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Apr 29, 2024

Jackson Hole Marathon Runner Comments

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Course 4.4

Organization 4.6

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

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S. C. from Florida (9/5/2014) "One of the most beautiful courses in the world!" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Very well organized race, from packet pickup to shuttle return after the race. I am from the beaches of Florida, so the altitude was a significant challenge, but the perfect weather and marvelous scenery made it one of my very favorite marathons. The Batchens are well experienced distance runners and know how to put on a first class event for us. We stayed at the Ranch Inn, which was very convenient and a nice little place tucked in Jackson Hole. Not fancy, but clean and serviceable.
nick keeling from bethesda maryland (9/2/2014) "great views" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 Water stops, volunteers,packet pickup were great. Wonderful views of the Tetons also. I just hated the course, maybe I was running a different marathon but my Garmin said mile 10-26 was running up a never ending gradient. I know the altitude didn't help but I was never so happy to see the finish line. My 34th marathon and by far the most difficult. Maybe the course should be reversed!
K. B. from Colorado Springs, CO (8/31/2014) "SPECTACULAR SCENERY" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Wyoming is an amazing place, and this race is well worth the journey into the Forever West. Only in its third year, this is EXTREMELY well organized with ample communication from the wonderful race director Jay Batchen. This is a cupless event, so you bring your own water bottle/hydration system. There were numerous aid stations ... I thought there might even be too many, but the beauty of cupless is that you only need a couple people at each station. The volunteers were cheerful, helpful, and delighted to welcome visitors to their spectacular home. The selling point of this marathon is the Tetons. Throughout the course, you get to feast your eyes on amazing scenery, which in my opinion, more than makes up for the lack of spectators. The only negative about the course is a good five mile stretch along highway 22. Runners run along the shoulder separated from oncoming traffic by cones. I found that to be pretty disconcerting. I understand from a couple fellow runners on the course who are locals that Jackson is in the process of connecting all legs of its trail system, so this problem may eventually be mitigated...most of the course is on paved bike trails with this one exception. Aside from that, the course is apparently a gradual uphill, but it does not feel like it. It feels mostly flat, especially for a mountain race. You WILL feel the altitude if you are coming from sea level. It's 6400 feet elevation. The start is in downtown Jackson. It ends 13 or 14 miles away in Teton Village at the base of the ski slopes. If you stay at the Teton Village, you can take a shuttle from there to the start, and you finish by your room. If you stay downtown, there are shuttles back there from the resort. It's a good deal. I think both options are fabulous ... Either way, this is a race that positions you for a great vacation because you are at the Grand Teton National Park and very close to Yellowstone. From the friendly people of Jackson Hole to the gorgeous mountains, to the tremendous race director, this is one that will only get better and more popular.
D. M. from Franklin, ID (8/31/2014) "Not Much Fun" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 1 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I'm trying to be positive, but I did NOT enjoy this course. A good portion went along highways with no shade and endless stretches. I've run many marathons, and this was one of the most boring. I don't need bands and crowds, but at least some variation in scenery and things to look at is helpful in passing the miles. It also got pretty warm, so those last, shadeless miles were tough. If you need Wyoming to complete the 50 states, this will do it, but otherwise I can't think why anyone would come back. Logistically, it took me a while to get my head around the start and the finish, and all the bus options. I ended up parking at the finish and taking the bus to the start (so my car was at the finish). That worked OK, except the bus was a little late and the race started late (about 5 minutes). There were only TWO port-a-potties at the start, and a couple of rest rooms at the Chamber of Commerce (the 'race headquarters'). Maybe there were more, but I couldn't find them. There was a community center with rest room signs, but it was locked. So the bathroom situation at the start was inadequate. I really liked the 'no cup' process at the aid stations. I brought a hand held water bottle, and bought a hydro-pouch, and that worked perfectly for allowing me to get both power aid and water. And there wasn't all that usual debris from people dropping used cups. The finisher's medal is very nice. While the race shirt is a technical long sleeved one, the colors just didn't work together. And it was too hot to wear long sleeves post race. The post race 'refreshments' were pitiful (sorry) and the beer was kept ice cold in a cooler (but I wouldn't have known it was there if I hadn't asked). Jackson Hole is a neat town, and a picture under the antler arches in the town square is a must. But, as far as races go, I wouldn't recommend this one.
