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Casper Wyoming Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Casper Wyoming Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 3.4 
 
 
Number of comments: 133 [displaying comments 61 to 71]
More Comments: [ < 1 .. 5 6 7 8 9 .. 14 > ]

 

A. D. from Livermore, CA (6/7/2010)
"Wonderful race!" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I had a fantastic time at this terrific little race; it has so much going for it! Huge credit to the race directors. Well done - there are some "big town" race organizers who could learn a thing (or two) from you.

The course is really pretty. The beginning is the best, running down the hill, and watching Casper at the end of the sunrise. The clean air and gorgeous cloud formations were just stunning. Nice to be in bike path the rest of the race - no fighting traffic. A few hills, but nothing major; they made the course interesting. Only suggestions: there were no porta-johns until about mile 7 that I could see. If possible, adding one at an earlier point would be good. Also, after mile 24, the course had almost no volunteers directing racers, and no course markers. There were a couple points where I really wondered if I had strayed from the course. If possible, a few volunteers placed between miles 24-26 would be good. Unfortunately I did not see a pronghorn; maybe I will have to come back!

Organization was excellent - Dawn, amazing accomplishment! Easy packet pick-up, and the transportation to the start, finish line and awards ceremony all ran like clockwork. This race had about the best finish line food I have seen. There was more than I could eat. The medal and shirt were both beautiful. With it being such a small race, I managed to place in my age group, and got the very cool folding seat. I love it.

Spectators were there, but sparse as expected. When they were on the course, they were terrific in cheering us on, and the volunteers at the drink stations were friendly and did a great job.

Casper is a fun part if the US to visit. I really, really enjoyed the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center; it is a must-see. It was so interesting to learn about what the pioneers endured in the quest to go west. Made me feel lucky to just be running a marathon!

State #10 is off of my list, and now I get to register as an official 50-Stater. I guess I am really in to do this! So encouraging to meet many others chasing the same goal - friendly, interesting people, each with such a story. I'm still smiling over the whole weekend experience.
 

T. M. from Atlanta (6/7/2010)
"Top-Notch Marathon; Worth the Trip" (about: 2010)

50+ previous marathons | 2 Casper Wyoming Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


Very well organized marathon. A great experience. Worth the trip to Casper.
 

L. G. from Manchester, VT (6/6/2010)
"Awesome race organization!" (about: 2010)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


I ran my first Casper Marathon today, and it was fantastic. The race organizers did an outstanding job and considered all of the details. I finished in just under 5 hours, and there was a ton of food available - even fresh strawberries, blueberries, and melon! The volunteers were friendly and helpful, even giving me cups of ice chips when the sunshine got to me. The only spectators seemed to be there to support other runners, but they were enthusiastic for everyone. My only suggestion: put in a ramp to cover the curb right before the finish; I tripped but righted myself as I was trying to make a strong finish.

Beautiful area, great people, and outstanding organization!
 

Tyson Poskochil from Lincoln, NE (5/14/2010)
"Good couse, great hospitality" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I ran the race in 2007 and found, for the most part, a pleasant experience overall. The course is run primarily along the North Platte River on well-maintained bike trails, which makes the run scenic and quiet. Only a limited number of fans. A few hills, and temps will warm up the later in the day it gets. Potential for viewing wildlife is good, although all I saw during my running experience was a few cottontails. Post-race food was excellent, with a variety of Coke products, beer, pizza, sandwiches, and fruit. The volunteers in the tent made it feel like a home away from home, and the finish line is literally right outside the host hotel.

My only major complaint of the race is about the medals, as everyone (marathon, half marathon, and the relays) all received the same medal. Although these were nice, I would like to see some size and/or color differentiation on each of these to distinguish one race from the others.
 

J. P. from the midwest (7/24/2009)
"Good race and worth the trip" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


Pros - Great organization and friendly, hard-working volunteers. Water stops were excellent. The host hotel was very accommodating and good to work with. Nice medal and shirt.

