I really enjoyed running the 2004 Casper Marathon. The volunteers at the aid stations and finish line were very helpful. The Platte River Parkway is a great trail run. Have you thought about having the marathon on a different date? Several reasons: heat and other marathons (Mickelson and Steamboat Springs) in the area on the same day.

COURSE: The course is awesome for a weekend long run. Beautiful open country with rolling hills and antelope followed by nice river trail. As for 'speed of course', I question the importance and effects of elevation and high altitude. (I live at 3200' and the race was run at about 5200').

ORGANIZATION: Everything is very well thought out - location of aid stations (most serve 2 points during the race), host hotel, shuttle service, etc., etc. As always, I drank at every aid station; Unfortunately this time I became dehydrated. Once again I'm wondering if elevation was a factor.

SPECTATORS: I don't give a damn if anyone watches me.

Outstanding first-time marathon. Great not to have to run at 8000 ft. If you stay at the host hotel, it can't get any easier. Shuttle to the start, and back to the hotel. Shirt and medal were above average. Great volunteers and well manned water stops. Fantastic selection of food and snacks at the finish, even numerous random prizes. No monster hills, though there was one hill at 24 miles that is certainly at an inopportune time. Kudos to race director and his staff for a first-class first-timer. Would reccommend Casper to anyone looking for a marathon in Wyoming.

I have run all over the country, and this race ranks high. The organization was fantastic, the course varied and interesting, and the antelope were wonderful. Aid was fine, volunteers great, pasta dinner superb.

Since this was the inaugural marathon for Casper, I was a little tentative to run this event. However, the race organization, course, and aid stations were excellent. The volunteers were terrific, and may have actually outnumbered the marathon runners. Good course, with a couple of hills after mile 20 to challenge you. Overall, a very well organized and pleasant experience. Would definitely recommend it to you.

This is a superb 'destination' marathon in beautiful Wyoming. For a first-ever marathon, everything worked like it was supposed to - from packet pick-up, to course markings, to prompt time postings on the web. One of the advantages of a smaller marathon is actually getting to meet the race director, and getting an understanding of what actually goes into making one of these events happen.

There was also a very high volunteer-to-runner ratio and the volunteers could not have been more friendly or supportive. It seemed to me to be a true civic event, with a decent # of marathoners for a first-time event in a small market.

The course itself is relatively high-altitude for a marathon, but offers great views of the mountains surrounding Casper, and was a good mix of road and paved trail.

Finally, Casper has a lot of history (convergence point for the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, etc), and a super museum (recently opened) which provides good perspective. Overall, a very positive experience.

For a first-time marathon, I cannot say enough good things about this race, and I have 33 to compare it with.
There were not many spectators, except for the volunteers, but they were enthusiastic and stayed out there until the very end - a real plus for us slower runners.
A beautiful and scenic course, mostly on a pathway along the Platte River. Very relaxing most of the way.
I can't think of one negative comment on this marathon. There was even plenty of food (pizza, sandwiches, chips, cookies, and watermelon) after the last runners came in. Well planned!
I can see this marathon growing larger in the future as word gets around. A great area to start a family vacation from, as it is not far from Yellowstone, Black Hills, etc.

Very well organized marathon. The course itself had considerable twists and tight turns, but in the context of an enjoyable run, this is a very scenic course. Support staff were extremely courteous and helpful.

I just returned from Casper. This was a very well done inaugural event. The course was well designed (what can you do about 5400 ft?), with the hills early, and then a flat 16 to finish it. A virtual course tour was given on race eve, and provided an opportunity to visit with many other 50 staters. There was also a pre-race buffet at the start, plenty of gels out on the course, and hot pizza and other goodies at the finish. I usually lose a few pounds on race day, but this time I bet I added about five! There was a coupon in the pack for a visit to the Historic Trails Interpretive Center. I took the family there, and we all were very impressed with it. Overall, a nice event and a great shirt. Good job Casper!

This was the first year for this marathon, and it was one of the most well run races I have been to. The course was challenging, with variety in hills and flats, and beautiful scenery. Aid stations were well placed and had everything a runner could possibly need. The volunteers manning the aid stations and course were wonderful in cheering on the runners, and although there were not many spectators for this race, you could feel the enthusiasm from those that were there. If there was one negative thing about this marathon, it would be that after the full/half marathon started, a 5K race began 30 minutes later. The 5K runners were confused on their route and ended up doing more than expected. No matter the race distance, all runners should be given the same guidance on the course. I am planning on attending this marathon in future years, and am excited to see it grow.