East Canyon Marathon

The East Canyon Marathon is a fast, significant net-downhill road course that treats runners to a scenic point-to-point journey through Utah's high-altitude canyon country. The Boston qualifying route is defined by its massive net drop of more than 2,300 feet which means runners will be imposed a 5 minute time penalty for Boston qualifying.

The point-to-point course takes place on fully paved road surfaces. The race begins at an elevation of 7,429 feet, overlooking Salt Lake City at the summit of Big Mountain Pass at the top of Emigration Canyon. From the peak, runners track eastbound through mountain terrain, trace a route running directly alongside the shores of the East Canyon Reservoir, and funnel through the deep rock walls of Red Rock Canyon before transitioning into the rolling farmlands of the Morgan Valley to finish at the Morgan County Fairgrounds at an elevation around 5,000 feet.

The course is defined by the rapid downhill descent from Big Mountain Pass, which requires careful striding through groves of pine trees and aspens. The middle miles feature an extended, open segment running about three-quarters of the way around the East Canyon Reservoir, leading directly into the unique rock formations of Red Rock Canyon. Around mile 20, the course transitions into exposed farmlands with open fields of grain and rustic barns, where runners finish with a final series of gentle, rolling hills.

A practical pacing strategy hinges on maintaining strict discipline during the fast, early mountain descents to preserve your quadriceps for the second half of the race. Overextending on the steep downhills can easily leave your legs depleted before you hit the flat, exposed farmlands and late-stage rolling hills near the valley floor.