Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta Utah
Laketown, UT
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Bear Lake Marathon & Half Marathon Trifecta (say that three times fast) is one of the Rocky Mountain Regions fastest growing running events. Combining the breathtaking scenery in 3 amazing States with hometown hospitality & stunning scenic courses, makes this event an unforgettable weekend of running, racing, and playing! … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Jun 06):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 87 | 75 | 87 | 78 | 70 |
| L (°F) | 52 | 49 | 48 | 48 | 49 |
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Great finisher to a perfect 3 day event
The Utah race was pretty flat compared to the previous two days. We had a gradual incline for the first half which made the second half so much fun. The … MORE
The Utah race was pretty flat compared to the previous two days. We had a gradual incline for the first half which made the second half so much fun. The views of the lake were wonderful. Starting in the State Park was great and cooling off in the lake afterwards was refreshing. I can’t say enough positives about the RD team and volunteers – they were fantastic throughout!! If you haven’t done this event before I would highly recommend it.
Lake side is the best side
This race is an out and back and it has a stead claim up to the turn around point. Aid stations are set up about every 2 miles with water … MORE
This race is an out and back and it has a stead claim up to the turn around point. Aid stations are set up about every 2 miles with water and Gatorade for the 1st pass on the return the volunteers will put out salt snacks pickles soda and Gu. Below is a picture of my elevation for the half marathon
If I can do it, so can you.
I was injured from not properly training. So I walked the entire course which has an 8 hour time limit. I walked briskly as I could and had 20 minutes … MORE
I was injured from not properly training. So I walked the entire course which has an 8 hour time limit. I walked briskly as I could and had 20 minutes to spare. The course was 2/10 of a mile short so I walked a tenth of a mile past the out and back turn around.
Bear Lake Trifecta is awesome
All the reviews are spot on. Half #3 felt the best and the PT proved it. The out and back course along the lake offered great views and day 3 … MORE
All the reviews are spot on. Half #3 felt the best and the PT proved it. The out and back course along the lake offered great views and day 3 of the Trifecta was awesome. The race directors allowed us an early start to catch our flights and were overall super friendly and helpful. Very well done small race but worth it!
Bear Lake Disappointment
The race course started with running up a rocky incline from the beach. The finish involved running on rocks & pebbles to reach the finish line. Due to a organizational … MORE
The race course started with running up a rocky incline from the beach. The finish involved running on rocks & pebbles to reach the finish line.
Due to a organizational miscommunication, half marathon/full marathon medals were given to participants of the 5k. The medals do not say 5k. This misstep by the race director resulted in both half marathon and full marathon runners leaving empty handed because they ran out of medals. In addition, the race director who had been front and center the two prior days was nowhere to be seen to address the issue. The person left to tell runners of the issue was the mother of one of the half marathon runners.
Medals were later ordered and mailed. Mailed medals were received 5-6 weeks later. No apology from the organizers and no responses to emails and followup on the situation in the weeks between the event & when medals arrived in the mail.
Ok race, not ok organizing company
Decided to participate in Trifecta so I can run 3 states on my quest of running 50 states. First of all after registration the new company took over the organization … MORE
Decided to participate in Trifecta so I can run 3 states on my quest of running 50 states. First of all after registration the new company took over the organization and it was not great.
They don’t respond to emails or messages. The email about package pick and all other organizational stuff didn’t come until 3 days before the first race. The course is very tough, on the open road and non stop hills. Aid stations were decent, but I did not see any bikers or cars passing by and checking on runners. Also no medical tent except at the finish line. Post party non existent-you get pretzels, chips, pretzels from Costco and chocolate milk. During Utah race they also have 5K and keep registration open up until race time. And as you can guess when half and full marathon runners finished-they had no medals for us. They run out of medals, because they give it all away to those 5K finishers. My husband run all 3 full marathons and placed first in his age group-no recognition and no award. The promise to mail medals, but It’s been a month and they still didn’t mail medals as promised. I understand things happens, but at least send an email and answer our emails if you are mailing medals or not. At least aknowledge our emails. I think they are getting away with charging premium price for those races because they know people who are trying to run 50 states will sign up anyway
Trifecta race 3
No frills…just beautiful views and new friends! Plan your trip in advance. Arrive at least a day or two before since closest airport is about 2 hours away. Stay in … MORE
No frills…just beautiful views and new friends! Plan your trip in advance. Arrive at least a day or two before since closest airport is about 2 hours away. Stay in a central location for the full trifecta if you plan to run all of them. Arrive at starting line with full marathon runners since they had an early start which was not supposed to happen.
