Charles Kobold's Staging Area

I have waited a day to write this review to make sure I am writing with a clear head. I would not recommend this race under any circumstances. The course is fine and the area is lovely (The Rocky Mountains in the summer are amazing) but the organizers could care less.
1. At packet pickup they don’t give you a drop bag with assorted stuff inside. This is the first marathon that I have not received a drop bag.
2. The busses were late, dropped us off late, we started late and we had to run to the start line to keep from missing the start time. There was also no clock at the start line so I have no idea what time we started.
3. The first 14 miles or so were highway running and there were absolutely no signs or warnings for the commuters to watch out for runners.
4. The course was very poorly marked, with absolutely no mile markers of any type for the whole race and when it got into the urban areas it was very hard to stay on course. Major intersections had no one pointing you in the right direction (with the exception of one). So if you were running by yourself (as I was) watch out! I actually went off course for a short time but discovered my mistake and was able to get back on course.
5. There were no water stations the first three miles (not the end of the world) and then one every 2nd mile (acceptable given the weather conditions). However the last station was at mile 23, leaving the last 3.2 miles (always the hardest) with no pit stop. It sure would have been nice to have one last pit stop at 25.
6. At the finish line there was no clock and since we started late I have no idea what time I finished at. Totally inexcusable.
7. There was no water, no Gatorade or any type of fluid available at the finish line either. I also don’t think they had any paramedics available if needed. All they had at the end were some old bananas that were cut in half (a subtle hint to take only half) and thus were already spoiling and a couple coolers full of cheap, freeze pop style popsicles (cold sugar water with food coloring added) that are good for very young children in the summer.

Now one or two of these issues do not make or break a marathon. But all of these put together into a single marathon are indicative of organizers that have very little interest in making sure you have a fun and memorable time. It was quite obvious the organizers of this event were concentrated on making as big a profit as possible. I do not have a problem with a marathon making money and people being paid for their time and efforts. But when you put basically no effort into making a marathon fun or providing standard services then yes I have a problem.

To finalize I would highly recommend that you avoid this marathon. If you are a 50 Stater, pick Boise as your Idaho run (a great run). If you want to do some marathons in the Rockies during the summer (highly recommended) then pick one of the other ones (or multiples) close by. Missoula, MT offers a great one. Casper, WY and Billings, MT also offer great marathons. I could go on and on.