Thank you for organizing such a great event. I have never run in any other marathon, but from what I hear, I have the best one right in my own backyard anyway!

The Pocatello Marathon is a fun course, the view is amazing. I look forward to running it once again this year. I think that the starting time for the half-marathon should be pushed to 7 instead of 8. It gets a little hot to being running that late.

i decided to do my hometown half-marathon (my comments only pertain to the last half of the marathon course) to see how they pulled it off, and I was extremely impressed! I had been running in numerous races in the northwest, places that were known to have a solid running tradition, and this race is absolutely in the same league if not better than many I had done! Excellent aid stations, fairly nice course (except running along/crossing the road in the last miles) and a WONDERFULLY organized race, from packet pickup to refreshments. THANKS FOR REPRESENTING, POKY!!

The race director put on a great event. The course was very nice for the first 15 miles - awesome! And after that - well, there's only so much you can do with the topography until you hit town. The start was surreal, and the canyon had these strange, wonderful little pockets of alternating cool and warm air.

I was able to set a new PR, and qualify for Boston again, and between that and placing in my age group, I was very stoked indeed.

Aid stations were great, and more frequent during the latter half, which was absolutely needed and fantastic. Don't expect tons of wacko screaming fans, or bands on every corner - it's not Chicago or NYC. I think the only cowbell I heard was on an actual cow.

Finish at the park was cool, free showers a definitely bonus, and it was family-friendly due to the combo marathon/half, 10K, 5K, etc. Lots of kiddos there for the kiddo events.

My biggest recommendation would be to make the volunteers play Jumpin' Jack Flash on their boom boxes at every aid station.

I'd do this race again, and yes, the awesome race bag, the long-sleeve technical, and of course the bag of spuds were most welcome (fun to get past TSA on the carry on).

Everything - from the pasta dinner, to the race shirt, the potatoes, the organization and the course - was great. The only complaint was the return bus. We waited for over an hour and a half before the bus left. There were several buses lined-up and only 18 of us in the first bus waiting and waiting to go. Since it was only a 10-minute ride back to the hotel, maybe next year at least one bus can leave early. Thanks for a great weekend experience in Idaho.

This was my fourth marathon this year, and definitely the best one yet. The weather was perfect, the course was great, and the organization of the event was above and beyond what I expected. I loved the shirt, the potatoes, the duffel bag, and all of the volunteers along the way that helped out. I felt good the whole race, and I achieved my goal of qualifying for Boston!

I decided to run Pocatello for my Idaho marathon and am glad that I did. The course was great, the decline was not too much, and I could have had a faster time, but didn't want to burn out in the beginning. Volunteers were great and water and PowerAde were plentiful. The weather was perfect for the race.

At the finish had 2 touchscreens to check your time/placement. And best of all, for those like me who were driving home that day... a baked potato bar for the runners. A great way to get some carbs, instead of eating one of my swag bag ones raw.

One other note: after I registered I got in touch with RD Mike and he graciously changed my shirt size for me and I'm glad he did. The tech shirt was great and has already been worn proudly.

This is a race I would certainly do again. Great job, Mike!

This was the best run marathon that I have participated in. They really spoiled the runners with pre-race items (informative emails, t-shirt, duffel bag, pasta dinner), race items (excellent aid stations with necessary items), post-race (food, awards, activities for families). The scenery was gorgeous and the people were all really nice. I would definitely recommend this race and would do it again. Thanks, and congrats for a job well done.

The Pocatello Marathon is charming, and small enough where you feel like you receive personal attention from the volunteers and race management. Be mindful of your pacing during the significantly downhill first half. The peaceful mountain surroundings make it easy to get carried away. The second half is mostly flat, with a few rolling hills that will feel challenging on tired legs. The course is not closed to vehicle traffic, but it didn't seem to be a problem. The volunteers were friendly and enthusiastic. The timing of events was also good, in that faster marathoners did not have to fight through crowds participating in the shorter races. If that isn't enough, everybody seems to love the duffel bag, and free sack of potatoes!

Well organized, huge community spirit, great volunteers. Fun for the whole family. Pocatello makes such a fun weekend trip!