Embark on a challenging and deeply meaningful winter endurance experience at the Running Up for Air - Grandeur race, taking place in Salt Lake City, UT, on February 7, 2026. This unique event, offering 24-hour, 12-hour, and 6-hour distances, isn't just about pushing physical limits; it's a powerful statement for cleaner air in the Wasatch Front. Runners will repeatedly tackle the formidable Grandeur Peak in the Wasatch Mountains, ascending from the Church Fork picnic area to its 8,299-foot summit. Each demanding 5.8-mile lap features an impressive 2,600 feet of elevation gain, often tougher than anticipated as the route is almost entirely snow-covered in February, potentially involving harsh winter mountain conditions.

The course itself offers a striking contrast: breathtaking views of snow-streaked mountains to the east, while often revealing a somber brownish-gray layer of pollution over Salt Lake City to the west. This visual reminder underscores the race's core mission, founded in 2012 by ultrarunner Jared Campbell to combat air pollution. Participants ascend from the valley's often-murky air into the cleaner, crisper air above, creating a profoundly impactful experience. Typical race day conditions in early February see highs around 43°F and lows around 28°F, with a slight 5% chance of precipitation, so runners should be prepared for varied winter weather.

Beyond the grueling ascent and descent, which can involve slick, hard-packed snow and terrain resembling an expert ski run near the summit, the Running Up for Air - Grandeur fosters an exceptional sense of community. A warm and well-stocked aid station awaits at the Church Fork start/finish area, with a more basic checkpoint at the summit, often manned by dedicated volunteers who hike in supplies. This race is less a competition and more a collective effort, uniting runners for a vital cause, making every vertical foot climbed contribute to the fight for improved air quality.