Loved the early start (edited: by early start, I mean the regular start time of 6:30. They offer a 5:00 am start but that was TOO early for me, lol) … MORE
Loved the early start (edited: by early start, I mean the regular start time of 6:30. They offer a 5:00 am start but that was TOO early for me, lol) and the luxury bus ride to the start (with bathrooms, no less!). The start itself was quick and efficient, the course was CLEARLY marked with plenty of people to send you in the right direction. The scenery was positively gorgeous and we could not have had nicer weather…even the smoke cleared away for the day. As a slow marathoner (evidence above), I was particularly grateful that each and every aide station remained open and stocked – I have run marathons before where I was well ahead of the time cap but the end aid stations were abandoned. And the community was amazing – they cheered me on, offered to spray me (it was a warm late morning) and in general were just supportive as could be.
The first 9.6 miles of the course are not too bad, running on a nice gravel/dirt road with plenty of trees and cows for company. I was grateful that the photographer stayed at the first turnoff for us back of the packers – so often photographers only bother with the faster folks. The downhills! Wow!! I did not get to stop and look at Mesa Falls, but I’ll go back later when I’m not trying to meet my own time deadline.
The dirt trail portion also was great. It was nice to run on a soft surface and to see the river snaking along to my left. It was a little spooky at times since I was all alone and had heard reports of bears in the area, but it was still great.
THE HILL is as advertised. It was a brutal, brutal climb and it came when I bonked, so I confess I walked the whole thing. My biggest concern was the traffic, so I’ll have to consult with others for the next time I run it about which side of the road to run on. I ended up on the shoulder pretty much the whole time.
The last 6 miles were familiar to me as I had run on them as a training run. They are in the wide open and the sun, and I underestimated what I would need for electrolytes, so I hit the wall hard and did a lot of walking. But when I hit those last 2 miles into town, I was able to finally get back on a sidewalk and pick up my pace. Again, the community could not have been more supportive, with smiles, waves, and honks from passing cars/trucks.
Crossing the finish line was a moment of great emotion and happiness, and the huckleberry milkshake was also as advertised – DELICIOUS!!! I loved the medal and appreciated being able to leave my bag on the bus and pick it up afterward.
My only quibbles were the lack of response to questions on the event Facebook page (I had to call the race director to get information) and no portapotties at the start line. But I am already planning what I will do differently next year!
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Best & Toughest Marathon I've Ever Done
Loved the early start (edited: by early start, I mean the regular start time of 6:30. They offer a 5:00 am start but that was TOO early for me, lol) … MORE
Loved the early start (edited: by early start, I mean the regular start time of 6:30. They offer a 5:00 am start but that was TOO early for me, lol) and the luxury bus ride to the start (with bathrooms, no less!). The start itself was quick and efficient, the course was CLEARLY marked with plenty of people to send you in the right direction. The scenery was positively gorgeous and we could not have had nicer weather…even the smoke cleared away for the day. As a slow marathoner (evidence above), I was particularly grateful that each and every aide station remained open and stocked – I have run marathons before where I was well ahead of the time cap but the end aid stations were abandoned. And the community was amazing – they cheered me on, offered to spray me (it was a warm late morning) and in general were just supportive as could be.
The first 9.6 miles of the course are not too bad, running on a nice gravel/dirt road with plenty of trees and cows for company. I was grateful that the photographer stayed at the first turnoff for us back of the packers – so often photographers only bother with the faster folks. The downhills! Wow!! I did not get to stop and look at Mesa Falls, but I’ll go back later when I’m not trying to meet my own time deadline.
The dirt trail portion also was great. It was nice to run on a soft surface and to see the river snaking along to my left. It was a little spooky at times since I was all alone and had heard reports of bears in the area, but it was still great.
THE HILL is as advertised. It was a brutal, brutal climb and it came when I bonked, so I confess I walked the whole thing. My biggest concern was the traffic, so I’ll have to consult with others for the next time I run it about which side of the road to run on. I ended up on the shoulder pretty much the whole time.
The last 6 miles were familiar to me as I had run on them as a training run. They are in the wide open and the sun, and I underestimated what I would need for electrolytes, so I hit the wall hard and did a lot of walking. But when I hit those last 2 miles into town, I was able to finally get back on a sidewalk and pick up my pace. Again, the community could not have been more supportive, with smiles, waves, and honks from passing cars/trucks.
