Utah’s largest single-day running event, the Zion’s Bank Ogden Marathon presented by the GOAL Foundation, is set to begin on Saturday, May 20, near Red Rock Ranch, eight miles east of Huntsville, at 7:15 a.m. Registration is still open for the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Team Relay, 5K, Kids K, and Mayor’s Walk.
“The breathtaking course of the Zion’s Bank Ogden Marathon has been nationally recognized by prestigious publications as an experience you don’t want to miss,” said Jenny Scothern, Executive Director of the GOAL Foundation. “This event not only benefits those who are racing but also provides an outstanding economic impact to the greater Ogden area.”
Shape.com ranked the Ogden Marathon as “The 5th best marathon in the country for beginning marathon runners.” And a Runner’s World story named the Ogden Marathon, “One of the top ten marathons in the world.” Since its inaugural 2000 run, the Ogden marathon has hosted runners from all 50 states and 13 countries. The Ogden Marathon is USATF certified and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.
“The Ogden Marathon is the ideal race for beginners, and those looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon,” stated Charles “Chick” Hislop, former cross country/track and field coach at Weber State University. “Ogden’s course is the perfect drop, slightly descending less than 1% per mile. When a thousand-foot drop is spread out evenly the pounding jolt to the body is minimized and racers gain extra momentum and energy.”
The Ogden Marathon begins in Huntsville, Utah at 7:15 a.m. and provides runners with breathtaking scenery as they make their way down a gentle downhill course that winds through National Forest lands, on quiet country roads and through a breathtaking canyon ending on Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden. All races end at the same finish line in the heart of Ogden’s vibrant and notoriously independent downtown, a hub for arts and recreation.
During the Ogden Marathon, The Ogden canyon will be closed from 6:00 am – 1:15 pm during the Ogden Marathon. Ogden Canyon residents will be provided with road access passes and will be shuttled by law enforcement to get through the canyon during this time. Those trying to get in or out of Ogden Valley should take the North Ogden Divide or Trappers Loop as an alternate route.
Festivities surrounding the Ogden Marathon include the Altra Fun & Fitness Expo at the Weber Country Sports Complex on May 19th from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. The public is invited to attend the expo where 70 health and fitness vendors will be sampling and selling products.
For More information on the latest Ogden Marathon news, remaining registration options for the Marathon, Sunrise Bike Ride, Mayors Walk, or how to get involved visit www.ogdenmarathon.com, call 801-399-1773 or email info@goalfoundation.com.
Schedule of Events
May 19
9:00 am: Free Shake Out Run with Javier Chavez (Weber State University Athletics Hall of Famer) at the Weber County Sports Complex
10:00 am - 8:00 pm: Altra Fun & Fitness Expo at the Weber Country Sports Complex
6:00 pm: American Pet Nutrition Ogden Marathon Mayor’s Walk at the High Adventure Park
May 20
6:05 am: Sunrise Canyon Bike Ride
6:45 am: Ogden Marathon 5K and Half Marathon Race Start
7:15 am: Ogden Marathon Full Marathon and Relay Race Starts
7:00 am – 1:00 pm: Finish Line Expo at the Ogden Municipal Gardens
About the GOAL Foundation The Goal Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded shortly after the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. With the assistance of a myriad of local businesses and thousands of volunteers, the GOAL Foundation’s aim is to attract, organize, support and encourage premier athletic events that promote and active lifestyle. The Foundation produces a number of events including the Ogden Marathon, the Winter Race Circuit, Mountain 2 Metro, as well as facilitates a Young Runners programs in 16 Ogden area afterschool programs and produces youth summer camps.
Vision Statement-We envision a Greater Ogden community that thrives economically and is healthier in mind, body, and spirit.
Our mission is to inspire the Greater Ogden Community and its visitors to “Get Out and Live” by participating, volunteering and spectating at recreational events, programs and activities. For additional information on the GOAL Foundation visit www.getoutandlive.org.
