NEW! Pace Bands on Your Phone. LEARN MORE...

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!


Marathon Pace Bands

Marathon Pace Bands

Run the Right Pace in Your Next Marathon

Nearly 500 marathon courses.
Ships same or Next Day


Ogden Marathon

Ogden, UT
Saturday, May 16, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 14 Reviews

Course Description
The Ogden Marathon offers a truly spectacular and largely downhill running experience through the picturesque landscapes of northern Utah. Beginning at an elevation of 5,400 feet at Dancing Moose Farm in the heart of the Wasatch Mountains, the course immediately treats runners to open roads, lush green fields, and the gentle sounds of a gushing river. The first half of the marathon features a gradual descent, setting the stage for a fast and enjoyable race.

As the marathon progresses, runners will navigate around the serene Pineview Reservoir before plunging into the breathtaking Ogden Canyon. This segment is a highlight of the course, with participants running alongside the roaring Ogden River, surrounded by awe-inspiring views of towering pine-covered slopes and dramatic rock cliffs.

The final miles bring runners out of the canyon and onto the Ogden River Parkway, a mostly flat stretch that guides them towards the finish line. The marathon culminates in downtown Ogden on historic 25th Street, where a lively finish line festival awaits. With a net elevation loss of over 1,100 feet and consistent downhill grades, the Ogden Marathon is celebrated as an ideal course for achieving personal bests and a favored choice for first-time marathoners seeking a beautiful and rewarding race.

May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in Utah Marathons near Ogden, UT



Marathon Pace Bands

Want to run your best Ogden Marathon?

Don't waste months of training only to run the wrong pace.


Ogden Marathon Pace Bands are adjusted for the specific terrain of the course, your goal time and pacing strategies.



Only $9.99




Race Information

Race Dates

2027: TBD
2026: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 58°F (14°C)
Average High: 71°F (21°C)
Average Low: 45° F (7°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.03
Course Score: 99.03

Race Size

2026: 1,528 Finishers
2025: 1,332 Finishers
2024: 1,219 Finishers
2023: 1,077 Finishers
2022: 926 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 8.4%
2025: 9.3%
2024: 10.3%
2023: 9.4%
2022: 10.2%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 68°F  (20°C)
Low: 49°F  (9°C)

Race Start Conditions

51°F  (11°C)
Humidity: 56%

Clear
ESE 7 mph

PR Score

97.57

Course Score

97.64






Ogden Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Ogden Marathon was the 65th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 67th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 8.4% of Ogden Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 9.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Ogden Marathon ranked 148th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 86th so far in 2026. In Utah, it ranked 5th in 2025 and 3rd so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Ogden Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Ogden Marathon has a Course Score of 99.03, ranking it as the 210th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest marathon course in Utah.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Ogden Marathon a PR Score of 99.03. The PR Score ranks the Ogden Marathon as the 158th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 8th best marathon for a PR in Utah.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Ogden Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Utah for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Ogden Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed210th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 8th fastest marathon course in Utah
Top 46% Nationally#8 of 17 in Utah
PR Potential158th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 8th best marathon for a PR in Utah
Top 35% Nationally#8 of 17 in Utah
Boston Qualifier Rate148th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 5th highest BQ percentage in Utah
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 31% Nationally#5 of 14 in Utah
Race Size65th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 3rd largest marathon in Utah
Based on 2025 results
Top 11% Nationally#3 of 24 in Utah

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 5421 feet (1652m)
Min Elevation: 4292 feet (1308m)

Elevation Gain: 398 feet (121m)
Elevation Loss: 1514 feet (461m)


Ogden

Course updated 04/06/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Ogden Marathon

View available accomodations around the Ogden Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

For a better mobile or desktop experience:






Compare the Ogden Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the Ogden Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the Ogden Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the Ogden Marathon in 3:21:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 14 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Best views ever and super organized!

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

Get a hotel months before close to the finish line.
Reviewed by ME About 2026

Beautiful race

Full Review:

Great organization.

Race Tips:

Train in altitude or spend at least a week in town to get acclimated. Elevation not so bad being in town but on race day it does matter.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Flew to SLC airport 35 minute drive to Ogden
Reviewed by Marlon About 2026

An Unforgettable Race, Perfectly Orchestrated

Full Review:

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.
Reviewed by Sarah B About 2025

Gorgeous, inspiring views!

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

Train for downhill running as the last third of the marathon has a fairly steep decline.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by Drewski About 2025

The Best in Utah!

Full Review:

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!

Race Tips:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I live in Ogden so getting to the shuttles downtown is just a short drive for me. Plenty of parking options.
Reviewed by Jeff Callister About 2025

Great Run 2024!!!!!

Full Review:

Extremely well organized and can't wait for next year! Best ever!
Reviewed by AB About 2024

Beautiful Race!

Full Review:

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!

Race Tips:

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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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!
Reviewed by Danny About 2023

The canyon is beautiful

Full Review:

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.
Reviewed by MSmoot About 2023

Great race, very well organized

Full Review:

The 12 K race was a great addition
Reviewed by SKW About 2022

10th year running!

Full Review:

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).

Race Tips:

Chilly in the mornings and down the canyon until the sun hits you, layers that you don’t mind discarding.
Reviewed by Anonymous About 2022

Amazing Scenery

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

I am just a casual runner, so I have no strategy to share. Just enjoy and soak it all in.
Reviewed by Randy About 2022

Personal favorite

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

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.
Reviewed by KSS About 2019

Full Review:

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.

Race Tips:

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.
Reviewed by RM About 2016

Full Review:

Scenic course. Great downhill course.

Race Tips:

Prepare for all weather conditions
Reviewed by Es About 2013