Coeur d’Alene Marathon (CDA Marathon)
Coeur d'Alene, ID
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Save 10% w/code RACERAVES***The Coeur d’Alene Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k, and 5k run offers one of the most spectacular events in the country. At an elevation of 2200 feet above sea level, the resort community of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, resting on the shores of spectacular Lake Coeur d’Alene, welcomes visitors … MORE
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Beautiful
The course is beautiful and not too hard. The volunteers are supportive and cheering us on! Great choices at each of the water stations. The race begins in the morning … MORE
The course is beautiful and not too hard. The volunteers are supportive and cheering us on! Great choices at each of the water stations. The race begins in the morning when it is nice and cool out and it is not too hot by the time we finish. The course takes you right by the lake and it sometimes have just a little bit of fog laying right on the water.
Beautiful scenery, that is all
Beautiful natural scenery, beyond that not good. There is next to noone cheering on whole course, nothing at all at finish line besides some banking tents that were flat ot … MORE
Beautiful natural scenery, beyond that not good. There is next to noone cheering on whole course, nothing at all at finish line besides some banking tents that were flat ot rude to my children because we weren’t from Idaho! And one slice of pizza was all you got at the finish line, which the one volunteer yells on repeat. Nothing else, not sure what my entry fee paid for. Also at the 16ish mile mark you hit the 5 KM course and then you are bundled tightly with these runners for some poor planning reason. So come for the scenery expect nothing else and expect rudness from the few people at the finish line.
Gorgeous Race Views, Well Organized
I would highly recommend CDA Marathon! The race course is beautiful, and it is a well organized event. It is run mostly on the Idaho Centennial trail, which is a … MORE
I would highly recommend CDA Marathon! The race course is beautiful, and it is a well organized event. It is run mostly on the Idaho Centennial trail, which is a paved recreational path.
Packet pick up is the day before, at McEuen park where the start and finish line are. The line was a little long, but it moved quickly and the volunteers were helpful. The race shirt was a nice, long sleeve tech shirt with a fun design. There was also some CDA Marathon merchandise for sale, and it looked very nice. There were a few sponsors on site with tents, as well as a few food trucks. These sponsors and vendors were also at the finish line the next day.
Race morning was chilly and windy, but I was able to stay warm under the pavillion wearing a jacket. They had a gear check area, so I checked my jacket just before making my way to the start line, which is a block away from the paviliion/finish area. The race started on time, with an energetic announcer seeing us off.
This race has three different areas you run through: a historic neighborhood, an out and back along Lake Coeur D’Alene, and an out and back along Spokane River. You start off running through the neighborhood, which has many turns but is well marked. The homes are very pretty. Around mile 3, you head onto the out and back along the lake. These are the most stunning views of the whole course! There is a significant uphill around mile 5 (which you will have to run on the return also). It is about 3/4 mile long and steady. You finish the out and back with another steep incline (but shorter) around mile 8, then turn around and head back, returning through the historic neighborhood again.
Before heading out on the second out and back, you pass through McEuen park, where the finish line is. It can be a little confusing, because there are other runners finishing the shorter distance races at the time you are running through. But there are plenty of signs and cones to point your direction. I do wish there would have been an aid station here (more on aid later). After going through the park you continue on the path along the Spokane river. There are runners coming back, so it was very crowded here, and at some points difficult to pass walkers. It eventually thinned out a little. This final section was tougher mentally, as the views were not as good, the trail is a little exposed, and you are getting tired. You have one more incline around mile 21, which takes you to the final turn around. The miles go by much faster to get to the finish, where you loop around McEuen park and through the finish chute. The medal was great! It matched the tech shirt. The medals were the same for all distances, just the ribbon was different. They had water and gatorade right at the finish, then some food options at the pavillion. The food was oranges, bananas, chips, snack bars, and pizza.
