Deseret News Classic Marathon

Utah's capital city, and the only one with an international airport, emanates a small-town feel. Downtown is easy to get around and – outside of entertainment enclaves – come evening it's fairly quiet. You'd never know 1.2 million people live in the metro area. Yes, this is the Mormon equivalent of Vatican City, and the LDS owns a lot of land, but less than half the town's population are church members – the university and the great-outdoors-at-your-doorstep vibe have attracted a wide range of residents. A liberal spirit is evident everywhere from the coffeehouses to the yoga classes, where elaborate tattoos are the norm. Foodies will find much to love among the multitude of international and organic dining options (think Himalayan and East African). And when the trail beckons, you're a scant 45 minutes from the Wasatch Mountains' brilliant hiking and skiing. Friendly people, great food and outdoor adventure – what could be better? With that being said, the Deseret News Marathon is the place to be.First run in 1970, the Deseret News Marathon is the oldest road race in Utah and the 4th oldest marathon west of the continental divide. The marathon follows the path the Utah pioneers traveled when they first entered the valley. This event is truly a part of Utah’s heritage!The Marathon starts at 5:30 am at the top of Big Mountain, above Emigration Canyon. The course continues down the canyon with a 3,200 foot total elevation drop and finishes along the Days of 47 Parade route where runners will be greeted by over 100,000 cheering Utahns! The marathon course is USATF Certified and a Boston qualifier.

Beautifully scenic with mountains and valleys all around, the highway features a gentle descent into the city, where runners will meet up with the outskirts of Salt Lake City near the campus of the University of Utah.They’ll run along the edge of campus for about two and a half miles, making their way along East South Temple toward Temple Square. After passing the 20 mile marker, the course flattens out as they head south toward Washington Square and Liberty Park, where the finish line lies.

There will be bags and sharpies to write your bib number on at the start line location which will be transported to the finish line for pickup. Please do not use the bag drop service for valuables as we cannot guarantee their safe keeping.

Aids Stations for the Marathon will be at every other mile after mile 3. There will be Gu or SportBeans at the aid stations at miles 15 and 19. Powerade and water will be available at every aid station.

All finishers will receive custom finisher medals. Award medals will also be given to the top three in each age division. We will have an awards tent next to the timing results kiosks for placers to pick up their medals. The age divisions are: 11 and under, 12-14, 15-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80+, Masters Division 40+

In accordance with the Salt Lake Police Department, the marathon course will close after six hours. After that, all runners will be directed toward the sidewalk and clean up at the finish line will begin.