2026 Sun Marathon

The 2026 Sun Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Santa Clara, Utah. Located in the St. George and Santa Clara area, the event takes place in Southern Utah's red-rock desert. Participants can expect mild January temperatures, typically averaging between 50°F and 55°F, providing an escape from winter chill. The courses feature scenic views of towering crimson cliffs, the Virgin River corridor, and Gunlock Reservoir, traversing land associated with the Shivwits Band of Paiutes.

What is the event date and location?

• →Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
• →City: Santa Clara, Utah (84765)
• →Start Location: Veyo Fairgrounds
• →Finish Location: 2375 Rachel Dr, Santa Clara

What are the expected weather conditions?

• →Average January high temperatures: 50–55°F
• →Region: Southern Utah’s sunny, red-rock desert

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon (26.2 miles)
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• →10K (6.2 miles)
• →5K (3.1 miles)
• →Virtual Race

What are the start times and cut-off times for each race?

• →Full Marathon: Start at 7:00 AM MST; Cut-off at 2:00 PM (7-hour limit)
• →Half Marathon: Start at 8:30 AM MST; Cut-off at 2:00 PM (5.5-hour limit)
• →10K: Start at 10:00 AM MST; Cut-off at 1:00 PM
• →5K: Start at 10:15 AM MST; Cut-off at 1:00 PM

How much does registration cost?

• →Full Marathon: $115 (increases after Jan 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST)
• →Half Marathon: $92
• →10K: $51.75
• →5K: $46
• →Virtual Race: $35

Are there Boston Qualifier opportunities?

• →Yes, the Full Marathon is a Boston Marathon Qualifier
• →Course Code: UT18001TJD
• →Note: The course has a net descent of ~2,600 ft but requires technical pacing

What is the course elevation profile for the Full Marathon?

• →Net descent: ~2,600 ft over 26.2 miles
• →Max elevation: ~4,584 ft (1,396.8 m)
• →Total ascent: ~1,062 ft (323.6 m)

Are there pacer programs available?

• →Available for Full and Half Marathon
• →Fee: $1,000 (covers leadership, bib, swag, recognition)
• →Start Time: 7:00 AM
• →Registration Deadline: Jan 23, 2026 at 9:59 AM MST
• →Type: Invite-only application/selection required

Is there a program for slower runners or walkers?

• →Option: Full Slow Racer
• →Price: $100
• →Start Time: 6:30 AM MST (30 minutes early start)
• →Cut-off: 2:00 PM (7.5-hour window)
• →Registration Opens: Jan 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM MST

What is the Virtual Race deadline and inclusions?

• →Registration Deadline: Jan 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM MST
• →Includes: Medal
• →Shirt: Optional add-on

What specific geographic features does the course pass?

• →Gunlock Reservoir
• →Virgin River corridors
• →Tribal lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes
• →Towering crimson cliffs

Where does the Half Marathon start?

• →Starts at mile 13.1 of the full marathon course
• →Shares the scenic second half of the course
• →Follows the Virgin River corridor toward the finish

How is the 10K course structured?

• →Out-and-back from the finish line
• →Runs 3.1 mi to the 2nd aid station, turns, returns 3.1 mi

How is the 5K course structured?

• →Out-and-back
• →Runs 1.55 mi to the 1st aid station, turns, returns 1.55 mi