Big Cottonwood Canyon Classic
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Big Cottonwood Canyon Classic
The event is a trail running event in Brighton, UT, based at Brighton Ski Resort. Races start at the Crest ski lift just south of Molly Greens and use trails and service roads around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary.
Distances
- Half marathon about 12 miles and 3,500 feet climb.
- 5K around Twin Lakes and Lake Mary.
Half marathon course follows access roads and multiple trails from the resort to Twin Lakes, down SolBright to Solitude, along Kruzer to the base at Moonebeam, then up toward Honeycomb Return Road. From there the route connects to Silver Fork Canyon trail into Little Cottonwood Canyon, continues via Lazy Prince and Grizzley Gultch, traverses above Twin Lakes and crosses the dam, then returns toward Lake Mary and finishes on resort trails.
The 5K starts at the same ski lift, crosses the parking area to Milly Chalet, takes the access road to Twin Lakes, passes the dam, traverses Mount Milly to Lake Mary, circles the lake, and finishes on Brighton's Lake Mary / Catharine's Pass Trail.
There is one aid station at the base of the Twin Lakes dam, passed twice on the half marathon at about mile 1 and mile 6.5. Water and electrolyte drinks are provided; on the second pass the aid station also offers chips, Oreos, soda, grapes, oranges, bananas, and peanut butter and jelly.
Organizers offer training plans for this terrain in 1, 2, or 3 month options priced at $25, $35, and $50. Plans include daily workouts with mileage and elevation goals, printable and Google Sheets tracking, recovery weeks, race simulations, and a taper. Race entries include a race shirt with a new logo, a finishers magnet, and raffle entry. Prizes are awarded to the top five men and top five women in both the half marathon and the 5K. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
