The Escalante Canyons Marathon starts near Hell's Backbone Grill in Boulder, Utah (elev. 6680 feet) and the entire course is on Scenic Byway 12.
The course runs in a southwest direction and is mostly downhill until Mile 12, where the road crosses the Escalante River (elev. 5265 feet). It then turns northwest and is mostly uphill until Mile 18 (elev. 6200 feet). From Mile 18 on, the course is a gradual westward descent to the finish line in Escalante, Utah (elev. 5804 feet).
The Escalante Canyons Marathon was the 450th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 539th largest in 2022.
Its Course Score of 94.39 ranks it as the 414th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 14th fastest course in Utah.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Escalante Canyons Marathon a PR Score of 94.39. This PR Score ranks it as the 406th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 14th fastest in Utah.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Escalante Canyons Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 6776 feet (2065m) Min Elevation: 5263 feet (1604m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Escalante Canyons Marathon
View available accomodations around the Escalante Canyons Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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Lowell Hawkes's review of 2022 Escalante Canyons Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Everything about the Escalante Marathon is good and memorable. And everything good about a small town was part of our marathon day. The race is superbly well organized, the nvolunteers REALLY cared, the high school Spanish class Friday feed was tasty and fairly priced, the aid stations were perfect, the finishers medal and ribbon is beautiful, the Finish Line food was varied and tasty — Howzabout pumpkin pie with a mountain of whipped cream? The course is killer beautiful and dang demanding on the uphill-to-the-heavens miles 11 to 17. Something to be proud of having taken on!
Race Tips
Bring a warm coat and pants to wear till the start. Light gloves with hand warmers will make the early miles comfy. A long-sleeved shirt for the early miles.
This race was well organized by kind people. The race is small so it feels like a wonderfully personal experience. Most course support comes from family/friends of other runners waiting for their runner to come by but everyone was warm & friendly. At the finish line there was delicious food like sandwiches & pumpkin pie.
Race Tips
The course has some substantial hills but the terrain is gorgeous, worth every step.