Areas for improvement - Chip timing is virtually meaningless with no start mats or timing mats on the course. The main section of the course runs along the river on both sides, and then around a golf course, which I personally don't find very exciting. It just seemed like you're always switching or crossing from one piece of sidewalk or pathway to another. They advertised 10% concrete, but I'd say there's a lot more than 2.6 miles of concrete, so if you don't like concrete, you've been warned.

The spectator rating is low because you're running in areas where there simply isn't going to be anybody. As such, the only spectators are friends, family or volunteers, but that's OK; unless it's NYC or Twin Cities, the spectator issue doesn't matter to me. Don't pass on this race; it's a good one.
 

Kim Jensen from Westminster Colorado (6/30/2009)
"This marathon was a wonderful experience" (about: 2009)

2 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This marathon was one of my favorites.The volunteers were wonderful, very friendly and always of assistance. The course was beautiful, and I had the best time ever. Thank you so much for putting on this amazing event.
 

L. R. from Los Angeles, CA (6/8/2009)
"Awe-inspiring!" (about: 2009)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


You really do run with the antelopes - I experienced 3-5 sightings of graceful and fast pronghorns along the very scenic course, which goes on bike trails along the Platt River and crosses the Oregon Trail at several points. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills. Great organization and aid stations - all stocked with PowerAde and gel packs, as well as water. Nice shirt and medal. Excellent pasta dinner. Easy access to start and finish (once you get to Casper). Very friendly, knowledgeable organizers. We were lucky this year, with ideal weather conditions and very little wind. Excellent overall.
 

D. L. from Montreal, Quebec, Canada (6/8/2009)
"A Really Runner-Friendly Marathon" (about: 2009)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


I would highly recommend this race. It is very very well organized and so friendly. The route along the river is great and could be classified as a flat, fast course. Aid stations were well stocked, and every two miles or more. The finisher's medal is beautiful, as are the event shirts. Finish line food (and beer) was great. I gave five stars to spectators even though there are few; the reason is that the aid station volunteers make up for this, cheering as you approach their stations. Also the out-and-back section of the course lets you see the other marathoners who cheer you on. Run this marathon; you will not be disappointed.
 

Jim Daigneau from Calgary, AB, Canada (7/21/2008)
"A quality marathon experience in Wyoming!" (about: 2008)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Casper Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 4


I agree with the positive comments provided by other runners regarding this year's marathon in Casper. Would like to add that the event is very well organized and well supported, and it offers a nice race route through Casper and its surrounding communities. I have run a few of the "bigger" or "prestigious" races such as Chicago, Toronto, Seattle, Eugene, Napa Valley and find this event compares favorably. Post-race experience was excellent, with a variety of food and beer-carb options available (appreciated!). Wyoming is a scenic and enjoyable place to run (despite this year's headwind and 5240' altitude), provided that you are not seeking a PR. Highly recommend this race and commend the organizers for doing a great job!
 

Rick Mitchelson from Rock Springs Wyoming (7/14/2008)
"A great first marathon" (about: 2008)

First Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


Casper 2008 was a glorious experience for me. It was my first marathon, so I was unsure of what to expect even though I had run 5K and 10K races earlier in life. It was a return to running begun a year previous after a 15-year hiatus of bad habits. My oldest and youngest daughters were both in attendance; the oldest lives in Casper and used to run along with "Daddy" 20+ years ago. Along with my wife, brother/sister-in-law, the two daughters and a handful of nephews held up handmade posters along the route to lend encouragement. Grand motivation and a tear in my eye for the support of an old guy in his nutty venture. I could not have been more satisfied with the experience (other than the wind at Three Crowns) of Casper 2008; the race directors, support people, hotel accommodations, and post-race feed were all outstanding. I look forward to running this race again next year, but next time with my oldest daughter alongside "daddy."
 

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