Joe Sauer's Staging Area

The race is a relatively small time operation but it is well-run, and let’s face it, we’re here for the scenery. This is easily one of the most beautiful race courses I’ve ever run—not quite Big Sur but close! Which is good, because the course is tough with a lot of hills. Given the smaller operation, there are fewer road closures than you would see at a bigger race and you share the road more often with traffic going in both directions with little more than the shoulder blocked off for you. One of the hardest things was actually the frequent slope on the side of the road which was tough on the feet and I found my right hip significantly more sore than the left side. But the views! Awesome! Makes it all worth it. And while you never know what you’re going to get for weather in New England, when it is right at this time of year—which it was for 2023–it’s perfect for running!

As for other parts: the expo was really small and only had one vendor (though I did show up at 3 on Saturday afternoon); I did not see the return shuttle issues that were complained about in past years; the finish area set-up is sparse; if you are checking a bag, do not be late for the 730 cut-off or you are out of luck (no throwing your bag right on the truck as you start the race); parking in town for the start is a real headache; course support is good; very nice quarter zip with your registration but not much else for other merch; very cool, unique lobster claw medal.

This was easily one of my favorites races ever (maybe #1) and I can’t say enough good things about it. Everything ran smooth, course was beautiful and treat to see the sun come up over the mountains early in the race, great support, great SWAG, great finish line scene with live music and free beer—just great everything. Don’t be scared off by the race being in Montana, the course is almost entirely flats except for the one decent-sized hill in the middle. I highly recommend finding a spot to take a post-race dip in the ice cold mountain river that runs through town. Missoula is a great town to visit and worth coming out a few days early to enjoy it all. Especially, don’t miss the Friday evening beer run to kick off the marathon weekend. If you are ever going to travel for a destination race, I can’t recommend this one highly enough.

Can’t really give this a fair review because the weather was so bad. Pouring rain, like biblical downpour, followed by 85 and humid at the end. Time-wise, worst race I’ve ever had. At parts I wasn’t sure if I was running next to or swimming in the Potomac. Sadly the awful weather took away from a lot of the charm of the race especially since they couldn’t do the parajumpers with the flag for the anthem or the howitzers for the start. Gotta give credit to the Marines who were still out on the course to cheer us on when no one else was there. No matter what, the finish at the Iwo Jima Memorial with a Marine Lieutenant to hand out the finishers medals-and the globe and anchor medal is one of my favorites-is pretty epic. Despite the conditions, it was a memorable experience and unique from all other races. Would highly recommend!

This has been one of my favorite destination races. As far as the race itself, it’s a fast beautiful course. Since it’s almost all downhill, you won’t really feel the altitude—except! Watch out for one preset decent hill around mile 20. I was feeling great and keeping a good pace. Problem is, when I hit this hill, I pushed too hard and lost my wind. At that altitude, I couldn’t quite recover it and ended up having to walk more than I wanted despite my legs feeling pretty good.

Production on the race was really good overall. Everything ran smooth and on time. The post-race festivities were great hi-lighted by free craft beer and live music. Only complaint I can make is the expo was unimpressive. The medal was great and best of all, race photos were free, which included some great shots with the beautiful scenery in the background.

Finally, Ft. Collins is a great town to visit and there are so many options for a great post-race meal and beer.

It’s a good thing this course is so spectacularly beautiful as it distracts from how hard it is. This was my second marathon ever and I did not pace myself properly in the beginning so I paid for it towards the end. I even ran a lot of hills in my training, but was still not entirely prepared for just how hilly this course is. There are almost no flat sections but I guess that’s part of the charm. Just don’t expect a PR. Regardless, the experience was unforgettable and this event should be on any marathoner’s bucket list. It’s worth noting that the production on the race was flawless and the organizers made sure everything runs smoothly—it’s not only about the scenery.