Salt Lake City – Two local brothers, Christian and Thomas Hales, have turned the annual BYU‑Utah football rivalry into a 55‑mile ultramarathon they call the “Holy Ultra.” The race starts on the BYU campus (the “Y”) in Provo and finishes at the iconic Block U on the University of Utah’s campus, giving fans a new way to show school spirit while testing their endurance.
From idea to route
Thomas, a current BYU student, suggested the concept after watching the rivalry heat up last season. “I thought, why not run from Provo to Salt Lake City?” he recalled. Christian, who lives in Salt Lake City and also supports BYU, answered, “I’ll do you one better – start on the Y and end on the U.” The brothers spent four months training and mapping a course they say is relatively flat and entry‑level, though 55 miles is no small feat.
The planned route follows the Murdock Canal Trail through Utah County, then heads north on 1300 East for much of the Salt Lake County segment before weaving through Sugar House and up to the Block U. Runners will pass the Point of the Mountain, where they will have completed a marathon and still have another 13 miles to go.
Game‑day competition
Finisher spots are limited, and each participant earns points for their chosen school. As of the latest count, 26 Cougars have signed up compared with seven Utes, giving BYU a early lead in the points tally. The brothers stress that the event is meant to bring fans together, regardless of allegiance. “We just really want this to be something that can celebrate the heritage of both schools,” Thomas said.
Runners can choose from several start times on Saturday, ranging from midnight to 5 a.m., allowing participants to finish before kickoff and still catch the game. The brothers anticipate the event becoming an annual tradition, with the early 10 a.m. kickoff time for the football game posing a scheduling challenge for future races.
Community response
Local runners have expressed enthusiasm for the unique blend of athletics and school pride. “People say they’re willing to die for their team, and I was like, but are you really?” Christian joked, noting that the race will test both physical stamina and fan devotion.
The Holy Ultra’s website, holyultra.com, provides registration details, training tips, and a live leaderboard that updates as participants log their miles. The brothers hope the event will grow beyond the rivalry, encouraging Utah residents to embrace long‑distance running as a healthy, family‑friendly activity.
Looking ahead
With the inaugural race completed in May, the Hales brothers are already planning improvements for next year, including additional aid stations and a more balanced representation of Utes and Cougars. Their goal is to foster a spirit of friendly competition that unites the state’s two flagship universities while promoting fitness and community involvement.
Original reporting: FOX 13 KSTU (Salt Lake County) — read the source article.
