Utah Trail Running

Utah Trail Running

In recent years, my summer exercise time has been increasingly occupied by running on dirt roads and trails, which seems to be easier on my aging body than pounding the asphalt. Although I participate in few races, I have listed here all of the Utah off-pavement running events of which I am aware. Please check this information with the race director to be sure that it is current. Also, please let me know about any errors or races that aren't included.
For more information on trail running in Utah and nearby states, check out the Wasatch Alpine Striders web page. Information about trail runs across the country (and world) can be found on the American Trail Running Association page. Other good references are the UltraRunner and Ultra Running Magazine pages, which contain, among other things, a schedule of many trail races around the world.
Updates:
3/29/09 - This is a first draft. Please let me know of any additions that should be made or errors that you see. (hanscom 'at' cs 'dot' utah 'dot' edu)
5/29/09 - Added dates for Jupiter Peak Steeplechase and Mid Mountain Marathon.
6/19/09 - Corrected date for Speedgoat 50K.

2009 Utah Off-Pavement Running Event Schedule

date race start dist. description
Saturday, Feb 14 Moab Red Hot 50K+ 8:00am 50 km + A point-to-point course through Moab's redrock country. Contact Greg Poettgen or Chris Martinez (moabultra 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Saturday, March 28 Antelope Island Buffalo Run 9:00/8:00, 6:00am 25/50 km, 50 mi A 25-k loop on trails around the north end of Antelope Island for the 25 and 50K; a different 50 mile course in the same area.
Saturday, March 28 24 Hours of Utah 7:00am 12 or 24 hours of running Individuals or teams run laps around a 6 mile loop on the rugged Monitor and Merrimac Trail north of Moab.
Saturday, March 28 Moab 100 7:00am 100 mi The course consists of laps around a 6 mile loop on the rugged Monitor and Merrimac Trail north of Moab.
Saturday, April 18 Desert Rats Trail Running Festival 6:30am 25/50 mi A 25-mile desert loop on the famous Fruita, Colorado trail system, including part of the Kokopelli's Trail.
Tuesday, June 2 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 6 Squaw Peak 50-Mile Trail Run 5:00am 50 mi Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, down Provo River Trail, across Squaw Peak Road to Hobble Creek Canyon, up Sheep Canyon to the Great Western Trail, up to Windy Pass, and down South Fork of Provo to Vivian Park. Contact John Bozung (jbozung 'at' aol 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 9 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 13 Wahsatch Steeplechase 6:00am 15 mi Memory Grove to the summit of Black Mountain along a sometimes narrow and very exposed trail; return via City Creek road and trail. Contact Wasatch Touring at (801)359-9361 or email Butch Adams (butch 'at' butchadams 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 16 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, June 23 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 27 Logan Peak Trail Run 6:00am 28 mi Trail run on singletrack and 4wd roads with 7261 feet of elevation gain/loss in the Cache National Forest, Logan, Utah. Contact the race director (runningmtns 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 30 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, July 7 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, July 11 Canyon to Canyon Half Marathon 7:00am 13 and 6 mi Out and back from East Canyon Resort to Jeremy Ranch on a dirt road. Contact Salt Lake Running Company, 3142 S. Highland Dr. at (801)484-9144 for more details.
