calendar icon Apr 29, 2024

Jackson Hole Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Jackson Hole Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.6 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.8 
 
 
Number of comments: 25 [displaying comments 21 to 25]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

 

Jeff Newcorn from Chicago (9/24/2012)
"Wondering why so few runners at a great marathon.." (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jackson Hole Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


As a veteran of what is now 36 marathons, I want to add Jackson Hole to the list of those to put at or near the top of your list of destination marathons. I can't fathom why only (about) 100 marathoners ran. For its only second year, the organization was mature beyond its years. Nothing they can do to control the effects of altitude (6,300 ft.) or the smoke from fires in nearby states. What they did do what communicate very well and very often on the concerns posed by the smoke, which turned out to be minimal.

The cupless water issue may be an issue for some, but a nice gesture towards the problems posed by cup waste.

One outstanding feature of a race here is the close access to Teton National Park, which has amazing views of the Teton's and great hiking options. Or a float trip down the Snake River, also closeby. Even Yellowstone is just a couple hours a way. So, make a long weekend of it and find out why Jackson Hole is such a great destination; now NOT just for skiers.
 

S. B. from MO (9/23/2012)
"Very nice event!" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jackson Hole Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


Kudos to the race director for a great event! Great organization, beautiful course that was relatively flat and enthusastic volunteers. I would highly recommend putting this marathon on your 'to do' list.
 

S. K. from North Carolina (5/12/2012)
"Stunning course!!!!" (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jackson Hole Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 2


The course was amazing. Excellent use of community bike paths to minimize traffic, beautiful views of the Tetons and the autumn colors the entire route. Point to point was great. You're right by Grand Teton National Park and up the road from Yellowstone, so plan an extra day or two for touring.

Be warnedthe altitude is no joke. Some may not, but I enjoyed the 'cupless' race...some may need to practice running with water if that's not your style.

Clearly a race in its first year. The start line lacked organization, and the expo needs work. ButI am sure this will become the premier race in WY in another year or two!!!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
 

S. C. from Portland Oregon (9/26/2011)
"Spectacular scenery" (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jackson Hole Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


You almost forget you are running at 6200 feet elevation with the spectacular fall scenery.
I little too much running by the highway but the rest of the course made up for it.
Hard to believe this was a first year run. GREAT job by the organizing team. Lot's of water, lots or toilets, clear directions, great logo and shirt. And what a fun party at the end!
NOTE to others, book a room early. This may be 'off season' but the town was full.
 

C. G. from Overland Park, KS (9/25/2011)
"Beautiful and quiet" (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Jackson Hole Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


The scenery is the best part of the Jackson Hole race, but there were a lot of other things to like about it, including:
-Course - a net elevation gain but most of the course was on paved bike trails so the ascents were gradual and not severe.
-Mile markers every mile, located right on the money.
-Weather - no wind, temps about 40 at the start and mid-50s at the end.
-Schwag - Decent short-sleeved shirt, great postrace food and drink, nice ceramic coaster for finishers, and some good prizes for age group winners. Medals are not my thing and they didn't have them yet, but the ones they're sending later feature a cool-looking moose.
-Post-race concert at Teton Village by Shelly & Kelly, a local band who played for 3+ hours.
-Entry fee - $65 for all of the above is great compared to most races.

Things not to like so much:
-The 'cup-free' racing concept is noble but kind of silly. For longer races, having to stop to fill one's bottle at every aid station might not be a hassle but it was a real pain for me. Using recycleable paper cups is no more environmentally harmful than wasting dozens of sheets of paper on flyers included in the race packet, almost all of which go directly into the trash.
-Solitude - Crowd support is way overrated but since the field was so small it was awfully quiet. From mile 7 to 23 I didn't pass another runner or vice versa. So if you're racing that can be mentally difficult, especially for flatlanders worried about the altitude. This was the first time that I wished I had worn my iPod in a race. But if you're not racing, just running for the experience, the peace and quiet are awesome.
-Altitude.

Overall I thought Jackson Hole was a great race, and would highly recommend it to those looking for a destination race.
 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 > ]

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