Vacation Races ALWAYS puts on a great event. This course was challenging AND mostly at night (so we could enjoy those spectacular stars) so I understand that some runners may … MORE
Vacation Races ALWAYS puts on a great event. This course was challenging AND mostly at night (so we could enjoy those spectacular stars) so I understand that some runners may have missed a marker and found themselves off course. A great tip I got from Zenrunner is to not go more than 5 min without seeing a marker, if it’s been that long, reverse. Better to retrace 5 minutes than 5 miles.
When VR lists an event as challenging, listen to them and train! Or don’t and just enjoy it for the spectacular scenery and use all the time. I am SO STOKED to run this course again next year.
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Amazingly Challenging, yet Satisfying.
Vacation Races ALWAYS puts on a great event. This course was challenging AND mostly at night (so we could enjoy those spectacular stars) so I understand that some runners may … MORE
Vacation Races ALWAYS puts on a great event. This course was challenging AND mostly at night (so we could enjoy those spectacular stars) so I understand that some runners may have missed a marker and found themselves off course. A great tip I got from Zenrunner is to not go more than 5 min without seeing a marker, if it’s been that long, reverse. Better to retrace 5 minutes than 5 miles.
When VR lists an event as challenging, listen to them and train! Or don’t and just enjoy it for the spectacular scenery and use all the time. I am SO STOKED to run this course again next year.
Who the H*** designed this Route.
When I first saw this race being advertised I thought this would be a great race to run. Great location and a Meteor shower to boot. I chose the 12:30 … MORE
When I first saw this race being advertised I thought this would be a great race to run. Great location and a Meteor shower to boot. I chose the 12:30 time to get the best viewing. Little did I know that it would be ran on the single track mountain bike route and that it would be overcast. My headlamp was not bright enough to really see the beautiful area. The UPS were really up and the down was fast. All of the runners were very polite and would stand off the single track and let me pass. It was a fun race, I passed 129 people and finished 3ed in my age group. After running the race I volunteered at the finish line to pass out medals to the other runners. What a great way to cool down, cheering other runners up the uphill finish.
I will do the race again, but be better prepared for the toughness of this race.
I died
It’s a well run race. But beware you are at over 10,000 ft elevation, running a technical trail, at night. It’s hard, and to say I ran is an exaggeration … MORE
It’s a well run race. But beware you are at over 10,000 ft elevation, running a technical trail, at night. It’s hard, and to say I ran is an exaggeration as I really struggled to run.
The medal was really nice, but the shirt design was interesting. I also wish they did more for post race. The hot chocolate was nice but good wise I didn’t like any of it. Also, by the time I finished the medics didn’t have anything but a few alcohol wipes left, which luckily was all my mom needed after she fell. But I heard of broken ankles and more serious injuries online, and people still were on the course for another 4-5 h. I hope the next time the first aid station is better stocked even towards the end of the event.
Unique, challenging course
Don't underestimate the difficulty of this course. While the descriptions stated that this would be a trail course, please know that you will be running on paths covered by mud … MORE
Don’t underestimate the difficulty of this course. While the descriptions stated that this would be a trail course, please know that you will be running on paths covered by mud and/or rock fields that present an extra challenge in the pitch black. Then add in the elevation, some occasional fog, and some last minute muddy hills and you’ve got a very challenging half-marathon course. That being said, Vacation Races did a superb job (as always) of managing the course and the event, despite the weather and the newness of the race. The area itself is beautiful and one of my favorite hiking destinations in the daytime. I still haven’t decided if I’ll tackle this race again, but I’m glad I tried it this once.
Roughy toughy
Overall I enjoyed the run even though it was tough. The elevation will nip you in the butt, one way or another. Thank you VR for such a wonderful event MORE
Overall I enjoyed the run even though it was tough. The elevation will nip you in the butt, one way or another. Thank you VR for such a wonderful event
Toughest Run but would do again
This was my toughest run ever. You go on a ski chair lift to get you to high point only to “run” to an even higher point. The course was … MORE
This was my toughest run ever. You go on a ski chair lift to get you to high point only to “run” to an even higher point. The course was challenging but scenery was amazing. The course was properly marked throughout the course. Water stations and porta-potties provided (thank goodness). Felt like I won first place with bystanders clapping and cheering on us on as we neared finish line knowing how difficult it was. Thankfully boyfriend and I were well prepared with water, clothes for the cold and energy treats.
