The History of Porter’s Half Marathon: A Western-Themed Race in Draper, Utah

Between 2014 and 2021, a unique event took place each year in the southern reaches of the Salt Lake Valley: Porter’s Half Marathon. With race distances ranging from a half marathon to a 10K, 5K, and even a 1-mile run, the event appears to have blended scenic downhill running with historical flair, drawing its name and inspiration from the legendary LDS frontiersman, Orrin Porter Rockwell.

Though the race is no longer active, it left behind a trail of medals, stories, and memories worthy of preservation.

A Western Legacy on the Run

Held in Draper, Utah, the Porter’s Half Marathon celebrated not only the runner’s spirit but also the rugged legacy of its namesake. Rockwell—bodyguard to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young—once owned and operated land and businesses in the Bluffdale/Draper area, including a hotel and brewery near what is now Porter Rockwell Boulevard.

While exact route maps are no longer available, it is clear from participant reports and race listings that the course ran downhill and finished in Draper. The event was known for its fast, downhill course, making it popular among runners seeking personal bests.

It’s likely that the course passed through or alongside land once owned by Rockwell himself—making the race more than a tribute in name only.

Confirmed Timeline

Thanks to archived websites, runner recollections, race directories, and memorabilia, we’ve reconstructed the following timeline of the event:

Year	Status	Notes
2014	✅ Confirmed	First known race, via runner’s personal blog on Scribd
2015	✅ Confirmed	eBay listing for finisher medal
2016	🔄 Likely	No hard documentation, but continuity assumed
2017	✅ Confirmed	Facebook, RaceEntry, RaceRaves listings
2018	✅ Confirmed	Official results published on SportStats
2019	✅ Assumed	Listed on SportsPlanner.com
2020	❌ Skipped	No known event, likely due to COVID-19
2021	✅ Confirmed	October 9 event listed on Ahotu and RacePlace

Organized by Lone Peak Events

The race appears to have been organized by a group called Lone Peak Events, which also operated other local races in Utah. While their contact info was once public, their website is no longer active, and attempts to reach the original organizers have been unsuccessful.

Help Us Fill In the Gaps

Despite our research—including archived websites, runner forums, and multiple registration platforms—we have been unable to contact the original race organizers or uncover details such as:

• The exact course route
• Total number of participants over the years
• Reasons for the race’s discontinuation

If you were involved in the race’s organization or participated and have stories, photos, or route maps, please contact us. We’d love to expand and correct this article with firsthand information.