From burgers to 'Bloodiest Runner' award: Top 10 trail races in Utah

From burgers to 'Bloodiest Runner' award: Top 10 trail races in Utah

(Derrick Lyttle)


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SALT LAKE CITY — Thanks to the beauty, availability and diversity of varying landscapes, Utah provides many unique locations to host trail running races.

From the starkness of the west desert to the red rock landscape in the southeast and the ruggedness of the Wasatch, trail races have become a staple pastime nearly all year long.

Unlike traditional road racing where distances are very standard (5k, 10k, half marathon, and marathon), trail races can be almost any distance, ranging from as few as 3.8 miles all the way up to the monster 100 mile ultra marathons. There is truly a distance for everyone. What makes each one special varies from the uniqueness of the course to the format of the race. Ultimately, the runner determines which is the best course, organization, and location for themselves.

What Makes a Trail Race Unique?

Attend a road race of any distance and for the most part they are pretty standard — a tech shirt and a couple of energy gels in the pre-race goody bag; water, gatorade, and energy gels (or bananas, if you're lucky) at aid stations; and race specific finisher medals. And if it's a really well organized event, a nice spread of treats and chocolate milk await you at the finish line.

Trail races, especially those that are part of an ultra distance event are far more individual. From the pre-race goody bag to the post race party, each event brings its own flair and individuality.

Aid stations are half the reason people race an ultra. Standard fair in most ultras are items like gummy bears, potato chips, Coke and boiled potatoes. Many even offer cooked foods such as grilled cheese, pancakes, bacon and even cheeseburgers. Throw in awesome finisher swag like belt buckles, socks, or massive mugs and it's easy to understand the draw to the trail scene.

Which is the best?

When considering which trail race might be the best in Utah there are more factors to argue than can be listed.

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Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Nearly 30 local runners were polled regarding their favorite races, and the reasons for their selections were most commonly based on their own personal experiences at the events they chose, whether as runners or volunteers.

When the totals were tallied a top 10 was determined. These are listed below, along with runner explanations as to why it is the favorite.

1. Buffalo Run 25k/50k/50 mile/100 mile

Held on the beautiful and stark Antelope Island, the Buffalo Run races have the largest field of races in Utah. Race Director Jim Skaggs has worked diligently for years to create and offer one of the most classic set of races in the state.

Not only are the trails on the island stellar, the weather generally cool and favorable, but everything from the simple race shirts to the post race veggie and buffalo chili served in the finisher mug make for an outright party. Dave Moore from Sandy prefers the Buffalo Run races as his favorite because, "there is something for everyone and the Split Rock & White Rock bays are so beautiful."

And where else are you going to find a race where you actually get to run with real buffalo?

2. Speekgoat 50k

Race director Karl Meltzer, who is also the most successful ultra marathon runner in the world, has a twisted sense of humor. His sole purpose for creating the Speedgoat 50k was to punish ultra runners. At least that's how those who run it feel. He has worked feverishly to make the race harder year after year.

Held at Snowbird Ski Resort, the race boasts more than 11,000 vertical feet of uphill in only 31 miles. The challenge is what makes this race so appealing. It currently draws the largest field of elite runners from around the world of any race in the state (and nearly the country).

When asked why Speedgoat is his favorite, American Fork ultra runner Scott Wesemann said, "Everything I like about the Wasatch 100 and more is packed into 32-ish miles." This race is not for the faint of heart.

3. The Bear 100

Held in the mountains east of Logan, the race runs all the way to Bear Lake, passing through the heart of the northern Wasatch mountains. The late September race-date means stunning autumn leaves and cool temperatures. Until this year, it has been a hidden gem. For the first time in its history, the race has sold out by early summer.

Sarah McCloskey, an elite ultra runner from Alta, has run The Bear twice (2012, 2013) and taken 3rd and 2nd, respectively. Her love for the race is due largely in part because of the "fall colors and almost zero pavement."

4. Wasatch Front 100

The granddaddy of 100 mile ultras, the Wasatch Front 100 was one of the first 100 mile races in the country, dating back to 1980, when five people started and only two finished. Now in its 34th year, it is one of the most sought after races in the country.

Beginning in Fruit Heights and ending in Soldier Hollow, the course follows the jagged mountain ridges to the east of Davis and Salt Lake counties. It is a beautiful and brutal route with nearly 27,000 vertical feet of climbing.

This race challenges the best. Thanks to some dedicated volunteers, the Wasatch Front 100 is potentially the best race experience around.

In what other race can you eat a cheeseburger at mile 47 and a full breakfast buffet at mile 80? It has certainly won the hearts of all who have run it.

