The first Pocatello Marathon was run in 2000 - it was also my first marathon. IT band syndrome kept me away in 2001 but I'll be back in 2002. It's a point-to-point course with minimal traffic, beautiful scenery and pleasant rolling hills. The aid stations were every 2 miles like clockwork and were manned by wonderfully friendly people. Lots of locals were still cheering me across the finish line despite how long it took me. The finisher's medal was really nice and they had almost as many trophies as runners. I hope the race grows in popularity so there's a little more company from other runners and spectators in the future. Tip: head for Lava Hot Springs (30 miles from Pocatello) for a post-race soak in developed hot pools (it includes whirlpools and Grecian-style pool).

From the start to the finish this was generally an excellent marathon for me. A great goody bag (potatoes, power bars, cereal samples, hygeine samples, etc). A great Pasta Party...pasta, salad, iced tea, cookies ($5).

The course is moderately rolling and is very appropriately called run the gap. The course passes through a very scenic canyon. (sidenote: It's an A to B course, participants are bussed 26.2 miles to the start. In fact, they are generally bussed from their host hotel(s) to the start.)

As to climate, fortunately for all concerned this year, just as it began heating up, we were blessed with a pleasant, cooling tail wind (which also did wonders for my time splits between 18 and 23 miles.)

It's a lonely course where spectators are concerned, so one has to be a self-motivator. There were pleanty of first time finishers in this year's race, however, so dont be discouraged. This year's first-timers were inspired by the encouragement of their fellow runners. There was plenty to go around.

There was live music at the end, gummy bears, bagels, gatorade, and an announcer calling out names as we crossed the finish line. In general, the local community was involved.

The only minor improvements I would suggest: (1) power bars or gu (energy replacement supplements) at 20 miles and beyond (I didn't see any). (There was water and gatorade every 2 miles up to 20 miles and each mile thereafter.)

(2) A more efficient system of bussing people back to the hotel after the finish of the marathon. (I was stranded at the finsh line and almost had to extend a night at my hotel.....the start line and hotels are not central, yet there is no parking allowed at the start (!)

I did the half marathon distance, and really enjoyed it. The start of the half marathon is rather strange, on a lonely street next to a railroad track, but the rest of the course is super: relatively flat, farms, and friendly spectators. The aid stations are AWESOME, they are every 2 miles with food, water, and sport drink, and volunteers who actually cared that you got what you needed. Idaho weather can change in the blink of an eye, but I would hope that in the future the start time of the half marathon can be pushed back to 8:00--9 is rather late in the heat. It was really great to have my name announced at the end, even though I finished mid-pack! Don't know how long that will last, as this race is sure to get more popular in the future...use Pocatello as a springboard for a trip to Grand Teton/Yellowstone and you won't regret entering this race.
p.s. The goody bags were fantastic--chock full of Idaho potatoes and plenty of freebies.

The Pocatello Marathon is a nice little race. It's a point-to-point with a downhill start, and lovely vistas of winding streams, farmlands, and low rolling hills.

2000 was the first year for the Marathon, and the on-course support was terrific. Water, Gatorade, Powerbars, Gels, Bananas and Oranges! Also, excellent Age Group prizes, and trophies in the shape of the Great State of Idaho. The post-race party had 2-bands + everyone got a 10lb. bag of spuds in their 'goodie bag.'