2009 Salt Lake City Marathon Features Several Events

Salt Lake City, Utah -- Many Utahans are lacing up their running shoes and training for the 2009 Salt Lake City Marathon. Held every April, race proceeds go to The Huntsman Cancer Institute. The event features a marathon, half marathon, 5k, bike tour, and a kid's marathon.

The marathon has several sponsors and is known for being well-managed. This year's April 18 event will be no different. Runners from all over the country and even the world, come for the competition and to enjoy the scenic course. With hundreds of runners each year, this event is exciting for participants and spectators alike. Starting at the Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah, the marathon and half marathon wind through Salt Lake suburbia and finish at the Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway in the heart of Salt Lake. Shirts and signs honoring loved ones who have fought the fight with cancer are evidence that this race is personal to a lot of people.

Like many large running events, the Salt Lake Marathon features a running expo the day before. This is the place to pick up race packets and also to browse and admire the latest running gear on the market. Some such expos aren't worth visiting, but this one is full of interesting exhibitors and freebies galore. Also notable is the pasta party the night before, held at Cannella's Italian Restaurant. For $12.00 participants can load up on carbs and enjoy the camaraderie of other marathoners. Runners may also buy tickets for their family members.

There is no race day registration, and consequently, interested runners must sign up online or mail in registration by the April 14^th deadline. The marathon and half-marathon start at 7:00 am, and race participants are advised to come early to the race to beat traffic and find parking. Some participants take the tram from downtown to the start of the race in an effort to make the details of the morning more stress free. At any rate, coming early helps to eliminate at least some pre-race jitters.

If coming from out of town, The Salt Lake City Marriot Center and the Hilton Salt Lake City Center are the co-headquarter hotels for the race. The Salt Lake City Airport is minutes from downtown, making the race and entertainment very accessible.

Volunteers are always needed and appreciated. If you would like to get involved, information can be found on the official race website.