My only complaint is that I felt the aid stations were a little sparse. Some of them felt very far apart, and one I missed, which meant I was waiting a long time before the next one. They were handing out small bottles of water and gatorade, and I realized (too late) that instead of chugging some water and ditching it, I should have put the cap on and taken the rest with me, to hold me over to the next aid station. I saw a lot of other people doing this, or stashing them in vest pockets.
Pretty, pretty
Walker friendly--7 hour course limit....8 hours if you take the early start for marathon walkers. Great job with overlapping the various courses and marking so it was very clear what … MORE
Walker friendly–7 hour course limit….8 hours if you take the early start for marathon walkers.
Great job with overlapping the various courses and marking so it was very clear what turn for what race.
If I were doing this again, I would fly out on Saturday and enjoy the area on Monday (Memorial Day), flying home on Tuesday.
Beautiful course along the lake
This was a flat course that went for much of the distance along the lake. There were only five aid stations but they provided mini water bottles and energy drink … MORE
This was a flat course that went for much of the distance along the lake. There were only five aid stations but they provided mini water bottles and energy drink bottles that for me lasted for a few miles. The course was well marked and there were a good number of spectators. Lots of enthusiasm from the announcer at the start and finish was much appreciated.
Great lake views, with a few hills
Most of the course was very pretty. A good portion of the race follows the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail with a couple out and back portions. The packet pickup was … MORE
Most of the course was very pretty. A good portion of the race follows the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail with a couple out and back portions.
The packet pickup was only offered on the Saturday before the race at McEuen Park. The line for the bibs was long, but it moved quickly. Not many merchants there, but they did sell some race specific glasses, etc.
The full started at 6:30 and the half at 7:00 near the park. Parking didn’t seem to be a problem, but you have to pay using a pay using an app. Make sure to add enough time, because they were out giving tickets.
The full followed the trail south for 8 miles along the lake before turning around and taking the same trail back to the park. There were a couple significant hills in this section. Once back to the park, it was rather chaotic. You go by the finish line and several races were occurring at the same time. I was hoping that I was going the right way. After passing the finish, there is another10 mile out and back. This section is a little boring. There are not as many good lake views and you share the trail with the other race distances. The trail was a little congested in some places. There is another climb as well until you get to the turnaround point just after mile 21. The finish is back in the park. They offered pizza, bananas, and a few of the other usual fares at the finish. The shirt was long-sleeved, but a good material for running. I liked the color. The medal was also nice a represented the area. The top finisher in each age group also received a pint glass. I didn’t like the
confusion around the park and some of the congested parts, but overall, it was a pretty race with some challenging areas. Luckily, I had sunny skies with a bit of a head wind at times, but temps in the mid to upper 40s.
Nice race
Nice race in s fun town to visit. Easy race to maneuver and get around. Not too big . Had a nice family vacation. Race festival not too big but … MORE
Nice race in s fun town to visit. Easy race to maneuver and get around. Not too big . Had a nice family vacation. Race festival not too big but nice medal and long sleeve T-shirt.
Fun race!
One long steady incline, but then the turn around. Fun post race, lots of goodies (snacks). Good aid stations, lots of people cheering you on!! Walked to the start from … MORE
One long steady incline, but then the turn around. Fun post race, lots of goodies (snacks). Good aid stations, lots of people cheering you on!! Walked to the start from my Airbnb. I liked the long sleeve shirt!!
Gorgeous place, gorgeous place
I immediately fell in love with CDA! This race is a beautiful out and back along the lake. Weather was perfect, tons of post race snacks. This is one I … MORE
I immediately fell in love with CDA! This race is a beautiful out and back along the lake. Weather was perfect, tons of post race snacks. This is one I would do again.
