Racing Along The River: New TOSH Jordan River Marathon Offers A Beautiful Course On A Premier Trail

More than 1,500 runners are expected to participate in the inaugural race, which will hug the Salt Lake Valley’s scenic Jordan River Parkway Trail. With a prize purse of $2,500, runners will compete on the Boston Marathon qualifying course that is one of Utah’s most scenic and challenging road races. The course features lush greenery, parks and minimal traffic and is destined to become one of Utah’s premier running events. One key feature of the TOSH Jordan River Marathon course is the lack of street traffic. After a few street crossings early in the course, runners will enjoy the final 21 miles of the course with only one street crossing.

The TOSH Jordan River Marathon is held in conjunction with the Jordan River Commission’s 'Get Into the River Festival' and will benefit the Jordan River Commission with a day of graffiti removal from the trail system. The race will also benefit Team Kid Courage, a non-profit organization assisting special needs and disabled athletes participate in endurance sports events. A variety of activities and educational events will be held in communities along the Jordan River trail system to celebrate this great natural resource.

“The Jordan River Parkway Trail is one of the Salt Lake Valley's best treasures for runners,” said Jared Eborn, president of Extra Mile Racing and race director for the TOSH Jordan River Marathon. “For years Utahns have been training for races on this phenomenal course. With the final pieces of the course finally patched together in the Salt Lake Valley, a marathon that many runners have waited for many years, is finally possible. We’re very excited to see this dream become a reality.”

Runners, walkers and wheeled participants in the bike/skate tour will begin the race near the Utah State Fair Park in Salt Lake City and join the Jordan River Parkway at 200 South. Half marathon runners will begin in Murray and cover the final 13.1 miles of the course. A 5K and Kid's Run are also planned, and will start and finish in Draper. Participants can find more information and registration links at JordanRiverMarathon.com.

The TOSH Running Program is bringing its expertise in distance running, endurance sports training and medicine to help race participants prepare and compete effectively. 

A free community running clinic for TOSH Jordan River Marathon runners will be held at TOSH on May 7 and will be taught by TOSH running experts. Topics include: hydration, fueling, tapering for optimal performance and tips on what to do and not do as the race approaches.

"We're excited to partner with the marathon to make this new race one of the state's premier running events," said James Walker, PhD, director of TOSH Sports Sciences and the TOSH Running Program​. "Not only will the TOSH Jordan River Marathon become a must-run race for Utah runners, but it will highlight and celebrate one the great natural resources in the valley."