DESCRIPTION OF THE RACE:
This was a VERY difficult course but the race director warns you of that on the website so it should not be a surprise. The race starts at altitude (8,700 ft) and has significant inclines throughout. There really is no flat spot on the course, you are either going UP for miles or DOWN for miles. It is an out-and-back course so the route gives you a MAJOR climb of 5 miles to the finish line. The field is very small, about 70 to 80 marathon runners and far fewer ultra-marathon runners. This is mostly a trail run on park roads that are hard dirt with gravel. About 6 miles on an asphalt service road next to an interstate (I-80). Going out I found that part boring, but coming back it did not seem to bother me because I knew I was on the home stretch.

There is LIMITED course support. I would describe this as more like your own private trail run through uninhabited lands. You are on your own so be sure you are comfortable with that.

What support there is, is in the form of water about every 5 miles. They have Gatorade power if you want to mix your own. You MUST carry a water bottle or hydration system. The folks at the aid stations were really kind and looking out for your well-being. BUT, there was no course patrol of any nature and if you would by chance need any attention between those 3 stations, you would be out of luck.

There are no race porta potties anywhere&at the start&along the course&none. The director tells you that is what trees and rocks are for. BUT, there is one park outhouse at about mile 11. It will have no toilet tissue but if you need an enclosure, it provides that, otherwise you have plenty of privacy behind rocks.

MY TAKE:
I would say that it was the single most difficult physical activity I have ever done in my life. That comes from a guy who has run 72 marathons around the world. But I loved the experience. The scenery is just breathtaking. I am a flatlander from Dallas (850 ft) so this was 8,000 ft higher than I am trained for. We flew up two days before the race and quite frankly, unless you live there for a half year, you are not going to acclimate in a day, a week, or a month. I had run Colorado Springs at 6,600 ft and handled it, but 2,000 feet higher did me in. I ran/walked/ran. The best advice I got and I pass it along is, run to your breathing and not the other way around. I knew early in the race that the altitude was really affecting me so I just decided to take it easy and pace myself to endure a LONG time.

The weather started at 37 and ended at 73 with humidity of 11% so it felt great. The folks at one aid station told me it is normally cold, misty and even some snow flurries. We lucked out for 2013.

MEDAL:
I needed Wyoming and wanted the medal for this race in particular. As hard as nails and basic as the race is, the medal is quite an amazing contrast. It is very well made and cast in the USA out of fine pewter. It is about 2.5 inches in diameter and incorporates a very detailed replica of the Great Seal of the State of Wyoming (the state seal) with a header piece stating the marathon event. It is also made like a military medal and has a ribbon with a pin so it would be pinned to a chest pocket not hung around the neck. This is really well done and I intend to submit photos of it to Marathon & Beyond for inclusion in their annual top 25 medal listing.

HOTEL:
You can stay in Cheyenne and rive 20 miles to the start or stay in Laramie and drive 10 miles to the start. We stayed in Laramie because it was closer and had several college town amenities because the University of Wyoming is located in Laramie.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RACE:
This was a VERY difficult course but the race director warns you of that on the website so it should not be a surprise. The race starts at altitude (8,700 ft) and has significant inclines throughout. There really is no flat spot on the course, you are either going UP for miles or DOWN for miles. It is an out-and-back course so the route gives you a MAJOR climb of 5 miles to the finish line. The field is very small, about 70 to 80 marathon runners and far fewer ultra-marathon runners. This is mostly a trail run on park roads that are hard dirt with gravel. About 6 miles on an asphalt service road next to an interstate (I-80). Going out I found that part boring, but coming back it did not seem to bother me because I knew I was on the home stretch.

There is LIMITED course support. I would describe this as more like your own private trail run through uninhabited lands. You are on your own so be sure you are comfortable with that.

