| 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
| H (°F) | 41 | 40 | 46 | 55 | 38 |
| L (°F) | 26 | 29 | 33 | 39 | 31 |
| Powered by Dark Sky | |||||
The race was really well put together and the views were incredible throughout the race! It was a very cold morning in southern Utah but that only adds to an … MORE
The race was really well put together and the views were incredible throughout the race! It was a very cold morning in southern Utah but that only adds to an already memorable race day.
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2019 was freak weather according to all the locals. It was 9 deg at the start and there was still a lot of snow on the ground the last 3 … MORE
2019 was freak weather according to all the locals. It was 9 deg at the start and there was still a lot of snow on the ground the last 3 miles. The roads were safe and well maintained.
If you do a Vacation Race be sure to stay before and after the race a few days. The race always included a few hike recommendations that if you complete you earn some extra goodies.
Besides the cold the bulk of the race was all uphill and at about 3,500 feet of elevation. Some training would be recommended for this course.
Very pretty. Put this one on your bucket list!
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I can't say enough good things about this race. The race directors got hit with weather and temperatures far below normal for this time of year. It was 9 degrees … MORE
I can’t say enough good things about this race. The race directors got hit with weather and temperatures far below normal for this time of year. It was 9 degrees at the start when it’s normally 50-60 degrees. Despite the weather causing them to have to make numerous last minute changes to race day logistics, they handled it smoothly and the race went off with as planned.
I would not call this race easy. The course could be described as rolling hills but it was more up than down plus being at altitude (about 3600 ft) with the cold, heavy air definitely slowed my pace down by about a minute a mile. However, this is a race where it definitely pays to take your time. This was by far the most beautiful course I have ever run. It follows the 13.1 miles that lead right up to the entrance to the park and the snow covered mountains all around us definitely took my mind off the hills and cold.
The swag for this race is good. The medal is beautiful and is one of my favorites. The shirt could be a little better in my opinion. The design is nice but the fabric is very light and flimsy. One other really awesome perk was that we received free professional pictures from the race. And they had photographers in multiple locations so you got several shots!
I do love the cupless concept that Vacation Races uses. It’s great to run through water stops and not see countless bags of garbage laying around. Although this race the cold hurt a little as the nozzles on the coolers they use for water froze up. However, the volunteers did a great job of innovating on the fly to make sure everyone got the hydration that they need.
The thing that impressed me the most was in the afternoon after the race, we received an email from the race directors admitting that the water stops were an issue and acknowledging that they could have done better. While I think they did the best they could with the circumstances, I think it says a lot when a race director calls themselves out and acknowledges where they came up short. I will definitely be putting many more Vacation Races on my schedule.
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Race coordinators were on top of every weather change, and promptly informed runners. Plenty of aid stations - though freezing temps made getting water somewhat challenging. Gorgeous course. MORE
Race coordinators were on top of every weather change, and promptly informed runners.
Plenty of aid stations – though freezing temps made getting water somewhat challenging.
Gorgeous course.
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This was the coldest I've ever been at a race and it was so worth it. Breathtaking scenery at Zion, hot chocolate and a warming tent at the start, plenty … MORE
This was the coldest I’ve ever been at a race and it was so worth it. Breathtaking scenery at Zion, hot chocolate and a warming tent at the start, plenty of support on the course, awesome schwag, what’s not to like?
Pros:
1. Location, location, location. Zion is gorgeous. Though the race takes place outside the park proper, we are treated to amazing vistas during the entire run. Don’t forget to turn around and look behind you.
2. Excellent ongoing communication from race staff. Inclement weather had them scrambling, but they kept us very well informed about current status. There was zero confusion on race day.
3. Great schwag. Attractive race shirt, free water cup included in registration, hot chocolate and coffee at the start – in reusable cups no less, and best of all – an enclosed warming tent at the start – win!
