Rescheduled Runs

Fall Races to Start Training for Now By Jenny Willden

The 2020 racing season is unlike any other. Whether you’d planned to check the Boston Marathon off your bucket list or were ready to run the Salt Lake Marathon, COVID-19 put a wrench in race plans with all spring races canceled, delayed, or turned virtual.

While many local races have been scrapped entirely for 2020, other favorites are delayed until fall. When (and if) these planned races go on, we imagine they’ll be different than years past. Expect fewer participants, more waves of racers, hand sanitizer stations, and no race afterparties—just to name a few potential changes.

While we can’t promise what these runs will look like come race day, we know simply signing up and prepping is one way to amp up your training. Here are a few rescheduled races to add to your fall racing calendar:

IRONMAN NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIP ST. GEORGE September 19

Don’t let all your quarantine training days go to waste; come participate in this lauded Ironman race in beautiful southern Utah. Challenge yourself with a full-distance triathlon, or join the competitive athletes vying for 75 qualifying slots for the 2021 Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The scenic course begins with a 2.4-mile swim the red rock reservoir of Sand Ogden Marathon 2018

Hollow State Park followed by a 112-mile bike showcasing views of St. George and the red rocks of the Southwest. The race wraps up with a 26.2-mile run with city and desert views. Looking for training guidance for this tough race? Join a global community of athletes for coach-led online training, virtual race competitions, and celebrations at ironmanvirtualclub.com.

XTERRA SPRINT TRIATHLON AND TRAIL RACES September 19–20

Dip your toes in the triathlon waters without committing to the full distance at this sprint XTERRA race at Snowbasin Resort near Ogden. Held in conjunction with the XTERRA USA Championship event, amateurs and teams are welcome to compete. As a team or individual, race 750M swim, 19KM mountain bike, and 5K trail run at this off-road mountain event. Race entry includes an event t-shirt and post-race refreshments. USAT license required and a single-day license can be purchased for $15 at registration. Trail run 21K, 10K, 5K, and 5X5 TEAM Relay on Sunday.

OGDEN MARATHON September 26

Rated one of the most scenic races in America, you can choose to run a full marathon, half marathon, relay, or the new 5K along the final 3.1 miles of the marathon course. The famed marathon begins at an elevation of 5400 feet and takes you through fields, past Pineview Reservoir, into Ogden Canyon, and along Ogden River

Girls On The Run 5K starting line

Parkway before finishing on Historic 25th Street at 4309 feet. The half marathon begins at the marathon’s halfway point and also ends at 25th Street. Finish line festivities will be decided based on current state gathering rules.

GIRLS ON THE RUN 5K October 3

Whether you’re a Girls on the Run coach, have a daughter participating, or just want to show your support by being a running buddy, you can join in on this organization’s rescheduled 5K at Sugar House Park. All girls currently participating in Girls on the Run through their schools are registered and receive a t-shirt, race bag, and medal. Packet pickup available on race day or Wednesday, September 30 at Salt Lake Running Company. Visit girlsontherunutah.org for more information about participating as a Running Buddy.

GEAR FOR RACING SAFELY

Running in groups will be different for the foreseeable future, and though you already know to pack your running shoes and water bottle for a race, you may need special post-pandemic race gear. Pack these items along to stay safe while you run with others: Face Mask: Running in a face mask can be challenging for breathing, but consider wearing one at the race start and finish area when social distancing can’t be maintained. Hand Sanitizer: Bring a small bottle of hand sanitizer along to ensure your hands are germ-free when washing isn’t an option. Gloves: Non-medical running gloves don’t offer guaranteed virus protection, but they’ll remind you not to touch your face and reduce your contact with contaminated surfaces. Snacks: Don’t count on food during or after the race. Bring GU packets and snacks to keep yourself going. Be your own support system and carry water instead of using aid stations.

Jenny Willden is a Utah native and Managing Editor of Outdoor Sports Guide. She studied journalism at Seattle University but moved back to her hometown of Salt Lake City for sunnier skies and the Greatest Snow on Earth. When not exploring the Wasatch Mountains, you’ll find her traveling the world in search of tacos and outdoor adventures. Follow her on Twitter @jennywillden and Instagram @jlwillden.

VIRTUAL RACE OPTIONS

Not ready for an in-person race? Catch the racing spirit, earn a medal, and motivate yourself to train with these local virtual runs.

Huntsman SportsFest June 20

Runners, walkers, cyclists, and supporters join together (virtually) for a day of fighting cancer from the road, a trail, your backyard, or even your couch. Join as an individual, a family, or a socially-distant team by racing to support research at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). Invite friends and family to virtually participate and donate to your personal fundraising web page. 100% of funds raised support cancer research at HCI.

hope.huntsmancancer.org

Utah Valley Marathon Race by June 30

While this race hoped to go on with social distancing measures in place, it’s now been shifted to a virtual event due to COVID-19 concerns. Current participants are automatically signed up for the virtual event unless they defer to 2021. Virtual runners receive a 2020 race shirt and medal, online race results, and bonus long-sleeve shirt at the 2021 event. (If you participate both years.) Choose to complete a 10K, half marathon, or marathon and submit your time online. utahvalleymarathon.com

Coronavirus TP 10K Race June 6–27

Remember the run on toilet paper earlier this year? Commemorate it with a socially distanced 10K put on by the city of Herriman. Complete the race anywhere; do it all at once or break it up into multiple runs. First 250 participants receive a dri-fit style race shirt, medal, decal sticker, and an interchangeable face mask/cooling headband shipped to your door. All participants receive a race shirt and sticker.

raceentry.com

Virtual Dino Half Flashback Race by end of 2020

Outrun extinction and earn a 2019 Flashback medal with this virtual half marathon. The race is also offered in person this July, but this virtual run qualifies you for the Triassic Trifecta medal for running 2019, 2020, 2021. Once registered, receive your race bib, medal, and participant shirt by mail.

runtasticevents.com

Heber Half Flashback Race by end of 2020

Flashback to 2018 or 2019 and run your own half marathon or 5K with this virtual run. Receive that year’s race participant shirt, medal, and bib. Collect these puzzle piece medals to make a large four medal display. runtasticevents.com

Triple Trail Challenge Race in June, July, and August

Race independently on Park City’s trails with an all-virtual version of this popular racing series. Choose from Round Valley Rambler (June), Jupiter Peak Steeplechase (July), and Mid Mountain Marathon (August), or race all three and earn an embroidered Triple Trail Challenge jacket. Courses are 100% on trails and racers have one month to run each course and submit results. mountaintrails.org