Are you tough enough? Held annually in Green River this race goes both on and off pavement. You’ll gain elevation reaching 7500 feet elevation just after the first 2 miles. This marathon has a reputation of being challenging yet rewarding. Not only because of elevation but your running in what’s considered high desert. Temperatures could be low or high. This is an out and back course that takes you to the top of the Wild Horse Canyon where you will be awarded with spectacular views, including the Palisades, wild horses and possibly other wild animals. What comes up must come down.
The race is always the 3rd weekend in August. All races begin in front of Expedition Island. Elevation is 6100′ at start. The first 2 miles are city streets and the paved Greenbelt Trail along the Green River. The course then turns onto The Wild Horse Loop Tour Road, a County graded dirt road. You will begin your run up 1st Springs Canyon, approx. 2 miles. At the head of the canyon the elevation will now be about 7300′. You will then be running across the top of White Mountain on the Wild Horse Loop Tour over rolling hills between 7300 and 7500′.
This is a high plains desert, there will be no shade trees after you leave the city streets. Many runners stop and take photos of the vistas and any wild horses and other wildlife they encounter. This is an up and back course, at the halfway point of each respective race you will turn around and return back to Green River to the Expedition Island.
The race is held in conjunction with the annual River Festival which kicks off that Friday with a cajun shrimp boil, homemade/handmade craft vendors, beer gardens, a band, food trucks and FIREWORKS! The race will be held on Saturday.
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Challenging But Rewarding
This was one of the hardest courses I have ever done because you start at high altitude, go another 6 miles up hill, then turn around to go back downhill. … MORE
This was one of the hardest courses I have ever done because you start at high altitude, go another 6 miles up hill, then turn around to go back downhill. Didn’t actually see any horses (they were rounded up a few days before).
Small after party, but a community festival is going on at the same park as the finish line. Lots of fun, just don’t expect a PR.
Gorgeous scenery and will definitely return for the 10K some day.
Tough Race but beautiful scenery
Overall this was a good experience. We were not able to make to packet pick up the day before the race, but it was no big deal to pick up … MORE
Overall this was a good experience. We were not able to make to packet pick up the day before the race, but it was no big deal to pick up our packets the morning of the race. I was happily surprised to see that they included bib board for the race in the packet.
This definitely a smaller production race which is ok, just know what you are getting into. I am not quite sure exactly how timing worked, as there is not chip timing. Appears that they rely on someone entering your bib number and then clicking in your time when you cross the finish line. Again, not a big deal as I doubt many people are running this course as a qualifier, but seems like with the availability of chip timing, it would be easy to make the switch.
Aid stations were good, stocked with water and Gatorade as well as some snacks. They were set up at decent distances, but bear in mind most of them were self serve. Course was well staffed with volunteers and the county search and rescue.
The course was almost immediately uphill after the 1st mile. the first 2 miles are through town on sidewalks, which get a little narrow. after mile 2, you are on a rural road which is mostly dirt and gravel. the first half is generally uphill with a few downhills throughout. Very challenging, especially with the elevation change. After the turn around, it is still rolling up and down, but eventually becomes downhill before flattening out and finishing through the city.
After race provided water, gatorade and granola bars. They did also have beer tickets and shower tickets available if you needed them for the local rec center. I took advantage of the massage booth set up at the finish line as well.
What would I like to see change: Unfortunately BLM had rounded up all the horses the week before so we were not able to see any on the run. Not the fault of the race at all. Additional post race snacks would have been nice, although there was a festival going on, so there were likely food options available for purchase. The t-shirts and medals don’t have the specific dates of the race on them.
If your looking for a challenging course with beautiful scenery and a small feel, this is definitely worth it.
Nice small race with beautiful views
This race was a challenge for me, the first half was a climb. I was bummed the wild horses weren’t there but the views were still beautiful. Love the medal … MORE
This race was a challenge for me, the first half was a climb. I was bummed the wild horses weren’t there but the views were still beautiful. Love the medal and the placing medals were very unique as they were horseshoes from the wild horses. Fun festival the day before and day of with a beer garden, live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
This is a tough course, but fun!
It's a tough course, come prepared. Don't expect to PR. It's well organized and a scenic route. You will be lonely but for a race in August it's perfect. MORE
It’s a tough course, come prepared. Don’t expect to PR. It’s well organized and a scenic route. You will be lonely but for a race in August it’s perfect.
We saw wild horses!
This is a tough race coming from sea level. But beautiful and yes, on race day horses on the marathon course. Awesome! Also huge props to on course support. Aid … MORE
This is a tough race coming from sea level. But beautiful and yes, on race day horses on the marathon course. Awesome!
Also huge props to on course support. Aid stations fully stocked and volunteers so friendly and knowledgeable about the area.
Beautiful scenery and tough course!
Spectacular area with wild horses and they were so close to the course this year!!! Easy logistics staying in town. Very nice small town race, super friendly volunteers. This course … MORE
Spectacular area with wild horses and they were so close to the course this year!!! Easy logistics staying in town. Very nice small town race, super friendly volunteers. This course is NOT easy, but if you like to just enjoy running in nature then this is the race for you. We made a vacation out of it, flying into Salt Lake City then heading to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone after the race. A perfect choice for my WY state!