The downhill Mt. Nebo Marathon course starts at approximately 9,300 feet and descends 4,600 feet to the finish at 4,700 feet.
The course starts at the top of Payson Canyon. The route continues down the canyon and finishes on Memorial Park. Approximately 2 miles are on dirt roads.
Although the course is extremely downhill (net drop of 4.600 feet), the high course elevation may adversely affect most runners - especially those not acclimated to the altitude.
The Runtastic NEBO Marathon was the 225th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 196th largest in 2022.
This year 21% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 11.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Runtastic NEBO Marathon the 144th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 43rd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.83 ranks it as the 42nd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th 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 Runtastic NEBO Marathon a PR Score of 99.83. This PR Score ranks it as the 35th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 6th fastest in Utah.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Runtastic NEBO Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 9367 feet (2855m) Min Elevation: 4689 feet (1429m)
Beautiful course. Lots of friendly aid stations. Descent is fast but wears on joints and soles of feet (maybe worse for me since I'm near 60). 4 am loading time for buses is really early considering lack of hotels nearby.
Race Tips
Not nearly enough port-a-potties at the top, go in advance if you can. Take a hoodie and drop bag for the top since it's colder up there while waiting for the start. First 10 miles are between 8,000-9,500 feet elevation. If you're not used to running at elevation--train for it. Also, train for steep descent--over 4,000 feet in about 10 miles.
This is not an easy downhill race but you can still get a great time. It really is a perfect challenge for your training. You start off in the dark, but not long enough for a headlamp & the sunrise is spectacular! I'll never forget it. The busses up we're great & I thought it was very well organized in 2018. Especially if your from the Salt Lake area I'd recommend this.
Race Tips
The initial hills at the starting elevation may make a lot of runners second guess this choice for a marathon, but you have to trust your training that you can make it up in the last 16 miles. If you've put the work in, you can do it. The out & back (mile 7-9) is on gravel before rejoining the pavement and has a few mild hills. Once you hit the downhills & drop a little elevation you'll get a burst of energy you didn't think you had, but pace yourself because you'll want to run faster than you should... there's still a ways to go.
Right before town, there's a field on the left. When it's sunny it gets hot there, it push on, there's a nice little downhill coming (in the shade).
When you get to town, you're almost there, but don't be fooled when you finally turn left for the park, you can't see the finish like until right after the park, but it's only a few feet beyond that, so keep the gas on.
If you've trained well (especially at altitude), you'll be fine here. I didn't train at high altitude, but still had a great race. If you've only trained average, don't expect this to be easy. The hills for the first 9.5 miles are no easy task. I them without walking, but it was slow moving. I knew I could make it up on the downhill though.
Trust your training. If you feel well, you can do it, and you'll have a great time doing it!
I thought this would be s great downhill race. How easy is downhill. (NOT). This downhill is steep at times and takes s toll on you. The first mile is uphill. If the first 10 Miles don't wear you out than the elevation will kick your butt. I thought I was prepared but apparently not. By mile 20 I was totally exhausted. Normally I can push st the end but with elevation I had nothing else in the tank st the finish.
The first 10 miles of this race could be classified as rolling. There are even some pretty steep uphills in this portion (small parts with an 8% or greater climb).
The aid stations did not have the advertised amenities. First gel or gu was not till mile 19, though it was promised at mile 7.
Road is open to traffic the entire race and there were cars on the course the whole way. Overall a poorly organized race.
Race Tips
Be prepared for a lot of uphill at the beginning. Then it gets steep (downhill) at mile 10 or so, but with slight climbs throughout.
3.5 Stars from 4 Reviews
