The Sun Marathon starts at the Fairgrounds in Veyo and crosses the intersection at the Veyo Gas Station (Same intersection of Mile 6 of St George Marathon). The race then goes down a unique route down the Gunlock Road passing Gunlock Reservoir, Follows along the Shivwits Paiutes Tribe land. This route is primarily downhill 2600 feet over 26.2 miles, however this route does have some climbs. The beauty of this course is hard to match. A great way to get some Sun during this time of winter in Utah.
The Sun Marathon was the 281st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 197th largest in 2022.
This year 12% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 12.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Sun Marathon the 129th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 124th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 101.11 ranks it as the 24th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 4th fastest course in Utah.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Sun Marathon a PR Score of 101.11. This PR Score ranks it as the 20th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Utah.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Sun Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 4584 feet (1397m) Min Elevation: 2902 feet (884m)
This course is FAST if you like it cold. The historic race temps are not accurate because it is so much colder at the start than it is at the finish. It was below 20 F with wind chill at the start and we had a significant tail wind.
The course is a nice gradual downhill for most of it. However, there are several steep downhill sections but they aren’t exceptionally long. This isn’t the quad killer course that some of the Revel races are.
There are several uphill sections. None of them are exceptionally steep but you have to make sure not to push too hard on them and burn out.
Definitely prepare for the cold and wear layers. I was able to peel off my long sleeve shirt and wind breaker by mile 5 but it did get a little cooler when the mountains blocked the sun around the half way point.
If you want a small COLD downhill race to help you get into Boston then this is actually a perfect race. After 11 tries at the marathon I finally got a BQ(3:19:22) at this race in 2022. I will be back in 2023 to try to improve on my time.
Race Tips
The race isn't super well organized. It is small and you just have to go into it expecting to not have the support of a major marathon. They have aid stations and plenty of drinks. However, there aren't as many volunteers as the larger races.
You will encounter slow moving half marathon runners throughout the second half. That is just part of this race. If that bothers you then definitely skip this one. You will also encounter 5k and 10k runners running in the opposite direction on your side of the road near the finish if you are done about the 3:20:00 mark. Again, if that would bother you then skip this race.
If you are struggling to BQ and you need every advantage you can get then this is the COLD weather downhill course for you.
I didn't ride the buses to the start. I just got dropped off by car early. There was a great fire pit to keep you warm so that seemed like the best option for me.
Michael Nash's review of 2019 Sun Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I really enjoyed this marathon. It was a fast course with a lot of downhill. The course had beautiful scenery. The marathon is well run and well supported.
Race Tips
There were a couple up hills. Know where there are and plan for them.
