If you're from Utah, you know the Cottonwood Canyons are beautiful no matter what you're doing in them. Run Elevated doesn't really have an "expo", you pick up your packet … MORE
If you’re from Utah, you know the Cottonwood Canyons are beautiful no matter what you’re doing in them. Run Elevated doesn’t really have an “expo”, you pick up your packet at the local running store. Shirt is ok. You have to be on the bus god awful early to avoid the heat at the finish. The start will be COLD. It doesn’t matter how hot it will be during the day, it will be freezing at the top–you will be at nearly 9000 feet elevation. This makes it beautiful and dark. There is nowhere to get warm so plan accordingly with your clothes or your drop bag. There are plenty of porta potties. The start is just as the sun is coming up but it doesn’t really come into the canyon till you’re nearly down. The first 8 miles are in the canyon and the grades are super steep. As you leave the canyon, gravity feels like it is turned up to 11. Your legs will be rubbery, even if you train here in these conditions. The 5 miles outside of the canyon are some of the hardest I’ve ever run because of the thrashing your legs take coming down (but your heart doesn’t have to do anything then!). There is a “short” hill in the neighborhood that is beyond brutal. It is staggeringly steep and your legs will be screaming. I have yet to be able to run up this. They call it the elevator. The very last 0.5mi is also super hard. As you come towards the finish and round the bend and have to cross the road, it’s an uphill that feels surprisingly hard. Good food at the finish and well organized gear check. Medal is ok.
Please login to reply to this review.
Love Canyon Races!
If you're from Utah, you know the Cottonwood Canyons are beautiful no matter what you're doing in them. Run Elevated doesn't really have an "expo", you pick up your packet … MORE
If you’re from Utah, you know the Cottonwood Canyons are beautiful no matter what you’re doing in them. Run Elevated doesn’t really have an “expo”, you pick up your packet at the local running store. Shirt is ok. You have to be on the bus god awful early to avoid the heat at the finish. The start will be COLD. It doesn’t matter how hot it will be during the day, it will be freezing at the top–you will be at nearly 9000 feet elevation. This makes it beautiful and dark. There is nowhere to get warm so plan accordingly with your clothes or your drop bag. There are plenty of porta potties. The start is just as the sun is coming up but it doesn’t really come into the canyon till you’re nearly down. The first 8 miles are in the canyon and the grades are super steep. As you leave the canyon, gravity feels like it is turned up to 11. Your legs will be rubbery, even if you train here in these conditions. The 5 miles outside of the canyon are some of the hardest I’ve ever run because of the thrashing your legs take coming down (but your heart doesn’t have to do anything then!). There is a “short” hill in the neighborhood that is beyond brutal. It is staggeringly steep and your legs will be screaming. I have yet to be able to run up this. They call it the elevator. The very last 0.5mi is also super hard. As you come towards the finish and round the bend and have to cross the road, it’s an uphill that feels surprisingly hard. Good food at the finish and well organized gear check. Medal is ok.