Spectator’s Guide: Where to Cheer at the Malad Valley Marathon

If you are coming to Malad to support a runner, this guide is for you. Race day is Saturday, September 12, 2026. The mass start is 8:00 AM at Malad City Park (20 S 100 W), at the start of the greenbelt. The course is small-town friendly: you can catch your runner three or four times across the marathon without breaking a sweat.

Where to park

Free parking on the side streets around Malad City Park (20 S 100 W). Arrive by 7:30 to grab a close spot. If you get there after 7:45, park further out and walk in.

The start line, 8:00 AM

At the park, at the start of the greenbelt. The mass start is loud and fast. Marathoners up front, then Half, 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile at the back. Get there by 7:30 to find a good sidewalk spot. Cowbells are encouraged.

Mile 5 cheer point: Aid Station 2

About 3 miles north on the river road. Park in the pullout. Runners are spread out by this point, easy to spot your person. Most runners hit this around the 40 to 50 minute mark.

The finish line

Back at Malad City Park where the race started. Stand anywhere along the last 200 yards or wait in the family-reunion area just past the finish (signage in place by 9 AM). Finish-line food, water, and the medical tent are all here. The awards ceremony runs Saturday afternoon and reads every age-group winner’s name.

What to bring

• A jacket. September mornings in Malad are 40s at race start. Bring layers and shed them as the sun climbs.
• Sunscreen. Even on cool mornings the high-altitude sun is strong by 10 AM.
• Cash or card for the food trucks that set up near the finish line by 10 AM.
• Cowbells, signs, the works. Small-town race spectators get reused photos for years.

Bringing kids

The 1 Mile Fun Run starts with the mass start at 8 AM. Kids who want to race get a bib and a finisher ribbon. Stroller spectators welcome at every cheer point. Malad City Park (the start and finish itself) has a playground, pickleball courts, and bathrooms.

After the race

See our guide on where to eat in Malad after the race for the post-finish food plan.

Sign up to run, or just show up to cheer. Saturday, September 12, 2026.