Name of the Race: Salt Lake City Marathon
Race/Event Distance: 26.2
Date: April 25th, 2026
Describe the Event: Beautiful rolling course through Salt Lake City. The whole race was between 4,000 and 5,000 feet with an elevation gain of about 900.
How did you prepare for the race/event? I decided to register only three months before the race. I ran with the local SLC Track Club for some Tuesday night speed workouts and Saturday long runs. Mostly, I did solo runs along the multiuse trail that runs through the city. My ‘long slow days’ LSD’s started around 5-6 miles then gradually built up to a max of 16. My dog tuckered out at 10. I had some concerns that 16 miles wasn’t long enough, but when the knee starts to click, I back off.
Any notable moments? Running with the friendly volunteer pacers; watching hundreds of runners snake around Bonneville Trail with the canyons and the state capitol as a backdrop; may family cheering me on at multiple sections; picture perfect weather!
What do you wish you had known about this race/event before starting? This is a hard one. I felt pretty well prepared, all things considered. Can’t say that there is something I wish I had known that I didn’t. Maybe to worry less and “trust the process” more!
