This year’s Ogden Marathon is set for May 16, and organizers with the GOAL Foundation are feverishly working to prepare for this year’s festivities.

Among them is GOAL Foundation Executive Director Troy Callantine, who said this year’s races will attract 7,250 runners including the KidsK, which will attract over 500 kids to the event.

He said that festivities for the public kick off on May 15, with the Fleet Feet Fun & Fitness Expo at Ogden Union Station from 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

“We moved our Expo to Union Station this year and the museums will be free to the public,” he said. “The plaza out front will have a DJ and music and all sorts of entertainment. That’s where the participants will come pick up their bag, their shirt and their bib, but it is free to the public to come and see as well. We’d love to have everybody down there to help us celebrate the 25th.”

Rob Nielsen, Standard-Examiner

On May 16, while runners are traversing their respective courses, the public is invited to the Finish Line Festival starting at 7 a.m. at the Municipal Garden.

“We have live music starting at 7 a.m. that goes until 2 p.m.,” Callantine said. “There’s face-painting for kids, we’ve got a little kids zone, a lot of vendors and other things happening there as well.”

He said, at this time, no running positions are available to fill.

“We sold out the earliest we’ve ever sold out this year in early February,” he said. “We are sold out completely.”

However, there is a way for individuals to participate in the Ogden Marathon in an important way.

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner

This week, the GOAL Foundation put out a press release seeking additional volunteers to help in the execution of the races and associated events.

“Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, families, businesses, and community groups,” the release said. “Roles include finish line and expo set up, start line support, packet pickup assistance, finish line support, and more. No prior experience is required, and all volunteers receive training, a volunteer t-shirt and pin, and the opportunity to be part of an energetic and inspiring race day atmosphere.”

Brooke Thompson, volunteer coordinator for the GOAL Foundation, said that volunteers are absolutely essential to the Ogden Marathon.

“The Ogden Marathon couldn’t happen without our amazing community,” she said in the release. “Our volunteers play a vital role in bringing this event to life and creating a memorable experience for every participant, and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Callantine said the event typically requires around 1,000 volunteers and that around 100 positions remain as of Wednesday.

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner

Another press release from the GOAL Foundation this week warns the public of the road closures and diversions that will be required Saturday.

“Ogden Canyon will be closed from 5:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for the marathon events,” the release said. “Ogden Canyon residents will be permitted to use the Utah Highway Patrol shuttle service to travel to and from their homes. Additionally, Hwy 158 between the spillway and the Valley Market in the Ogden Valley, will be closed during the race. Ogden Valley City, Eden, Huntsville, and Liberty residents are asked to use Trappers Loop or the North Ogden Divide due to the Ogden Canyon closure. All Valley traffic is expected to return to normal by 1:30 p.m. on May 16th. Downtown Ogden traffic will also be impacted during the event.”

Callantine said there will be ways marked around all of the closures.

“We’ll have detours and signage posted around the city so that you’ll still be able to get in and out and around,” Callantine said.

He added that it’s exciting to see the Ogden Marathon celebrating its 25th running and he’s hopeful the community turns out in droves.

BRIAN WOLFER, Special to the Standard-Examiner

“We’d love to see everybody come out and support all of the participants out there,” he said. “We’d love to see that community spirit get rallied and everybody come down with their cowbells and noisemakers, signs and whatever they can to help cheer the runners on coming into the finish line. It’s going to be a great day and we’re appreciative of all of the community support we’ve had over the years and we’re looking forward to more.”

For more information on road closures and Marathon events, visit https://www.ogdenmarathon.com/.

For more information on volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit https://www.givepulse.com/event/860673.

Sean O'Connor, of Bountiful, nears the finish line in downtown Ogden to win the men's full marathon race at the Ogden Marathon on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Ogden Marathon runners begin the half marathon race on Saturday, May 17, 2025, in Eden.