Brutal and Beautiful!
This was my second vacation race, and it was well run and an amazing experience! It was a hard course with lots of elevation gain, and due to weather with … MORE
This was my second vacation race, and it was well run and an amazing experience! It was a hard course with lots of elevation gain, and due to weather with mud and slick spots. As someone who lives at sea level it was definitely a challenge! The ride to the start on the ski lift was beautiful, and the perfect time to spot meteors. We chose a time slot that allowed us to see the gorgeous sun rise while still on course, and enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery. I would absolutely do this race again.
Challenging trail run but oh so worth it
Okay don’t let the course description of pavement fool you, pavement literally only begins and ends the last quarter mile of the race! This is ALL trail. Steep inclines first … MORE
Okay don’t let the course description of pavement fool you, pavement literally only begins and ends the last quarter mile of the race! This is ALL trail. Steep inclines first 3 miles and you feel like a Billy goat hiking up the rocks and mountain. After about mile 4 your lungs will burn and your stomach will expand but all that goes away as you race down that mountain… watch for muddy puddles or “muddles” and definitely lots of rocks! This course was beautiful to see some shooting stars. Weather was cloudy most of the night and you can’t see anything until you get to the top but it’s spectacular! I personally won’t do it again but for any who have not done it and want a serious challenge on your mind and body, DO IT!!!
Tough, Technical Trail Race
This was a great race but know what you are signing up for beforehand! This is a 100% trail run at elevation with over 1,000ft of elevation gain topping out … MORE
This was a great race but know what you are signing up for beforehand! This is a 100% trail run at elevation with over 1,000ft of elevation gain topping out at 11,307ft! The night part of the race with the meteor shower is its appealing feature but this can make it challenging.
I started at 1am and I am so glad we did! It was a beautiful night sky with the meteors overhead. I highly recommend watching your step and be cautious. I was very careful – taking an hour over my usual half marathon time and still rolled my ankles 20+ times and even managed to fall HARD. I’m beaten, battered and bruised but I still LOVED this course. It was such a fun and unique experience but it is not for the faint-hearted.
Highly recommend registering but do your research and understand your body first!
Challenging but beautiful
Hard to run at night on a trail, but very challenging and the scenery was great. Vacation Races always puts on a great race and this was not a disappointment, … MORE
Hard to run at night on a trail, but very challenging and the scenery was great. Vacation Races always puts on a great race and this was not a disappointment, just tougher than most I have run.
Awesome race
This was my first official trail half marathon and I couldn’t have had a better time and experience. I started at 10pm and I think the temperature at the top … MORE
This was my first official trail half marathon and I couldn’t have had a better time and experience. I started at 10pm and I think the temperature at the top of the mountain was in the mid 40s but I didn’t notice it once I started running. There were a lot of technical sections filled with rocks but that’s the type of terrain I run on at home so it didn’t phase me much. It was a bit more challenging than initially thought but well worth it! Will be doing it again next year.
Tough night race
This was the inaugural Cedar breaks night half marathon. It was at an elevation between 10,000’ and 11,300’ which is something to keep in mind when living at sea level. … MORE
This was the inaugural Cedar breaks night half marathon. It was at an elevation between 10,000’ and 11,300’ which is something to keep in mind when living at sea level. The cool thing was the gondola ride up to the start line. The course basically went around the mountain with great views of the sunset or sunrise depending on what time you started. Mile 10 and 11 were a tough down and up hill towards the end. Overall the proven well organized Vacationraces event you are used to as a repeat customer 😊
Hard race, but beautiful location!
Got my first ever DNF on this race. It's a hard race...high elevation, a lot of trail parts, and it was at night. However, the views before it went dark … MORE
Got my first ever DNF on this race. It’s a hard race…high elevation, a lot of trail parts, and it was at night. However, the views before it went dark were absolutely beautiful and Vacation Races know how to put on a great race. “Expo” was super smooth, trail super easily marked. I do hope I can train better and come back to try again!
