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Runtastic NEBO Marathon

Payson, UT
Saturday, August 29, 2026


  3.5 Stars from 4 Reviews

Course Description
The downhill Mt. Nebo Marathon course starts at approximately 9,300 feet and descends 4,600 feet to the finish at 4,700 feet.

The course starts at the top of Payson Canyon. The route continues down the canyon and finishes on Memorial Park. Approximately 2 miles are on dirt roads.

Although the course is extremely downhill (net drop of 4.600 feet), the high course elevation may adversely affect most runners - especially those not acclimated to the altitude.

August Other Marathons in August Other Marathons in Utah Marathons near Payson, UT



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Saturday, August 29, 2026
2025: Saturday, September 6, 2025

Course Information

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

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 64°F (17°C)
Average High: 78°F (25°C)
Average Low: 51° F (10°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.83
Course Score: 99.83

Race Size

2025: 511 Finishers
2024: 293 Finishers
2023: 210 Finishers
2022: 212 Finishers
2021: 160 Finishers
2020: 291 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2025: 16.1%
2024: 18.6%
2023: 11.9%
2022: 14.7%
2021: 15.6%
2020: 15.8%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 11 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 88°F  (31°C)
Low: 59°F  (15°C)

Race Start Conditions

60°F  (16°C)
Humidity: 55%

Clear
SSE 4 mph

PR Score

92.2

Course Score

93.4






Runtastic NEBO Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Runtastic NEBO Marathon was the 135th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 192nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 16.1% of Runtastic NEBO Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 18.6% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Runtastic NEBO Marathon ranked 59th among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 58th in 2024. In Utah, it ranked 1st in 2025 and 1st in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Runtastic NEBO Marathon has a Course Score of 99.83, ranking it as the 43rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 6th 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 Runtastic NEBO Marathon a PR Score of 99.83. The PR Score ranks the Runtastic NEBO Marathon as the 37th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Utah.

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

Runtastic NEBO Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed43rd fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 6th fastest marathon course in Utah
Top 10% Nationally#6 of 17 in Utah
PR Potential37th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Utah
Top 9% Nationally#6 of 17 in Utah
Boston Qualifier Rate59th highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 1st highest BQ percentage in Utah
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 13% Nationally#1 of 14 in Utah
Race Size135th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 6th largest marathon in Utah
Based on 2025 results
Top 23% Nationally#6 of 24 in Utah

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



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 9367 feet (2855m)
Min Elevation: 4689 feet (1429m)

Elevation Gain: 780 feet (237m)
Elevation Loss: 5351 feet (1631m)


Runtastic

Course updated 06/22/2025




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Compare the Runtastic NEBO Marathon to other Marathons

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

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Comparison Tool

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Race Reviews


3.5
Based on 4 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Great course but descent and early bus time are punishing

Full Review:

Beautiful course. Lots of friendly aid stations. Descent is fast but wears on joints and soles of feet (maybe worse for me since I'm near 60). 4 am loading time for buses is really early considering lack of hotels nearby.

Race Tips:

Not nearly enough port-a-potties at the top, go in advance if you can. Take a hoodie and drop bag for the top since it's colder up there while waiting for the start. First 10 miles are between 8,000-9,500 feet elevation. If you're not used to running at elevation--train for it. Also, train for steep descent--over 4,000 feet in about 10 miles.
Reviewed by NS About 2024

The Perfect Challenge

Full Review:

This is not an easy downhill race but you can still get a great time. It really is a perfect challenge for your training. You start off in the dark, but not long enough for a headlamp & the sunrise is spectacular! I'll never forget it. The busses up we're great & I thought it was very well organized in 2018. Especially if your from the Salt Lake area I'd recommend this.

Race Tips:

The initial hills at the starting elevation may make a lot of runners second guess this choice for a marathon, but you have to trust your training that you can make it up in the last 16 miles. If you've put the work in, you can do it. The out & back (mile 7-9) is on gravel before rejoining the pavement and has a few mild hills. Once you hit the downhills & drop a little elevation you'll get a burst of energy you didn't think you had, but pace yourself because you'll want to run faster than you should... there's still a ways to go.

Right before town, there's a field on the left. When it's sunny it gets hot there, it push on, there's a nice little downhill coming (in the shade).

When you get to town, you're almost there, but don't be fooled when you finally turn left for the park, you can't see the finish like until right after the park, but it's only a few feet beyond that, so keep the gas on. If you've trained well (especially at altitude), you'll be fine here. I didn't train at high altitude, but still had a great race. If you've only trained average, don't expect this to be easy. The hills for the first 9.5 miles are no easy task. I them without walking, but it was slow moving. I knew I could make it up on the downhill though.

Trust your training. If you feel well, you can do it, and you'll have a great time doing it!
Reviewed by JB About 2018

Who knew downhill could be so hard

Full Review:

I thought this would be s great downhill race. How easy is downhill. (NOT). This downhill is steep at times and takes s toll on you. The first mile is uphill. If the first 10 Miles don't wear you out than the elevation will kick your butt. I thought I was prepared but apparently not. By mile 20 I was totally exhausted. Normally I can push st the end but with elevation I had nothing else in the tank st the finish.
Reviewed by Penny About 2018

Lots of uphill for a downhill race

Full Review:

The first 10 miles of this race could be classified as rolling. There are even some pretty steep uphills in this portion (small parts with an 8% or greater climb).
The aid stations did not have the advertised amenities. First gel or gu was not till mile 19, though it was promised at mile 7.
Road is open to traffic the entire race and there were cars on the course the whole way. Overall a poorly organized race.

Race Tips:

Be prepared for a lot of uphill at the beginning. Then it gets steep (downhill) at mile 10 or so, but with slight climbs throughout.

Not enough toilets at the race start.
Reviewed by BF About 2017