I have run all of the Utah marathons and this one ranks as one of my favorites! The course is so beautiful that the miles passed quickly. Although it is a bit more challenging, it is worth it. Throw any time goals out the door and run this one just to remind yourself why you love to run.

I have recommended this race to every marathon runner I've come across. I will be back!!

I've run Park City four times now, and it just keeps getting better. I love the hills, the trails, and the great volunteers. I was worried that the move to August would bring warmer temps during the run, but this year the weather cooperated very nicely.

This is one of the better marathons in Utah. The course is spectacular with a lot of trail sections, but don't plan on a PR. Just relax, take your time, and enjoy yourself. Do it as a training run for St. George or TOU. The course is a little hilly, especially miles 14 through 17, and there are not many spectators, but the spectators that are there are very enthusiastic. I especially liked running on the rail trail and through the wetlands areas. The hill on Empire Ave. is steep, but relatively short. The weather at the end of August is typically quite good in Park City and 2006 was no exception. The aid stations and the volunteers were great. I had a little trouble finding the starting line; the race actually starts in Silver Summit, not Park City. I highly recommend this race; if you were going to do one marathon in Utah this would be a good choice. The finisher's medallion is unique - very nice. It's a handmade glass maple leaf. It's kind of a work of art. I hung mine in my window. I will back to this race.

The Park City Marathon was my second marathon. If you love the mountains, diverse terrain, and great scenery, you'll enjoy this marathon from beginning to end.

Although it's a smaller marathon (maybe 300 participants) it was very well organized with a friendly staff and volunteers. There were even a few bands along the route to add a festive mood (although I think most runners had other things on their mind - like where's the next hill I have to climb). It had most of the amenities of a larger marathon such as plenty of water/Gatorade stops, good traffic control (there's not much traffic on the route), nice end of race amenities including good food/drink, massages, and an artsy finisher's medal.

The course variety was great, including a good amount of the race on smooth gravel roads ("rail to trail"). It incorporated some of the naturally hilly terrain without overdoing it. Even the four-block steep climb to the top of Park City was manageable. What made this year especially enjoyable was the weather - it had rained the night before. The race started in the 40's and finished in the 60's with a mix of partly cloudy and sunny conditions.

In preparing for the marathon, it's a good idea to practice on some hills and at altitude if possible. You have to be somewhat focused on your breathing because, afterall, you're at 6,000 to 7,000 feet.

All in all, I give the marathon high ratings for great terrain and organization. But for these reasons, I'm afraid it won't be long until the secret's out and it grows into a much larger marathon.

This was my second year of running the Park City Marathon as part of the Utah Grand Slam. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. Upon arriving at the course, runners had the choice of waiting in the warm building or in their cars, since the starting line is right by the parking lot. The race started on time, and rest stops were adequate and well staffed. Adequate bathrooms along the course helped also. The course was delightful, running part of the time on dirt trails, part of the time in neighborhoods, and part of the time going through Park City. The hill at mile 17 is tough, but there were spectators there to encourage us. Additional first aid support was available by volunteers on bicycles. All of the street crossings were covered adequately. The course is hard; I was spent by the time I got to the end.

At the end there was good food and drink, and lots of helpful people. I was so exhausted I stumbled over and sat on the curb after, and soon a volunteer came over and helped me up and gave me a chair to sit in. The volunteer even went and got me a drink. When I had recovered enough to go find my clothes I had shed during the race, there was a volunteer there who helped me try to find my jacket. We couldn't find it, so they took a description of it and they were willing to mail it to me when it showed up. It came in a few minutes later, courtesy of another volunteer who brought it back. Later I got an email from the race director saying she had taken all of the unclaimed clothes home and washed them, and would mail any of them to anyone who wanted to provide a description of them. I've run 13 marathons in the past three years, and this was the most well organized event I have ever seen. Great effort.

Having trained in flat Nebraska, I had a hard time breathing at the high altitude for the first 5 miles of this race. I was not sure I was going to finish but after mile 10 my body seemed to adjust. The next challenge came between miles 13-17 where one very steep hill had to be climbed. The run down the hill on asphalt was even steeper and more painful as my toes pushed into the front of my shoes and my knees began to scream in pain, but what a challenge!!! I loved every part of the run. The run through wooded paths and along mountain streams was just what I needed.

The support by the bike support group was excellent! One of them spent considerable time chatting with me and giving me support. He was even there to congratulate me on the finish. There were 3 live bands along the route that liven things up and cheer us on. I had to give the spectators a score of 5 because of the bands, the encouragement by the support staff, my wife and grandkids who were there to cheer for me running my first marathon. I do not know what to expect from other marathon races but the Park City Marathon set some pretty high standards.

Everyone involved was just super friendly and supportive. The feast at the finish line was just what I wanted. This race was tough but the natural beauty and excellent support have enticed me to come back next year.

Thanks to all who made it a great experience for an old guy!

I have to say, this was the toughest course I have run yet. I was unprepared for the effect the altitude would have on me. (I am a 'flat-lander'), but the other runners and roving bike/first aid help was awesome. When I needed help, there was always a first aid person close by. This was awesome! It is a small enough race that you still got the personal touch. I don't care for big crowds, so this was perfect! It was off the main roads so you got to see parts of Park City you probably wouldn't venture to see if you weren't running this race. It was great. I will probably try to redeem myself next year. Keep up the awesome work guys!!!

I echo all the positive comments about this marathon from the beautiful course to the excellent organization.

Being from Illinois, I was concerned about the altitude but I only noticed a small effect while my son, also from Illinois, won his age division. The hill at mile 17 was challenging, and miles 21-23 seemed to go on forever, but neither diminished a great marathon and an unforgettable experience.

Also, the host hotel was very supportive and helpful.

It is hard to describe how impressed I was with this marathon. From the organization to the course, and everything in between, I could not have been happier. The course is extremely beautiful and scenic, and the trail portions sure do feel nice on the legs (especially at mile 23). It is pretty tough, especially between 14-17, but with proper training it's not that bad.

With this being my second marathon, I certainly did not expect to PR on this course (after reading others comments), but ended up doing just so! I will definitely be back next year, as I have nothing but high remarks about his race!

Also, every time I had a question regarding the race, the race directors personally emailed me within a couple of hours of my question. You guys have all my respect! Thanks for the great job! Can't wait to be back!

This marathon has it all except the big crowds. The Utah Road Runners did a spectacular job putting this marathon together.The host hotel, the Yarrow was a great deal. I made good use of the Hot Tub and heated pool. The pasta party was first class.

My wife and I really enjoyed the session of question and answers that the 50 States club member?s put on after the dinner, great info and a few laughs too.

If you enjoy clear cool mountain air, nice trails that pass over rushing streams, great scenery and even a Moose or two this is it. Yes there was a Moose seen out on one of the trails. I wasn?t lucky enough to see it but maybe next year?

I want to thank everyone who was involved for making this my favorite marathon. Best regards to all.

JW