About This Race
The Antelope Island Buffalo Run brings runners to Utah's stunning Antelope Island State Park, a remote island sanctuary in the Great Salt Lake known for its wild buffalo herds and dramatic desert landscapes. Organized by Buffalo Run Adventures, this race embodies the grassroots spirit of trail running with its 'home grown free range running' philosophy and deliberately low-key atmosphere. The event offers multiple distances from 25K to 100 miles, allowing runners to experience the island's unique terrain at their chosen level of commitment. What sets this race apart is its location on an actual island accessible only by causeway, creating an isolated and pristine running environment. The course winds through rolling hills and ridgelines with expansive views of the Great Salt Lake and surrounding mountains. Wildlife encounters with buffalo, pronghorn antelope, and coyotes are common, adding an element of wilderness adventure rarely found in organized racing. The race directors prioritize authentic trail culture over corporate polish, creating an intimate community atmosphere where runners can focus on the pure experience of covering ground in beautiful, wild country.
The course traverses Antelope Island's diverse terrain of rolling hills, ridgelines, and open grasslands with commanding views of the Great Salt Lake. Runners navigate a mix of singletrack trails and dirt roads across the island's unique high desert ecosystem. The terrain features moderate but persistent climbs and descents, with the island's highest peaks providing panoramic vistas of Utah's Wasatch Mountains and the expansive salt lake below.
Practical Info
Late March in Utah typically brings cool to mild temperatures with potential for variable spring weather including wind, rain, or snow.
SLC - Salt Lake City International Airport
Syracuse and nearby Layton offer hotel options, with Salt Lake City providing more extensive accommodations about 45 minutes away.
Best For
Notable Features
The race takes place entirely on Antelope Island, a 42-square-mile island in the Great Salt Lake that serves as a state park and wildlife preserve. Runners share the trails with free-roaming buffalo herds, pronghorn antelope, and other wildlife in one of Utah's most unique natural settings. The island's isolation creates an intimate racing experience with dramatic views across the Great Salt Lake to the Wasatch Mountains.