5/5 Stars

It was a little cool in the morning, and was thankful for the emergency blanket in the marathon packet. The announcer at the start line kept us well informed of the time and when to be ready, so was prepared for the start and got off to a great beginning. It was my first marathon, so followed everyone's advice and training as close as possible, so from start to the end it was a beautiful race - especially in the canyon! The aid stations were organized well and all the volunteers were super helpful, so everything went so smooth to keep hydrated and fueled along the way. It was pleasantly surprising and relieving to have enough gas left to finish strong and even exceed my ideal finish time!

This was my first marathon and decided ahead of time I'd be happy with anything under four hours, but would ultimately like to get my age group Boston Qualifying time of 3:25. I ended up finishing at 3:21!

The course was beautiful and was the best setting for my first marathon as I love running in nature, so having most of the course in the canyon and along Wasatch Blvd along the Wasatch bench overlooking the city was the ideal scenery to enjoy the ultimate runner's high.

I trained using a program I found on the runkeeper app. For the terrain, I would do flat runs for two weeks and the third week would run up a portion of the course then back down to where I had parked. My furthest long run was 16 miles starting below the spruces, running to the top of guardsman pass, then coming down, going up to Brighton, and back to my car. Once I ran only down hill by being dropped off at the next parking spot below the spruces, running down the canyon, running the out and back on Wasatch blvd, then down to be picked up at Union Park Plaza. Training for uphill and flat seemed to be a huge advantage during the marathon because I ended up passing everyone in front of me and was never passed after getting out of the canyon while keeping almost the same minute per mile pace.

Wear super cushioned shoes, don't ditch your gloves too fast because it gets warm before the Spruces, but gets even colder than at the top for several miles in the area of the Spruces. I was fine in my thin shirt and shorts otherwise if it is a sunny normal temperature day. Head to the porta-pottie line early because the lines get long at the start and too many people didn't have time to empty their bladders, so then the first few aid stations have lines for the porta-potties too, plus the half marathon porta-potties will be on the truck headed down the canyon before you can get to them, so if you don't want to wait in line, you will be holding it till the middle of the canyon.

We moved her from the D.C. area several years ago, so are now locals that are still trying to just soak up all the amazing beauty and natural activities we have to enjoy in our own backyard!

5/5 Stars

Race day was wonderful. Everything was well organized. The support on the course was fantastic. Everyone was kind and helpful. A friend and I ran this together after training together. We had a great time.

Yes, I set a PR at this race by 17 minutes.

Beautiful scenery, wonderful area. Loved it and will run it again.

I completed a full training program for this marathon and felt strong throughout the race. I would recommend training for downhill racing instead of just following a standard schedule.

5/5 Stars

Beautiful scenery and downhill glory! Made a Faster Time than I expected and it's only my 2nd Half!

Sure did by 9 mins from my 1st Half Marathon!

Beautiful all around, loved the change of scenery as you go down the canyon. Love the twists and turns.

Consistency is Key in my book, as long as you keep running no matter how much distance you go in the end it will pay off! I did a 12 week training, got set back with some lower leg pain, but just kept running as much as I could whether I got the distance I needed that week!

Be prepared for it to be super cold before the race starts and the first half of the race is chilly!

Stayed in a hotel close to the race over night before the race and went back to relax after the race! It was Great! I'm just from Utah County too! Ha.

5/5 Stars

Coming off a hamstring injury only 4 weeks ago, I was a bit nervous about this marathon, but the course was kind and the hamstring held up. The most memorable aspect of this marathon is undoubtedly the breathtaking scenery, i.e. the course itself. From watching the sun break over the eastern ridge early in the race, to taking in the dabs of bright color splattered across the mountainside as fall foliage began to appear, to the rugged rock faces later in the race, to the sweeping views of Salt Lake City during mile 19, the course itself was the best tonic for aching legs!

Yes, but only by a minute or so. I did, however, qualify for my third Boston Marathon.

Miles 1 - 3 encompass a harsh, quick descent (don't go out too fast) on cold legs followed by a quick uphill turn into mile 4 around Brighton circle. I really felt that the race began after mile 5, when one settles into various grades of downhill running for the next 13 miles. The roughly 4 mile out - and - back was more difficult than I thought it would be, largely because I was not accustomed to transitioning from downhill running to flat - land running. Volunteers were amazing throughout the race! Thank you!

I live in the Midwest, which doesn't afford any altitude or opportunity for downhill running like one might find in mountainous terrain. I had fairly traditional marathon training. I did not find the altitude to be a factor at all, but the downhill running takes a toll on one's quads. If you have access to true downhill running, then I would definitely practice doing so over at least a 4 - 5 mile stretch, and become accustomed to transitioning to flat terrain / slight uphill terrain as the mechanics differ. This is also important to permit you to find that "downhill gear" with a high cadence and slight forward lean. Once this "clicks", you have a much easier time on prolonged descents. If you don't have access to such terrain, then I would recommend adding a significant element of strength training to prepare the quads for the punishment they will receive.

This is a well - organized, well - executed marathon that I would recommend to anyone. Don't let the altitude scare you - it's really not a factor. However, a bit of hill training will pay off on race day!

Rent a car. Although Uber definitely exists in SLC, it is not an Uber or pedestrian town!

Plan on layers for the race. What worked perfectly for me were throw - away gloves, beanie and arm warmers that I shed at various points along the course. It will be cold at the start.

