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REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Race Date: 09/12/2026
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon Description
The REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon sends runners on a point-to-point course down Big Cottonwood Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains, dropping runners from high alpine forest into the Salt Lake City foothills. With a net elevation drop of more than 5,200 feet on the full marathon, it’s built for speed: REVEL bills it as the fastest marathon and half marathon in Utah, and both distances are official Boston Marathon qualifiers. Scenic canyon views, a steady downhill grade, and effort-based pacers make this a favorite for runners chasing a personal best.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon Additional Details:
Finishers earn a medal reviewers describe as genuinely huge, the kind you’ll actually want to display rather than toss in a drawer. Because the point-to-point course starts high in the canyon before sunrise, REVEL hands out gloves and a mylar blanket at the start line to help runners stay warm until the gun goes off. A portion of every registration fee goes to the Brighton Institute and the Cottonwood Heights Foundation, giving the race a genuine community-giving angle beyond the finish line. At the end, runners collect that medal, free race photos, and a full spread of food to refuel after the long downhill effort.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6:33 (full), 3:16 (half)
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 3,000
Marathon: 1,400
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 221 ft (Marathon), Unknown (Half)
Elevation Loss: 5,242 ft (full), 2,856 ft (half)
Average Temperature
- Low: 56°F
- High: 84°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Structured plans for every experience level, first finish to chasing a new PR.
Beginner, intermediate, and advanced plans to get you to the start line ready.
Your bridge into marathons, with a plan built for stepping up the distance.
Things to Do in Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Landmark
Temple Square
Explore the gardens and architecture of Temple Square, a cornerstone of Utah’s heritage with free museums and visitor centers — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Shopping
City Creek
Browse the elegant shops of City Creek, just south of Temple Square — an easy, flat, indoor stroll for a post-race souvenir.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Hogle Zoo
Ride the Safari Express Train past lions, giraffes, and zebras at the Hogle Zoo, home to more than 800 animals — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Arts & Culture
Utah Museum of Fine Arts
Survey artworks ranging from tribal to modern styles at the Utah Museum of Fine Arts — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day.
Sports & Entertainment
Clark Planetarium
Go stargazing at the Clark Planetarium, a hands-on science and space attraction downtown — a relaxed, indoor way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Wasatch Foothills Trails
Hike the Wasatch foothills trails accessible right from Salt Lake City’s Foothill cultural district — choose an easy segment for tired legs after race day.
Museums & History
Natural History Museum of Utah
See the largest collection of horned dinosaur fossils in the world at the Natural History Museum of Utah — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Red Butte Garden
Take a complimentary tram tour through Red Butte Garden’s miles of nature trails and cultivated gardens — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend a rest day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon
Compare nearby hotels and book your REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon race-weekend stay in seconds.
Sunrise Running Company may earn a commission if you book through the map below, at no extra cost to you.
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Boston Qualifier: Yes