Rugged majestic beauty of the northwest
This race is so worth it! The packet pickup was easy and smooth. The race started in three waves from a park, which felt smooth and not too crowded. The … MORE
This race is so worth it! The packet pickup was easy and smooth. The race started in three waves from a park, which felt smooth and not too crowded. The course was a stunner – we ran past majestic mountains blanketed in tall, dark pines, a wide, blue, clean lake, forests, and some gorgeous houses. This race had the stark, stunning, rustic, rough beauty of the northwest on full display throughout the run – there is no way the scenery could be improved. There was good crowd support although it was not packed, which was perfect for taking in the scenery. There were three (very fit!) men from a local church actually carrying a large wooden cross through the race, encouraging runners and praying for those who requested it – I thought that was moving and inspiring. The first part felt kind of tough – not a steep uphill but it could be felt – the second half after the turnaround was great – downhill !!! I made up some lost time on that! My only suggestion would be have some waste cans away from the water stations. The after party was nice and the swag was striking – beautiful medal in the shape of Idaho! Good vegan pizza is available in at least one local restaurant after the race. Priorities! I was happy to get a PR for this and hope to travel here in the future to run it again!
Great First Full Marathon
Great views of the lake for nearly the first 20 miles and last 2 miles. The first hill (which is also the third hill) is a sneaky hill, it’s not … MORE
Great views of the lake for nearly the first 20 miles and last 2 miles.
The first hill (which is also the third hill) is a sneaky hill, it’s not a steep grade but long and can quietly sap some of your energy so be weary.
Miles about 3 to 13 can be a bit tough as the roar you’re on is sloped sideways for rain and snow melt so you are on a lot of uneven asphalt, not a huge issue but something everyone should know.
One of my favorite races
I love this race for many reasons, but there were some drawbacks this year. The good- parking is simple and easy. There is a good mix of trail running, running … MORE
I love this race for many reasons, but there were some drawbacks this year.
The good- parking is simple and easy. There is a good mix of trail running, running through the park, and then through neighborhoods. The vibes are great; registration is easy, and the weather was not too hot not too cold.
It was a good-sized race, big enough that I was never alone but small enough that the only point where I was “fighting through a crowd” was at the very beginning. The people of the PNW are always great, and I will return next year.
The kid’s race the day before was a great way to get the whole family involved, and staying in CDA is always fun with great food.
The shirt was great; it was a material that I would wear repeatedly. The medal was also excellent.
The downsides… There were few aid stations, I ran a few other half-marathons, and it seemed like there were just more stations. Usually, Gatorade is available, but this race only had a nasty electrolyte drink, and it almost made me puke. With that, I didn’t bring anything of my own, so I had to run the race without electrolytes aside from GUs. It was great that those were available.
One other surprise; there were several uphill portions. This was advertised as a flat race. There were 3-4 pretty decent steep hills and then about 3 miles of slightly inclined hills before turning around (which was downhill and felt fantastic for the last leg of the race)
Wow Idaho!
This is my 42nd state on my quest for 50 states so it does take a bit to impress me now :). This race was very well done. Not too … MORE
This is my 42nd state on my quest for 50 states so it does take a bit to impress me now :).
This race was very well done.
Not too many communications until race week which I’m totally ok with. The expo is small and held right where the finish line is. You receive a long sleeve tech shirt and your bib. I received a sweatshirt-definitely didn’t remember ordering it at registration!
Race logistics were easy-arrived a bit early and parked in a lot across the street from the finish line. You do have to pay to park but I think it was like $2 an hour or less. I stayed at the Hampton Inn less than 2 miles from the race start/finish area.
The race wasn’t big, wasn’t small-really well sized. There were pacers but really no start corrals.
The course is beautiful-you spend a good amount of time with water on one side of you. There are some inclines and declines on the race-nothing too crazy but it definitely is not flat.
Each aid station was sponsored by a local business and all had water, electrolyte drink (not sure what it was but it was horrible), gu and gummies. Usually races only give out gu after mile 8 at one station but this had gu at every aid station.
Volunteers were overly friendly and encouraging. There was crowd support at the right places without being overwhelming.
