The last time I did this race was 14 years ago. At that time the race was known for it's fast downhill and incredible scenery. It was also known for … MORE
The last time I did this race was 14 years ago. At that time the race was known for it’s fast downhill and incredible scenery. It was also known for it’s rough organization and variable course length. In 14 years some things have changed but some have not. The course length is now certified and very well measured. The finish line had good food options and the results were posted online almost instantaneously. However, the race started over 15 minutes late, like always. There are few port-a-potties at the start, there are few aid stations and most stations don’t serve electrolytes. The race shirt was crappy and cheap. The finisher’s medal was underwhelming. The volunteers were totally confused about the procedure for awards at the end. However, the awards were nice. They also gave very large medals to the first 50 men and 50 women finishers and all the women got a carnation at the finish line. The race photos are also very good and they are free to download.
So, if you want a beautiful, well-measured, downhill course, without many frills this is it. Also, if one is training for a Fall downhill marathon, like Big Cottonwood or St. George, this is the perfect race to use for downhill training. I am training for Big Cottonwood in September and this is the perfect course to simulate the downhill stress for that race. The course is fairly steep downhill until about mile 9 and then it becomes rolling with some punchy hills. Mile 12 is pancake flat and it is tough after all that downhill. Mile 13 is downhill and a nice way to finish. Like most downhill races you’ll get a fast time but your legs will take a beating. As a point of reference, the downhill is more gradual than the Timp Half Marathon but the last few miles were tougher.
Overall, I would recommend this race but only if you are ok with a no frills experience that will likely get you a PR and and a beautiful downhill canyon run.
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Awesome fast course, no frills
The last time I did this race was 14 years ago. At that time the race was known for it's fast downhill and incredible scenery. It was also known for … MORE
The last time I did this race was 14 years ago. At that time the race was known for it’s fast downhill and incredible scenery. It was also known for it’s rough organization and variable course length. In 14 years some things have changed but some have not. The course length is now certified and very well measured. The finish line had good food options and the results were posted online almost instantaneously. However, the race started over 15 minutes late, like always. There are few port-a-potties at the start, there are few aid stations and most stations don’t serve electrolytes. The race shirt was crappy and cheap. The finisher’s medal was underwhelming. The volunteers were totally confused about the procedure for awards at the end. However, the awards were nice. They also gave very large medals to the first 50 men and 50 women finishers and all the women got a carnation at the finish line. The race photos are also very good and they are free to download.
So, if you want a beautiful, well-measured, downhill course, without many frills this is it. Also, if one is training for a Fall downhill marathon, like Big Cottonwood or St. George, this is the perfect race to use for downhill training. I am training for Big Cottonwood in September and this is the perfect course to simulate the downhill stress for that race. The course is fairly steep downhill until about mile 9 and then it becomes rolling with some punchy hills. Mile 12 is pancake flat and it is tough after all that downhill. Mile 13 is downhill and a nice way to finish. Like most downhill races you’ll get a fast time but your legs will take a beating. As a point of reference, the downhill is more gradual than the Timp Half Marathon but the last few miles were tougher.
Overall, I would recommend this race but only if you are ok with a no frills experience that will likely get you a PR and and a beautiful downhill canyon run.