Tuesday, July 14 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, July 18 Speedgoat 50K 6:30 am 50 km 50 kilometers of trails around Alta and Snowbird, with lots of vertical. Contact Karl Meltzer (speedgoatkarl 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, July 21 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, July 28 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 1 Kat'cina Mosa 100K 3:00am 100 km Up the Left Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon, Pole Heaven road, and Rock Canyon to the Wasatch crest. Down to Big Springs in Little South Fork of the Provo. Up to Windy Pass and east to Little Valley on the Great Western Trail. Back over the ridge and down the Right Fork of Hobble Creek. Contact John Bozung (jbozung 'at' aol 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, Aug 4 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 8 Jupiter Peak Steeplechase 8:00am 15 mi Park City Mountain Resort, up Thaynes Canyon to Jupiter Peak, along the ridge to Scotts Pass, and back down Thaynes to the start. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 for more details.
Tuesday, Aug 11 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 15 El Vaquero Loco 7:00am 25/50 km Out and back run in National Forest near Afton, Wyoming.
Tuesday, Aug 18 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, Aug 25 Tuesday Trail Run Series 6:00pm varies Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 29 Bryce Canyon Rim Run 9:00am 5 mi Starts and ends at Ruby's Inn. Follows rolling dirt trails near Bryce Canyon National Park. Call (435)834-5341x198 or email jean 'at' color-country 'dot' com for more details.
Saturday, Sep 5 Grand Teton Races 6:00am 100 mi, 50 mi, marathon One or more laps around a loop on dirt roads and trails around the Targhee Ski Area in Alta, Wyoming. See the web page for more details.
Friday, Sept 11 Wasatch Front 100 5:00am 100 mi Layton to Midway (The Homestead) along the Wasatch crest. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, Sept 12 Mid Mountain Marathon 8:00am ~26 mi A point-to-point race starting at Deer Valley, passing through Park City Mountain Resort, and ending at the Canyons. The course follows the newly completed Mid Mountain Trail, which is all at about 8000 feet in elevation. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 for more details.
Saturday, Sept 12 Little Grand Canyon Marathon 6:30am 26 mi A point-to-point race starting just south of Huntington State Park and following dirt roads down through BuckHorn Wash to the San Rafael Swell. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, Sept 19 Hidden Peak Challenge 10:00am 5 mi Hill climb up the Snowbird ski area. Contact Contact Salt Lake Running Company, 3142 S. Highland Dr. at (801)484-9144 for more details.
Saturday, Sept 19 Moab Alpine to Slickrock 50 Mile 6:00am 50 mi A point-to-point course through alpine meadows and Moab's redrock country. Contact Greg Poettgen at moabultra 'at' gmail 'dot' com or (970)217-2893 for more details.
Sunday, Sept 20??? TUNA Mountain Duathlon 10:00am 9 mi The course will be 3 miles of running and 6 miles of mountain biking on the Soldier Hollow cross country ski trails. Teams or individual entries are welcome. Shorter distances for kids. Register at the start before 9:30. This is a fun event, with (white elephant) prizes provided by competitors. Contact Chris Magerl (801) 595-8293 for more details.
Friday, Sept 25 Bear 100 6:00am 100 mi Logan to Bear Lake. A cool autumn loop through the pines, golden aspen and red maples of the Wasatch/Bear River Range. Contact Leland Barker at (435)563-3647 for more details.
Friday, Oct 16 Pony Express Trail 50 and 100 Mile Run 8:00am 50 or 100 mi This is a no-fee 100-mile fun run. No aid stations, no markings, no awards, no sponsors. Just 100 miles of dirt roads. You must have your own support crew! Contact the Run Director (crockett 'at' byu 'dot' edu) for more details.
Saturday, Oct 24 Goblin Valley Ultra 8:00am 25/50 km A scenic run on dirt roads in Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, ??? North Ogden Pass Uphill Trail Run 11:00am 3 mi An uphill trail run, with about 1400 feet of climb, from the old gravel pit in North Ogden to the top of North Ogden Pass. Non-competitive event starts at 10:30. This is a fundraiser for the Ogden Junior Nordic Ski Team. Contact Linda Ries (plries 'at' yahoo 'dot' com or 801-737-2672) for more details.

