Nowhere will you get a better combination of fast and beautiful than in the Big Cottonwood Marathon. The full marathon begins at Guardsman Pass at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon (approximately 17 miles into the canyon), and the half marathon begins at Mill D parking lot (approximately 8.5 miles into the canyon). Runners will have amazing views of the canyon with the sun coming up and the leaves changing colors. This is a very fast and beautiful course, both in and out of the canyon.
The first 17 miles of the marathon (8.5 miles of the half marathon), the canyon does the work for you with a great, steady downhill and beautiful views to inspire you. The steady downhill continues even after the canyon, with a net drop of 533 feet over the last 9 miles of the marathon (4.5 miles of the half marathon).
The courses are also USATF certified, and the marathon is a Boston Qualifier. We had many participants hit Boston qualifying times in our inaugural year, and others PR in the half marathon on their way to a PR in the full marathon as well.
Runners get top of the line medals and race shirts, absolutely free race photos and highlight videos, great food, and a lot of fun at the finish to go along with their PRs. Sign up, bring a friend, and have a blast!
If you’re unable to run this year, they are offering volunteers $10 off and a guaranteed spot into next year’s event. Just go to their volunteer page to sign up and be sure to select Salt Lake Running Company as your group to get the discount for next year. Hurry, because volunteer opportunities are going fast as well!
