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Utah Public Lands

Emma Pitts writes: "On Wednesday morning, before the Pioneer Day Parade commenced, runners from around the United States participated in the 54th annual Deseret News Marathon. In the longest-operating race in the state, athletes ran along the historic pioneer trail down into Salt Lake Valley and through the parade route.

"Those who crossed the finish line in Liberty Park — whether in the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K or 1K — were cheered on by thousands gathered for the event. For some seasoned runners, this was just another Wednesday morning, but for others, this was just the beginning of their running career.

"This year, the Deseret News Marathon hosted its first-ever Family 1K race. Families, children and friends who participated in the event ended their last 200 meters with the other marathoners, getting a piece of the action as they crossed the finish line."

Read more about Wednesday's races.

President Biden says the time to ‘pass the torch’ is now in Oval Office address

Samuel Benson writes: "President Joe Biden will 'pass the torch' and not run for reelection in order to 'unite the country,' he said in a primetime address from the Oval Office on Wednesday evening.

"Biden, who has been quarantining for the past week after contracting COVID-19, announced his decision to terminate his reelection bid and endorse Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday.

"The president’s decision came after three weeks of mounting pressure from his own party to exit the race, following a disastrous debate performance on June 27.

"On Wednesday, Biden spoke to the public for the first time since his Sunday announcement.

"In an 11-minute speech, he discussed his reasoning for ending his reelection bid and declared his intentions to finish his term as president.

'In recent weeks, it’s become clear to me I need to unite my party in this critical endeavor,' Biden said."

Read more about Biden's speech.

More in Utah

Antelope Island State Park reopens day after grass fire (KSL)

Days of '47 celebrates historic and modern pioneers (KSL)

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Faith

Politics

Utah representatives applaud Israel’s prime minister for conveying a unifying message in Congress (Deseret News)

The U.S.

Explosion at Yellowstone National Park damages boardwalk. Here’s what’s next (Deseret News)

The World

New wave of North Korean trash balloons hits U.S. Army base and Seoul presidential compound (CBS News)

Sports

BYU among the top schools in the country when it comes to sending runners to the Olympics (Deseret News)

Deseret News Marathon