Bear Canyon Trail Run

Bear Canyon Trail Run is held in Sandy, Utah, on October 10, 2026. The event offers three trail formats: a 20-mile run (32.2 km) and an 11-mile run (17.7 km), both starting at 7:00 a.m., and a 5K starting at 8:00 a.m., all on the trails of Bear Canyon on the edge of the Wasatch.

Mountain trails outside Salt Lake City mean climbing, and the 20-mile distance in particular should be approached like a hilly marathon rather than a long run on flat ground. It fits trail runners who want a demanding effort without stepping into ultra territory, while the 11-miler is a solid target for someone who runs regularly and wants a mountain race with a manageable time commitment. The 5K keeps things open for family and friends. Whichever you pick, spend the preceding 12 to 16 weeks doing at least one hilly run per week, add steady uphill hikes to build climbing strength, and practice descending on loose ground so your quads are ready. Early starts in October can be cold at altitude, so plan layers you can shed as the sun comes up.