4. Course was very well marked, with well placed aid stations.
5. Saving the best for last – the volunteers. Hats off to them for showing up and staying through during such a cold spell.
Watch out for:
1. It was C O L D. But we’d been forewarned and I thought I was prepared for it, I could have done more. I would have loved a few more heaters (or an enclosed warming tent) at the finish line.
2. The race elevation profile looks pretty flat, but the course is anything but. There are plenty of rollers to keep things interesting. The road is significantly cambered so be prepared for some ankle workouts.
3. Can’t think of any other gotchas.
We went as a large group and much fun was had by all!
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While the race was bitterly cold this year, the beauty of the course was worth it. This is my second Vacation Race and they do not disappoint. MORE
While the race was bitterly cold this year, the beauty of the course was worth it. This is my second Vacation Race and they do not disappoint.
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The course feels almost all uphill, but the inclines are fairly gradual. It was freezing this year, but the warming tents helped. The course is on the main road leading … MORE
The course feels almost all uphill, but the inclines are fairly gradual. It was freezing this year, but the warming tents helped. The course is on the main road leading up to the park, so there are no spectators–which was different but made watching the sun illuminate the canyons an almost peaceful experience. Aid stations are evenly spaced out, and there’s food and water/electrolytes provided. The view coming into the finish line is worth the climb.
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Efficiently managed despite significant inclement weather in the week before the event. Seamlessly redesignated parking area, adequate communication to participants about the change. MORE
Efficiently managed despite significant inclement weather in the week before the event. Seamlessly redesignated parking area, adequate communication to participants about the change.
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I recommend if you like to travel and run, get out to Zion! The park was absolutely breathtaking and had snow!! It was cold race morning, about 15 degrees, warmed … MORE
I recommend if you like to travel and run, get out to Zion! The park was absolutely breathtaking and had snow!! It was cold race morning, about 15 degrees, warmed up after mile 2, stuck with it breathing in the cold air and finished in under 2 hours!
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Be prepared for ~20 degrees F temperature, slight incline, and altitude. Dress appropriately and in layers. (This means doubling up on socks and gloves) The views were absolutely amazing; and … MORE
Be prepared for ~20 degrees F temperature, slight incline, and altitude. Dress appropriately and in layers. (This means doubling up on socks and gloves)
The views were absolutely amazing; and overall, it was a very organized, positive experience for my first half marathon.
I was wearing a hydration pack; and unfortunately, it froze during the race, so I was unable to drink water. The hydration stations set up along the mile marks did not have disposable cups and I had opted out of the silicone pouch. Luckily, the volunteers were nice enough to give me their empty containers to use to drink!
Overall, an amazing race with an awesome view. I would sign up again for the next one!
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Enjoying the natural beauty in the context of running a race was an experience I won’t soon forget. Such a great time. I ran this race at a slower pace … MORE
Enjoying the natural beauty in the context of running a race was an experience I won’t soon forget. Such a great time. I ran this race at a slower pace than normal to enjoy the scenery and to run with others this time around. Boy was it worth it. The staff and volunteers were fantastic! Great attitudes and did a wonderful job rolling with the punches due to unexpected cold temperatures.
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The scenery was beautiful! For some reason this race kicked me. Not sure if it was the cold, the elevation, the hills, but I ended up with my slowest road … MORE
The scenery was beautiful! For some reason this race kicked me. Not sure if it was the cold, the elevation, the hills, but I ended up with my slowest road race half yet. Disappointed to not have done better, but the vacation we built around coming to Zion made it all worthwhile. The race was well organized, we would definitely run a Vacation Race again!
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Stay and enjoy the park! If you’re like me, do Angel’s Landing before the race. I wish we would have been able to hike the Narrows. Prepare uphill since the … MORE
Stay and enjoy the park! If you’re like me, do Angel’s Landing before the race. I wish we would have been able to hike the Narrows. Prepare uphill since the course is uphill for the full 13.1.
