The Up For Air Series is hosting the Running Up for Air - Malans Peak endurance event in Ogden, an initiative designed to raise funds for air quality monitoring and public health awareness. Proceeds from the event will support a collaborative effort between Ogden City and Weber State University to address the region's pollution challenges through increased data collection and community outreach.
Race Formats and Registration
The endurance event, held at 2985 Buchanan Ave in Ogden, Utah, features several race formats ranging from three-hour sprints to 24-hour challenges. According to the event organizers, the race options include a 24-hour Malans Peak race, a 24-hour Malans Peak Team Relay, and various shorter durations such as 3-hour, 6-hour, 12-hour, and overnight Friday night options. Registration fees for the event vary by duration, with prices ranging from $75 for a three-hour race to $400 for the 24-hour team relay. Organizers noted that registration prices for these events are scheduled to increase after December 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. MST.
Mission of the Up For Air Series
The Up For Air Series aims to use endurance sports as a platform to amplify dialogue regarding air quality and to empower organizations working on environmental solutions. The series seeks to expose both participants and the general public to science-based information regarding the importance of maintaining healthy air. All proceeds from the Running Up for Air events are directed toward carefully selected non-profit groups that demonstrate high-value influence strategies in their pursuit of air quality solutions.
Collaborative Air Quality Efforts
Funds raised through the event are slated to benefit a partnership between Ogden City Sustainability and Weber State University's Sustainability Practices and Research Center (SPARC). This collaboration focuses on improving air quality within the Ogden area. According to the organizers, Ogden currently lacks sufficient air quality monitoring equipment that provides publicly available data. The donated funds will be utilized to purchase, install, and maintain a network of air quality monitors throughout the city to collect real-time data on pollution levels.
Data Collection and Education
The goal of the expanded monitoring network is to provide residents, visitors, and city officials with a better understanding of local air quality to assist in making informed decisions. Additionally, some of the funds may be used to support a student internship. This internship is intended to provide a student with meaningful experience while assisting with the project and fostering community outreach efforts. Building this continuous monitoring network is intended to provide the data necessary to inform strategies for reducing pollution and improving public health outcomes in the region.
Environmental Challenges in the Region
Air quality remains a significant concern for the Wasatch Front, including the Ogden area. Geographic and meteorological conditions in the region contribute to inversions that trap pollutants close to the ground. These inversions, when combined with emissions from vehicles, industrial sources, and other contributors, lead to periods of poor air quality. Such conditions can negatively impact respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable populations living in the area.
Fundraising Progress
As of the current fundraising period, the initiative has raised $50 toward a $150,000 goal. Leading donors include Teresa Hicks, who has contributed $50. Other contributors to the fundraising efforts include James Peak, who has donated $1,000, Mount Ogden with $500, Mount Allen with $200, Ben Lomond Peak with $100, Willard Peak with $50, and Lewis Peak with $25.
Community Impact
The Running Up for Air - Malans Peak event continues to serve as a primary vehicle for the Up For Air Series to drive local environmental action. By combining athletic endurance with scientific data needs, the event seeks to address the specific meteorological challenges faced by the Ogden community through increased transparency and community-led funding.