date	race	start	dist.	description
Saturday, Feb 14	Moab Red Hot 50K+	8:00am	50 km +	A point-to-point course through Moab's redrock country. Contact Greg Poettgen or Chris Martinez (moabultra 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Saturday, March 28	Antelope Island Buffalo Run	9:00/8:00, 6:00am	25/50 km, 50 mi	A 25-k loop on trails around the north end of Antelope Island for the 25 and 50K; a different 50 mile course in the same area.
Saturday, March 28	24 Hours of Utah	7:00am	12 or 24 hours of running	Individuals or teams run laps around a 6 mile loop on the rugged Monitor and Merrimac Trail north of Moab.
Saturday, March 28	Moab 100	7:00am	100 mi	The course consists of laps around a 6 mile loop on the rugged Monitor and Merrimac Trail north of Moab.
Saturday, April 18	Desert Rats Trail Running Festival	6:30am	25/50 mi	A 25-mile desert loop on the famous Fruita, Colorado trail system, including part of the Kokopelli's Trail.
Tuesday, June 2	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 6	Squaw Peak 50-Mile Trail Run	5:00am	50 mi	Vivian Park in Provo Canyon, down Provo River Trail, across Squaw Peak Road to Hobble Creek Canyon, up Sheep Canyon to the Great Western Trail, up to Windy Pass, and down South Fork of Provo to Vivian Park. Contact John Bozung (jbozung 'at' aol 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 9	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 13	Wahsatch Steeplechase	6:00am	15 mi	Memory Grove to the summit of Black Mountain along a sometimes narrow and very exposed trail; return via City Creek road and trail. Contact Wasatch Touring at (801)359-9361 or email Butch Adams (butch 'at' butchadams 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 16	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, June 23	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, June 27	Logan Peak Trail Run	6:00am	28 mi	Trail run on singletrack and 4wd roads with 7261 feet of elevation gain/loss in the Cache National Forest, Logan, Utah. Contact the race director (runningmtns 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, June 30	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, July 7	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, July 11	Canyon to Canyon Half Marathon	7:00am	13 and 6 mi	Out and back from East Canyon Resort to Jeremy Ranch on a dirt road. Contact Salt Lake Running Company, 3142 S. Highland Dr. at (801)484-9144 for more details.
Tuesday, July 14	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, July 18	Speedgoat 50K	6:30 am	50 km	50 kilometers of trails around Alta and Snowbird, with lots of vertical. Contact Karl Meltzer (speedgoatkarl 'at' gmail 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, July 21	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, July 28	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 1	Kat'cina Mosa 100K	3:00am	100 km	Up the Left Fork of Hobble Creek Canyon, Pole Heaven road, and Rock Canyon to the Wasatch crest. Down to Big Springs in Little South Fork of the Provo. Up to Windy Pass and east to Little Valley on the Great Western Trail. Back over the ridge and down the Right Fork of Hobble Creek. Contact John Bozung (jbozung 'at' aol 'dot' com) for more details.
Tuesday, Aug 4	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 8	Jupiter Peak Steeplechase	8:00am	15 mi	Park City Mountain Resort, up Thaynes Canyon to Jupiter Peak, along the ridge to Scotts Pass, and back down Thaynes to the start. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 for more details.
Tuesday, Aug 11	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 15	El Vaquero Loco	7:00am	25/50 km	Out and back run in National Forest near Afton, Wyoming.
Tuesday, Aug 18	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Tuesday, Aug 25	Tuesday Trail Run Series	6:00pm	varies	Casual group run. Distance and exact location are different each week. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 or click on the "Events" menu item on the web page for details.
Saturday, Aug 29	Bryce Canyon Rim Run	9:00am	5 mi	Starts and ends at Ruby's Inn. Follows rolling dirt trails near Bryce Canyon National Park. Call (435)834-5341x198 or email jean 'at' color-country 'dot' com for more details.
Saturday, Sep 5	Grand Teton Races	6:00am	100 mi, 50 mi, marathon	One or more laps around a loop on dirt roads and trails around the Targhee Ski Area in Alta, Wyoming. See the web page for more details.
Friday, Sept 11	Wasatch Front 100	5:00am	100 mi	Layton to Midway (The Homestead) along the Wasatch crest. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, Sept 12	Mid Mountain Marathon	8:00am	~26 mi	A point-to-point race starting at Deer Valley, passing through Park City Mountain Resort, and ending at the Canyons. The course follows the newly completed Mid Mountain Trail, which is all at about 8000 feet in elevation. Contact Mountain Trails Foundation at (435)649-0697 for more details.
Saturday, Sept 12	Little Grand Canyon Marathon	6:30am	26 mi	A point-to-point race starting just south of Huntington State Park and following dirt roads down through BuckHorn Wash to the San Rafael Swell. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, Sept 19	Hidden Peak Challenge	10:00am	5 mi	Hill climb up the Snowbird ski area. Contact Contact Salt Lake Running Company, 3142 S. Highland Dr. at (801)484-9144 for more details.
Saturday, Sept 19	Moab Alpine to Slickrock 50 Mile	6:00am	50 mi	A point-to-point course through alpine meadows and Moab's redrock country. Contact Greg Poettgen at moabultra 'at' gmail 'dot' com or (970)217-2893 for more details.
Sunday, Sept 20???	TUNA Mountain Duathlon	10:00am	9 mi	The course will be 3 miles of running and 6 miles of mountain biking on the Soldier Hollow cross country ski trails. Teams or individual entries are welcome. Shorter distances for kids. Register at the start before 9:30. This is a fun event, with (white elephant) prizes provided by competitors. Contact Chris Magerl (801) 595-8293 for more details.
Friday, Sept 25	Bear 100	6:00am	100 mi	Logan to Bear Lake. A cool autumn loop through the pines, golden aspen and red maples of the Wasatch/Bear River Range. Contact Leland Barker at (435)563-3647 for more details.
Friday, Oct 16	Pony Express Trail 50 and 100 Mile Run	8:00am	50 or 100 mi	This is a no-fee 100-mile fun run. No aid stations, no markings, no awards, no sponsors. Just 100 miles of dirt roads. You must have your own support crew! Contact the Run Director (crockett 'at' byu 'dot' edu) for more details.
Saturday, Oct 24	Goblin Valley Ultra	8:00am	25/50 km	A scenic run on dirt roads in Goblin Valley State Park and Little Wild Horse Canyon. See the web page for more details.
Saturday, ???	North Ogden Pass Uphill Trail Run	11:00am	3 mi	An uphill trail run, with about 1400 feet of climb, from the old gravel pit in North Ogden to the top of North Ogden Pass. Non-competitive event starts at 10:30. This is a fundraiser for the Ogden Junior Nordic Ski Team. Contact Linda Ries (plries 'at' yahoo 'dot' com or 801-737-2672) for more details.