REVEL Big Cottonwood Presented by Albion

Eric Guenther

2017 REVEL Big Cottonwood Marathon
Published: Sept. 11, 2017, 9:02 a.m.

Overall Rating

3/5 Stars
Describe your race day.

Love the early morning start time...would be great to begin even earlier since all runners were there by 6:00 AM. Parking was easy and the bus transportation was well organized. The drop-off area and major shortage of pre-race Port-a-Pots (~25 minute wait) was a problem.
Did you PR?

No...my PR days are way behind me! But I did BQ.
How would you describe the course?

First 18 miles are picturesque...and a fun run if you have trained for a steep down-hill. The last 8 miles, including the out-and-back, are absolutely miserable. The final 4-mile stretch down a busy road with anxious motorists on either side was really unpleasant. I ran next to a garbage truck for a stretch...stinky. Would encourage REVEL to look for other options over the last eight miles...especially the last four.
Tell us about your training.

Lots of long runs. Not enough speed-work and downhill training.
What advice would you give future runners?

Tie your laces tight...lots of slippage with the down-hill. Prepare for cool at the top and hot at the bottom. Long wait at the start, so bring something soft to sit on.
What fun things did you do in the area before or after the race?

Drove in from Fort Collins...across scenic Wyoming.