First run in 1970, the Deseret News Marathon is the oldest road race in Utah and the 4th oldest marathon west of the continental divide. The marathon follows the path the Utah pioneers traveled when they first entered the valley. This event is truly a part of Utah’s heritage! We are excited to announce that the 2026 version of the Deseret News Marathon will be a throwback to the old course. The starting line will be at Mountain Dell Golf Course - just below Little Dell Reservoir. The first 5 miles will head toward Big Mountain before making the turnaround and heading down Emigration Canyon (updated maps coming soon!!). The course will include 1490 feet of total elevation drop--and zero time penalty in qualifying for the Boston Marathon. The last time we ran the route with this starting line was 2003. The beautiful course finishes through downtown Salt Lake City along the Days of '47 Parade route where runners are greeted by over 100,000 cheering Utahns! The marathon course is USATF Certified and a Boston qualifier. [**Beating the Heat by Dr. Jake Viegel**](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2025/Beating%20the%20Heat.pdf) **Training Plans:** [Beginning Runners](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Beg.pdf) | [Experienced Runner](https://assets.deseret.com/marathon/2026/2026%20DN%20Marathon%20Training%20Plan-Exp.pdf)