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For many, crossing the finish line of the Salt Lake City Marathon is a life-long dream. For others, the event is a fun-filled day of cheering friends and family to the finish line. Regardless of why you're there, this year's Salt Lake City Marathon is on track to be another unforgettable experience.

Scheduled Saturday, April 18, the Salt Lake City Marathon will bring thousands of runners, volunteers, exhibitors and spectators together to share in the excitement and celebration as runners race toward the finish line. Dubbed, "a beautiful challenge," the 26.2 mile course highlights the best of Salt Lake City. But the event goes far beyond the marathon course—there's something for everyone. Runners looking for a shorter challenge can join the half marathon or 5K course. Cyclists can compete in the bike tour, which covers 26 miles of the Salt Lake Valley. There's even a kid's marathon course just for children ages five to 10.

"It's a day of nonstop action," says Race Director Steve Bingham-Hawk.

New this year is the 10K skate category, which is open to inline and quad skaters of all experience levels. "We'll have roller derby girls bringing all of their energy and enthusiasm to it. And, we'll have Olympian speed skaters who will be joining us. It's really going to be exciting," Bingham-Hawk says, adding that skating pros will be offering demonstrations at the finish line.

Whether you're an athlete or in the cheer zone, the Salt Lake City Marathon promises to be a day filled with challenges, celebration and fun. "We'll have a live band going on stage at 9 a.m. The Beer Garden will open at 10 a.m. And, starting at 8 a.m., a kid's activity area will open with arts and crafts, a bounce house and an obstacle course. Whether you want to run or watch, we welcome you there," Bingham-Hawk says, adding that there are many ways to get involved.

"We can't do this event without the 800-plus volunteers," he says. Volunteer opportunities range from helping at an aid station, running the gear check, to handing out packets. New this year, water stations and cheering groups will compete for $2,000 in prizes. "We're going to award the biggest and best groups out there at the water stations and cheer zones," says Bingham-Hawk.

"It really is going to be a beautiful race and includes so many different elements of the city," he adds.

The marathon course starts at historic Olympic Legacy Bridge at the University of Utah, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympic Athlete Village. It winds through scenic Federal Heights and 11th Avenue before dropping into downtown Salt Lake through Eagle Gate and passing Temple Square through Memory Grove. The course then takes runners through Sugar House and Liberty Park until they reach the finish line between the downtown library and Washington Square.

"We've paid great attention to creating an on-course experience to make it a great experience for runners," says Bingham-Hawk. "Even though running isn't supposed to be fun at mile 20, we've done things like getting a hip-hop group to help runners through the pain and struggle. And there will be many cheering zones and a big party at the end."

At the end of the day, Bingham-Hawk hopes the event will bring the community together. "The marathon is committed to being a positive influence in the Salt Lake Valley from the beginning to the end. Yes it's an athletic event, but what really makes it great is having people there to support each other and their efforts."

If you've already signed up to join the fun, but your friends haven't, now's your chance to get them onboard. When you refer a friend to the full or half marathon, you and your friend will receive a free winter performance beanie. Visit Salt Lake City Marathon for more information. Registration is open until April 15 at midnight.