One of Utah's signature running events sends thousands of runners down Provo Canyon this weekend. The Utah Valley Marathon — along with its half marathon, 10K, and 5K — runs Saturday, June 6, 2026, finishing in historic downtown Provo near the Utah County Courthouse.
Why runners love it
The full marathon starts up near Wallsburg and descends through Provo Canyon along the Provo River, passing forests, the reservoir, and views of Bridal Veil Falls before dropping into the city. It's a mostly downhill, USATF-certified course that's earned a reputation as one of the fastest June marathons in the country and a popular Boston qualifier. The 2026 course is set to fall just under the 1,500-foot net-drop limit, meaning it qualifies for Boston without an elevation time penalty. There's also a finish-line "PR Bell" for anyone who sets a personal record.
Race-weekend logistics
- Expo & packet pickup: Friday, June 5, at the Utah Valley Convention Center (220 W Center Street), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring a photo ID or your confirmation email. Admission to the expo — and the runner symposium — is free and open to the public.
- Start times: The longer races start very early (buses to the canyon start line run in the pre-dawn hours), with the 5K around 7:45 a.m. and a free Kids' 1K Fun Run on Center Street later in the morning.
- Finish: Historic downtown Provo, with community crowds lining University Avenue to cheer runners in.
If you're driving, not running
The biggest thing for non-runners to know is the canyon traffic. On race morning, lanes along US-189 through Provo Canyon are diverted for the course, and University Avenue in Provo sees closures near the finish. The canyon generally stays open, but with reduced lanes — so if your Saturday plans involve heading up toward Sundance, Heber, or the canyon trails, budget extra time or pick a later start. Spectators are encouraged to cheer from along University Avenue rather than inside the canyon, for everyone's safety.
It's a great morning to be downtown either way: grab breakfast, find a spot along the route, and watch one of the valley's best running traditions roll through.
For more, see our running routes in Provo and our Bridal Veil Falls guide for the scenery the runners get to enjoy.