Cycling & running events in Salt Lake City, 2026

Salt Lake City-Murray Training Notes

Running: Locals run the Jordan River Parkway for steady base miles, especially the 3900 South to 12300 South stretch through the valley. The Murray City Section from 4800 S to 6400 S stays maintained in winter, so it keeps Z2 honest. The inside paved loop runs 4 miles. The perimeter grass loop runs 8.2 miles. Salt Lake City Track Club handles Tuesday Speedwork at East High School and long runs from 7:00 to 12:00 minute miles. The RUN SLC Race Series, Salt Lake City Marathon, and Liberty Park Endurance Runs anchor the calendar.

Cycling: Locals ride paved paths along waterways, wide roads with good shoulders, and canyon climbs that start fast from town. Bonneville Cycling Club gives riders 500+ riding opportunities per year, and Contender Bicycles shows up in the gravel scene with rowdy mixed routes. City Creek Canyon runs 10 miles out and back with 1122 feet of elevation gain. Emigration Canyon gives climbers 16 miles out and back with 1339 feet of elevation gain. Millcreek Canyon hits 18 miles out and back with 2628 feet of elevation gain. Big Cottonwood Canyon makes riders earn 30 miles out and back with 4104 feet of elevation gain. Salt Lake Criterium and The Ultimate Challenge are the big anchor events.

Season: Salt Lake City sits at 1,300 m and the Wasatch rising hard to the east. Summer puts the Salt Lake Criterium in the Granary District and Level Crossing Brewing Company at Post District, and The Ultimate Challenge brings gran fondo energy into the same orbit. Runners keep mornings productive on City Creek Canyon, Sugar House Park, Liberty Park, and the Jordan River Parkway. Winter sends some runners to the maintained Murray City Section or the 442-meter indoor track at the Utah Olympic Oval. Snow partially closes Millcreek Canyon Road, and valley trails ride better once they melt off and drain.