REGISTER FOR 2026

The Deseret News Marathon is the longest-operating marathon in Utah. 2026 will be our 56th year that runners have been racing down the historic pioneer route into the Salt Lake Valley and through the Days of '47 Parade. The Deseret News races consist of a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1K. New for 2025 we are also offering a Marathon Relay!!

The Races

Come and join the fun as a volunteer at an aid station or the finish line. Bring your friends and family and start your Pioneer Day providing energy and fuel for the runners.

Volunteer for 2026!!

Runners know: the medal matters. It’s the tangible reward for the early mornings, sore muscles and mental grit. That’s why the Deseret News Marathon—the state’s longest-running marathon—has partnered with Utah-based SymbolArts to design this year’s race medals. And with new relay offerings and an expanded medal lineup, this year’s 24th of July race promises to be one for the books.

Thank You SymbolArts!

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!

We are excited to announce that the 2026 version of the Deseret News Marathon will be a throwback to the old course. The starting line will be at Mountain Dell Golf Course - just below Little Dell Reservoir. The first 5 miles will head toward Big Mountain before making the turnaround and heading down Emigration Canyon (updated maps coming soon!!). The course will include 1490 feet of total elevation drop--and zero time penalty in qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The last time we ran the route with this starting line was 2003. The beautiful course finishes through downtown Salt Lake City along the Days of '47 Parade route where runners are greeted by over 100,000 cheering Utahns! The marathon course is USATF Certified and a Boston qualifier.

[**Beating the Heat by Dr. Jake Viegel**](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2025/Beating%20the%20Heat.pdf)

**Training Plans:** [Beginning Runners](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Beg.pdf) | [Experienced Runner](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Exp.pdf)

Full Marathon

Complete the marathon course in relay style with your colleagues, friends and family. 

Register your team of 2-4 runners and combine your strength to see how fast you can finish a marathon together on the same beautiful course as our marathon runners.

Leg 1 - Marathon start to Little Dell Reservoir Parking Lot (6.75 miles)

Leg 2 - Emigration Canyon Turn-off to Hogle Zoo (9.75 miles)

Leg 3 - Hogle Zoo to Rice Eccles Stadium (5.25 miles)

Leg 4 - Rice Eccles Stadium to The Finish (4.25 miles)

A standard team will comprise of four (4) runners. However, you may complete the relay division with teams of 2 or 3 runners if you have a runner who would like to run more than one leg.

**Beating the Heat by Dr. Jake Viegel**(https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2025/Beating%20the%20Heat.pdf)

Relay

The Deseret News Half Marathon was designed with a PR in mind, featuring a gradual 1,600 foot total elevation drop. Runners will sail down Emigration Canyon along a gentle downhill course that follows the historic pioneer trail and ends along the Days of '47 Parade route. While on the parade route, 100,000 cheering Utahns help push runners toward the finish line celebration at Liberty Park!

[**Beating the Heat by Dr. Jake Viegel**](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2025/Beating%20the%20Heat.pdf)

**Training Plans:** [Beginning Runners](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Half-Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Beg.pdf) | [Experienced Runners](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Half-Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Exp.pdf)

Half Marathon

The Deseret News 10K is the fastest and most competitive 10K in Utah, featuring a gradual 600 feet total elevation drop. Runners will pass through the University of Utah's Research Park, descending into downtown Salt Lake City. The course ends along the Days of '47 Parade route where runners are greeted by 100,000 cheering Utahns!

**Beating the Heat by Dr. Jake Viegel**(https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2025/Beating%20the%20Heat.pdf)

Bring the entire family along to join in on the festivities by participating in the Deseret News 5K. Kids 14 and under get to participate for only $15 (price stays the same right up until race day). The run begins at 50 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City and finishes at Liberty Park where runners will be cheered on by over 100,000 spectators! This event will be chip timed so get your competitive spirit going and prepare to run! For those kids and families who would prefer to walk rather than run, we will be doing two start waves, the first for runners and the second for walkers. Everyone will be timed regardless of if you choose to run or walk and all finishers will receive medals!

The Deseret News is proud to host its 3rd Annual Family 1K race. The 1K fun run is a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy the race experience and cross the finish line with thousands of spectators cheering them on - all before the Pioneer Day Parade begins!

Participants will receive a finisher medal, race bib, swag bag, and refreshments at the Intermountain & Select Health VIP tent at the finish line.

The race will begin at 8:45am and do a small loop in Liberty Park before joining the final 200 meters of the marathon race course. The finish will be on 900 South at the same finish line as the other races of the day. 

T-Shirts are not provided with registration, but if interested, you can purchase a t-shirt through the registration site.

Parents do not need to register in order to escort their children on the course.

The 1K Race is limited to the first 500 registrants.

The Races

Volunteer for 2026!!

Thank You SymbolArts!

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