2026 Sun Marathon

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