Third time is the charm
Well, I had finished the prior legs in Idaho and Wyoming, now to finish the third leg in Utah. One problem - as you will recall the soles of my … MORE
Well, I had finished the prior legs in Idaho and Wyoming, now to finish the third leg in Utah. One problem – as you will recall the soles of my race shoes wore through and began coming off my shoes. I couldn’t get to a shoe/sport shop so my choice was to try and go with the damaged shoes and hanging flopping soles….or to wear the pair I had brought as my walking around shoes. the plus side is those walk-around shoes were an older pair of Hoka shoes that I had worn in a few prior races. I opted for those Hokas.
I had spent the night again in Wyoming at The Antler hotel so had to get up a little early to drive to Utah. It was actually a nice drive and I made it to the start without issue. But, during the night, it had rained pretty heavy and the race directors decided they had to eliminate a flooded/muddy track of trail. They substituted an out and back off the course to maintain the marathon distance. It was both wise of them to take no chances with a route that could be inaccessible in case of emergency and to come up with a replacement portion of the route.
So off I went on leg #3 in Utah. This one stayed along the shore of the lake for most of the run except for that new added out-and-back. When runners did the out and then back (it was a loop) they reconnected to the main loop and continued to the turnaround. That route also went through Utah and Idaho again (I think…pretty sure anyway). Must of the run was on rolling roads along the shoreline.
After the first out, runners turned around and ran back to the start….where they turned around again and went and did that double out-and-back again.
Once again, the aid stations were fully stocked and volunteers were fantastic. Soon, I was nearing the finish line for my third marathon, in three states, in three days. I finished this one in 05:37:15.
The Trifecta was simply awesome in my opinion. i am already planning on a possible retreat next year. I highly recommend any of the marathons…or ALL three!
3rd race in 3 days, tired legs!
Great way to get the most bang for your buck if you're trying to run a race in all 50 states. Absolutely beautiful scenery! Running at 6,000 ft was a … MORE
Great way to get the most bang for your buck if you’re trying to run a race in all 50 states. Absolutely beautiful scenery! Running at 6,000 ft was a challenge and the hilly course added to it but it was worth it. The weather was perfect!
3 races in 3 states in 3 days
Bear Lake Trifecta-3 races, 3 states, 3 days The Bear Lake Trifecta offered both full and half marathon options. I chose half marathon, with Idaho being on Thursday, Wyoming on … MORE
Bear Lake Trifecta-3 races, 3 states, 3 days
The Bear Lake Trifecta offered both full and half marathon options. I chose half marathon, with Idaho being on Thursday, Wyoming on Friday and Utah on Saturday. We stayed in Garden City, Utah, which was a quaint and very friendly little town. The Idaho race was 25 minutes away from there, the Wyoming race was 50 minutes away and the Utah race was in Garden City itself. There were plenty of beautiful views in the area, including Bear Lake itself. We even went to the Teton mountains, about 3 hours away.
The T-shirts were tech material, with all featuring the same design. The bear logo and state name were a different color to designate which state it was for. The finishers medals were the same shape and design for each state. The ribbon and bear logo on the medal were different colors, depending on the state.
Each race was a timed out and back, with a rolling start and 100-120 runners completing the half marathon distance. Each race had water/aid stops roughly every two miles, with a porta potty every other water stop. A deejay welcomed runners back as they finished each race. The age group awards were just like the finishers medal, but were gold, silver or bronze. Runners who completed all 3 races received a nice medal hanger featuring the bear.
This series of races was difficult for me, but not because of the 3 races/3 states/3 days. I was not accustomed to the altitude (6000-6500 feet above sea level). While not sore at all, my legs felt like they just did not want to move, from the very beginning! I was surprised by just how much the altitude slowed me down.
Idaho-Idaho had the best views, especially of Bear Lake. My watch registered over 500 feet of gain. The mountains provided some shade early, but the race ended with lots of sun exposure.
Wyoming-Wyoming was the flattest of the three, yet my watch still registered over 380 feet of gain. Wyoming was also the coolest of the three days.
Utah-Utah had the longest and steepest hills and was my least favorite of the 3 races. My watch registered over 600 feet of gain. This course started in the middle of town, so we didn’t get the great views until after mile 4. The middle 3 or so miles was on dirt/rock trail that went up in the hills of sagebrush. We had to watch our steps, not just for rocks and ruts, but also cowpies!
I’m glad I completed this series but was even more glad when it was done…the running anyway!
Pretty
Expected more for the swag for the trifecta... so a little disappointing. Race was low key. Loved the rolling start and chill vibe and letting runners do there own thing! MORE
Expected more for the swag for the trifecta… so a little disappointing. Race was low key. Loved the rolling start and chill vibe and letting runners do there own thing!
Fantastic small-town race
This was the second race for me in two days--I signed up for the Wyoming and Utah legs of the Bear Lake Trifecta. I had never run two marathons before … MORE
This was the second race for me in two days–I signed up for the Wyoming and Utah legs of the Bear Lake Trifecta. I had never run two marathons before and had no idea whether I would even make the finish line, let alone finish, or what that would like like. (And I’m not a particularly gifted runner.)
