I attended grad school in Laramie, so as a somewhat-local to Vedauwoo, I knew what to expect.

You can't plan for the weather here, expect wind, then maybe snow or hail, sun, rain, and wind again. Or you could just luck out and have a completely clear day.

Course is not speedy but Vedauwoo has the most amazing rock formations. To locals they are kind of a hidden secret that they don't want everyone to know about because it would not be cool if this place were overrun with tourists.

There is a 3-mile stretch along I-80 that is expecially cold and windy, and you hit it twice because the course is out and back. Other than this, expect gorgeous scenery different than you're used to (expecially those from the eastern US).

Good race to do if you want something different out of your marathon experience.

If you want crowds or PR's, stay away from this one. But, if you enjoy running for the thrill of it and if you appreciate beauty and great running weather, do this marathon. They don't get much prettier, especially the section through the Vedauwoo area. Yes, it's hilly and the altitude kills us flatlanders, but it's still awesome.

I'll be back... a real challenge with no time limit, a high altitude and cold winds (you can see your breath along I-80). The GPS tracked the miles at 27.72, not 26.2.

While this may not be for everyone, I found it a unique and great event. (God gets some credit for making a part of the world so beautiful--I was so taken with the juxtaposition of rock formations within forest land.)

I rediscovered the joy of running in many ways, not the least of which was just not caring about my splits/over-all time. The out and back course gave you moments when you shared the camaraderie of other runners, with plenty of other time for solitude and reflection.
NOTE: I gave 5 stars for 'Spectators' as there weren't any, as befits this event.
I always carry my own water bottle, don't shop at race expos, prefer a good shrub/rock to a porta-pottie.......and they had size small shirts.

This all comes close to making Brent a race director who delivers, in my book.

...just to make the race tougher.

Start at 8700 feet and go down 600 feet, up 600 feet, down 600 feet, up 600 feet, down 600 feet and finally up a steep 600 feet for the longest last 4.5 miles of any marathon.

Add a gale force head wind for most of the race. Blend in an intital wind chill in the 20's and it never got warmer(the reports of snow flurries were probably mirages). Don't expect cups at the 3 aid stations.

Yet veteran marathoners keep going back. Why? Sue and Brent are great, the scenery is unbelievable, the camaraderie is excellent and when it's over, you know you've accomplished something (even at your PW time).

The marathon director of this race is very proud of the motto as stated on the race application, 'where the race director promises nothing, and he delivers.' Some of us hearty souls look at that as a challenge, and therefore expect 'nothing'.

Actually there were a few places where the volunteers strategically placed full bottles of Gatorade and water - runners simply helped themselves.

The scenic topography consisted of huge granite boulders and pine trees, remininiscent of Arizona.

Look out for an abandoned structure and several 1950's vehicles after the marathon crosses under I-80... this gives the race a classic 'old West' feel. Incidentally, be mindful of the cattle-guard just before going through the tunnel under the freeway... in an effort to challenge runners, the director deliberately doesn't place plywood there. You don't want to injure yourself.

As others have stated, it's very hilly throughout. The toughest challenge for most will be the fact that the last two to three miles are uphill.

Don't expect a classy medal; 2002's was actually a medal of the state of Wyomings Seal, and not draped by a standard ribbon, but a small strand of ribbon attached to a pin that you could put on your old high school letterman's jacket.

A primary motivation to run this one may be the pre-race pasta dinner, which is abundant with food, well organized and first class. Marathoners from around the US, many from the '50-states Marathon Club(s)' attend the event.

Brent Weigner (Race Director) is pretty funny; his pre-race brief gave me quite a laugh.

I ran the marathon in 1998, 1999, and 2003, and the double in 2000 and 2001. If you're looking for a fast, easy course, try Chicago, because this isn't it. This course should be run slow and easy, and enjoyed. Start slow, and slow down from there. Expect to finish 30 to 60 minutes slower than a normal marathon - longer if you haven't done a lot of hill work. You can start out at normal marathon pace, because it is downhill, but slow down when you get to the first hill, or you won't enjoy the second half of the marathon.
Most years the weather is cool enough that the limited water stops are not a major problem. A water bottle wouldn't be a bad idea, although I usually don't carry one. You will need to carry at least a cup to drink out, of as cups are not provided.
Between miles 7 and 10, the course seems to be uphill. It is an optical illusion. Coming back, you will know it is uphill both ways. This is the least scenic part of the course, as it is the frontage road for I-80. It does provide most of the fan support (from drivers who honk and wave). The rest of the course is quiet, with beautiful scenery.
Be ready for almost anything weather-wise, from snow to 80 degrees - perhaps in the same race, if you do the double.
This is one of the few marathons that doesn't explicitly exclude dogs. Two of my dogs have completed the marathon (in much better condition than me). Other dogs have run parts of the marathon. If you do run with your dog, be sure to have it on a leash. You will need to have a way to get it water, and make provisions for letting it drop out if need be. Be sure that your dog has trained for long distances in hot weather. Most dogs I have run with would have trouble running this marathon in a hot year. There are a number of cattle guards, so be sure the dog can walk across them. Ask the race director if it is ok for your dog to run. Start at the back of the pack, so your dog doesn't interfere with the other runners. The course is about 30 feet wide, so there is no problem passing people after the first 1/4 mile.
Don't consider this a race and don't plan on winning it. Most of the runners are either training for a 100-miler or trying to check off one more state. The winning times are slow. Often the person you are racing up that last 4-mile climb turns around and runs the second half of the double. This is a run to be enjoyed, not raced.

What a treat this was. I knew from the outset that (1) the course would be very hard, (2) there are virtually no race amenities, (3) that there would only be comparatively few participants, and (4) I would need to carry my own water. Most of all I new that thin air would be extra hard on a flat-lander's lungs, so I planned accordingly. I thought all who organized and supported the race were cordial, competent, and convivial. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was wonderful. A full moon setting and a rosy pink sunrise occurring simultaneously. After I finish the 50 states plus DC, I will definitely return.

Beautiful scenery, adequate support but bring a water bottle for refills, and very helpful volunteers. I liked the mile markers which I understand were new this year! Truly an arduous course at high elevation...but a winner! Would do it again. I was, however, disappointed by the sparse pasta dinner, which I was told was one of the best in previous years. Not much variety...would pass on that.

I ran this course in 2001. I'm from chicago so I was not used to the altitude. The hills combined with the altitude killed me, but it was nice to run through Medicine Bow National Forest and Vedauwoo! Bring a water bottle with you as there are only 4 watering holes (which you will pass twice being an out and back course). Finish line timing was a bit off by about a minute. Run this if you want good scenery and a 'fun' time to spend half your day. Don't run it if you are hoping for a pr or lots of food and drink during and after the race.