Thought under new management it would improve. The course was marked much better but the promised finisher metal was non existent unless you were among the front. They did give … MORE
Thought under new management it would improve. The course was marked much better but the promised finisher metal was non existent unless you were among the front. They did give a glass but you had to hunt that down. No one seemed to know anything about the metals or the glass we just happened to notice a booth as we were walking to our cars. No officials at the finish line. Good thing I had friends there cheering me on because the only official was the timer. I guess if you are slow you don’t count, but I am old so I am slow but I still ran the 14 miles. Yes the course was long it was just shy of 14
Disappointed again
Thought under new management it would improve. The course was marked much better but the promised finisher metal was non existent unless you were among the front. They did give … MORE
Thought under new management it would improve. The course was marked much better but the promised finisher metal was non existent unless you were among the front. They did give a glass but you had to hunt that down. No one seemed to know anything about the metals or the glass we just happened to notice a booth as we were walking to our cars. No officials at the finish line. Good thing I had friends there cheering me on because the only official was the timer. I guess if you are slow you don’t count, but I am old so I am slow but I still ran the 14 miles. Yes the course was long it was just shy of 14
A Hidden Gem!
Boise isnt really known for any historical significance, at least not to us southerners. I expected this to be a weekend where I wouldnt be glad to check off the … MORE
Boise isnt really known for any historical significance, at least not to us southerners. I expected this to be a weekend where I wouldnt be glad to check off the state and get home. I was already a little frustrated because Packet Pickup ended at 3 or 4 pm (the website & emails were different.) My flight landed at 2:30. But the minute I landed at the airport, my attitude changed.
-Host hotel (Spring Hill Suites) has free 24hr shuttle so I didn’t need to rent a car (YEAH!) The hotel employees were super nice and accommodating. Our room was much larger than I expected for the price. The hotel was a block from the start/finish and walking distance to several restaurants. Plus if you wanted to go farther, the hotel shuttle would take you! (We went to Trader Joes)
-I was a pacer for this race so I got one of the local pacers to get my bib & shirt. We did make it to PP (it ended at 4). Quick and easy-no frills. The local running store was there with last minute supplies if needed.
-Race morning was easy. A 5 minute walk to the start area. Very low key. Volunteers were super friendly!
-The course was 2 out/backs (one NE, one SW). The greenbelt is a great place to run! If I were a local, this likely would be where I would regularly run/bike, so racing there year after year would get old. But for those of us coming to check off the state, it was great! I would’ve enjoyed some downtown scenery, but I wasnt disappointed. The path followed the river and passed several nice city parks (I was amazed at all the green space and bike lanes!!), behind the zoo (we saw the giraffes!) and through Boise State University. While the mile markers seemed a bit off, they were clear and easy to spot from a distance. The course was well-marked. I got a little confused at one turn through a small traffic circle-a few more arrows/people there would have been good). I ran with a local Maniac for about 14 miles who played tour guide for me. I also ran with several other locals who were super nice and were more than willing to answer my tourist questions. I never heard a negative comment about Boise! I was totally sold! After finishing, the park was easy to navigate with a food tent and lots of space to sit and relax. The running store was holding a raffle. I ran up last minute and got a ticket and ended up winning a pair of trail shoes!
Having little to no knowledge about the city and expecting nothing but farm and industry (you know – Idaho potatoes), I was pleasantly surprised with the city and the race.
A definite option for 50 staters to consider!