T. C. from Philadelphia, PA (10/4/2013) "Wonderful, scenic course" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I completed the half marathon. Small race, but organized. The course was on a bike path, with 3 miles along a major highway. However, the Grand Tetons were in full view nearly the entire time. The last 6-7 miles were quiet and serene, with the autumn foliage everywhere. I agree, stay in Teton Village, if possible. Eliminates the hassle of driving to and from the race.
M. D. from Georgia USA (9/24/2013) "A lovely small well run race." (about: 2013) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This is an outstanding small race that met all of my expectations and more. The weather was great and scenery was outstanding. It is a meandering point to point run from the center of Jackson to Teton Village. The course follows the floor of the hole (valley) with no noticeable hills. A lovely crossing of the Snake River is a high point. Most of the race is along paved bike paths. Since I came up from the southeast, the cooler temperatures and low humidity offset the high elevation. There were plenty of 'port o johns' along the way. Post race food was a bag with an apple, energy bar, and a container of dried fruit. The 1/2 marathoners start at the half way point and don't clog the race for marathoners. I would recomend anyone running this race stay at Teton Village. This eliminates a drive out to Teton Village, a bus ride back, and the necessity to drive back to town after the race. This is at the finish and where you catch the bus to the start. Accommodations can vary from a very modest hostel to world class resorts. The race registration fee is very reasonable, but Jackson Hole is an expensive location. I highly recomend the Four Seasons at Teton Village. It is pricey, but wonderful and convenient to the finish and bus pick up. Spectator support is sparse.
L. G. from Maryland (10/2/2012) "Highly recommended for a Wyoming race!" (about: 2012) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I did this marathon as part of my quest for 50 states and loved it! I have the feeling this race is going to become very popular. The course is flat and very scenic, with plenty of aid stations and awesome volunteers. The medal and shirt are very nice. The cup free racing was not an issue for me, but as this race grows in size it may become a problem with more runners at aid stations trying to get to the water and gatorade. Overall, a great race and one that I will definitely repeat. Jackson Hole is a really nice town to visit.The town itself is very nice and it is close to several parks, such as Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It is definitely worth taking a few extra days to sight see!
R. H. from St. Louis (10/1/2012) "Great small race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I like smaller marathons(~150 full runners), if you need crowds tons of specators and bands this isn't for you. However if you are ok being alone while running this is an amazing course with great views. The organization was top notch with great volunteers and plenty of infomation before the race. I wasn't sure about the cup-free part but I found it didn't really bother me at all.
W. P. from California (9/30/2012) "Outstanding Marathon!!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was a great marathon run at altitude. Probably the smallest race I have participated in but the friendliest and one of the best run events. In only it's second year, Jackson Hole will only continue to get better and grow. There were concerns prior to the marathon about the smoke from fires in nearby Idaho but they were a nonissue on marathon day. The cupless system worked quite well as I am used to running with my own hydration. That might be an issue for some though. Plan to come early or stay longer to enjoy the Grand Tetons National Park nearby and Yellowstone National Park just to the north. A great destination marathon.
John Points from Tulsa, OK (9/27/2012) "Loved everything about this marathon." (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Jackson Hole Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I can't recall another marathon that I've enjoyed as much. Great tech shirt, loved the medal, beautiful course, plenty of water stations, enthusiastic Staff, good food and Snake River Brewing beverages at the finish. Perfect autumn weather and foliage for runners. With a finish time of 5:15, I'm pretty slow, but that just gave me more time to look at the Tetons and enjoy the fall colors. A small marathon with a big heart. Highly recommend.

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