Toughest Race I’ve Ever Done!
That elevation really takes the wind out of your sails. You take a ski lift up, and start the race going uphill until you reach the Brian Head summit at … MORE
That elevation really takes the wind out of your sails. You take a ski lift up, and start the race going uphill until you reach the Brian Head summit at 11,307 feet. Then it’s mostly downhill, with a couple uphills sprinkled in. There were no paved sections. There were some sections with loose rocks, so keep an eye on your footing. Bring multiple light sources depending on your start time. All aid stations were well stocked, and I like that they have the composting portos at the start and aid stations. Good selection of merch too. Medals were huge and glow in the dark. The clouds cleared a few times during the race so I saw a good amount of meteors (1am start time). VR put on a great race, especially for an inaugural race. I’ll definitely be doing more VR events in the future!
The altitude did me in. Bailed @ mile 8
It was a wonderful place for a race, but I would STRONGLY recommend arriving several days early to get acclimated to the altitude. I came up Thursday, but live in … MORE
It was a wonderful place for a race, but I would STRONGLY recommend arriving several days early to get acclimated to the altitude. I came up Thursday, but live in San Diego county. I was not acclimated and really struggled
Difficult but worth it
This course was certainly difficult but I enjoyed the challenge. I’ve done multiple road races and a few short trail runs before but this was my first trail race. I … MORE
This course was certainly difficult but I enjoyed the challenge. I’ve done multiple road races and a few short trail runs before but this was my first trail race. I definitely took a little time to enjoy some good views once the sun rose. The hills towards the end were a bit grueling but I felt very accomplished once I crossed the finish line! This was my second vacation race and I will definitely be doing more!
Craziest experience of my life
So to start off, this was my very first half marathon. A friends of mine convinced me to run it with them, but they failed to mention this would be … MORE
So to start off, this was my very first half marathon. A friends of mine convinced me to run it with them, but they failed to mention this would be a crazy ridiculous race. Nevertheless it was super fun! Once we got off the chair lift, we were welcomed with probably the best sunset I’ve ever seen. The coarse was hard and I had to walk a lot, but I would totally do it again.
#CedarBreaksHalf = you will never forgot
Leave it to Vacation Races to find a way to make a half marathon on steroids. 1st thing, ignore the part where it describes any terrain as pavement. By the … MORE
Leave it to Vacation Races to find a way to make a half marathon on steroids. 1st thing, ignore the part where it describes any terrain as pavement. By the time you get to the small section you are so worn out you will not notice it. This race is HARD! I promise you they will be changing the difficulty from 4 stars to 5. Only 3 runners made it under 2 hours. However this race is a must! Like nothing you have done before! You will get the opportunity to do so many firsts. 1st half to take a chair lyft, 1st to actually walk a long section (even on a down hill), 1st to be in total darkness, 1st to feel sick from altitude, 1st all trail, 1st to talk with so many runners on the course, laugh with and have so much fun! You will be talking about this one for weeks! I am ready for 2023!!!
Toughest course for me
I am not a trail runner and am a clutz when it comes to trails. I should have hiked more prior to the race. The race volunteers were fantastic MORE
I am not a trail runner and am a clutz when it comes to trails. I should have hiked more prior to the race. The race volunteers were fantastic
LOVED IT!
Tough course, I have the benefit of living at higher altitude than probably a lot of the other competitors and do a fair amount of trail running in the dark. … MORE
Tough course, I have the benefit of living at higher altitude than probably a lot of the other competitors and do a fair amount of trail running in the dark. This is my 3rd VR, and 2 have been night races – I think there is just something so incredible about night time running. The day after the race my daughter and I drove through Bryce Canyon and Cedar Break – first time seeing these beautiful places and I’m so glad I did. Part of why I like VR so much is that it gets me to amazing places I probably wouldn’t go without an event on the calendar. I don’t think I’ll do this one again only because there are more courses I want to explore. I’ve been telling my friends about this event and encouraging them to think about it for next year.