Apex Half Marathon
As the name suggests the Apex Half Marathon is the hardest Half Marathon we offer. This race will have you running up one of the most scenic canyons in the area in the middle of winter. The canyon road is closed to vehicle traffic in the winter due to snow and ice. Butterfield Canyon will not disappoint with beautiful mountain views and an amazing canyon run free of vehicles.
We offer the 10k distance as well for those who may want to opt for a less difficult morning in the canyon. The 10k is still a challenging route with amazing views in the lower canyon where there will be far less snow.
Snowshoes required for both distances! See details in description below.
We get the winter blues every year so we wanted to make a race in January that would push you in fun and challenging ways. Like we always say at Happy Trails Running events, if it doesn't challenge you it won't change you.
Due to the Canyon being closed there will be no aid stations on this course. Adding to the challenge and making the finish all the more rewarding! We will have colored bands at the 10k and Half turn around to ensure runners went the entire distance.
Race
January 10th 2026
Starts and finishes at Butterfield Canyon Trailhead 8300 W Hwy 111, Herriman, UT 84096
Half Marathon will start 9:00 am
Early Registration - $55
Registration - $65
Late Registration - $75
10k will start 9:30 am
Early Registration - $40
Registration - $50
Late Registration - $60
Packet pickup
Friday 3 pm to 6 pm at the Sandy Salt Lake Running Store 8946 S State St, Sandy, UT 84070.
Race day pickup starts at 7:30 am located at the starting line.
We recommend all runners arrive at least 45 minutes before their races start time to ensure a stress free and smooth start. Pre-race announcement 15 minutes before the race begins.
Snowshoes
Snowshoes required for all runners. The first couple miles may be packed down well but the last couple miles will not be. Runners will also have to yield the uphill snow track to uphill runners. This means the front of the pack runners could in essence be blazing a trail up and again down the canyon. We are requiring snowshoes for all runners for safety and comfort.
These snowshoes can be rented from REI at the Salt Lake City location. We recommend buying your own snowshoes and using them to train and prepare for this race. Snowshoes are worth it and a great way to train during the winter.
Swag
Runners will receive a high quality race shirt and a custom locally made finishers medal.
Post Race Breakfast
Great Harvest Bread will have cinnamon rolls, seasonal bread, and pumpkin chocolate chip bread! We will also have chocolate milk, orange juice, and bananas.
Awards
Overall male and female for Half Marathon will receive a custom locally made plaque for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Salt Lake Running Company will provide 1st place with gift cards as well!
Age Division medals will also be handed out to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female in these age groups: >20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Free Photos
Xotio Media will be on the course taking photos as well as the finish line. Photos will be hosted on their website providing easy access for downloads using bib recognition. We will NOT put a logo or watermark on your picture. Instead of ruining your picture with our logo we would rather rely on you telling your friends and family about our races!
Finish Line
Awards ceremony will be held when we have our winners. Revive Sport & Spine will be there to help with your aches and pains post race, Dr. Reheisse is amazing! We will also have a Photo backdrop for pictures with friends and family.
Aid Stations
No aid stations. This canyon road is closed to all vehicle traffic due to snow in the winter. This is part of the challenge!
Navigation
Course is very easy to follow. Straight up the canyon road and back down. There are no other roads to get lost on. We will have wristbands for runners to grab proving they made it to the turn around.
Parking
Free parking. Limited parking on the street leading to canyon gate. Just under half a mile away is a huge parking lot, the Butterfield Canyon Trailhead that we have permission to use. Plenty of parking here. Give yourself time to walk the half mile to the starting line though! You can also have somebody drop you off at the canyon gate and then have that person go park as well.
Word of mouth
Your friends and family are the best way to promote this race. Running is much more fun with a buddy!
Volunteers
These events are not possible without help! To show our appreciation all volunteers will receive a $65 credit for any future Happy Trails race. Expires after one year. In addition volunteers will have access to food at the finish line area. Click here for more info!
Late Registration
Begins December 10th and closes January 9th at 11:59 pm
We cannot guarantee all participants registering after December 10th will be able to order a shirt. We will order extra to do our best to accommodate late registration. If we do not have your size or you do not want a shirt you can use code NOSHIRT at checkout for $10 off registration.
Same Day Registration
Not available. Registration will close Friday night at 11:59 pm
Weather
Average high is 35*F and average low is 25*F
In the event of extreme weather, for example blizzard like conditions or insane amounts of snow prior to the race making conditions unsafe we will cancel the race and all runners will receive a credit good for any of our races for the next year.
Race Director - Don Hantla
801-230-5070