Runtastic Heber Half Marathon

Runtastic Events built this race for runners chasing a fast half on Utah's signature downhill format. The point-to-point course loses more than 3,300 feet from the Wasatch Mountains into Heber Valley, and a portion of each entry is donated to a local autism charity.

The course descends nearly the entire way, starting high in the mountains and finishing at Old Mill Elementary in Heber City. The certified route rewards runners who have trained their quads for sustained downhill; without that preparation the last miles punish more than they help.

The early mountain start is genuinely cold, often in the 40s even in August, while the valley finish can be warm with strong high-altitude sun. Throwaway layers at the start and sun protection for the finish both earn their place.