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What was I thinking? A half marathon in Utah in February?!?! I must be crazy! It was brutally cold at the start but that is really the only negative thing … MORE
What was I thinking? A half marathon in Utah in February?!?! I must be crazy! It was brutally cold at the start but that is really the only negative thing I have to say about this race! The scenery is gorgeous and the snow on the mountains added to the beauty. The packet pickup was well organized and went smoothly, The shuttle buses were on time (early actually) and convenient to get to. A warming tent was available at the start which was absolutely necessary due to the cold plus I arrived via shuttle about 1 1/2 hours before the start. There were ample toilets at the start but there was still the last minute rush and wait before the race started. Hot chocolate and coffee were also provided. The first couple miles were very tough but once I was warmed up, it really wasn’t that bad. A couple uphill sections but it was very gradual – no steep climbs. I stopped a few times to take pictures so no PR for me. The water and electrolyte drink containers froze or were empty at miles 7 – 12, so that was an issue for those who didn’t have their own. Overall, I thought the race was well-organized, beautiful, and fun and I’d love to do it again…in warmer weather.
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The temps were freezing. I came from Chicago's Polar Vortex thinking it'd be slightly warmer, but nope! Despite the cold, I think most runners will agree that the race itself … MORE
The temps were freezing. I came from Chicago’s Polar Vortex thinking it’d be slightly warmer, but nope! Despite the cold, I think most runners will agree that the race itself was still a blast. Once you start running, you don’t feel the cold as much, and when the sun came out it was definitely a pleasant run. The constant uphill was a bit of a challenge, but overall a pretty easy run given the smooth paved trail the whole way. I was a bit confused with the shuttles and who goes where and when (spectators vs. runners), especially with the last minute changes, but overall I’d say the race was very well-organized and I felt adequately prepared for what to expect.
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Up hill but so worth it, amazing to look at even more fun to run. It was so cold but once I started running it was more bearable. I should … MORE
Up hill but so worth it, amazing to look at even more fun to run. It was so cold but once I started running it was more bearable. I should have worn two pair of pants! I had three jackets two pair of gloves wool socks and hat. I brought a face mask. I would do it again!
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I enjoyed this half marathon, the views were absolutely stunning! At the start, it was 10 degrees, which led to painful fingers and toes. There were a couple low grade, … MORE
I enjoyed this half marathon, the views were absolutely stunning! At the start, it was 10 degrees, which led to painful fingers and toes. There were a couple low grade, long hills that made running at bit hard though. As the morning went on and the sun came out, those worries and pains went away and I was able to enjoy not only myself but the scenery!
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Super well organized event, per usual for VR. Warming tents and fires at the start, as well as coffee and cocoa. Plenty restrooms throughout the course and at the start. … MORE
Super well organized event, per usual for VR. Warming tents and fires at the start, as well as coffee and cocoa. Plenty restrooms throughout the course and at the start. Great aid stations with encouraging volunteers. Amazing medals (duh).
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Amazing 100th anniversary year finisher's medal! Fantastic volunteers and race staff made the entire event go smoothly despite the challenging weather. The staff did a fabulous job keeping us updated … MORE
Amazing 100th anniversary year finisher’s medal!
Fantastic volunteers and race staff made the entire event go smoothly despite the challenging weather. The staff did a fabulous job keeping us updated as weather caused several changes along the way. Hydration stations began to freeze up (spouts) during the race but volunteers problem solved as best as they could to continue to fill pouches/bottles.
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This race is extremely well orchestrated complete with a comprehensive race guide that will answer all of your questions. The scenery is out of this world. I would highly recommend … MORE
This race is extremely well orchestrated complete with a comprehensive race guide that will answer all of your questions. The scenery is out of this world. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a challenging, yet rewarding half!
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Beautiful Course!
The race was really well put together and the views were incredible throughout the race! It was a very cold morning in southern Utah but that only adds to an … MORE
The race was really well put together and the views were incredible throughout the race! It was a very cold morning in southern Utah but that only adds to an already memorable race day.
