather! The scenery was beautiful and included running down two canyons, around a lake, spring flowers, and two waterfalls. The aid stations had different themes (the volunteers choose their theme, decorations, costumes, signs and music) and each one was so fun! Each one made me laugh! I really enjoyed the “motivational”/ funny signs that lined the long hill at mile 14.
This was a tough year for this race
It is difficult to fairly rate this race due to the horrendous weather conditions. It was supposedly in a scenic area, but I couldn't see it because of the driving … MORE
It is difficult to fairly rate this race due to the horrendous weather conditions. It was supposedly in a scenic area, but I couldn’t see it because of the driving rain, low cloud cover and the wind. I was soaked to the bone by mile 7 and spent about 20 minutes during the entire race hiding in porta-potties just to get out of the rain for a minute. My hands were so frozen I couldn’t open my GU or tie my shoe lace when it came undone. There were police officers out on the course near mile 17 handing out mylar sheets which was much appreciated as the one I started with had long since shredded and blown away with the wind.
Amazing Scenery
Despite the crazy weather, this race was in my top three favorites. The course is beautiful and the downhill makes for a speedy course! Everything was very well organized and … MORE
Despite the crazy weather, this race was in my top three favorites. The course is beautiful and the downhill makes for a speedy course! Everything was very well organized and the volunteers that stayed through the wind,cold, and rain are simply amazing!! I’m sure the finish would have been great, however the weather made us want to get back to our hotel asap! Great race will definitely be making the trip down next year!
Most scenic fun marathons on the planet
This is very scenic. Along Ogden river, around Pineview Dam, through Ogden Canyon, along shaded bike path along river, under the famous Ogden arch then finishes along a street of … MORE
This is very scenic. Along Ogden river, around Pineview Dam, through Ogden Canyon, along shaded bike path along river, under the famous Ogden arch then finishes along a street of cheering crowds. Great shirt and medal. The pit stops are very cool with themes and fun people. Plenty of water, porta potties, snacks and FUN! Easy course – mostly downhill. small hill at mile 14.
Love this race, now just stop the rain
The course for this race is amazing. It is such a fun one to do. The volunteers are so much fun and help. I have done for a few years … MORE
The course for this race is amazing. It is such a fun one to do. The volunteers are so much fun and help. I have done for a few years and will do again this year.