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Apr 30, 2024

Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.5

Organization 4.4

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 30 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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S. K. from New York (8/11/2009) "Spectacular Views; Hard Running" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 Great community; great views; challenging course. This a real quad killer for those not prepared for the downhills.
M. M. from Arlington, VA (8/10/2009) "Fun, Outstanding...." (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 A great race overall!! It really is a two-part race - uphill and then downhill. The last 11 miles of the race were by far the most fun of the course with the technical single track. The only thing that could have made this race any better would have been a river/creek crossing! Only suggestions: stock the aid stations for a trial marathon, not a road marathon; inform the 1/2 marathoners not to blare their music to where they can't hear people behind/around them; increase packet pick-up hours (2-6 cuts right into the middle of the day). Post-race food, drinks, etc. were the best/second best I've seen (tied with Flying Monkey). Worth every penny - one to do again, definitely.
D. M. from Fort Collins, CO (8/10/2009) "A most excellent marathon" (about: 2009) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 I ran this one because there aren't many August marathons to choose from. I was not disappointed! During the first 16 miles of jeep trails, there is some modest climbing and a few steep areas. You also go by a crystal-clear stream, and get to enjoy a view of snowy Mt. Bachelor. Then, hold onto your hat as you cruise down 10 miles of well-surfaced single track. Be careful while you have fun; I saw quite a few people with trail rash from falls. The as-promised 9 aid stations were all well stocked with water and sports drink, and most had goo shots and sports chews. They were staffed buy fun, outdoor enthusiasts (most were parents/students associated with local cross country team). After the race we were all served a full lunch of roast pork, mixed green salad, bow-tie pasta salad, bread and brownies. Flying to Bend (Redmond RDM airport) isn't that tough, with flights from SEA, Portland, LA, SF, DEN, SLC, Los Vegas and the Phoenix area.
D. T. from Corvallis, OR (4/4/2009) "A lot of fun; will definitely run it again" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The trail is essentially up a forest road and down a single track trail. It starts out so cold but ends up being good weather for running.
h. f. from USA (8/14/2008) "Ugly trail; beautiful people" (about: 2008) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I've done several trail runs and did the half marathon portion of this run. The trail wasn't terribly challenging nor was it very pretty. The race packet said half-marathoners would encounter 5 aid stations. There were only 3 and the last one was at 7.8 miles or so. Luckily I had my own water and gels, but the girl I entered with did not and was hurting by mile 11. The race organizers, spectators, and other runners were GREAT!!! I would do this race again because it was somewhat challenging, but the people made the race fun. The end-of-race medals were cool, and it was nice to get a finisher's hat rather than another t-shirt.
E. P. from Eugene, Oregon, USA (8/12/2008) "Beautiful course, nice single-track, & good party." (about: 2008) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The first half of the course is up dirt jeep trails and gravel logging roads. The race moves up a big ridge that offers great views of the Cascades. Most of miles 2-14 were uphill. Most of the remainder was downhill on mountain bike single-track trail. While there were a few technical elements, most of the terrain was pretty fast. The event was run by some of the nicest volunteers and race managers I've ever met. It supports a local high school cross country program. Great food and drink at the finish line. I highly recommend this race for runners wanting to move from road racing to trails. It is great. I will run it again without question.
A. T. from Enumclaw, WA (8/11/2008) "Amazingly beautiful trail run" (about: 2008) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was by far my favorite race to date! It's definitely not a race to run for a new PR though! The course was challenging and fun, and the scenic views were the best. Well-stocked aid stations had ripe bananas, which were wonderful on the go. The people at the stations were so nice and encouraging. This was a well-marked and organized race.
M. W. from Middle America (9/7/2007) "Never again" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1 This course is for a younger and more agile group. I tripped numerous times and fell hard once. It is beautiful and provides a great challenge. Rather like being in the service - "glad I did it but will NEVER do it again." Very nice race director and crew.
k. s. from Calabasas, CA/portland, OR (8/19/2007) "Totally awesome; would race again, for sure" (about: 2007) 4-5 previous marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was one of tens of half marathons I've raced, and by far the most memorable. Bend, OR, is beautiful. Tall, tall pine trees, air so fresh it invigorates, and ample but not too much sunshine made this Californian totally want to return next year. While the race is definitely not for beginners (miles of inclines in both the half and full races), it is awesome for those who have done their homework. It truly was a real treat to race. I would totally recommend this to long-time runners/racers who are looking for serious challenge. The inclines are what let you do well; the steep declines were like skiing without the snow. Race directors did their homework with excellent course markings, and the food afterwards was the most abundant, and of the best variety for sure, of any race I've ever been to, including Chicago. Kudos to the guy who started us off; he and his wife did a great job organizing this beautiful, tough, challenging race. But don't enter unless you've trained!
C. H. from USA (8/17/2007) "Excellent camraderie!" (about: 2007) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Haulin' Aspen Trail Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was the smallest field of marathoners for me yet, but by far the friendliest. The weather was perfect and the trail had scenic vistas and technical, forested single track. The aid stations were expertly spaced and adequately stocked with fluids, GU, and bananas. There was some light congestion with marathoners joining the half-marathon participants; however there was tremendous courtesy and respect for all racers, including those donning frilly tutus. There was an excellent blend of novice and veteran runners from all ages that offered insightful perspectives on training and marathoning. Excellent post-race food and beer encouraged runners to hang out creekside, as if attending a family reunion picnic. I had a blast!

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