Marathon races near Roy

The Better Being Antelope Island Marathon is part of the Buffalo Run on Antelope Island, a spring trail-running event where wild bison may be near the route. Runners choose from 25K, 50K, and 50-mile distances, all on rolling singletrack through desert grasslands with open views toward the Great Salt Lake. The event began in 2006 with 150 runners in the 25K and 50K, then later added the 50-mile race. The 25K race is about 16.48 miles with roughly 1,687 feet of climbing, while the 50K has about 3,038 feet of gain and the 50-mile race has about 3,428 feet. All three distances use an 11:59 p.m. cut-off, allowing the day for faster runners chasing records and people trying to finish a long trail race. The Pentalon Challenge adds prize money for new course records: $500 in the 50-mile and 50K races, and $250 in the 25K.

The Antelope Island Marathon offers runners four paved-road options on the largest island in the Great Salt Lake: a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. All four distances begin and end at Antelope Island Marina, utilizing island parking and keeping runners near the water. The event also includes a virtual race and invite-only pacer entries for the marathon and half marathon. The course follows Antelope Island roads and the causeway over the Great Salt Lake, with lake views to the east and the island’s mountains to the west. The marathon course features several rolling sections, not just a downhill run. The island's wildlife is a primary attraction, with approximately 600 bison, mule deer, bighorn sheep, and over 400 bird species inhabiting the area. Previously known as the Layton Marathon, all in-person distances are now held exclusively on Antelope Island.

The Salt Lake City Marathon begins near the foothills at the Olympic Legacy Bridge on the University of Utah campus, then descends toward the city and concludes at Library Square downtown. This April road race, held since 2004, features a full marathon as the main event of a larger race weekend that also includes a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids K, and a bike tour. The full and half marathon share the same start line, and the bike tour utilizes the marathon route earlier in the morning. The event attracts participants ranging from marathoners seeking a fast downhill section to families entering the shorter races, with the Kids K designed for children 10 and under. The course travels from higher ground above Salt Lake City through the city center, follows sections of the Wasatch foothills, and extends into nearby Millcreek and Holladay before looping back toward the downtown finish. Runners have unobstructed views of the Wasatch Mountains, yet the route remains distinctly urban, crossing neighborhoods, local streets, businesses, and main roads rather than trails. The half marathon is predominantly flat or downhill. Marathon course records stand at 2:15:14 for men and 2:30:08 for women. The race was initially organized by Devine Racing, underwent several ownership changes, and now offers standard large-race amenities: supported courses, shirts, medals, timing-chip bibs, sponsor giveaways, and a post-race gathering with food, drinks, music, and activities.