Whaleathon 2026

Whaleathon is a community running endurance challenge held around the "Out of the Blue" roundabout at 900 S and 1100 E in Salt Lake City's 9th & 9th neighborhood. Participants complete a full marathon, 26.2 miles, 630 laps (roughly) around the roundabout.
Whaleathon 2026: the first official edition
Whaleathon began organically in 2023 and has grown each year through word of mouth. Runners are still encouraged to run the Whalethon at anytime and submit their recording to the website. The Whaleathon 2026 is the first official, permitted edition, organized by the original founders. Unlike past editions, the roundabout will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event, giving runners the full loop to themselves, and allowing for the biggest turnout in whaleathon history.
• Date: October 24, 2026
• Start time: 7:00 AM
• Location: "Out of the Blue" roundabout, 900 S 1100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
• Direction switches: Every 30 minutes, race directors will indicate a direction switch, at which point all runners will switch direction around the loop
• Timing and Distance: Self-monitored. Runners track their own distance with a GPS watch or phone, and must show their recording to be recognized as a finisher
• Competition: There is no winner, no official timing.
• Etiquette: be aware and courteous of others; this is not a race for speed and runners will remain within proximity to others during the marathon
• Pace Zones: slower runners should stay closer to the inside of the roundabout
Community benefit
Whaleathon is free for spectators, activates a neighborhood public space, and supports local vendors. 15% of proceeds are donated to Grow the Flow to help support the Great Salt Lake.
Entry
$63
Includes a finisher prize

Event's current local time: 11:35 PM MT