COLD COLD COL
2019 was freak weather according to all the locals. It was 9 deg at the start and there was still a lot of snow on the ground the last 3 … MORE
2019 was freak weather according to all the locals. It was 9 deg at the start and there was still a lot of snow on the ground the last 3 miles. The roads were safe and well maintained.
If you do a Vacation Race be sure to stay before and after the race a few days. The race always included a few hike recommendations that if you complete you earn some extra goodies.
Besides the cold the bulk of the race was all uphill and at about 3,500 feet of elevation. Some training would be recommended for this course.
Very pretty. Put this one on your bucket list!
Incredible Race!
I can't say enough good things about this race. The race directors got hit with weather and temperatures far below normal for this time of year. It was 9 degrees … MORE
I can’t say enough good things about this race. The race directors got hit with weather and temperatures far below normal for this time of year. It was 9 degrees at the start when it’s normally 50-60 degrees. Despite the weather causing them to have to make numerous last minute changes to race day logistics, they handled it smoothly and the race went off with as planned.
I would not call this race easy. The course could be described as rolling hills but it was more up than down plus being at altitude (about 3600 ft) with the cold, heavy air definitely slowed my pace down by about a minute a mile. However, this is a race where it definitely pays to take your time. This was by far the most beautiful course I have ever run. It follows the 13.1 miles that lead right up to the entrance to the park and the snow covered mountains all around us definitely took my mind off the hills and cold.
The swag for this race is good. The medal is beautiful and is one of my favorites. The shirt could be a little better in my opinion. The design is nice but the fabric is very light and flimsy. One other really awesome perk was that we received free professional pictures from the race. And they had photographers in multiple locations so you got several shots!
I do love the cupless concept that Vacation Races uses. It’s great to run through water stops and not see countless bags of garbage laying around. Although this race the cold hurt a little as the nozzles on the coolers they use for water froze up. However, the volunteers did a great job of innovating on the fly to make sure everyone got the hydration that they need.
The thing that impressed me the most was in the afternoon after the race, we received an email from the race directors admitting that the water stops were an issue and acknowledging that they could have done better. While I think they did the best they could with the circumstances, I think it says a lot when a race director calls themselves out and acknowledges where they came up short. I will definitely be putting many more Vacation Races on my schedule.
Loved Every Stride
Race coordinators were on top of every weather change, and promptly informed runners. Plenty of aid stations - though freezing temps made getting water somewhat challenging. Gorgeous course. MORE
Race coordinators were on top of every weather change, and promptly informed runners.
Plenty of aid stations – though freezing temps made getting water somewhat challenging.
Gorgeous course.
Worth doing at least once
This was the coldest I've ever been at a race and it was so worth it. Breathtaking scenery at Zion, hot chocolate and a warming tent at the start, plenty … MORE
This was the coldest I’ve ever been at a race and it was so worth it. Breathtaking scenery at Zion, hot chocolate and a warming tent at the start, plenty of support on the course, awesome schwag, what’s not to like?
Pros:
1. Location, location, location. Zion is gorgeous. Though the race takes place outside the park proper, we are treated to amazing vistas during the entire run. Don’t forget to turn around and look behind you.
2. Excellent ongoing communication from race staff. Inclement weather had them scrambling, but they kept us very well informed about current status. There was zero confusion on race day.
3. Great schwag. Attractive race shirt, free water cup included in registration, hot chocolate and coffee at the start – in reusable cups no less, and best of all – an enclosed warming tent at the start – win!
4. Course was very well marked, with well placed aid stations.
5. Saving the best for last – the volunteers. Hats off to them for showing up and staying through during such a cold spell.
Watch out for:
1. It was C O L D. But we’d been forewarned and I thought I was prepared for it, I could have done more. I would have loved a few more heaters (or an enclosed warming tent) at the finish line.
