RUN THE DUDE!

Starting in the heart of Salt Lake City, runners will take off from Memory Grove Park and ascend into City Creek Canyon, tackling steep climbs and technical trails on their way to the summit of Dude Peak. With nearly 4,000 feet of elevation gain, this route makes for a fun day, offering spectacular ridgeline views of the city, exhilarating descents, and a rewarding day under the summer solstice sun. Run the Dude!

Route Description

Runners will start at Memory Grove Park, heading up the road into City Creek Canyon. After a short climb, they’ll transition onto the BST, continuing deeper into the canyon. At mile 1.8, turn left, staying on the BST and heading west toward Ensign Peak.

Around mile 3, the course veers left off the BST, descending quickly to Ensign Peak. After tagging the summit and snapping a quick photo, runners will descend the singletrack trail toward the tower road west of Ensign Peak. Once on the road, they’ll settle into a steady climb toward the radio towers. By mile 6.5, they’ll pass the final tower, where the road ends and the rugged singletrack ascent to Dude Peak begins.

For the next 4 miles, runners will follow the ridgeline to the summit of Dude Peak before turning around and retracing their steps for 2.5 miles. A left turn then drops them east into City Creek, leading to a steep descent into the canyon. From there, they’ll follow the City Creek trail out of the canyon, cruising back down to the finish at Memory Grove Park.

This is a self-supported race, meaning runners should come prepared with their own hydration and nutrition. A water cache will be available at the summit of Dude Peak.

Course
Distance: 16 miles
Vertical Gain: 4,000ish feet
Start/Finish: Memory Grove Park

The course will be marked with flags and signs at major junctions, but please download the route to a watch or phone if you are not familiar with the area.

📍Maps & GPX Files 📍

🏃🏽🏃‍♀️➡️Strava Map
🏃🏽🏃‍♀️➡️AllTrails Map
🏃🏽🏃‍♀️➡️Download GPX

Registration

Entry Fee

$45: January 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025

$55: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025

$65: June 1, 2025 – June 21, 2025

Race day registration is available before the race, pending the runner cap. We will provide updates if needed.

We are trying to keep it lean. Entry fees cover permits, rentals, and race materials—nothing more.

🏅 Podiums 🏅

This race is for everyone, but make no mistake—it’s a race, and there will be a winner. We’re putting up prize money for the top finishers as a way to give back to the runners. In the end, it’s all about the love of trail running and the community that makes it special.

Prize Money

Top 3 Men: $100 / $75 / $50
Top 3 Women: $125 / $100 / $75

FAQs

Parking: *IMPORTANT* Runners please park along East Capitol Blvd. (east of Capitol) and walk down to the start at Memory Grove Park. Please avoid parking in the neighborhood near the park entrance.

Cutoff Time: The park wants us to be cleared out around 2:00 PM. If you're still on the course having fun, no worries—the park remains open to the public. If you want to start earlier, all good!

Restrooms: TBD; runners may use existing park restrooms at Memory Grove. Also, some restrooms at the Ensign Peak Trailhead if needed.

Aid Stations: A water cache will be available near the summit of Dude Peak, along with some light nutrition, but this is not a full aid station—plan accordingly. This is a cupless event, so bring your own bottle/flask/hydration vest. Please pack out all trash and leave no trace!

Dogs: Trail Dogs are welcome! Just keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

Crew Access: Ensign Peak is the best option for crew access. Be mindful of parking and respectful of the neighborhood near Ensign.

Timing: This race isn’t about the clock, but we’ll keep time and record finish times as runners come through. If there’s an issue with your time, just let us know—we’ll update UltraSignUp for you. No worries!

Cancellation Policy

No refunds. This race is about the love of the trail-running community. Entry fees cover permits, rentals, and race materials—nothing more. You can transfer your bib to a friend if you want–all good!

Volunteer: We would love that so much! Text/Call me: Reid Goodfellow 404-759-3158

For ADA Accommodations chat with Reid Goodfellow 404-759-3158

Event's current local time: 12:21 PM MT