The morning of the race, we all huddled in the runners tent trying to keep warm. It was a COLD morning for sure. Once we got going, we experienced rain, … MORE
The morning of the race, we all huddled in the runners tent trying to keep warm. It was a COLD morning for sure. Once we got going, we experienced rain, hail/sleet/snow?, and sunny skies, haha!
This race is almost completely done on a two lane highway. The highway itself was okay, not the worst but not the best either. The course is also almost completely uphill…which it didn’t seem that way! The road looks deceivingly downhill but when I was walking by mile 11, I knew I had gone out to quickly and should have followed the elevation map rather than the tricks my eyes were playing on me..oh well!
BEAUTIFUL race! I stopped several times for photo opportunities outside of Zion National Park. This was my first VR race and have done another since! They are quickly becoming my favorite race series. I appreciate the “zero waste” approach to these events.
Overall, I would recommend this race to anyone who isn’t afraid of some cold weather and an uphill course!
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Beautiful but cold!
The morning of the race, we all huddled in the runners tent trying to keep warm. It was a COLD morning for sure. Once we got going, we experienced rain, … MORE
The morning of the race, we all huddled in the runners tent trying to keep warm. It was a COLD morning for sure. Once we got going, we experienced rain, hail/sleet/snow?, and sunny skies, haha!
This race is almost completely done on a two lane highway. The highway itself was okay, not the worst but not the best either. The course is also almost completely uphill…which it didn’t seem that way! The road looks deceivingly downhill but when I was walking by mile 11, I knew I had gone out to quickly and should have followed the elevation map rather than the tricks my eyes were playing on me..oh well!
BEAUTIFUL race! I stopped several times for photo opportunities outside of Zion National Park. This was my first VR race and have done another since! They are quickly becoming my favorite race series. I appreciate the “zero waste” approach to these events.
Overall, I would recommend this race to anyone who isn’t afraid of some cold weather and an uphill course!
First Half - Wow
Vacation Races did an amazing job putting on this half. Rain, wind, hail and snow could not dampen my spirit, only my socks! Gorgeous scenery on this moderate uphill course. MORE
Vacation Races did an amazing job putting on this half. Rain, wind, hail and snow could not dampen my spirit, only my socks!
Gorgeous scenery on this moderate uphill course.
Crazy weather but beautiful
I love Zion National park and the race course was beautiful. My biggest compliant is that course runs on the shoulder where cars are going 50+ mph and a lot … MORE
I love Zion National park and the race course was beautiful. My biggest compliant is that course runs on the shoulder where cars are going 50+ mph and a lot did not slow down when they saw ALL the runners trying to fit on the small shoulder. I was very happy when we got on the bike path as I felt much safter. The shirt and medal where great. I didn’t stay after the race because it was starting to rain again and I was getting really cold. Overall its a great race in a great location just wish the cars would slow down.
Come prepared
Loved the course. The weather for our particular race day was not pleasant with rain, gusts from 15-20 mph and some sleet but it's always a roll of the dice … MORE
Loved the course. The weather for our particular race day was not pleasant with rain, gusts from 15-20 mph and some sleet but it’s always a roll of the dice so just come prepared with tanks or parkas. Springdale is a small town and it seemed they were not used to 2000 people showing up on a weekend so patience is important from the local service industry.
Had a great time,
Zion Half was another wonderful event from VR. VR made the best of a cold. Rain /Sleet/wind, I was froze when I finished. needed hot chocolate. MORE
Zion Half was another wonderful event from VR. VR made the best of a cold. Rain /Sleet/wind, I was froze when I finished. needed hot chocolate.
Beautiful, but fairly challenging course
I missed my PB from 1984 by over an hour, but I still had a good time out there! Scenery-wise, it's right up there with Big Sur, Mount Desert Island, … MORE
I missed my PB from 1984 by over an hour, but I still had a good time out there! Scenery-wise, it’s right up there with Big Sur, Mount Desert Island, and Avenue of the Giants as a must-see event. Weather was tough, but not even close to as bad as 2018 Boston! Well organized, nice warming tent, lots of gels and fluids on course, good snacks afterwards. Our second VR event, and we will do more!