Crossing the finish line was a moment of great emotion and happiness, and the huckleberry milkshake was also as advertised – DELICIOUS!!! I loved the medal and appreciated being able to leave my bag on the bus and pick it up afterward.
My only quibbles were the lack of response to questions on the event Facebook page (I had to call the race director to get information) and no portapotties at the start line. But I am already planning what I will do differently next year!
Fabulous race. Great scenery.
The race was extremely well-organized and really catered to the runners. Packet pickup was open until late the night before. They held a pasta dinner. Breakfast on race morning was … MORE
The race was extremely well-organized and really catered to the runners. Packet pickup was open until late the night before. They held a pasta dinner. Breakfast on race morning was free for runners. The buses to take us to the start were great (not school buses!) with bathrooms and they stayed at the start line until almost the race start so you could stay warm. You could leave your bag on the bus and it was waiting for you at the finish line. I have never seen so many aid stations for a half marathon. Everyone was friendly. The scenery was beautiful. Lots of good post-race food. I was extremely impressed with this small town race! It was a great tune-up for Boston! It was challenging with the hills but a great course!
Scenic. Nice hybrid downhill race
I liked the swag bag: one of those red, mesh bags that potatoes come in! What better way to say welcome to Idaho than being given a swag bag that … MORE
I liked the swag bag: one of those red, mesh bags that potatoes come in! What better way to say welcome to Idaho than being given a swag bag that says Idaho Potatoes!
I call it a hybrid because it was partly trail/partly paved. If you like trails, then you’ll love the beginning of the race. The first few miles are winding trail and downhill, so you feel like a deer flying through the woods. It spits you out about mile 4 or so (I can’t really remember exact numbers) onto pavement. From there you’ll start a humbling 3 mile uphill stretch on pavement. This section is about miles 5-8, and miles 17-20 of the full marathon.
The last several miles are out in the open on paved roads through farm fields. There are a couple minor hills but it’s relatively flat and straight to the finish line. I can’t say I enjoyed this part of the race much but I loved that I could see the Teton Mountains in the distance.
Post-race, it was a comfortable, nice atmosphere. Lots of fresh fruit, drinks, hot pizza, etc for finishers. I especially loved the ticket for a free Huckleberry milkshake at the local restaurant, and the free post-race massages.
I don’t know how many runners participated total, but the half marathon was about 200 I think. I wouldn’t say it’s a very competitive race since I took 5th overall, and first in my age group (M25-29) with a time of about 1:40. That’s not a slow time, but I think you know what I mean.
I just moved to the area from North Carolina where it was excessively hot and humid but at sea level. Race day was cool, about 40 degrees at start. The route probably averages around 5500′, but since it averaged downhill it wasn’t noticeable. I think it starts at about 5800 and finished at 5300.
I will definitely be returning next year. Possibly for the full marathon instead!
Overall a great race!
Pros: 1. Course is mostly scenic with the exception of a few miles. Net downhill course. 2. Mostly well-organized 3. Ran this during Covid and thought they took appropriate measures … MORE
Pros:
1. Course is mostly scenic with the exception of a few miles. Net downhill course.
2. Mostly well-organized
3. Ran this during Covid and thought they took appropriate measures for runner safety
4. I actually liked the small wooden finisher medal but could see why others may not like it
5. Nice long sleeve race shirt
6. Good chance of getting an age group award (wooden plaque) compared to other races. I got my first age group award ever (third place)!
7. Plenty of aid stations
Cons:
1. There are some nasty uphills in the later miles so be prepared for that!
2. Hotel options aren’t great. We ended up staying in Idaho falls and made the drive.
3. No bag drop
4. Not many restrooms at the start so the lines were very very long
5. Not the race organizers fault but we had tough conditions that day. Very hot (high of 90 degrees that day) and poor air quality (from wildfires in a nearby state)
A new favorite
This race is a Covid race and we know much has changed. But I really love this race. I was allowed an early start so my first two hours were … MORE
This race is a Covid race and we know much has changed. But I really love this race. I was allowed an early start so my first two hours were great for running. With the altitude drop I was running right behind the leader. It was a dream, I am never that far out front. But this is a cool race, with lots of spectators. And I really appreciated the small town atmosphere. So put this race on your bucket list…. you will enjoy it.