What support there is, is in the form of water about every 5 miles. They have Gatorade power if you want to mix your own. You MUST carry a water bottle or hydration system. The folks at the aid stations were really kind and looking out for your well-being. BUT, there was no course patrol of any nature and if you would by chance need any attention between those 3 stations, you would be out of luck.

There are no race porta potties anywhere&at the start&along the course&none. The director tells you that is what trees and rocks are for. BUT, there is one park outhouse at about mile 11. It will have no toilet tissue but if you need an enclosure, it provides that, otherwise you have plenty of privacy behind rocks.

MY TAKE:
I would say that it was the single most difficult physical activity I have ever done in my life. That comes from a guy who has run 72 marathons around the world. But I loved the experience. The scenery is just breathtaking. I am a flatlander from Dallas (850 ft) so this was 8,000 ft higher than I am trained for. We flew up two days before the race and quite frankly, unless you live there for a half year, you are not going to acclimate in a day, a week, or a month. I had run Colorado Springs at 6,600 ft and handled it, but 2,000 feet higher did me in. I ran/walked/ran. The best advice I got and I pass it along is, run to your breathing and not the other way around. I knew early in the race that the altitude was really affecting me so I just decided to take it easy and pace myself to endure a LONG time. That worked.

The weather started at 37 and ended at 73 with humidity of 11% so it felt great. The folks at one aid station told me it is normally cold, misty and even some snow flurries. We lucked out for 2013.

I needed Wyoming and wanted the medal for this race in particular. It is really simple, but cool. It is the Great Seal of the State of Wyoming (the state seal) with a header piece stating the marathon event. It is made in the US and is a very detailed casting. Kind of unusual but cool is that it is a medal&.literally. It does not have the around-the-neck ribbon; instead, it is like a larger military medal with a short ribbon that you pin on.

We opted to stay in Laramie which is only 10 miles from the start. If you stay in Cheyenne, you have a 20 mile drive to the start.

I ran the half marathon and enjoyed every minute of it. Granted, it wasn't easy with the elevation, winds, cold temps, but the views were endless. As one reviewer said 'this is God's country' and he has some great views.

The volunteers were kind, thoughtful and tireless. Even the dogs were friendly.

This really is a small race, and it just reconfirms why I enjoy them so much. The race director gave out last minute instructions, said a prayer, wished everyone good luck and we were off. The start/finish line was created out of flour. The turnaround for the half had a 5 gallon water drum for you to refill your water bottle. The timer was sitting in the back of the pickup truck (to keep warm). Packet pickup was in the RD 5th wheel (along with his dogs).

If you are looking for a challenge, amazing views, kind volunteers, this is the race for you.

I had a blast at the Wyoming Marathon and even though it was my slowest marathon ever, it was truly an incredibly beautiful course to be apart of. I struggled with the high elevations and 50 mph wind gusts, but the hills were not hard - but the other factors really slowed me down. Expect no specators other than the amazing aid station volunteers. I loved the scenic beauty of the course, with wild flowers everywhere. This was my 26th US state and what a great running adventure it was! Thank you so much for everything!

Well, I saw the elevation map before taking on this run, but it was a work-out! Granted, I have seasonal asthma, live at about 600 feet, and this started at 8600+ feet at the Summit Rest Stop. Weather (beyond their control-duh), was misty, windy, and in the 30's at the start. Fog was dense enough, I lost track of runners 50 yards ahead of me. By the return trip from the turn around, the countryside became more visible, and breath-taking at times. WONDERFUL pre-race meal at Little America Inn. Aid stations (God bless the volunteers who sat waiting for us!) were stocked with the right stuff. Bottom line, this is a run in God's country organized by a God-fearing man who offers it to those who come knowing what to expect. If I was local, I would plan to return just to enjoy it in better weather, but I will have to wait till I get my 50 states finished!

I decided to do the Wyoming Marathon as my 'screw you 40' race. I had just turned 40 a couple of weeks before and I wanted to find a real challenge for myself as I entered my 5th decade. I was very successful, as this race was the most challenging marathon of the 18 that I have completed.

