Let’s not beat around the bush, the full marathon distance of the Skyline Mountain Marathon is brutal. That being said, it is one of the most beautiful trail running events you will ever participate in.
Starting at the corrals in North Fork Park, Liberty UT, the course points directly uphill. In the shadow of the famous Ben Lomond Peak, yes famous, you will twist and turn on the switchbacks for 6 miles before arriving at the “saddle” where you will connect to the Skyline Trail and be greeted by Aid Station #1.
From Aid Station #1 runners will turn southeast and head toward the North Ogden Divide. This section of the trail is fast and almost completely downhill. At different points on this trail you will have views reaching all the way to the Salt Lake Valley.
Aid Station #2 will be located at mile 12.1.
From Aid Station #2 your quads will hate you because you point up hill again. Following the South Skyline Trail, runners will head south toward Windsurfers Beach.
Aid Station #3 will be located at the top of this climb, roughly 3 miles from Aid Station #2. Aid Station #3 offers a beautiful view of Ogden Valley, just before you start to head downhill toward Pineview Reservoir.
Aid Station #4 is located at the Windsurfers Beach. From here you will face what many call the most torturous section of the entire race. You will follow the Pineview Trail along the shoreline of Pineview Reservoir, connect to the North Arm trail and finish in “downtown” Eden at Eden Park.