Small unique race
I enjoyed the course and the scenery. Nice medium hill in the middle with most of the course flat to downhill. First few miles on a gravel trail along the … MORE
I enjoyed the course and the scenery. Nice medium hill in the middle with most of the course flat to downhill. First few miles on a gravel trail along the river, then rural roads with not much traffic.
There were many families cheering along the way and aid stations were plentiful. Shirt and medal were decent and they give you an Idaho potato bag for your gear! Plenty of parking at the race start. My only issue was the free Huckleberry shake you get with the race was not available until after 11.
The race does not go by the falls… so make sure you do it before or after.
The race kit was in a potato sack!
I'm late posting this review coz I forgot, but it's not a forgettable race. Far from it. Lovely scenery to start, then pleasant farmland to finish. Really nice folks staging … MORE
I’m late posting this review coz I forgot, but it’s not a forgettable race. Far from it. Lovely scenery to start, then pleasant farmland to finish. Really nice folks staging the event. What’s not to like? And tons of sightseeing in the area with the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.
Race director,volunteers & food- super!
The scenery was fun - a cow and her calf passed in front of us during the race! Very diverse from gravel roads to quad trails to 2-lane, non-traveled roads. … MORE
The scenery was fun – a cow and her calf passed in front of us during the race! Very diverse from gravel roads to quad trails to 2-lane, non-traveled roads. If you like up-hills, the 2 mile hill climb was awesome after 16 miles of down hill. The race director was the nicest director at any race I ever ran. The water stops, with super nice volunteers, had about 6 flavors of Gatorade, grapes, GU’s and all sorts of energy food. The view from about 5 miles, where we could see town where the finish was, was awesome. Temps were perfect. Optional golf shirt instead of race shirt (for small additional fee) was really nice because I have too many tech shirts. Race entry fee was very reasonable. This was one of the nicest marathons of the 64 I’ve completed and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to run one just for fun. (The gravel and quad road would make it hard for a PR). If you can ever make it to Idaho, come in August and try to run this one. (We came all the way from Pennsylvania!) You won’t be disappointed!!!!
Favorite Race of all Time!!
I ran the Mesa Falls Half Marathon. This was my second year running this race and I plan on running it every year from now on! It is a beautiful … MORE
I ran the Mesa Falls Half Marathon. This was my second year running this race and I plan on running it every year from now on! It is a beautiful course and the scenery is absolutely stunning. From the forested area of the Warm River, up onto the dry farms and the breath taking view of the Grand Tetons, you won’t find a more tranquil run! The course is a great mix of difficult and easy making it just enough of a challenge yet still totally do-able for first timers. The Race coordinators are amazing and make the whole atmosphere of the race fun, exciting and high energy. It is very organized and well put together. I highly suggest this race!!
overall top notch, medal a bit meh
The scenery is beautiful and the organizers are excellent. Plenty of water stations and things to help you keep going. Great cheering teams. I would 100% do it again, but … MORE
The scenery is beautiful and the organizers are excellent. Plenty of water stations and things to help you keep going. Great cheering teams. I would 100% do it again, but the medal was a bit disappointing. It was small and made of wood. The image was nice, but the overall product looks cheap.
Quirky, small and such beautiful Scenary
This is the best little hometown marathon you will experience. From the race swag put into a potato sack to the hometown volunteers, INCLUDING THE MAYOR, at the aide stations … MORE
This is the best little hometown marathon you will experience. From the race swag put into a potato sack to the hometown volunteers, INCLUDING THE MAYOR, at the aide stations and the huckleberry shakes at the end…This race doesn’t disappoint. The scenery is so beautiful. The different terrain you experience and just an overall pride that Ashton, Idaho has for this marathon is so much fun. I love this race.
Great race!
This race features a very scenic course. There is a lot of support along the way -everything from people on 4-wheelers on the lookout for bears to frequent water stations … MORE
This race features a very scenic course. There is a lot of support along the way -everything from people on 4-wheelers on the lookout for bears to frequent water stations and well-placed port-a-potties. Volunteers were very helpful and accommodating. I loved being able to leave clothing at a water station as I shed layers through the race and find it waiting for me at the finish line. This was my first marathon and the experience couldn’t have been better.
