Salt Lake City Marathon

Location: Salt Lake City
Country: United States
Website: https://saltlakecitymarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 26/04/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 25/04/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:30:57
% Sub-3s: 1–2%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Salt Lake City Marathon is held each spring in Utah’s capital and offers a challenging course with striking mountain views and a high-altitude profile. Starting at over 4,800 feet above sea level, the race presents a unique endurance test for runners accustomed to racing closer to sea level.

The course begins in the foothills and gradually descends toward the city, but the route includes several rolling sections, with a mix of downhill and uphill gradients. Runners pass through residential areas, business districts and green spaces, with strong visual contrasts between urban stretches and mountainous backdrops.

Late April in Salt Lake City usually brings dry, mild weather, with cooler conditions at the start and a gradual warm-up over the race duration. The altitude and varied terrain require strategic pacing and some adaptation, particularly for visiting runners unfamiliar with running at elevation.

Organisation is solid, with a well-supported start area, accurate kilometre markings and hydration stations spaced regularly along the route. While not a major destination race, the Salt Lake City Marathon is locally popular and features a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

For sub-3 marathoners, this is a tougher course than most, with elevation and rolling terrain working against outright speed. However, for well-prepared runners or those training at altitude, it offers a scenic, well-executed challenge with the potential for strong performances under the right conditions.