With those caveats, this was an amazing race, and my second favorite of all time (the first being the Wyoming leg I ran the day before).
This race had a small field, with 70 or so runners, many of whom were 50-staters. That made for a very cool vibe–a very friendly supportive–which helps in those remote quiet areas of the race.
The marathon itself is an out-and-back run leaving the small town along Bear Lake into fairly quiet farming areas, and some dirt paths at one point. It’s a gorgeous and scenic race, mostly on quiet farming roads (traffic safety could be an issue in theory, but there’s not a lot of cars–most are traveling in support). The race is at altitude, in the 6,000-foot range, but I didn’t experience extra fatigue or suffering (I aggressively stayed hydrated).
This race is more challenging than the Wyoming leg, with a challenging hill on a somewhat rocky trail near the 8-9 mile mark, which was especially hard coming in with dead legs having run the day before. (That hill is the reason I name this my second-favorite race–I’m not a trail runner so it was a challenge and I liked Wyoming a little more because of it.) No way is this a PR or BQ course. Especially when weather is factored in, with it being fully exposed to the sun (we had 70-80 degree temperatures by the end.) But I really liked the course and thought there were good choices made with the course.
The overall course setup, with an out-and-back, was an excellent idea for such a small race. The out-and-back allowed for setting up aid stations about 2 miles apart that would serve both directions, and also cut (in half) the number of volunteers necessary to man the tables. The aid station support was the best I’ve ever seen in any race, with a huge spread of options at *most* tables (and some variety along the way too)–water, gatorade, gels, pretzels, chips, fruit snacks, bananas, etc.
In terms of spectators, there are not many, there were a few in the town at the start and finish (maybe Miles 1-2 and 25-26.) Don’t expect many locals except perhaps at the start and finish. However, I found that the spectator support was surprisingly good, and that came from the runners themselves, but especially the family/friends of other runners who drove along and supported their runner, and from the aid station crews. Over the race, there were 5-10 or so cars stopping at various points along the race, and you could get to know those supporters. I liked that kind of intimacy and had a lot of conversations with those supporters at the finish line.
I was really impressed with this race. I loved the accomplishment of finishing a “back-to-back” marathon for the first time, which is something that is offered here (with the Trifecta, you could run three days in a row if you wanted to.) And it’s in a gorgeous area with an RD and a small crew of volunteers who know how to use their resources carefully to put on a really solid and well-supported race.
Over the hills and through the trails.
Awesome course support, hilly and at elevation. Fantastic views, friendly people. Fantastic overall. Wouldn't do this particular Trifecta again, but glad I did it. I am a flatlander and the … MORE
Awesome course support, hilly and at elevation. Fantastic views, friendly people. Fantastic overall. Wouldn’t do this particular Trifecta again, but glad I did it. I am a flatlander and the elevation made the course more difficult for me. I would highly recommend this event.
Hills, trails, but finally the beach
The entire series of races was well organized and had good support. The aid stations had water and snacks about every 1.5 miles. Good after-race snacks, drinks, and music. Utah … MORE
The entire series of races was well organized and had good support. The aid stations had water and snacks about every 1.5 miles. Good after-race snacks, drinks, and music.
Utah started out in the mid 40’s but ended in the 70’s. They said it was the hilliest of the courses. There was one monster hill that was very challenging and another big one toward the end before the turn around, but I felt the Idaho course was hillier overall. The Utah course went from street to trail, with some large loose rocks on the trail portion. After the run they had soda, chips, water, and pizza. This is the best race to get down and spend time along the lake after the run. Like prior review recommendations we stopped for the raspberry shakes at LeBeau’s – there are three other places right there that also have raspberry shakes, but we tried LeBeau’s and it was a great after-race treat.
I really enjoyed the race production and organization. The participants were all very friendly and seemed to have a good time. This was the first time I stayed with others during a race. Five of us completed all three days and getting to know them and spend time with them made the weekend an even better experience.
Beautiful Bear Lake
This was my first half ever. I loved it so much. The people were fun, the location was beautiful, and the course wasn’t difficult. Mostly road then you go up … MORE
This was my first half ever. I loved it so much. The people were fun, the location was beautiful, and the course wasn’t difficult. Mostly road then you go up a short trail and turn around for the half. I loved this run so much I wish I didn’t have plans for 2021’s date or I would run it again.
Candace from Utah
First Trifecta! I'm in love!
One of my friends was trying to get her 50 states, so I was conned into doing this race with her (3 marathon in 3 states in 3 days!) :) … MORE
One of my friends was trying to get her 50 states, so I was conned into doing this race with her (3 marathon in 3 states in 3 days!) 🙂 We had an absolute BLAST! I loved the sense of community between all of the runners, and the aid stations/volunteers/swag/views were all top notch!