2. The race elevation profile looks pretty flat, but the course is anything but. There are plenty of rollers to keep things interesting. The road is significantly cambered so be prepared for some ankle workouts.
3. Can’t think of any other gotchas.
We went as a large group and much fun was had by all!
Stunning view!
While the race was bitterly cold this year, the beauty of the course was worth it. This is my second Vacation Race and they do not disappoint. MORE
While the race was bitterly cold this year, the beauty of the course was worth it. This is my second Vacation Race and they do not disappoint.
Tough but amazing
The course feels almost all uphill, but the inclines are fairly gradual. It was freezing this year, but the warming tents helped. The course is on the main road leading … MORE
The course feels almost all uphill, but the inclines are fairly gradual. It was freezing this year, but the warming tents helped. The course is on the main road leading up to the park, so there are no spectators–which was different but made watching the sun illuminate the canyons an almost peaceful experience. Aid stations are evenly spaced out, and there’s food and water/electrolytes provided. The view coming into the finish line is worth the climb.
A beautiful, invigorating run.
Efficiently managed despite significant inclement weather in the week before the event. Seamlessly redesignated parking area, adequate communication to participants about the change. MORE
Efficiently managed despite significant inclement weather in the week before the event. Seamlessly redesignated parking area, adequate communication to participants about the change.
Cold but beautiful!
I recommend if you like to travel and run, get out to Zion! The park was absolutely breathtaking and had snow!! It was cold race morning, about 15 degrees, warmed … MORE
I recommend if you like to travel and run, get out to Zion! The park was absolutely breathtaking and had snow!! It was cold race morning, about 15 degrees, warmed up after mile 2, stuck with it breathing in the cold air and finished in under 2 hours!
This race took my breath away!
Be prepared for ~20 degrees F temperature, slight incline, and altitude. Dress appropriately and in layers. (This means doubling up on socks and gloves) The views were absolutely amazing; and … MORE
Be prepared for ~20 degrees F temperature, slight incline, and altitude. Dress appropriately and in layers. (This means doubling up on socks and gloves)
The views were absolutely amazing; and overall, it was a very organized, positive experience for my first half marathon.
I was wearing a hydration pack; and unfortunately, it froze during the race, so I was unable to drink water. The hydration stations set up along the mile marks did not have disposable cups and I had opted out of the silicone pouch. Luckily, the volunteers were nice enough to give me their empty containers to use to drink!
Overall, an amazing race with an awesome view. I would sign up again for the next one!
Breathtaking and incredible race.
Enjoying the natural beauty in the context of running a race was an experience I won’t soon forget. Such a great time. I ran this race at a slower pace … MORE
Enjoying the natural beauty in the context of running a race was an experience I won’t soon forget. Such a great time. I ran this race at a slower pace than normal to enjoy the scenery and to run with others this time around. Boy was it worth it. The staff and volunteers were fantastic! Great attitudes and did a wonderful job rolling with the punches due to unexpected cold temperatures.
Cold but beautiful
The scenery was beautiful! For some reason this race kicked me. Not sure if it was the cold, the elevation, the hills, but I ended up with my slowest road … MORE
The scenery was beautiful! For some reason this race kicked me. Not sure if it was the cold, the elevation, the hills, but I ended up with my slowest road race half yet. Disappointed to not have done better, but the vacation we built around coming to Zion made it all worthwhile. The race was well organized, we would definitely run a Vacation Race again!
Difficult but so worth it!
Stay and enjoy the park! If you’re like me, do Angel’s Landing before the race. I wish we would have been able to hike the Narrows. Prepare uphill since the … MORE
Stay and enjoy the park! If you’re like me, do Angel’s Landing before the race. I wish we would have been able to hike the Narrows. Prepare uphill since the course is uphill for the full 13.1.
Great race but WOW it was cold!
