This event is one of the most organized and friendliest events you'll ever participate in. From the detailed website to the warmth of the race director and all of the volunteers, this event has it all. Although it has been mentioned several times already, the goodies are second to none, with an incredible duffel bag and a sack of real Idaho potatoes and hash-browns that is unlike anything you'll find elsewhere. I would also like to especially thank Mike, the race director, for his quick responses to my questions early on. That kind of care is rare to find and is one of the factors that helped me make up my mind to participate in this race.

I am from Tennessee and traveled on 2 planes and on a 2.5-hour shuttle ride from SLC to get to this race, and it was worth every mile. If you choose this race as your Idaho event, you will not be sorry.

The only suggestion I would make is to rent a car and stay at one of the newer hotels like the Hampton or Marriott. They are not far from the host hotel, and while staying at the Red Lion made everything very convenient and easy, the rooms were a bit worn and outdated. Otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing about the wonderful weekend in Pocatello! Well done, Mike - keep up the good work!

For such a small race, this one is AWESOME!! Six friends joined me on the trek from Salt Lake City to try this race out, and we LOVED it!!! It was very well organized. The host hotel was easy to find, packet pick up was convenient, race day transportation was on time and comfortable, the race started on time, the volunteers were very friendly, the course was beautiful, aid stations were plentiful, post-race food was great, and the swag was A+!! The duffel bag made bag check easy, the tech shirt is now one of my favorite shirts, medals were nice, and I am glad I did not have to leave Idaho without my bag of Idaho spuds!!

Nice job, Pocatello!!!!

Congrats to RD Mike Calley on once again putting on a superb race of the highest quality. The course is fair, and the logistics spot on, from the transportation to the aid stations to the post-race party.

Congrats to Mike and the committee for getting the event to 1,000 participants. It was a pleasure to run the race for the fourth year in a row! I will be back again.

I ran the half-marathon, and this is the 5th one that I've done here in Pocatello for the Gap. I've run in a lot of places and I've found that this race is well organized and very pleasant. Very nice atmosphere; the people are very cordial. I will continue to run in this race, Lord willing. I don't think that I would recommend changing much of anything. Thanks very much for putting this on.

- Dave

If you are looking for a race event that is family-friendly, this race fits the bill. This event had not only a marathon, but also a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 1.5-mile, and a kiddies' .2-mile race. The post-race event was worth staying for. Food included baked potatoes and yummy pulled pork sandwiches (free for racers and a small charge for friends and family), provided by Texas Roadhouse, and well as ice cream, chocolate milk, fruit, PowerAde, and yes, even water. Activities for families included two inflatable jump toys, and other games and entertainment for the children.

The volunteers are plentiful and friendly, starting right from the packet pickup to the finish line.

I ran the half marathon. The course runs through rural areas outside of Pocatello, an interesting change of scenery from urban events. There was a well-staffed massage tent staffed by ISU massage therapy students. I didn't have to wait in a line. The aquatic center opened their shower facilities to race participants!

The word I would use to describe the schwag is "quality." Each runner got a heavy canvas duffel bag, a tech-fabric shirt in runner's choice of long or short sleeves, a finisher's medal, and a bag of Idaho potatoes. The awards this year were handsome, engraved wood plaques, given to the top three finishers in each age group.

This was my second time Running the Gap. The scenery was as beautiful as ever, and I liked that they had less bulky chips this year. I'm bummed that I can't get a hold of race photos yet, though.

This was an exceptionally pleasant race. The organization was super, and the community support fantastic. They gave great swag, and a nice shirt. Heck, I liked everything about this race. (I did the half this time, but have done numerous races, including four full marathons). I would encourage everyone to support this race. Where else will you get a bag of potatoes just for running?!

Sometimes you go to a small location without high expectations and you find a true gem.

I have commented often when a race does not do it right or does not deserve the acclaim it gets. But when a race does do it right, it deserves to be noted and complimented, especially if it is a small race off of the beaten path.

Pocatello was great. It deserves more recognition for the race, the location and the effort that is put into this race.

From the moment you arrive at the host hotel till the minute you leave, everything you need is right there and everything goes off according to plan and without a hitch.

The course is amazing, from the first half going down the gorge, to the finish by the water park.

The organizers put their hearts into making this run right, and they have thought of everything and make sure it all runs smoothly. A nicer, more able group of people you could neither find nor ask for.

This race must live on and continue to be run the way the organizers have it set up.

Thank you for all of the time and effort you put into this race, keep up the good work, and I hope to see you again in the future.

If you do not run Pocatello, you have missed an undiscovered gem. Also, the duffel bag was great.
One suggestion: stay at the host hotel; it makes everything very easy.

Interesting race. Lots of downhills (hard on toes). Well organized, with beautiful scenery. Aid stations were well supplied. There were not many spectators, but I would do it again.

This is a great race! I have qualified for Boston twice on this course! The after-race meal was a huge baked potato with the works, and a BBQ beef sandwich. Life doesn't get much better than that. Also there were only about 300 who ran the full marathon, so you actually get an award for your age group once in a while. Well organized, with great volunteers. Fabulous! Loved it.