Amazing views and very well organized.
I truly enjoyed this race. I participated in the all three included in the trifecta and so glad I did. The swag was nice and the organizers did a fabulous … MORE
I truly enjoyed this race. I participated in the all three included in the trifecta and so glad I did. The swag was nice and the organizers did a fabulous job. Lots to do in the area. It definitely felt like more of vacation then my typical runcations. I plan to do it again with my friends. Recommend you book room and board early. There are some pretty amazing cabins that sell out quickly. If it is warm bring your swimsuit the lake was amazing. We also did horseback riding.
Over hill and dale in Utah.
Day three of the trifecta, this course gave me more challenge. I begged my friend to do the race with me because as a true back of the packer, I … MORE
Day three of the trifecta, this course gave me more challenge. I begged my friend to do the race with me because as a true back of the packer, I was getting bored with spending so much time alone. We walked the course. My time is an estimate but I forced my friend to let me finish last when we finally reached the finish line.
Even at the back of the pack, we were extremely well cared for. Unlike the first two races, this course contained a bit of a hilly trail. Despite that, there still was a proper water stop on the rugged trail.
The Bear Lake Trifecta was a major part of my 2019 running schedule and one of the biggest highlights of my running career. Given the opportunity, I would do it again.
Well run smaller sizes race.
Great opportunity to check off three states at once. Nice small town feel with friendly people. The area has some nice outdoor activities for after race. Also very good restaurant … MORE
Great opportunity to check off three states at once. Nice small town feel with friendly people. The area has some nice outdoor activities for after race. Also very good restaurant at the registration site. Would recommend this race.
3 of 3 in 3 days
Overall about the Bear Lake Trifecta: The owner bought the race 6 days before the event. It was very...bumpy, but he did his best with what he inherited. The previous … MORE
Overall about the Bear Lake Trifecta:
The owner bought the race 6 days before the event. It was very…bumpy, but he did his best with what he inherited. The previous owners did not leave much information or direction for him. The issues that occurred, he apologized for and was determined to fix for next year. He is an experienced runner and triathlon and knows what we expect. He also owns other events, so I am confident that the race will improve. The swag we got was great! I was expecting a shirt for each race, but we only got one. The quality was great. The medals were gorgeous and state/day specific, but not race specific. This doesn’t bother me, but it does bother others. The swag bag had the most things from sponsors of any race I’ve done. There were all sorts of goodies! For completing all 3 races, we got a flask, which is awesome! It also had a race decal in it. We got a zip up race hoodie and a buff, but I don’t remember what for. They basically had a bunch of different race logo merch and no specification of what each piece was for. The post race goodies were amazing, especially for such a small race. There were many food and drink options after each race. They capped the total participants at 500. They also added a 5k, which added a lot of local runners. This was a difficult task—3 half marathons in 3 days—but the staff and volunteers made it much easier!
Specific To This Race:
The scenery of this course was my favorite of the 3, but it was the most difficult. There were some crazy hills. It may not be as bad as I remember though. I had HORRIBLE blisters and blisters on blisters on this day, so I was mostly miserable about that. lol! For most of the course, you could see Bear Lake, which is GORGEOUS! I had a hard time looking ahead because I was looking at the lake to the side. The first part of the down and back course wasn’t too bad. Typical road race experiences, I would say. After the gorgeous lighthouse, things got worse. There were CRAZY hills. Very steep. Very long. There was one area that didn’t have a downhill afterward. There was a part of the course (mile 5/6 I think) that was a trail course. I don’t do trail races for a reason. There wasn’t really any warning about this part either. It was basically a mountain side with tire tracks as a “trail”. The tire tracks were dirt and rock, so there was not any part that you could step flat (super fun with my blisters). There also was a constant incline Along with some rolling hills. I felt horrible for the marathoners because they had more of this to endure than we did. The volunteers at the aid station/turn around point were incredible. They were only able to get there in their Jeep, and luckily it wasn’t muddy like the previous year. After getting off of the trail part, I was so ecstatic that everything else didn’t seem so bad. I was so happy to get back to that lighthouse! Some of the volunteers were there for multiple days, so it was great to have their support and remember us from the previous days.
TIPS: If you are doing the trifecta, I suggest getting to Bear Lake a few days before the packet pickup. We thought we would explore after the races, but we were exhausted. There are so many things that this little area has to offer, and I’m sad we didn’t get to do much. Leave Bear Lake the day after. This way you can relax. We drove back to Salt Lake after the 3rd race, and I wish we would have stayed. Be prepared for any weather. We experienced an Oklahoma-like thunderstorm on one of the days after the race. I was shocked! Look at the condo rentals. We rented a home that was GORGEOUS and perfect for our trip. I also suggest staying in Garden City. It’s the most “central” to all races. We used Vacasa to rent a home and still have the link to our rental, if interested.