This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2010, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Runner's World magazine has named the Zions Bank Ogden Marathon as one of the top 10 races for a first-time marathoner.
This is the second consecutive year the Ogden Marathon and Half Marathon, scheduled on May 21 in 2011 and already sold out of its 5,700 spots, h as been mentioned in the magazine. It was listed last year as one of the top 10 races that best cover the essential needs for a runner making their marathon debut. Rankings are based upon excellent organization, a likely change of good weather, a well-marked course, fan-friendly atmosphere and being well staffed.
Other top finalists include the New York City Marathon, Portland Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. and the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati.
The magazine praised the Ogden Marathon's gorgeous views of mountains, green pastures and the calm waters of Pineview Reservoir as well as the course's elevation decline of 1,100 feet. The race begins in Huntsville and finishes on Historic 25th Street in downtown Ogden.