Other than the electrolyte drink, the only other thing I wasn’t a fan of was how the 10k/5k were all finishing at the same time and place as the half marathon and marathon finishers. There is something special after you ran 13.1 miles to have your name announced and have that moment. Having so many people coming through at the same time kind of takes away from it.
When you finish you have to walk over to the medal table-all the same medal no matter which distance-just the ribbon is different and states what distance. Volunteers were not handing these out-you had to walk over and ask. Water was also set back and the finish area was not a corral so it was a bit hard to navigate the people to get water, your medal etc.
The after festivities looked great-food trucks and various other vendors. Admittedly, I did not stay too long-nor eat while there as I had a packed day of travel still.
A really great race, could not have picked a better race to check Idaho off!
Serene Green-You can’t beat the swag too
I love the entire production of this race. The scenery was very pretty and green, making up for the last night's rain, I felt a sense of calm. From start … MORE
I love the entire production of this race. The scenery was very pretty and green, making up for the last night’s rain, I felt a sense of calm. From start to finish the course was beautiful running by the lake and well kept parks. Coeur D’Alene is probably the cleanest city I have ever been to.
Everything was well organized with a ton of support but not in a distracting way.
The swag is to die for, the medal is shaped like the great state of Idaho and is very vibrant. One of the few races that gives you a long sleeve shirt and it looks great
A Must Repeat
Great event organization, awesome swag, Fleet Feet in town, dog-friendliest city I've ever been in, Mobility/Flexibility booth at race end and the free session put me back into easy movement … MORE
Great event organization, awesome swag, Fleet Feet in town, dog-friendliest city I’ve ever been in, Mobility/Flexibility booth at race end and the free session put me back into easy movement status; until I sat down for a while. Am I planning on doing again-absolutely.
Well run event, good scenery, nice swag!
From start to finish the event was very well organized and executed. Packet pick up was pain free, parking was no problem, and the day of plan was well communicated … MORE
From start to finish the event was very well organized and executed. Packet pick up was pain free, parking was no problem, and the day of plan was well communicated prior to go time. The course was well marked and relatively flat with a nice view for majority of the route. The only improve was the use of full water bottles with a lack of trash cans further down the route left runners either running with bottles in hand or wasting it and throwing it randomly on the ground throughout the route. The shirt and medal were very nice, and the post run food was delicious. I would definitely recommend this race, and look forward to running it again.
Great
100% best running course I've ran. The people are nice the scenery is great. Plenty of water station. The volunteers are great. We are Definitely going every year. MORE
100% best running course I’ve ran. The people are nice the scenery is great. Plenty of water station. The volunteers are great. We are Definitely going every year.
1/2 Marathon
First 1/2 Marathon in over 20 years. Great course, well marked, the majority on a wide smooth bike path with smooth inclines/declines. Great scenery along the Spokane River. MORE
First 1/2 Marathon in over 20 years. Great course, well marked, the majority on a wide smooth bike path with smooth inclines/declines. Great scenery along the Spokane River.
Lovely race course! Nice Mountain Weathe
This was my first marathon and a great introduction to racing! Aid stations were well placed along the course with encouraging volunteers. Check-in was smooth and easy. Post-race food was … MORE
This was my first marathon and a great introduction to racing!
Aid stations were well placed along the course with encouraging volunteers.
Check-in was smooth and easy.
Post-race food was good with options to choose from with a food vendor voucher.
There was a view of the lake for 80% of the course and a small hill at one point. A few miles are through town but it’s mostly with a sienic view. The whole trail is on concrete (with very few miles on sidewalks).
Great Race & Festivities in CDA
I ran the 10K at the CDA Marathon. It was a great course and I enjoyed the festive atmosphere during and after the race. I would highly recommend this race … MORE
I ran the 10K at the CDA Marathon. It was a great course and I enjoyed the festive atmosphere during and after the race. I would highly recommend this race to all runners!