The 2026 Deseret News Marathon and its accompanying races are underway today, July 24, bringing athletes to the streets of Salt Lake City for a series of distance events ranging from a full marathon to a 1K sprint. To manage the significant influx of participants and mitigate traffic disruptions near the Days '47 Parade, race organizers have implemented strict shuttle requirements for long-distance runners.
Mandatory Shuttle Logistics and Start Times
For those participating in the full marathon and half marathon, transportation to the starting lines is restricted to official buses. The marathon-specific buses are scheduled to pick up runners from the west side of Rice-Eccles Stadium, located at 451 South 1400 East, between 3:45 a.m. and 4:15 a.m. These shuttles will transport participants to the Mountain Dell Golf Course starting line for the 5:30 a.m. start.
Half marathon runners face an earlier arrival window, with buses departing from the same Rice-Eccles Stadium location between 4:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. The half marathon course begins a quarter of the way up Little Mountain from the Emigration Canyon side. Organizers have warned that drivers should not attempt to reach the start lines personally, as police will limit traffic in the canyon for runner safety.
Race Start Locations and Parking
Shorter distance races follow different parking and arrival protocols. The 10K race begins at the University of Utah Research Park, located above Wakara Way near the cemetery, with recommended parking at Research Park. Participants in the 5K event will start at 50 South 9 and 900 East, utilizing side streets near 950 East South Temple for access.
The 1K race is positioned within Liberty Park, specifically to the south of the finish line. For all participants, organizers have noted that while some lanes may remain open, runners will be on the roads from 6:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., and Salt Lake City Police will be present at intersections along the course to assist drivers.
Hydration and Nutrition Stations
Nutrition and hydration are provided across various aid stations throughout the courses. The marathon features 13 scheduled aid stations, beginning at mile 3 and continuing every other mile through mile 25. These stations will provide Gatorade and water, with specific stops at miles 9, 15, 19, and 23 offering GU energy gels. Additionally, Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration will provide electrolyte hydration at the mile 23 station, while later stations may offer popsicles and oranges.
The half marathon includes aid stations at miles 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12, with GU provided at miles 7 and 10. The 10K course provides Gatorade, water, and Redmond Re-Lyte at miles 3 and 5, while the 5K course offers hydration at mile 2.
Post-Race Celebrations and Awards
At the finish line in Liberty Park, a wide variety of refreshments will be available to celebrate the completion of the races. According to race organizers, the post-race spread includes fruit, cookies, Creamies, Chick-fil-A, BYU Creamery Chocolate Milk, Gatorade, and water.
An awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at the finish line for the top three finishers in each race category. The timing of these presentations is staggered: 8:00 a.m. for the 10K, 8:10 a.m. for the 5K, 8:20 a.m. for the half marathon, and 9:10 a.m. for the marathon. The ceremony is expected to occur within 45 minutes of each race's finish. All awards are sponsored by Symbol Arts and Minky Couture.
Spectator Viewing and Parking Information
Spectators looking to watch the runners emerge from the canyon are encouraged to park in the Hogle Zoo parking lot for the marathon and half marathon. For those watching the finish line at Liberty Park, organizers suggest parking along nearby side streets. The finish line area is intended to serve as a gathering place for families with food and entertainment provided before the start of the Days '47 Parade and other holiday celebrations.
For the marathon relay, spectators can find participants at several exchange points, including the Hogle Zoo Exchange, the Rice-Eccles Stadium Exchange, and the finish line at Liberty Park.
Weather Warnings and Return Transit
Race officials have noted that weather conditions may vary significantly. While temperatures in the mountains can be quite cool, runners should prepare for an immediate increase in temperature upon entering the valley, where conditions can range from 70 to 90 degrees depending on pace.
Participants are reminded that after the race, buses will be located on the east side of Liberty Park on 700 East. However, there is no shuttle service provided back to the 5K starting line, and runners must make their own transportation arrangements for that return trip.
