The Utah Valley Marathon begins near Wallsburg, Utah in Provo Canyon. The course travels along canyon roads that follow the Provo River and loses more than 1,500 feet of elevation along the course.
The Utah Valley Marathon was the 72nd largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 65th largest in 2022.
This year 15.3% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 16.7% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Utah Valley Marathon the 81st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 82nd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.52 ranks it as the 96th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest course in Utah.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Utah Valley Marathon a PR Score of 99.20. This PR Score ranks it as the 117th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 8th fastest in Utah.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Utah Valley Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 6169 feet (1880m) Min Elevation: 4546 feet (1385m)
The Marriott was perfect! The location and the rooms were great.
Mark's review of 2023 Utah Valley Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Beautiful scenic downhill course. Great for downhill assist without being the steep "revel quad trasher". Great well organized expo, start area and aid stations had great volunteers, finish area is the best of any race. Plenty of food and great hang out post race atmosphere. Absolutely love this race. It's an annual tradition.
Race Tips
Even though it's not super steep, incorporate some downhill training and quad strengthening into your program and you'll benefit enormously
I always like to get on the early race buses. Your not sleeping anyway, great to enjoy the pre race vibe
TC's review of 2023 Utah Valley Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Marathon is very scenic. Race is well managed. Good stations throughout the race with water, snacks, etc. The best is that overall, it's a downhill race, which means I got my PR on this race!
Best course ever. Scenery through the canyon is amazing. Horses, waterfalls and more. Fast course and easy on the body. Very well organized and managed. Definitely a course I would do again and again.
Finishline, expo and several nice hotels so convenient and walkable. Busses to start. Many amazing results both traditional and unique. Downtown Provo has alot to enjoy!
Ryan's review of 2021 Utah Valley Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Scenery is good. Race staff is excellent. High altitude, rolling hills and heat will slow you down. Also, the water stations should do a more consistent job of handing out water first, and Nuun second. Lastly, the start line setup fell behind, forcing the race to begin 10 minutes late.
Race Tips
I finished this marathon in 3:12, 14 minutes off from my goal. Although this is a net downhill course, don't let that fool you. There are plenty of long rolling hills that the course elevation chart doesn't show. You will also be running at elevation and in the heat.
Be sure to control your pace early, especially in the first 6 miles,or else you will pay for it later. I would recommend this race more for the runner who is just looking to enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. It's not the best course for a BQ or PR unless you are acclimated to the high elevation and do well in heat. Be sure to hydrate well in the days leading up to race day, and train on lots of hills. I did, and it was still tough.
The Provo Marriott is a good hotel, and is very conveniently located to the finish line. You can get a good rate through the Utah Valley Marathon website when registering.