I loved it all
Such great staff and participants . Such energy for the whole race from the “ announcer “ the medal is stunning and the goodie box was packed !! The roads … MORE
Such great staff and participants . Such energy for the whole race from the “ announcer “ the medal is stunning and the goodie box was packed !! The roads were clear and it was cool to run alongside so many !
Zion Love
Vacation Races are always some of the best organized runs in the most scenic locations. Zion Half was another wonderful event from VR. VR made the best of a cold, … MORE
Vacation Races are always some of the best organized runs in the most scenic locations. Zion Half was another wonderful event from VR. VR made the best of a cold, rainy event day. The race communication was excellent with great instructions. I loved the medals and the merchandise options. The town of Springdale’s locals were very nice, full of smiles, a great attitude, helpful, and cheering on the runners. The course isn’t as scary uphill as the elevation profile leads you to think. It’s very doable and a gradual uphill. I loved exploring Zion NP after the race. Spectacular event despite the weather.
GREAT! Awesome set up with great people!
Weather was wonky but the spirits were HIGH! So many encouraging people with beautiful scenery! The race swag was something else (this medal is my favorite!) Lots of opportunities to … MORE
Weather was wonky but the spirits were HIGH! So many encouraging people with beautiful scenery! The race swag was something else (this medal is my favorite!) Lots of opportunities to purchase more and lots of aid stations!
By far the most beautiful race I’ve seen
I was worried about the incline, but there was a surprising amount of downhill. I felt energized throughout the race. The scenery also made this race pass by so quickly, … MORE
I was worried about the incline, but there was a surprising amount of downhill. I felt energized throughout the race. The scenery also made this race pass by so quickly, I loved looking around and taking in the beautiful views!
Zion is a beautiful place to run!
Vacation races always puts together wonderful races. The staff is always friendly and encouraging and the swag and scenery are the bomb! The race course itself was pavement and I … MORE
Vacation races always puts together wonderful races. The staff is always friendly and encouraging and the swag and scenery are the bomb! The race course itself was pavement and I would have liked to have seen some dirt paths as well. I know it cannot technically be in the park itself but some trail running would be an amazing addition. That being said I would still definitely do it again!
Gorgeous course! Well organized!
The views along this course were incredible! So grateful for the free race photos. Swag is great plus there is additional options at the Wxpo. Very organized and well run. … MORE
The views along this course were incredible! So grateful for the free race photos. Swag is great plus there is additional options at the Wxpo. Very organized and well run. A must do experience!
My first race
Great event. Station were well stocked. App was great. Gear was well managed. Great swag. Lines a portapotty cast ya 15 mins :(. Otherwise it was a great experience. Being … MORE
Great event. Station were well stocked. App was great. Gear was well managed. Great swag. Lines a portapotty cast ya 15 mins :(. Otherwise it was a great experience. Being my first I had trouble with the angle of the road. Left side was biting with the 2 inch difference on a majority of the course.
Absolutely amazing race.
This race was absolutely epic. As if it wasn’t already amazing enough to be running my first race in 8 years, the scenery just killed it. Vacation races did an … MORE
This race was absolutely epic. As if it wasn’t already amazing enough to be running my first race in 8 years, the scenery just killed it. Vacation races did an absolutely fantastic job putting this race on! I will be back. Over and over. Amazing!
Holy weather!
The course was beautiful. We experienced every type of weather during this event. Started chilly and windy, then the rain came, followed by sleet/hail, then the sun came out for … MORE
The course was beautiful. We experienced every type of weather during this event. Started chilly and windy, then the rain came, followed by sleet/hail, then the sun came out for a bit, next came a wintry mix and we finished the day with large beautiful snowflakes.
