The race started at the Ford Event Center, so we could stay inside out of the wind and elements before the start. The first part of the course consisted of … MORE
The race started at the Ford Event Center, so we could stay inside out of the wind and elements before the start. The first part of the course consisted of a loop of about 4 miles that had a couple of moderate hills. It then went downhill to the town at which the rest of the course was relatively flat except for one small hill. Most of the course is at an elevation of about 5100 feet, which didn’t bother this slow runner much. I’m guessing that about 2/3 of the full marathon course is on concrete paths along the North Platte River. That was the most scenic part of the course, and I saw White Pelicans, Gulls, an Egret, and Canada Geese along the river. I would say the course would. be easy for someone used to the altitude. Course markings consisted of arrows painted on the pavement and the only signs were for the mile markers and lists of sponsors. At a couple of places, it would have helped to have signs at the turns. At one point, I was almost misdirected by a volunteer when the half marathon course split off from the full marathon course. Fortunately, I questioned the direction and he pointed me in the right direction. If I hadn’t been paying attention, I could have followed the half marathon runners. The swag was good, and they were giving away leftover shirts from previous years. The shirt for this year was a one-quarter zip long-sleeved technical shirt. The medal was nicely designed and mentioned that this was the 20th anniversary race. I also scored two different-sized zippered duffle bag with the race logo on it for a total of $25 to replace my worn out one. There was a pasta feed at the packet pickup for $15, and Chuck Engel, the Marathon Junkie, did an inspirational talk to all who were present. A coupon for a free beer was also given at the packet pickup, and there was a free beer, lunch, and a live band at the finish. All in all, it was a very good value for the registration fee that was charged.
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Great event in a medium-sized town
The race started at the Ford Event Center, so we could stay inside out of the wind and elements before the start. The first part of the course consisted of … MORE
The race started at the Ford Event Center, so we could stay inside out of the wind and elements before the start. The first part of the course consisted of a loop of about 4 miles that had a couple of moderate hills. It then went downhill to the town at which the rest of the course was relatively flat except for one small hill. Most of the course is at an elevation of about 5100 feet, which didn’t bother this slow runner much. I’m guessing that about 2/3 of the full marathon course is on concrete paths along the North Platte River. That was the most scenic part of the course, and I saw White Pelicans, Gulls, an Egret, and Canada Geese along the river. I would say the course would. be easy for someone used to the altitude. Course markings consisted of arrows painted on the pavement and the only signs were for the mile markers and lists of sponsors. At a couple of places, it would have helped to have signs at the turns. At one point, I was almost misdirected by a volunteer when the half marathon course split off from the full marathon course. Fortunately, I questioned the direction and he pointed me in the right direction. If I hadn’t been paying attention, I could have followed the half marathon runners. The swag was good, and they were giving away leftover shirts from previous years. The shirt for this year was a one-quarter zip long-sleeved technical shirt. The medal was nicely designed and mentioned that this was the 20th anniversary race. I also scored two different-sized zippered duffle bag with the race logo on it for a total of $25 to replace my worn out one. There was a pasta feed at the packet pickup for $15, and Chuck Engel, the Marathon Junkie, did an inspirational talk to all who were present. A coupon for a free beer was also given at the packet pickup, and there was a free beer, lunch, and a live band at the finish. All in all, it was a very good value for the registration fee that was charged.
Great
If you want to run for a race that the organizers actually care, this is your race. Great scenery. A bit difficult to breathe, but the course itself wasn't super … MORE
If you want to run for a race that the organizers actually care, this is your race. Great scenery. A bit difficult to breathe, but the course itself wasn’t super challenging.
Race uses gun time
The course was was a mix of roads and a trail by a river. We started at an arena which was a great area to stage the start because there … MORE
The course was was a mix of roads and a trail
by a river. We started at an arena which was a great area to stage the start because there were nice bathrooms and we were inside. The start of the race had a cannon that was startling if you weren’t prepared for it. The elevation was about 5,000 feet.
At the finish there was a selection of pizza, sandwiches and Mich Ultra. I got a long sleeve tech shirt, a buff and a medal.
The day (or two) before the race a local brewery had a short run around their property. The brewery was the location for a very small expo. The beer was good and I got a pint glass for participating in the beer run.
Well done race in Wyoming
Race was well organized and run. Hotels walking distance from packet pickup and start and finish lines. Course scenery is mediocre. Half running with grass and power line views. The … MORE
Race was well organized and run. Hotels walking distance from packet pickup and start and finish lines.
Course scenery is mediocre. Half running with grass and power line views. The other half was nice by the river with some shade and some through town.
Almost no spectators but plenty of water stops manned by nice competent people. Metal was nice shirt was long sleeve funny color but good quality. Lots of stuff at the finish line to eat and drink. And there were many pacers if you wanted one.
Small town race with big heart
The people involved with this race couldn't have been nicer. They really look out for the runners. There is a nice pasta dinner (same location as the bib pick-up) the … MORE
The people involved with this race couldn’t have been nicer. They really look out for the runners. There is a nice pasta dinner (same location as the bib pick-up) the night before the race. There is an after party in the afternoon / early evening after the race is over. The finish line had plenty of food, water, and beer regardless of when you finished (which, as a back of the packer, I greatly appreciated – as that is not always the case).
That said – this was probably my least favorite marathon of the 43 that I’ve found so far. The reasons were outside the race coordinators control – the combination of high altitude and high temperatures completely did me in and I was pretty miserable the back half of the race. It was my worst finishing time that didn’t involved slippery ice (Antarctica) or photos with characters (Disney).
I recommend staying at the host hotel. It wasn’t great, but everything is there (expo, pasta dinner, shuttle to start, finish line, and after party). I didn’t find too much to do in Casper, but the people I encountered were all nice.
Great small marathon
Casper is a small marathon, about 200 runners. Excellent course and finish support, tech shirt. Course is not too difficult but does have some hills - and it can be … MORE
Casper is a small marathon, about 200 runners. Excellent course and finish support, tech shirt. Course is not too difficult but does have some hills – and it can be hot and/or windy. Most of the course is along a city bike path that follows the North Platte River. Tons of post race food and drink options – even for slower folks. There is a 1/2 marathon option.
Small Race, but Wonderful!
This was a small race, but very well put on. I didn’t have cell service, which made my normal music choice not work. Other than that, it was an amazing … MORE
This was a small race, but very well put on. I didn’t have cell service, which made my normal music choice not work. Other than that, it was an amazing experience. The course was beautiful! There was great course support, especially for such a small space. The post-race food was a wide selection and great quality. The shirt from this race is still one of my favorites to wear! Great race!