5/5 Stars

After coming within 35 seconds of getting my Boston Qualifier on my first marathon 5 years ago, and fighting to get one I GOT MY BQ at Big Cottonwood!

Yes and got my BQ!

The down hill was fast, I even had to hold back as I knew that there was 2 miles of rolling hills coming up. I was very happy to see that the last mile was down hill as I was pushing for my Boston Qualifier. Made it by 2 minutes.

I used a professional trainer. I had been fighting to get my BQ for 5 years after missing it by 35 seconds on my first marathon. I had used three different coaches over the years and overtrained twice. I came close in a May marathon. I showed my coach this marathon and we worked together to train me for the down hills so that my hip joints and quads would hold up. Lots of speed work on hills to build up my hips and glutes. It worked!

Don't run too fast down hill. It is tempting, but the impact will make your joints and quads too sore for the rest of the race. I did this two years ago and ended up limping to the finish. This year I held back on the down hill (30 to 45 seconds faster than my goal pace) and my legs held up so that I could push the last miles to the finish.

Shopped at Trader Joes. Did a google search of restaurants and found two great ones. The sponsoring hotel Holiday Inn Express had a hot tub and pool that we enjoyed with the company of other runners.

5/5 Stars

It was very well organized. The school bus ride to the top was comfortable and took about an hour. The waiting area at the start line was sufficient with about 60 porta-potties. I really liked that the music wasn't overbearing. The course was excellent and the runners had at least one full lane of the road to run on was much nicer than running on the shoulder in training. The aid stations were plentiful and were staffed by cheerful and helpful volunteers. I liked the professional signage that enhanced the experience. The finish area was lively and well organized.

Yes, by about 3 minutes over my previous PR set at the St. George Marathon. I also qualified for Boston by over 12 minutes.

There were only about 3 - 4 sections where the grade was so steep that I had to slow down for safety. Aside from that gravity was my friend. The 4-mile out and back starting at mile 18.5 was where the race really started for me. The scenery was breathtaking.

I ran 22 miles of the course twice in preparation. I ran at a conservative pace with the goal being to get my legs used to the long downhill distances. This benefitted me greatly because my legs didn't cramp and were in good shape all the way through and after the race.

Run downhill at higher elevations for several weeks beforehand if possible. Speed isn't important and in fact slower running is probably better so that you don't injure yourself before the event. Keep your head over your feet and your chin down. Bring clothes that you can shed along the way because although it was 33 degrees at the top it will warm up as you descend. Don't burn all of your energy in the first 18 miles because the last 8 are much harder and you'll save some energy for them.

5/5 Stars

It was my first half marathon and I was happy to complete it. In fact, with all the great volunteer support at the aid stations (handing out water, goo, bananas and cheering us on), it was easier than I thought it would be. Thank you, fantastic volunteers!!!

I didn't have a record at all. First time runner

Gorgeous! I knew it would be since I lived in SLC for 20 years prior to moving to Philadelphia.

My husband and I ran together for several months before the Revel Run, about four miles twice a week and a longer six to eight miles on the four weekends prior to the race. Of course we were training at low altitude and knew what we would be facing in SLC, but we couldn't do much about that.

I got a good tip from a friend before the race. PIn your bib to your undershirt (a racer back tank) - but leave it showing - and layer a long-sleeve shirt over it.

Visited with friends, attended a Red Butte Gardens concert, visited the Museum of Natural History at the U.

We came from Philadelphia, where we currently live.

5/5 Stars

I loved this race. I'm a brand new runner and this experience definitely fed my desire to keep running and training. If all races were like Revel's Big Cottonwood... The route is breathtakingly beautiful, fast, and a joy to run. I loved watching the sun rise in to the valley below us, and listening to the river rushing down the canyon. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Also, the number of volunteers was astounding. I was a bit emotional at times thinking about all their efforts. I could not have done what I did without them. A HUGE THANKS TO THEM ALL!!!!

Technically...I DID PR, but only because this was my first half marathon. When I run it next year, I'm confident I'll get a genuine PR!

The scenery is ridiculously gorgeous. It's easy to be in awe while you're running this course. The grade of the run is steep at times, but if one trains for downhill, it's not too much. It makes the flat parts unbearable though. Lol!

As a local, I trained in the canyon for weeks before the race. I also trained for triathlons all summer, so I felt pretty good going in to this race, but the distance was a first for me. Even my training runs had never exceeded 11.25 miles, so it was obvious to me that the grade was a HUGE help to me. My advice to others wanting to give this race a try is train downhill and be steady in your training. No gaps in your runs!

It's COLD at the start! Dress in layers and plan to donate your layers as you strip them off along the route. You get to be warm and help others too! That's a big win/win! Also, do NOT do anything different or new on race day (eating/nutrition, insoles, sports bra,etc.), that makes for a gamble that almost never pays off! Also, if you're traveling to Utah, don't waste the trip...see the sights! It's a gorgeous state!!!

I'm a local so I got a much needed pedicure after the race!!!! Pretty toes again!

5/5 Stars

Yes by 11 minutes.

5/5 Stars

Beautiful views.
Amazing volunteers.
Well organized with attention to every detail especially at the finish line.
Loved the printed cards with personal results
And best of all I got my BQ.
LOVED everything.
Thanks!

Yes

Dress warm for the start.

Cheered for my son at his High school football game :)
We live about 30 minutes from SLC