A mass start of approximately 1,500 runners leaves the starting line seven miles east of Huntsville at 6:30 a.m. during the 2002 Ogden Marathon and 5K run.
(Photo credit: Standard-Examiner file photo)
Story by Jeff DeMoss
Standard-Examiner staff
OGDEN — Thinking about trying your first marathon? You’re in the right place, or at least close enough.
The Ogden Marathon is one of the 10 best in the nation for first-time marathoners, according to Runner’s World, a leading magazine for runners.
In its January 2011 issue, Runner’s World lavishes praise upon the varied scenery and relative ease of the annual race, which begins in Ogden Valley and descends more than 1,000 feet through Ogden Canyon before ending downtown at the 26.2-mile mark.
“Ask any veteran marathoner to choose the most scenic race in America, and you’ll hear Big Sur (California) or Mount Desert Island (Maine),” the article reads. “But Ogden has one up on both of them: Its gorgeous views don’t come with epic climbs.”
The article looked at marathons that best cover the essential needs for a runner making his or her marathon debut, selecting 10 out of nearly 400 held in the United States every year. Rankings were based upon excellent organization, a likely chance of good weather, a well-marked course, fan-friendly atmosphere and being well-staffed.
The most recent mention marks the second consecutive year that Runner’s World has included Ogden in its annual rankings. The Ogden Marathon has achieved international prestige in and of itself, but it also helps that the race serves as a qualifier for the famous Boston Marathon.
While the Ogden Marathon was also noted for its lack of dense crowds, the rankings did not exclude events based on number of participants. The races on the list ranged from the New York City Marathon, the nation’s largest with about 43,000 runners, to the 2,400-person Napa Valley Marathon in California.
Jennifer Stockard, executive director of the GOAL Foundation, the local nonprofit organization that stages the marathon, said the recognition “can be attributed to the wonderful, dedicated volunteers in our community that help produce this world-class event.
“The marathon would not be a success without them,” Stockard said.
The popularity of the Ogden Marathon, sponsored by Zions Bank, has grown steadily since its debut in 2001, when it drew 880 participants. Next year’s 11th annual event reached its capacity of 5,700, including 3,000 full marathoners, within 15 days.
The marathon also reached a milestone for next year by drawing registrants from all 50 states for the first time. In addition to a nationwide representation, the 2011 race will feature runners from 13 countries.
The Ogden Marathon is a spring event, with the 2011 race scheduled for May 21. In conjunction with the event, Union Station will host a Fun and Fitness Expo on May 20 featuring various health and fitness organizations.
The full marathon begins in Hunstville, working its way through Eden and around Pineview Reservoir. Runners finish on Historic 25th Street by way of Ogden Canyon. The finish-line festival boasts live bands and a beer garden, along with smoothies, fresh-baked bread, fruit, and Creamsicles.
While the full and half marathon races filled up quickly, there are still some spots available for team registration, as well as the Kimberly-Clark 5K and the KidsK races. For more information, visit www.ogdenmarathon.com, call 801-629-8646 or e-mail ogdenmarathon@goalfoundation.com.
Top 10 U.S. marathons for first-timers / Race # of marathoners
ING New York City Marathon 43,000
Marine Corps Marathon (Washington, D.C.) 30,000
Flying Pig Marathon (Cincinnati) 16,000
Walt Disney World Marathon (Orlando) 15,000
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon (Phoenix) 8,000
Portland Marathon (Portland, Ore.) 8,000
Ogden Marathon (Ogden, Utah) 3,000
Fargo Marathon (Fargo, N.D.) 2,500
Steamtown Marathon (Scranton, Pa.) 2,500
Napa Valley Marathon (Napa, Calif.) 2,400
