Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half Marathon

Saturday, September 9, 2023 • Salt Lake City, UT • Course Map

Runners are set to experience an elevation drop of more than 3,000 feet as they descend through Big Cottonwood Canyon on their way from the mountains into the city at the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon & Half, which makes its `0th annual running just before the official start of fall.

Recommended Race: The Salt Lake City Marathon & Half Marathon on April 22, 2023

The half marathon route starts just past the mile 8 marker of the full marathon route, a few miles west of the Silver Fork Lodge high up in the mountains of the Wasatch National Forest that overlook the city — as the resort describes itself, “just 11 miles away from Salt Lake City but a million miles away in attitude.”

The lodge has a rich history that dates back to the 1850s, when it was first set up as a tent city for workers in the nearby mines; later its trees were used to help build the famous LDS Mormon Temple that stands today in the heart of Salt Lake City.

From the starting line — which lies at an elevation of just over 7,000 feet above sea level — runners head west along the road that leads down through the canyon, Big Cottonwood Canyon Road.

The course keeps runners on this highway for the first 11 1/2 miles of the half marathon, as Big Cottonwood Canyon Road becomes Fort Union Boulevard, which runners will follow all the way to the race finish line, where the road meets South 1300 East.

Along the way, runners will pass through some of this area’s historic places and sights, like the Old Mill whose ruins still stand today in Old Mill Park.

A view of the course along Highway 190 from above, at the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy RunRevel)

A view of the course along Highway 190 from above, at the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy RunRevel)

Also sometimes called the Granite Mill, it was first built back in 1880 from stone left over during the construction of the Salt Lake Temple, but was later abandoned for decades until it was restored as a dance and music hall in the 1930s, when it drew in thousands of local residents for Depression-era entertainment.

For most of the race, runners also will run beside the waters of Big Cottonwood Creek, whose headwaters start up in the Wasatch Mountains near the Brighton Ski Resort, where the starting line for the full marathon lies.

The creek runs alongside the race course for all but the final mile or so of the half marathon, stretching some 26 miles to where it finally empties out into Utah’s Jordan River.

Proceeds from the race will go to support the Cottonwood Canyon Foundation, which works to preserve the environment here in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon region, of which the creek is a popular and critical piece.

Runners make their way along Highway 190 at the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy RunRevel)

Runners make their way along Highway 190 at the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon. (Photo courtesy RunRevel)

Race Weather & Climate

Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains to its east and the Great Salt Lake to its northwest, about 10 miles south of Salt Lake City, Cottonwood Heights typically sees September temperatures that average between 78°F and 55°F, while rainfall totals average just over 2.1 inches for the month.

On race day (Sept. 9), the average low is 55ºF and the average high is 80ºF.

Past Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Revel Big Cottonwood Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

6:45 AM

Fees

  • $79.95 – $109.95 for the half marathon
  • $99.95 – $129.95 for the full marathon

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon or Half Marathon race, register online at the event website here.

Official Race Website

www.runrevel.com/bcm

Comments

Ever run in the Revel Big Cottonwood races? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.

See more races in: September, Utah

2 comments… add one
  • cheryl st. john April 1, 2017, 1:49 pm

    Hi – I’m from Boston and thinking about running the half on Sept. 9th. I’m likely running solo. Do you have transportation to the start? What town is best to stay in? Salt Lake City? I just couldn’t find this info on the website. Thank you!
    Cheryl

    Reply
  • Terrell Johnson May 28, 2015, 2:36 pm

    Here’s what past runners have had to say about the race, from the old comments on our previous site:

    Michelle Craig Johnson, 2013: “This has been my favorite half so far. Beautiful scenery, great course, and so organized!!! (Even on their first year! Impressive.) They went above and beyond for the runners providing us space blankets at the start, gloves in our swag bags, and just a general feeling of awesomeness. 🙂 I’m having a baby in July and still trying to figure out how to fit this in with my recovery because I loved it that much. Practice runs in the canyon ( or somewhere equally steep) are a must.”

    Melissa Brown, 2013: “This was my 6th half marathon in Utah and it was definitely my favorite. I was worried the downhill would hurt my knees, but I didn’t really have a problem. Consider it in your training though! It honestly was SO beautiful, well organized, lots of fun and I totally crushed my previous PR, which was awesome! I am really excited to run it again this coming year and wholeheartedly recommend this race! :)”

    Michael C. Johnson, 2013: “If you are looking for a great half (or full) marathon for the fall in Utah, this should be on the top of your list. It was extremely well organized. The scenery was magnificent! The post-race goodies were delicious, great folks helping with PT and massages, pretty cool tech race shirt… And there were a lot of other extras that just made for a great overall experience. But most of all just the beauty of running down the canyon made it all worth it!”

    Trevor Nelson, 2013: “This was my 2nd Half Marathon ever! Wonderful scenery…GREAT organization for their first year, which I think will just get even better year by year. Looking to make this one a tradition…you won’t regret racing this one! =)”

    Reply

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