Run, celebrate and make memories at Salt Lake’s new Capitol 5 event

As America celebrates its 250th birthday, it’s the perfect time to start a new summer tradition. Bring your family and friends to the inaugural Capitol 5 fun run and festival on Aug. 22, 2026, at the Utah Capitol. 

The community event in Salt Lake has something for everyone: fitness, entertainment, food and connection.

What is The Capitol 5 run?

To kick off the community event, there are two races: a 5-mile run and a 1-mile walk.

Participants in the 5-mile race will run up City Creek Canyon — a challenging course with spectacular views of Salt Lake’s historic neighborhoods and the downtown skyline. For the 1-mile, walkers of all ages will go around the entire Capitol grounds. 

What better way to celebrate Utah’s breathtaking mountain views and our outdoor-loving community? See the courses here.

The race and summer festival for Utah begins with an opening ceremony on the south lawn of the Capitol. The national anthem will be presented by the Mountain Ridge High School marching band, followed by the unfurling of a huge American flag.

The show-stopping flag is making its first appearance at the Utah State Capitol after wowing crowds at the NFL playoffs, the World Series and the Indy 500.

Register for The Capitol 5 here →

Start a new family tradition this summer at the inaugural Capitol 5 in Salt Lake City Aug. 22, 2026.

Stay for the Utah community celebration

Whether you’re running the race or cheering from the sidelines, stick around for the family-friendly after-party. Throughout the event, KSL TV on-air personalities will host from the stage.

You can listen to live music as you meet with neighbors and make new friends. Then, see if you can sink a dunk tank target, conquer an obstacle course and lead your team to victory in yard games.

Grab some breakfast, too, from one of the food trucks before browsing booths from local vendors. No summer festival in Utah is complete without ice cream. Enjoy the Farr’s Ice Cream Social, where proceeds from every scoop go to charity.

Before you head home, commemorate your new summer tradition with proof that you were there from the beginning. Take part in a group photo shoot on the Capitol steps.

Play some yard games with the whole family at the Capitol 5 festival.

How to register for The Capitol 5

Registration for the Salt Lake City race is now open. Until Aug. 15, the entry fee is $60 for the 5-mile run and $35 for the 1-mile walk. You can sign up online or on race day. Early registration saves you $5.

At the event, there will be free parking in all the Capitol lots. Look for onsite personnel who will be directing traffic.

Register now for The Capitol 5

Volunteer opportunities at the Capitol 5 

If you prefer helping over running, sign up to be a volunteer. Assistance is needed in all areas of the races, from setup and check-in to aid stations and safety. Register to be a member of the race crew here.

Not only will you be helping the races run smoothly, you’ll get a free T-shirt and other fun swag from sponsors. In addition, your immediate family members can race for free.

All ages are invited to participate in The Capitol 5 races and after-party.

The Capitol 5 race details

When: Saturday morning, Aug. 22

Where: Utah Capitol South Lawn, 350 N. State Street, Salt Lake City

Free parking: Capitol parking lots

Timeline of events:

• 7 a.m.: Packet pickup and late registration

• 8 a.m.: Opening ceremony

• 8:30 a.m.: 5-mile race begins

• 8:40 a.m.: 1-mile race begins

• 10:30 a.m.: Live band and activities

• 11:15 a.m.: Awards ceremony

• 11:45 a.m.: Capitol steps photo shoot

• 12:45 p.m.: Closing remarks

Attend the Farr's Ice Cream Social to cool off and support a charitable cause.

Celebrate the US and Utah

Whether you run, walk or just come for the after-party, The Capitol 5 celebration is the place to be Aug. 22. Bring your family, connect with friends and celebrate the Utah community on the beautiful grounds of Utah’s State Capitol.

See event details here →