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

5/5 Stars

It was amazing- a total PR for me!

Yes!

Perfect- even the out and back was Better than I expected.

I ran the course I've over all summer!

Downhill train!

Live here

5/5 Stars

Excellent. VERY cold at the start but could have been worse. Would have been nice to wait on the bus a while.

Yes by 3:44. I ran the half. Didn't need to run the full. I was already qualified for Boston.

Excellent for getting a PR.

Should have run more hills to improve my speed and time. Legs and heart need the experience of downhill races.

Run hills more. Dress warmer for the start.

Brought food for the night before in the hotel room instead of dining out. Good decision.

Nothing. Came to run a race, not see the sights.

Grand Junction, CO

5/5 Stars

My race day had so many great memories from making new friends to seeing a moose just off the side of the course to a great PR.

I had a awesome race by cutting five minutes off my PR with a finishing time of 1:46:32.

Very beautiful and fast.

My training went very well this year by adding some tempo runs and speed work to my program but most importantly running slower on my long run days. What I would do differently for next year would be add some more race like runs to my training program to get a feel for the speed of this course. Advice I would give other would be try to train on some down hill routes to simulate race.

I have ran this race every year. Tips I would give others would be bring warm cloths to the start to stay warm before the race, train on some down hill routes to simulate this course and most importantly enjoy your race!

I just relaxed before the race so my legs would be fresh. After the race I hung out with other runners, talk about how their race went, meet up with family to cheer on other runners to finish their marathon or half then went home to watch football, GO UTES!