This is not a marathon for roadrunners. It is a beautiful, well organized, EXTREMELY challenging trail marathon. The challenge comes from the altitude (8000+ feet) and the hills. The footing, as far as most trail runs go, is excellent, and it is 100% off-road. The course consists of something you could loosely call a "figure 8" run twice. This makes for plentiful aid stations, and little chance to get lost (course markings were obvious and plentiful). Marathoners must ignore the 10K and 1/2 marathoners all around them or else they will run too fast. Marathoners should also expect to be a little lonely after the 1/2 marathoners finish. I agree it could be a little too tough for a first marathon, but I hope to be back, and I saw at least 1 first-timer have a great race, accomplishing his 4-hour goal.

An extremely challenging event. Few entrants; and I dare to say a few won't be back due to the level of difficulty. An expensive marathon with few perks and no finisher medals - and believe me, this course merits a finisher medal!

There were 3 things that totally took my breath away in this race. 1. You are running at above 8000 feet. 2. The start temp was around 20 degrees last year. 3. You run through some amazingly beautiful forests, aspen groves, and mountainsides. I did run my worst time but totally enjoyed the tranquility of the forest and do plan on coming back.