Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
Best views. You run by a river, a waterfall, and a lake. You even get to see the sunrise. Bus loading very organized. Picking up the package took a while.
Get a hotel months before close to the finish line.
I've participated in the Ogden Marathon events for the last several years and I keep going back because the course is absolutely breathtaking, the event is very well organized and always a good time!
Weather in May can be unpredictable in Utah... be sure to watch the weather and be prepared for whatever mother nature decides to throw at you on race day.
I live in Ogden so getting to the shuttles downtown is just a short drive for me. Plenty of parking options.
The course is spectacular, starting in a canyon, running out of the canyon, across a scenic valley, around a beautiful lake, over a dam, down a dramatic canyon following a rushing river, and finishing in a city park in downtown Ogden. So gorgeous, with wonderful and enthusiastic volunteers and aid stations.
Train for downhill running as the last third of the marathon has a fairly steep decline.
Park or stay downtown, lots to do there the night before including amazing dining options! Ride the shuttles to the start of the race, it's so much fun talking to the other runners.
The Ogden Marathon is, without a doubt, one of the most organized and beautiful races you’ll ever experience. From start to finish, everything is thoughtfully executed.
The shuttle system alone is incredible to watch. It runs with such precision and flow, it honestly feels like watching a conductor lead a perfectly timed orchestra. You can tell there’s intention behind every detail.
The course itself is stunning, and the entire experience is something you won’t forget. And as a bonus, they have some of the best finish line drinks and snacks I’ve seen at any race.
Highly recommend.
Extremely well organized and can't wait for next year! Best ever!
It has a good variety of uphill and downhill. The canyon is beautiful and helps that it is downhill to keep up the stamina to finish off strong.
Everything from the expo, race organization, course, aid station/support, medal, and after race party, were awesome! If you want an awesome mid size race with beautiful scenery, you may want to consider this one!
It's a point to point downhill course. This year it was cool/cold at the start, but there were fire barrels to keep you warm, and it was hot (80°) at the finish. The weather can be unpredictable, but make sure you take advantage of the aid stations and stay hydrated.
I stayed at Hampton Inn on Washington Blvd and 24th, and it was a perfect location. In easy walking distance of plenty of nice restaurants in a nice area, but more importantly, the bus pickup for both half and full marathons were directly in front of the hotel. Plus, the race finish and party is literally on the road behind the hotel. You can't beat that!
I have participated in the Ogden 1/2 marathon and 5k, numerous times with my wife. Regardless of the weather (cold, rainy, warm, sunny), we have loved our experiences. The race is well organized, the volunteers are amazing, the aid stations are fun and enthusiastic, and the ending is lively.
The course has some up hills, but it is mostly flat or downhill, with a variety of scenery.
I am just a casual runner, so I have no strategy to share. Just enjoy and soak it all in.
The weather cooperated this year! Added more porta potties so waiting was minimized, always well organized, beautiful & fast course (that's why I have done this 10 years in a row and have already signed up for #11).
Chilly in the mornings and down the canyon until the sun hits you, layers that you don’t mind discarding.
The 12 K race was a great addition
I've run this course 4 times. It is incredibly scenic. I loved the expo beforehand, the finish line is awesome, and the start line is well organized minus the giant lines for the portapots. The medals are high quality and the support along the race is phenomenal. I will be running this race every year that I'm able. I highly recommend it.
Three of the four years I've done it, it is has been rainy and cold. One year it was snowing for over half of the run. My feet were soaked. Bring ponchos and clean socks to change into afterwards.
The course is the most beautiful and scenic course I have run in my 9 marathons. It could potentially be a very fast course if you have better luck with the weather than the past 3 years. 2014-2016 have all had very rough weather with this past year being the worst conditions I have ever run in. 25 mph winds with 40+ mph gusts and 44 degrees with over a half inch of rain for the day. Over 1000 people did not finish because of the weather. However the things the race could control were done very well. Aid workers, shuttles, finish line party, beer garden and community support were all great.
The second half is very downhill and could allow you to negative split the race if you don't go out too fast. Once you are in the canyon you can cruise to the finish pretty easily.
Scenic course. Great downhill course.
Prepare for all weather conditions