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May 5, 2024

Salmon Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Salmon Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 4.7

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.8

Number of comments: 28 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

Sheila Lafave from Williamstown, Ontario, Canada (10/4/2009) "A Western Experience" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 My husband and I both ran the Salmon Marathon (he for his 50 state marathon goal). First of all, the one-room schoolhouse that we were taken to by bus was charming. The course was probably the most scenic we have run - on a dirt road up in the mountains with gorgeous vistas and quaint buildings. The run was mostly downhill but gradual, and there was one most challenging gradual climb. The horseback riders at the junctions added a unique experience, especially at the top of that gradual climb - on the mountain with nothing but blue skies behind them. At the end of the race, we sat in the Salmon River to heal our tired muscles. Met some nice folks in that river. Who cares about chip timing when the race is small enough! The fact that there was no medal was disappointing but apparently that is being remedied. The salmon supper made up for the lack of food at the finish line. We stayed some extra days at the Sacajawea Inn and enjoyed the blue skies and lovely scenery. I wouldn't mind doing this run again!!
L. M. from Boise, Idaho (9/16/2009) "Good event and room for improvement" (about: 2009) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 This is a nice event and I am glad I participated. Overall I'd grade the event a B+. I will run Salmon again, but probably a few years down the road, because there is room for improvement that I'd like to see made. Granted, the race is only in its second year (resurrected), so I believe the race organizers will improve the event with experience. The salmon bake dinner was a nice touch. Chip timing was advertised but didn't happen. Hey - these things happen, I realize. We couldn't hear the countdown at the starting line. People were not ready for the gun to sound. I did not PR at Salmon, but placed my best ever in a marathon. I'm proud of my performance!...and, I'd like a medal to show for it! (Call me vain, I guess.) Not receiving a marathon medal may not bother some, but it bothers me because I am so proud of my 33 marathons!...yet have only 32 medals. They gave us the cheesiest "finisher's poster," which really reflects poorly on their budget decisions. The poster probably cost nothing because it has a pair of branded sneakers (with logo) front and center, with a small mention of the "Salmon Marathon." No date, and no picture of Salmon, the mountains or the river, but, instead, the cheesiest picture of branded sneakers. Thanks, but no thanks. I'd like my medal, please. Despite my rant, don't miss the bigger point: the overall experience was very favorable (B+), and I will return when they are able to tune up the organization a bit.
Ben Wiley from Longmont, Colorado (9/16/2009) "Make YOUR dream come true in Idaho!" (about: 2009) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Dreams can come true in unexpected (and a-little-out-of-the-way) places. My time goal consisted of four tiers: Expected, Realistic, Dream and Fantasy. Thanks to multiple factors, I lived my fantasy in Salmon, ID! This course is FAST despite those two humps on the elevation profile. Why? Aside from the 950-foot drop, the hills are challenging but not sufficiently steep to totally sap your strength if a bit of patience is applied. Being from Colorado, the wondrous western landscapes were comparable to the accustomed home state beauty. And let me add a few other quick compliments: - Aid stations were plentiful and well staffed. - Thanks for the provision of numerous and well placed porta-potties. - The little school house indoor start was ideal for a "small event." - The horsemen and women added a special western flavor, especially the woman congratulating us after the hard part and reassuring that the rest was downhill. - Even the expected issues proved not a problem. (The vehicular traffic was rare and extremely courteous and the dirt/gravel surface that predominated did not result in the anticipated pebble collection in the shoes for whatever reason.) - Finally, I guess the staff and volunteers can't take credit for the absolutely perfect weather conditions. Nevertheless, thanks for helping me achieve my dream marathon!! P.S. If anyone finds a faster course, call me. I'm listed in Longmont, CO!
S. H. from Chicago, IL (9/14/2009) "Don't come from out of town" (about: 2009) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 I paid for a plane ticket, rental car, motel room, ran 26.2 miles and all I got was a small, generic window advertising poster that said, "Salmon Marathon" and the date. It's a throw-away! Post-race had oranges, bagels, bananas and a cooler of water. If you wanted real food, you could buy it from the ladies stationed next to the free food. Hint to all race directors: if the temperature is in the 80s, hot water and hot HEED suck. Have some ice for those of us out on the course for more than 4 hours. I talked to a few runners the next day who were as disappointed (or more) than I was. Don't slap runners in the face by giving them as a finisher's award an advertising shoe poster that has nothing to do with the race.
A. S. from Idaho (9/14/2009) "Great small-town marathon" (about: 2009) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I had a great time at this race. The host motel was terrific - even setting up the standard continental breakfast at 5 a.m. for runners. While food was scarce at the end, the sit-down salmon dinner later that day was a nice treat. Folks who didn't stick around for the dance missed out - there was a great band, and a raffle to benefit the local search and rescue organization.
J. D. from Ventura, CA (3/5/2009) "It just doesn't get any better than this!!!" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was an incredibly well-run event in every respect. Put it on your list of great destination races. The course was scenic and pleasant to run. Water stops were well-staffed. Traffic control was superb. The town totally embraced the participants. The finish area was organized and efficient. Post-race entertainment was a special bonus. Salmon is off the beaten path, but it is well worth the effort.
C. M. from Pennsylvania (12/3/2008) "The Perfect Marathon" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is a small-town race with small-town charm. Very well organized, awesome scenery, enthusiastic crowds, and great post-race party. The shirts were high quality, the medals unique, and the town inviting. This is one of the hidden gems out there. You won't be disappointed. Afterward, there are plenty of mountains to climb, trails to hike, and rivers to fish and raft. And, don't forget to try the Lost Trail Pale Ale down in town!
S. J. from Minnesota (10/16/2008) "Unique and wonderful" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was so well organized that it was hard to believe it was the inaugural running. I've read the comments from others and I agree with all the positive things said. I'm a flat-lander and my body knew when it was going uphill due to the altitude, but I still had an excellent finish time and recommend this race wholeheartedly. Thanks for all the support from townspeople and volunteers. Kudos to race director Kathy Gatens for going the extra mile in many ways! Her passion is Whitewater Therapeutic, which benefits from race proceeds. Pitch in a little with your race entry; it's a good cause.
Craig Soper from Seattle, WA (9/18/2008) "Wonderful Marathon" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I drove a long way to run this marathon and it was well worth it. The Salmon Marathon is one of the top marathons on my list. The race was very well organized, which was especially impressive since it was the first Salmon Marathon. There were so many things that were done very well in this race, including the course, the aid stations, the friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, the race shirt, and the start at a one-room school house, where you could stay inside to keep warm until the start. I would definitely recommend this race.
L. H. from Washington State (9/17/2008) "The best marathon in the Northwest" (about: 2008) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Salmon Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 If you are looking for a small marathon where the whole town is behind you, this is it. Very well organized on a beautiful course where you can stop and pet a goat and still qualify for Boston. Even the weather was perfect. Run this one next year, but wear good, stable shoes for the road.

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