Trail Running in Utah
Utah has 6 upcoming trail-running races scheduled for 2026: Logan River Trail 10K & 5K in Logan on July 18, Grand Circle Trailfest in Kanab on September 30, Mueller Trail Half Marathon in Bountiful on October 10, Naatsisaan Trail Races in Navajo Mountain on October 31, Moab Trail Marathon in Moab on November 7, and Goblin Valley Trail Runs in Green River on November 7.
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Frequently asked questions
What is trail running?▾
Trail running takes place on unpaved surfaces like dirt paths, mountain trails, and forest roads. Distances range from 5K to 100+ miles. Trail running emphasizes scenery, elevation, and technical terrain over pace.
What shoes do I need for trail running?▾
Trail running shoes have aggressive lugs for traction, rock plates for protection, and a more durable outsole than road shoes. Popular brands include Hoka, Salomon, and Altra. Choose shoes based on your local terrain.
How is trail running different from road running?▾
Trail running involves more elevation change, uneven footing, and slower paces than road running. Expect to run 20-40% slower on trails compared to roads. The focus shifts from pace per mile to effort and time on feet.
What are the best trail running destinations in the US?▾
Colorado, California, Oregon, and Utah offer world-class trail running. Iconic areas include the Sierra Nevada, Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest forests, and Appalachian trails. Browse trail events by state on RACE.