I usually run the Haunted Half Emigration but was traveling so did this one instead. This is NOT a canyon race, take note! Most Runtastics are and I was expecting … MORE
I usually run the Haunted Half Emigration but was traveling so did this one instead. This is NOT a canyon race, take note! Most Runtastics are and I was expecting that but it was definitely not. Only 4mi was in the canyon, the rest was flat. Packet pick up was good this year, at UVU with plenty of parking. Lots and lots of easy parking. Buses left by 6:30, race starts at 8. Cold up top, but not bad. And wow, I have NEVER seen so many porta potties. No line at all. Hot chocolate at the start, costume contest was fun. Race had some narrow parts that was frustrating for those trying to race it not run it, and costumes could get in the way. The last mile and a half is a windy out and back past the finish line which I hate but at least it was flat. The medals are to die for. Donuts and chocolate milk at the finish, and great bling for AG winners. Worth every penny. Hint–park at the first parking lots, don’t try to get too close to the bus loading area, it’s harder to leave. If I had to choose between HHSL and HHProvo, definitely SL.
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Runtastic does it right
I usually run the Haunted Half Emigration but was traveling so did this one instead. This is NOT a canyon race, take note! Most Runtastics are and I was expecting … MORE
I usually run the Haunted Half Emigration but was traveling so did this one instead. This is NOT a canyon race, take note! Most Runtastics are and I was expecting that but it was definitely not. Only 4mi was in the canyon, the rest was flat. Packet pick up was good this year, at UVU with plenty of parking. Lots and lots of easy parking. Buses left by 6:30, race starts at 8. Cold up top, but not bad. And wow, I have NEVER seen so many porta potties. No line at all. Hot chocolate at the start, costume contest was fun. Race had some narrow parts that was frustrating for those trying to race it not run it, and costumes could get in the way. The last mile and a half is a windy out and back past the finish line which I hate but at least it was flat. The medals are to die for. Donuts and chocolate milk at the finish, and great bling for AG winners. Worth every penny. Hint–park at the first parking lots, don’t try to get too close to the bus loading area, it’s harder to leave. If I had to choose between HHSL and HHProvo, definitely SL.
Great race with thoughtful touches
This was a beautiful well-organized race down Provo Canyon. Very scenic. Well-marked with people stationed along the way. Communication before the race was clear. Loved the packet pickup the day … MORE
This was a beautiful well-organized race down Provo Canyon. Very scenic. Well-marked with people stationed along the way. Communication before the race was clear. Loved the packet pickup the day before. On race day, I appreciated the warming tent and the hot chocolate at the starting area while waiting for everyone to arrive on the buses. It was REALLY COLD. Feet were blocks of ice for the first mile of the race, but they warmed up as I knew they would.
There was one small thing I did not like: near to the finish, there was a tunnel (it was a fun idea – spooky). But coming out of the tunnel, I was not at the finish line. There was at least one more corner and it was longer than I expected. Mentally, it was a trick and not a treat.
Overall, great race!
Downhill Halloween race
Runtastic organises „haunted halfs“ every year in a few states (UT, AZ, TX) and I participated in the AZ race some years ago. The concept seems to be the same … MORE
Runtastic organises „haunted halfs“ every year in a few states (UT, AZ, TX) and I participated in the AZ race some years ago.
The concept seems to be the same (at least it was with the race I just did in Provo, UT). They use a big parking lot (here: University Mall) from where you get bus-ed out to the start somewhere 13.1 miles out and you run back to the mall where they organised a little post race party scene with photo back drops and vendors.
In Provo we had to get a bus (latest 6:45 am) to bring us to Big Springs Trailhead uphill on Provo Canyon. There they had some bonfires, portable potties and (hot) drinks as well as a little costume contest (best Male/ female/ duo/ group). I was interessted most in staying warm for the 1.5h I had to wait because it was so cooooold (just above freezing) – I really enjoyed the hot chocolate! Close to the race start at 8:30am we could drop off our bags into a school bus that would bring the bags down. We lined up (they had pacers and signs with estimated paces) and the race start was fast and unspectacular (I think my very first US race where the anthem was not sung) and the first 5k were strictly downhill, about a 500feet drop. After that it was still net downhill but some ups were “sprinkled” in the race course on the Provo Canyon trail. The most picturesque scene we passed by were the Bridal Veils Falls but the bridge there was icy and slippery due to the frozen mist of the waterfall. The organisers made the course a bit more interesting by Halloween themed mile markers and blow ups.
The medals are nothing but spectacular every time I raced or saw there E-Mails. I do got a foldable “coffin” in Arizona and this race was a zombie where one could open the scull to see the brain. Other swag included a t-shirt, orange bag and race hand shoes that you can use to type and play on your phone (unfortunately of a poor quality). Getting my bag back was a bit of a mess and remembered than that it was the same experience some years ago. The bags were not fully unloaded and sorted. I helped for quite some time and finally my bag was found (I used my own bag and not the provided one- to find YOUR orange bag in 1000 orange bags is hard). This time the award ceremony was on time and I was happy to have scored a third place in my AG and got another medal.
All in all definitely not a bad race, but not inexpensive. I love the Halloween vibe and running in costumes. But please provide good quality swag and not throw away stuff and some flaws in the organisation… there shall be free race and post race photos coming- looking forward to that.
Callous and Unfeeling
In the past years, pretty easy race except for a hill at mile 12 and the fact that it is FREEZING generally. Beautiful scenery but my feet were numb for … MORE
In the past years, pretty easy race except for a hill at mile 12 and the fact that it is FREEZING generally. Beautiful scenery but my feet were numb for like 4 miles. Generally organization isn’t bad. Not enough portable bathrooms
BUT!!!!!!!!!
I have participated in the haunted half several times. I was all set to participate this year too. Unfortunately, I got carbon monoxide poisoning at my church 2 weeks before the event. I am unable to run and am devastated after training for it. I emailed the organizers of the race. Not only would they not give me a refund for the registration, they wouldn’t even waive the $20 deferral fee. I’ve participated in a lot of races. Never have I seen any race organizers as callous and unfeeling as these people. They were completely unsympathetic. I offered proof from the hospital and they didn’t even respond after that. Maybe I will finally give one of those press interviews they are asking for. So annoyed!
Running costume party!
This is the funnest race I have ever run! Everyone dresses up, the aid stations include halloween candy, you run through a haunted house style tunnel, the decorations are so … MORE
This is the funnest race I have ever run!
Everyone dresses up, the aid stations include halloween candy, you run through a haunted house style tunnel, the decorations are so fun and hilarious (skeletons holding inspirational signs), and you finish by running through a giant jack-o-lantern! After the race, there’s donut-on-a-string (game), pizza, massages (free), photographers (the photos are all free- during and after), and the medals are my favorite! Last year, it was a skeleton in running shoes and shorts in a coffin that you could open and close, this year it was a werewolf in a crate that opens and closes. Even if I can’t run this race, I volunteer for it because it is so much fun!