5K races near Woods Cross

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 Bear Canyon Trail Run takes place in Sandy, Utah, starting at 2860 Wasatch Blvd. This event supports cancer charities and offers three distances: a 5K, the 11-mile Bear Canyon Classic, and the 20-mile Bear Canyon Challenge. Held in October, the 11-mile loop is the primary attraction, featuring approximately 4,100 feet of elevation gain and steep descents. Participants seeking a greater challenge can opt to repeat the loop or choose the 20-mile option, which involves multiple circuits. The route crosses Sandy’s Hidden Valley Park, incorporating trails such as the Trail of the Eagle and the Cherry Canyon Logging Trail. Previously known as the Corner Canyon Ultra Trail Run, this race has a history despite its new name. The charitable aspect is significant, with proceeds benefiting a family in need and assisting cancer patients and their families. Dale Wayman, a 16-year-old diagnosed with HLH, a rare blood disorder, is a named recipient currently undergoing chemotherapy and treatment.

The SoJo Halloween Fun Run 5K is a low-cost Halloween race in South Jordan, Utah, starting and finishing at Bingham Creek Regional Park. The 5K and ruck races begin in the morning, with a kids run following shortly after, allowing families to participate in a single outing rather than choosing between adult and children’s events. The event maintains a straightforward format: a 5K run, a ruck option for participants carrying weight, and a shorter kids run. Check-in and bib pickup are available before the races. Every entry includes a custom race medal, providing the same finish-line experience for kids run participants as for those in the longer events.

The Howloween Half Marathon & 5k is a Halloween-themed running event in Farmington, Utah, featuring a half marathon and a 5k that both begin at Farmington City Regional Park. The half marathon commences before the 5k, and both races utilize chip timing integrated into the race bib. The park is located approximately one mile southwest of Lagoon Amusement Park, allowing the event to complement a Halloween-season visit to Farmington, with Frightmares and Station Park nearby. Runners begin and conclude at the park, proceeding along the Legacy Trail on a flat course with the organizers as safe. Aid stations are positioned at the 5k turnaround and roughly every three miles, offering water, Gatorade Endurance Mix, and gels. The event embraces the holiday theme: participants receive sponsor items, a medal, race merchandise like a shirt or fleece blanket, a post-race pancake breakfast, and are eligible for a costume contest with a cash prize for the top costume. Awards are presented to the top overall half marathon finishers and by age group, while the 5k recognizes overall champions.

The Race for Campus Safety in Salt Lake City is a community run and walk supporting the Lauren McCluskey Foundation and the University of Utah. It provides 1K, 5K, 10K, and virtual race options, allowing families, students, campus staff, advocates, and casual runners to select a suitable distance. The event funds efforts to enhance college responses to relationship violence, stalking, and interpersonal violence, with all proceeds directed to research, advocacy, and safety programming. The event is held each fall near the anniversary of Lauren McCluskey’s death, inspired by her life. The day’s activities extend beyond the races: participants may form teams, interact with sports mascots, visit resource and education booths, listen to live entertainment, and enjoy cheer squads, inflatable obstacle courses, and yard games. Over 800 people participated in a recent race and festival, creating a campus-wide gathering atmosphere with a distinct objective.

The Veterans Tribute Run is a 5K run and walk in Marriott-Slaterville, Utah, taking place in early November. It begins at 8:00 a.m. MST at First United Methodist Church, the same location as the finish line. The event focuses on honoring veterans, with race proceeds directed to the Veterans Activity Fund for residents of the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home. The course is a fast, flat loop incorporating a short out-and-back section, making it suitable for walkers, novice 5K runners, and those aiming for a personal best. Following the race, participants will receive light refreshments, and age-group awards will be given. The fund supported by the event provides for entertainment, outings, and special programs for veterans, and the race also pays tribute to George E. Wahlen, a World War II Medal of Honor recipient.

The SoJo Turkey Run is a Thanksgiving-season race day held at East Riverfront Park in South Jordan, Utah. Participants can select a 5K or 10K race. The Ruck category involves crossing the course on foot carrying a weighted backpack, and the Kids Run offers a shorter distance for children. The 5K, 10K, and Ruck all begin and end at East Riverfront Park. The 10K starts first, followed shortly by the 5K and Ruck. This event is an annual South Jordan tradition. Participants finishing the main categories get a race shirt and custom medal. Kids Run participants receive a custom medal, with or without a shirt.

Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving Day Races begin the holiday at TQL Stadium. Runners select either the Western & Southern 10K or the Chick-fil-A 5K before the holiday meal. Both main races commence at 9am. The 5K run/walk offers families and less experienced runners a shorter option within the established W&S Thanksgiving Day Race, which introduced the 5K after 114 years. The morning also features the ProAmpac Kids Fun Run, a 1/4-mile race starting at 8:30 AM from the same starting line as the main races. Children finish shortly after and receive medals, providing the youngest participants their own race-day recognition. Packet pickup occurs at TQL Stadium on the Tuesday and Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving, with complimentary East Garage parking. The finish line activities transition onto the TQL Stadium field for a post-race gathering with family and friends.

The Cottonwood Heights Thanksgiving Day 5K begins at 7500 S 2700 E in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, on a Friday in late November. It offers separate divisions for runners aged 12 and older, youth runners 11 and younger, and Cottonwood Heights City employees. Cottonwood Heights City, Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation, and the Cottonwood Heights Parks and Recreation Foundation host the race. The event is in its 42nd year, establishing it as a community tradition. A virtual route tour allows runners to preview the 5K course beforehand. One dollar from each entry supports the Cottonwood Heights Parks & Recreation Foundation, a 501c3 organization dedicated to local parks, recreation facilities, programs, and services. Participants note it as an enjoyable run with family and friends before Thanksgiving festivities, suitable for both casual runners and those seeking a competitive effort.

The Ogden Santa Run is a 5K in Historic Downtown Ogden and the original race in the Utah Santa Runs series. It is the largest event in the series, run just before the Ogden Holiday Light Parade, tying the race to the city’s holiday night rather than a standalone morning run. The route goes down Washington Boulevard, with runners in the Santa suits they receive as part of entry. Milk-and-cookie aid stations replace the usual sports-drink setup, volunteers dress as elves, and music plays along the course from start to finish.

The Gardner Village Santa Run is a Santa-themed running event in West Jordan, Utah. Runners line up in Santa suits instead of standard race gear. Registration includes the suit. The event offers longer race options with a half marathon and 10K, alongside the 5K that was part of the race before. The race leans into the holiday setup: participants run dressed as Santa, volunteers dress as elves, and aid stations serve milk and cookies along with water and Powerade. It is built more around the shared costume-and-festive-aid-station experience than around a technical course story or elite racing angle.

The Reindeer Run is a 5k run/walk in downtown Charleston, South Carolina, designed for families, casual runners, walkers, and those with pets. This yearly event, now over thirty years old, has expanded from a small local race with a few hundred participants to over 3,500 runners. The course is a short city 5k, suitable for first-timers, children, walkers, and groups seeking a social run through Charleston. Entry fees and race fundraising benefit MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, supporting its neonatal intensive care unit, pediatric cancer floor, and South Carolina’s most comprehensive pediatric heart center.