Up and down we go!
Even though this was my first half-marathon I really enjoyed it and ended up in the top 20%! The first 4miles downhill is probably the most fun to run ever! … MORE
Even though this was my first half-marathon I really enjoyed it and ended up in the top 20%! The first 4miles downhill is probably the most fun to run ever! The scenery is just amazing and running in groups is amazing, but then you see the first big uphill and it literally kills you. On the top, you’re like finally, until you realize that the rest of the run is just hills up and down we go.
Beautiful! My favorite half
I’ve run this several times. Such s lovely little town. 15 minutes from the incredible Mesa Falls. The most beautiful place. The farmers market, the spaghetti dinner. The friendliest group … MORE
I’ve run this several times. Such s lovely little town. 15 minutes from the incredible Mesa Falls. The most beautiful place.
The farmers market, the spaghetti dinner. The friendliest group of people you’ll ever meet.
A warm bus ride, runners breakfast. An incredible race that is supported by volunteers and awesome home owners along the way.
Go early. Drive the route. Visit the breath taking falls,. Breath the clean mountain air. Walk a country road.
Truly my favorite race of the year.
Incredible views.
Small race, No hassles, Big fun
Once you get tired of big city marathons and the hassle that goes along with them you should try this one. Everything is easy... registration, packet pick-up, they bus you … MORE
Once you get tired of big city marathons and the hassle that goes along with them you should try this one. Everything is easy… registration, packet pick-up, they bus you to the start (tour bus, not a school bus). Then you run back into town. Lots of varied scenery and running surface. The people at the aid stations were enthusiastic and helpful.
Beautiful and uncrowned
This was my first ever race so I did not know what to expect, and everything was perfect. The 3 mile hill was very tough and had most people walking, … MORE
This was my first ever race so I did not know what to expect, and everything was perfect. The 3 mile hill was very tough and had most people walking, but the rest of the course wasn’t too tricky. My only complaint is that the half marathoners seemed to be clogging up the trail portion, walking, as marathons try to run through. It would be nice if they didn’t start at such a congested area, or if they didn’t start exactly two hours after the marathon. Very scenic, and my at first Begrudging boyfriend really enjoyed driving around and admiring the scenery before stopping to be my fan club here and there
Had a great time running Mesa Falls!
First off, weather was nice and cool for a half marathon in August. Scenery was amazing and varied. Buses used to transport us to the start were very comfortable. Course … MORE
First off, weather was nice and cool for a half marathon in August. Scenery was amazing and varied. Buses used to transport us to the start were very comfortable. Course was challenging with a nice long uphill during the first half of the race and a nice flat finish. Very nice age group awards and even though it wasn’t a huge field, the age groups were every 5 years. Post race food was good and we were given a coupon for a free huckleberry milkshake…it was AWESOME!!
Still smiling
Small town hospitality and accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers! Beautiful course with a mix of terrain. Great course to stop and smell the flowers or go for a PR! … MORE
Small town hospitality and accommodating, friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers! Beautiful course with a mix of terrain. Great course to stop and smell the flowers or go for a PR! Phenomenal organization and set up, from packet pick up to finish! I was grateful for the aid stations a plenty offering water, electrolyte drink, and snacks at every table which was frequent and welcomed!
Can't Say Enough Good.
I love this race! Beautiful scenery,( bring a camera), varying terrain. This is an event for any type of runners. Course stays open until the last person finishes. From packet … MORE
I love this race! Beautiful scenery,( bring a camera), varying terrain. This is an event for any type of runners. Course stays open until the last person finishes. From packet pick up to past the finish line, the volunteers are amazing. There are so many aid stations and they are so well stocked, that you might just gain weight. Great food in the recovery area. The wooden finisher medals are a nice touch. I’ve done the half for the past 5 years. Maybe next year I get the courage to do the full.
Amazing first marathon
I came into this race thinking that this would be my one and only marathon. However after this experience I think I’ll have to run at least this one again. … MORE
I came into this race thinking that this would be my one and only marathon. However after this experience I think I’ll have to run at least this one again. The race is small only 110 finishers this year and that was nice because I got to meet a lot of runners. The pre race dinner was great and I got to meet the race director and learn the history of the race. The course was great with changing terrain and scenery throughout. I will definitely run this race again