5/5 Stars

The race was challenging but the atmosphere and volunteers made it fun the whole way. The canyon was absolutely beautiful.

This was my first marathon, so technically it was my fastest also. I hope to improve my times as I do more.

The course was absolutely beautiful. The steepness of the canyon was a lot more tough on my muscles than I expected. My training included hills but not near as steep as the course had.

My training consisted of 2 short runs per week, 2 medium length runs per week, and a long distance run on Saturdays. I tried to train on downhill areas for longer runs. I would definitely suggest training for steep downhill sections better for this race.

This race was a blast. Be sure to train well prior and get used to the elevation a little bit but really just have fun with it.

I am from Alaska, but I go to university in the area and stayed at my in-laws house the night prior. So for fun I just spent time with family and relaxed.

5/5 Stars

I love this half. It's my favorite of all I've done because of the adrenaline rush and extra excitement of the beauty of the mountains, the sound of the river, and the downhill slope. :) It's a well-organized and professionally run event... you can feel that in every aspect.

No PR here this time, but it was my 2nd best.

The course is mostly a good downhill... a few spots of more intense slope make it helpful to have trained and learned how to effectively run a steep downward slope. Taking time to recognize the beauty of your surroundings and the sounds of the river and the peaceful miles of running down a canyon with very few vehicles is a rare opportunity and one I appreciated so much. I had run half of the course the previous weeks, and the high traffic was noticeable, so the difference of race day was even more gratifying.

I recently had a baby and wanted to prep for this in order to get back in better physical shape. My husband opted to join for his first half. Our time was limited quite a bit for training because of taking care of our baby and both running a longer 10 to 11 minute pace, so we were only able to run three times each (we took turns running on the other's off day). We simply each did two 3-4 mile runs a week and one long run. Ideally, more mileage would be better, but this is what worked for us and it worked well... We felt great on race day and beat our expected times and enjoyed it thoroughly, from beginning to end.

Do some downhill runs to prep, stretch well afterwards, use a foam roller after the run, and keep walking throughout the day. I did these things better this time around and, though I'm sore, I'm noticeably less sore than previous times running this course.

Carb loading at CousCous.

5/5 Stars

Beautiful course , perfectly run!! As I'm getting older (in my 60s), I was a little nervous about doing this one again. So glad that I did though. I have run either the half or the full every year since it began and can honestly say that it just keeps getting better and better!! So well run, awesome shirts, and runners are given exactly what is needed - both in the swag bags & at the finish

LOVE the course!! Can help even slow, old ladies like me get a fast time!

5/5 Stars

This is such a well organized and professionally managed race on what has to be the most beautiful course in the country! Everything went so smoothly and could not have been more enjoyable!

Yes - although my only previous half marathon was 2 1/2 years ago - and I only started running seriously a little over 10 months ago. I beat my previous PR by a little over 56 minutes!

The scenery and downhill nature make it a really special race... Almost pain free!

I started training about 10 months ago with the ultimate goal of finishing a marathon. Running this race was one of the intermediate goals that I set. I have done quite a few downhill runs this past summer, with several in the last month of about 10 miles. The only thing I would do differently is to be more consistent in my training... (might have to quit my job to make that work??)... and I would be more careful about diet and would mix in some other cross-training.

Love my Hokas. Haven't had any of the nagging injuries since I switched. The bag drop conducted by Revel made dressing in layers for the cold starting line very easy and pickup was convenient at the end.

This race was fun from packet pickup to after party! VERY WELL DONE and I will be back to run it again. I am local (South Jordan) but was surprised by the number of out-of-town and out-of-state runners that I met while participating. This race is definitely building a reputation outside the area.

4/5 Stars

Race organization 5 stars. Race pacers, 2 stars. My pacer (3:15) was right on time and running with a group of us at mile 19 and I was feeling good, then at around mile 21 he fell back at an aid station and I thought he'd catch up. Since he was behind me I felt pretty good about my pace and just kept it steady. However, at some point near mile 24 I realized that I had fallen off pace and probably couldn't make it up and there was no sign of our 3:15 pacer. Even at the finish I didn't see him. I was shooting for a 3:15 BQ, but I ended up coming in at 3:21. This is not to say that the pacer was responsible for my time, but it would be nice if there was a contingency plan for a pacer falling off. I was counting on him and it was a real disappointment to find that I fell off pace and could make up the time at the end.

Nonetheless, I had a great experience and I think the race was managed very well otherwise. The good news is that I did PR by at least 10 minutes. Thanks!

Yes, by at least 10 minutes. Unfortunately, I did not qualify for Boston.

Fun, beautiful, painful.

3/5 Stars

Yes! 5 minutes away from BQ!

Awesome!

5/5 Stars

Set a new PR by about 7 minutes. Also placed 2nd in my age group.

Yes set a new Half PR by almost 7 minutes and placed 2nd in my age group.

Course was awesome!! It was cool at the top - 15 degrees difference than what was at the hotel down in the valley. Throwaway sweats i brought and the emergency blanket provided by Revel helped me stay warm until race started. Was at start for almost 2 hours before the race based on when buses from the hotels brought us to start line. MOST port a potties I had seen at the start of a race ever. Course was beautiful. Creek running along the side of the road most of the way down the mountain with geourgous canyon views. Last three miles emerged into sunshine and flatter to slight hills of course had to push through that. Great finish line. Well organized. The decent was NOT as steep as I was afriad of. More gradual vs. vertical. I would recommend LARGER medals for those you place in their age group. Age group awards paled in size to finisher medal.

Run this race if you want to PR but train for hills. Wear throway clothes to stay warm at the top of the mountain. Go a day early and get used to the thinner air.

Had to leave right after the race.

5/5 Stars

Fantastic.....the course was the most memorable...well, besides running with my bestie that makes me belly laugh every few miles, laughing so hard I double over, tears and everything....
Also doing a heel click in the air for one of the photographers, and peeing my pants a little, (can I say that on the internet)
And..... running down Fort Union, in our own lane, right in the middle of traffic, straight shot into the finish...So much fun!

yup, despite all the laughter... PR'd by 10 minutes, not even trying.. I know thats not much but I wasn't in it to win it...just run, laugh and have a fantastic day.

Perfect course!!! BCC is so beautiful, being at the top of Guardsman as the sun comes up, so magical... the leaves are just starting to change..amazing. Running on Wasatch, not bad, I loved running down Fort Union (well as much as one can love mile 23-26) for the big finish...nice job guys.

I believe in only one long 17-19 mile training run, because I do believe it is hard on the body...but I also cycle long distances 100+ miles, that helps me train as well.
Give yourself credit for whatever you do...and REST days are essential!

HAVE FUN...whatever it is you choose to do. Only do what you love. Laugh at yourself. Don't take anything too seriously. Pick fun courses for instance... Maui Marathon, or Revel Big Cottonwood ;)
Love Love Love my Hoka's! Simple carbs, no black beans night before...you know what I'm saying.
Don't stress about it...you can always walk :)

I am so blessed and fortunate I live right at the mouth of Big, so I enjoy the canyon year round in all ways...its a good one to bike up!

5/5 Stars

What an amazing experience! Everything was well organized.

I did set a PR, trimming 8 minutes off my previous PR.

The most beautiful course I have run yet. This is the perfect time of year to run this race as the trees are just starting to change colors, and the temperature was perfect.

I have never really used a training program, but next year I am going to get a coach.

Enjoy the day.

5/5 Stars

Yes.

Excellent

Train downhill