What was I thinking? A half marathon in Utah in February?!?! I must be crazy! It was brutally cold at the start but that is really the only negative thing … MORE
What was I thinking? A half marathon in Utah in February?!?! I must be crazy! It was brutally cold at the start but that is really the only negative thing I have to say about this race! The scenery is gorgeous and the snow on the mountains added to the beauty. The packet pickup was well organized and went smoothly, The shuttle buses were on time (early actually) and convenient to get to. A warming tent was available at the start which was absolutely necessary due to the cold plus I arrived via shuttle about 1 1/2 hours before the start. There were ample toilets at the start but there was still the last minute rush and wait before the race started. Hot chocolate and coffee were also provided. The first couple miles were very tough but once I was warmed up, it really wasn’t that bad. A couple uphill sections but it was very gradual – no steep climbs. I stopped a few times to take pictures so no PR for me. The water and electrolyte drink containers froze or were empty at miles 7 – 12, so that was an issue for those who didn’t have their own. Overall, I thought the race was well-organized, beautiful, and fun and I’d love to do it again…in warmer weather.
Freezing, but worth it
The temps were freezing. I came from Chicago's Polar Vortex thinking it'd be slightly warmer, but nope! Despite the cold, I think most runners will agree that the race itself … MORE
The temps were freezing. I came from Chicago’s Polar Vortex thinking it’d be slightly warmer, but nope! Despite the cold, I think most runners will agree that the race itself was still a blast. Once you start running, you don’t feel the cold as much, and when the sun came out it was definitely a pleasant run. The constant uphill was a bit of a challenge, but overall a pretty easy run given the smooth paved trail the whole way. I was a bit confused with the shuttles and who goes where and when (spectators vs. runners), especially with the last minute changes, but overall I’d say the race was very well-organized and I felt adequately prepared for what to expect.
Cold as ice, breath taking
Up hill but so worth it, amazing to look at even more fun to run. It was so cold but once I started running it was more bearable. I should … MORE
Up hill but so worth it, amazing to look at even more fun to run. It was so cold but once I started running it was more bearable. I should have worn two pair of pants! I had three jackets two pair of gloves wool socks and hat. I brought a face mask. I would do it again!
Beautiful Views
I enjoyed this half marathon, the views were absolutely stunning! At the start, it was 10 degrees, which led to painful fingers and toes. There were a couple low grade, … MORE
I enjoyed this half marathon, the views were absolutely stunning! At the start, it was 10 degrees, which led to painful fingers and toes. There were a couple low grade, long hills that made running at bit hard though. As the morning went on and the sun came out, those worries and pains went away and I was able to enjoy not only myself but the scenery!
Quality February Race
Super well organized event, per usual for VR. Warming tents and fires at the start, as well as coffee and cocoa. Plenty restrooms throughout the course and at the start. … MORE
Super well organized event, per usual for VR. Warming tents and fires at the start, as well as coffee and cocoa. Plenty restrooms throughout the course and at the start. Great aid stations with encouraging volunteers. Amazing medals (duh).
Well organized; beautiful scenery
Amazing 100th anniversary year finisher's medal! Fantastic volunteers and race staff made the entire event go smoothly despite the challenging weather. The staff did a fabulous job keeping us updated … MORE
Amazing 100th anniversary year finisher’s medal!
Fantastic volunteers and race staff made the entire event go smoothly despite the challenging weather. The staff did a fabulous job keeping us updated as weather caused several changes along the way. Hydration stations began to freeze up (spouts) during the race but volunteers problem solved as best as they could to continue to fill pouches/bottles.
Great Race with Maximum Coordination
This race is extremely well orchestrated complete with a comprehensive race guide that will answer all of your questions. The scenery is out of this world. I would highly recommend … MORE
This race is extremely well orchestrated complete with a comprehensive race guide that will answer all of your questions. The scenery is out of this world. I would highly recommend for anyone looking for a challenging, yet rewarding half!