5. Bryce 50k/50 mile/100 mile

Thanks to some of the best volunteers on the planet, the Wasatch Front 100 is potentially the best race experience around. In what other race can you eat a cheeseburger at mile 47 and a full breakfast buffet at mile 80? It has certainly won the hearts of all who have run it.
Thanks to some of the best volunteers on the planet, the Wasatch Front 100 is potentially the best race experience around. In what other race can you eat a cheeseburger at mile 47 and a full breakfast buffet at mile 80? It has certainly won the hearts of all who have run it. (Photo: Bart Greenwell)

The new kid on the block, the Bryce races have quickly become fan favorites. Held above, below and among the hoodoos of red sandstone west of Bryce Canyon National Park, this race offers some of the most beautiful scenic running in the state.

The course, regardless of which distance you run, is a brilliant mix of challenging and fun, with an average elevation of 8,300 feet above sea level. Tony Christensen from Kaysville appreciates Bryce because it is "tough, but not too tough, and absolutely beautiful."

The finisher medals and 100 mile belt buckles are one of a kind and are actually meant to be worn. The race director, Matt Gunn, also offers a slew of race swag just for showing up.

6. Squaw Peak 50

Frequently referred to as a "baby Wasatch," Squaw Peak, held in early June, is often used as a ramp-up race for those gunning for the big race of their season, the Wasatch Front 100.

The race starts and ends in Vivian Park up Provo Canyon. As the course winds its way around the front and rear of the mountains east of Provo, runners pass landmarks such as Rock Canyon, Squaw Peak, Hobble Creek Canyon and Windy Pass. For many local aspiring ultra runners, Squaw Peak has become the standard entrance to the ultra running world.

7. Pony Express Trail 50 mile/100 mile

Run 50 miles on a dirt road, due west, into the west desert. Then turn around and come back. Sounds easy, right? However, this race has one of the largest non-finisher rates in the country.

Hosted by Davy Crockett, a local adventure runner from Saratoga Springs, the Pony Express is special in its own unique way. While the stark nature of the surroundings is certainly a draw for many, what really makes this race special is the ability of family and friends to experience the race right along with the runner.

The race requires crew cars, which means family members can literally watch their racer compete every step of the way.

"I like the Pony Express because it is historical, fast, and wide open and good for beginner ultra runners," said Matt Van Horn, a local elite racer from Farmington. He won the race in 2013.

8. Wasatch Steeplechase


At somewhere around 16 miles (the course has been basically the same for 30 years and no one will agree on an exact distance), the Wasatch Steeplechase runs from Memory Grove in downtown Salt Lake, up and over Little Black Mountain, and into City Creek Canyon via a route aptly named "Smugglers Gap". The course climbs 4500 vertical feet in the first 8 miles and requires the racers to scramble over rocky crags at the mountains summit. Race directors even offer a "Bloodiest Runner" award, for obvious reasons.

This subtle race has been around for a long time — 34 years to be exact — yet not many know about it.

At somewhere around 16 miles (the course has been basically the same for 30 years and no one will agree on an exact distance), the race runs from Memory Grove in downtown Salt Lake, up and over Little Black Mountain and into City Creek Canyon via a route aptly named "Smugglers Gap".

The course climbs 4,500 vertical feet in the first 8 miles and requires the racers to scramble over rocky crags at the mountain's summit. Race directors even offer a "Bloodiest Runner" award for the person who gets the most banged up during the race.

9. Logan Peak

Utah racers have an obsession with races that take them to the tops of mountains. And why wouldn't they? That's where the best views are.

Logan Peak is a simple race about running to the top of a mountain and back. A 28 mile course, the race barely breaks into the category of "ultra marathon." But due to the difficulty of the climb, all racers walk away felling like they've run a difficult mountain ultra.

10. Moab Red Hot 33k/55k

This race, held in the sandstone hills near Moab, follows a brilliant course on red dirt roads and over slick rock mountain bike trails, some requiring the use of a rope to ascend and descend.

An early season race, held in February, draws some of the best trail runners in the country because it offers good competition when most other runners and races are still in their off season. When Tim Shupe from Lehi was asked why he liked the Red Hot races, he simply replied, "Moab!"

Not ready for an ultra run?

If you don't think you're up for the challenge of running as far as these races require, don't be alarmed, there are plenty of shorter distance races that are extremely popular too. The Wasatch Trail Run Series offers races from late spring and throughout the summer in places like Draper and Snowbird and Solitude Ski Resorts. Courses range from 3.5 to 8 miles and they are held each week for a minimum cost. The Cascadia Trail Series host three races in or near Provo Canyon. Their courses are challenging, yet fun, and they are extremely well known for their overall and age group winner prizes.

So take some time to explore these incredible races and come up with your own list of favorites. No matter what your list looks like, you won't be disappointed. The courses are challenging and beautiful and whether you are an elite or up-and-coming trail runner you'll enjoy every minutes spent running with other incredible people.


Craig Lloyd is content manager and site operator of trailandultrarunning.com. To read more, go to his TAUR site or his blog, www.refuse2quit.com. You can also follow him on Twitter @ultracraig.

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