The course was a gradual incline throughout the entire run. There were a couple of large hills that were very obvious, but overall you couldn’t tell that you were gaining elevation. However, by the last ~2 miles the running started to become more difficult and a lot of people (including myself) had to start taking some walk breaks.
WOW! God’s beautiful creation!
Vacation races are phenomenal! Great experience! Great views! Great Staff and volunteers! This was my 4th vacation race and they only seem to get better. Elevation and higher altitude were … MORE
Vacation races are phenomenal! Great experience! Great views! Great Staff and volunteers! This was my 4th vacation race and they only seem to get better. Elevation and higher altitude were a challenge. Swag and post race snacks were great. Mostly the views along the course as well as time we spent in the park was my favorite part. I highly recommend all vacation races and I plan to run 2 more this year.
Cold & soggy sightseeing run near Zion
I’m a big fan of Vacation Races. The gear and expos are always very good. Packet pick-up was well organized an efficient. The shuttles stopped near several hotels in Springdale. … MORE
I’m a big fan of Vacation Races. The gear and expos are always very good. Packet pick-up was well organized an efficient. The shuttles stopped near several hotels in Springdale. The charter buses were a nice upgrade from the school buses I’ve seen at other races. The tent at the start area was a great touch given the weather.
As with all vacation races, the course did not run inside but finished near the national park. The scenery was great as the course followed the Virgin River and showed off mountains, mesas and the distinct peaks in the park. The weather had been cold so snow could be seen on the peaks.
The weather did not treat us well. The temperature was near 40 degrees at the start of the race. It was windy but there was no precipitation. Heavy, blowing, soaking rain hit near mile 3. You could tell it was snowing at higher elevations and turning to rain/ sleet as it hit us. I felt bad for several runners who dropped clothing at the aid station right before the weather hit us. this was by far the the coldest I’ve ever felt during a run. We were completely soaked by mile 4. In fact, my wife who ran with me had problems with her hands and feet going numb despite wearing wool running socks and gloves. I realize that the conditions were out of the organizer’s control. It still made for a less enjoyable run though. I probably would’ve rated this race a 5 had the weather been better.
There were 2 major hills on the run at miles 6 &10. The climbs were not extremely steep but were sustained. The course was all on paved surface, although part of the run was on the shoulder of the highway and proved a bit narrow for passing at times.
The volunteers and law enforcement officers along the course were friendly and very appreciated given the weather.
The snack boxes at Vacation Races are not on par with the rest of their race day experience. It was adequate but not great. Hot chocolate or coffee would have been a nice add given the weather. The finisher medal and shirt were top notch as always. The shuttles back to hotels after the race were greatly appreciated.
This course was great. I wish better weather on future runners of the races in this beautiful location.
10/10 Recommend!
This was my second half marathon overall and first time running with Vacation Races and I had 0 complaints! On the trail I spent a decent portion of the time … MORE
This was my second half marathon overall and first time running with Vacation Races and I had 0 complaints! On the trail I spent a decent portion of the time watching my feet, but when I did look up the views were incredible! I honestly thought about walking the course after I finished to soak it in. The race production seemed seamless to me. The pacers, number and quality of aid stations were above what I expected and a round of applause for all the snacks provided at the finish line. Great quality in my opinion. I will be racing with them again!
Great views
Usually the Zion Half in February is a road race but this year it was a trail run. Fantastic views, great organization. I’ll be back next year! MORE
Usually the Zion Half in February is a road race but this year it was a trail run.
Fantastic views, great organization. I’ll be back next year!
Beautiful race!
This was a fun race. My first time running trails at this distance. Originally a road race, the location changed to mostly trail due to COVID permitting problems. They will … MORE
This was a fun race. My first time running trails at this distance. Originally a road race, the location changed to mostly trail due to COVID permitting problems. They will go back to the original course in 2022.