The course is beautiful, although it can get sloppy if it rains, especially on the way back. There is a half marathon and 5K as well. We ran through the mountains just outside of Laramie. It is mostly packed dirt, with about 7-8 miles of pavement from miles 7-11 and 15-19. The winds can get nasty along this part of the course, so be prepared for that. I would suggest that you really respect this course. The last 5 miles are pretty much uphill. The last mile alone includes 2 significant hills, including finishing while going up. This is a race where I kept thinking, 'What goes down, must go up.'

This is a simple, old school race. No chip timing, no expo, just a few people in a trailer. It is what adds to the charm. There are 3 aid stations where they had water and energy bars. God bless the volunteers for staying out there the whole time. There's also a double marathon, so these people were there all day long. Thank you for being out there for us.

Spectators were limited to the support of family and friends. If you desire a big crowd, with a lot of fanfare at the end, forget this one.

All in all, I loved this race. The runners seemed to form a bond together against the course. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I definitely found the challenge I was looking for.

I ran the 5k in Vedauwoo Wy - first race I ever ran. I had a great time, a little cold but with help from friends they showed me what to wear and gave some tips. I ran a 33:48, not the greatest time, but for my first, I now have something to improve on. Funny thing I never run outdoors, I use a tread mill sometimes - I'm a bike racer. I'm sore in many different places but it was worth it. I plan on doing a lot more outdoor running. Thanks.

..and he delivers! Funny, but true. The Wyoming Marathon races provide for a different kind of marathon experience - not to say one that is all bad. I would not recommend it as a first marathon, or if you love a party atmosphere. Be prepared for cold, windy conditions and changing weather in the high altitude of Wyoming. If you are thinking of trying an ultra someday, this marathon would give a good preview, since it is a bare-bones race and will test your endurance. If you read all of the previous comments, you should find no surprises at this race. All negatives aside, I knew what to expect and had a good time. I must note that I was originally signed up for the Double Marathon, but decided to stop after 26.2 miles. The officals did not hesitate to hand me a finisher's medal for the marathon and list me as a finisher, even after I told them I was a DNF for the 52 mile - a very gracious offer. Also, we booked a very nice, inexpensive hotel in Laramie and had a 10-minute drive to the race start (which is a very convenient arrangement at the rest area).

Wyoming is #42 of my ongoing quest of 50 states + DC. I chose Laramie/Cheyenne because I wanted a CHALLENGE!!! I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! Over the last 15 years, I've found that the small marathons are the BEST. Usually put on by a local Runners Club, the members are there to serve and support the participants - not to turn a profit. A MOST MAGNIFICENT COURSE, in a MOST MAGNIFICENT LOCATION, Wyoming provides the basic amenities to assure your marathon survival if YOU have the bones to attempt it. I could only salute the few who started out for the second loop (Western States Double Marathon Championship)!!! The barren beauty and rawness of the course inspired me to will myself up the nearly 500-foot climb of the final 2 miles. It has been nearly 20 years since just finishing a marathon is such a major achievement. Congratulations, Wyoming - your marathon is the BEST MARATHON for course, management and support!!!!!

Overall, this was a well organized group of races and a great opportunity to experience the southern Wyoming countryside. The host hotel, Little America, was well worth the money. I recommend spending a few nights and visiting Cheyenne. The pasta dinner was perfect, and the RD gave some good pre-race advice and went over some of the race history. The marathon was a nice out-and-back course. Aid stations were perfect, and I really like the paperless set-up. People were very friendly (runners and volunteers). Give yourself plenty of time to get to race start from the Little America, as we were slowed by fog. The race promptly starts at 6:00 a.m. The marathon course was hilly, and be prepared for the last 4-5 miles of uphill.

Super race for a 50-stater! I want to come back and camp at Vedauwoo.