#42 • SALT LAKE CITY • UTAH
Salt Lake City Marathon
Time of Year: April 2025
Race Cost: $125 (with T-shirt)
Weather & Temperature: mostly cloudy, LOWS – mid 50s, HIGHS – upper 60s
Hotel Information
Marriott Center City Hotel
Salt Lake City, Utah
Modern hotel with large lobby that includes a restaurant and bar. Larger room with vinyl floors, windows that partially open, and A/C unit. Good walls that prevented outside noise.
* Hotel cost: $239 per night; $830 for three nights
* Take Metro from the airport – hotel within walking distance of the metro TRAX
* Distance from Expo: 10 minutes via metro at the Fairgrounds
* Distance from start/finish of marathon: 15 mins via metro/800m
Other Hotel Options: Multiple hotels in the surrounding area
Expo Information
Utah State Fairpark – Grand Hall
Salt Lake City, UT
Features:
* Packet pick-up – there will probably be a line
* multiple vendors – 30 minutes to collect packet & visit vendors
Race Day Information
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Weather & Temperature:
* Start: Mid 50s°F
* Finish: Upper 60s°F
* Mostly Cloudy
7:00am start @ University of Utah
* Can take metro, TRAX, to the start location – about a 15 min ride from downtown
* Lots of outdoor restrooms – but there will be lines close to the start
* gear check available
* crowd was laid back and made it easy to get to the start corral
* full and half marathon start at same time at same location
* University track was open and available to warm up
Course Information
Miles 0-26.2
The race started after the sun was up so you could clearly see where you were heading. You start at University of Utah on the edge of the canyon and proceed on a decline for the next 4-5 miles until you arrive in Salt Lake City. This part of the marathon is very scenic with nice views of the valley as you run through a canyon. Once you get into the city you run through various urban and suburban areas. There is a turn around a little before mile 17 with a long downhill that you have to climb back up. Overall the race had more rolling hills than expected and the altitude played a little impact since we are above 4000 feet.
Final stats
The Race Finish was located at Washington Square which is a public park located in downtown Salt Lake City.
The park had plenty of seating and lots of shade.
There was a beer garden, snacks (including chocolate mile), multiple vendors, and easy access to the metro a block away
Overall Review
Overall the race was a large race – around 10,00 people for the full and half marathon. The race proceeds to run through the hills above Salt Lake City for a few miles before descending into the city. During this part the scenery is beautiful with overlooks, a river, and forest for most of the race. After descending into the city you are mainly running in urban and suburban areas. Most of the race is in the sun with little to no shade so if it’s sunny be prepared.
Out & About
Places I visited around town
…or wanted to but ran out of time!
What restaurant will help me carbo-load the night before the race?
* Matteo Ristorante Italiano
* Valters Osteria
* Salt and Olive
What grocery stores are in the area?
* Harmons (400 meters from race hotel)
* Trader Joes is about a mile away
* Water; Energy drinks; Bananas; Oranges; Bread; Chocolate
What other restaurants are in the race area?
* Franklin Ave Cocktails and Kitchen
* Chick-Fil-A
* Multiple restaurants within walking distance
Where can I celebrate finishing the marathon with a drink?
* Red Rock Brewing Co
* White Horse Spirits and Kitchen
* Squatters Pub Brewery
*Prosper Brewing