calendar icon Oct 31, 2024

Marathon Details - Wyoming Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WY > Laramie > Wyoming Marathon

Wyoming Marathon

Wyoming Marathon & 50K, Half Marathon, 5K

location icon Laramie, WY USA

calendar icon May 26, 2024

calendar icon http://wyomingmarathonraces.weebly.com

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Race Details

Hilly out and back on dirt roads in Medicine Bow National Forest. Begins at 8,640 feet and drops to 7,500 feet at the turn around. Weather is variable. Temperatures range from 40-60 degrees fahrenheit.

Contact Information

Name: Brent Weigner
Address: Cheyenne Track Club
402 West 31st St.
Cheyenne, WY 82001
Phone Number:  307-635-3316
Fax Number: 307-635-5297
Email: Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (39)

Course Rating Course 4.4 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 4.4 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.3 
 
 
Number of comments: 39 [displaying comments 1 to 11]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

M. B. from Maryland (5/30/2019)
"Amazing!" (about: 2019)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 5


This race is a challenge, make no mistake about it. But it's very doable if you prepare properly. Do your research on running at high altitudes. The final 5 miles are very hard. The scenery throughout the entire course is incredible, a nice distraction that will help with the mental game. You will not regret running this race. The race director and volunteers are very nice.

 

M. D. from Laramie, WY (5/29/2018)
"Wonderful Course" (about: 2018)

2 previous marathons | 2 Wyoming Marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


This was the second marathon I've ever done (I did this one last year too) and I absolutely love it. I've been living in Wyoming for 2 years now, and coming from the east coast, the elevation took a lot of time to get used to. Thankfully, I'm able to run at Happy Jack and Vedawoo quite often, which definitely gives me an advantage. But don't be fooled, this course is one of the most difficult that I have ever experienced. Even if I did the half marathon, my legs would've been shaking by the end of it. Tough hills, crazy winds (for 6 miles when you run next to I-80) and more tough hills are what to expect during this marathon.

 

M. B. from COLORADO (5/31/2016)
"Great, tough marathon with small-town feel" (about: 2016)

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


Beautiful course in and next to the Pole Mountain / Vedauwoo Rocks section of the Medicine Bow National Forest. It's a tough out-and-back with a lot of climbing on the return leg. Only a few dozen runners, but a lot of camaraderie. The organizers and volunteers are kind, friendly, and deliver great support along the course. The aid stations are spread out, so you definitely need a water source with you, but they're in the right places for refills. I did the 50k and would recommend it - but be sure to put in that hill and stairs training to get your quads ready. (Note: 'spectators' should really be N/A for this race. It's completely rural and not a place where huge crowds can or will gather.)

 

c. p. from PA (5/27/2014)
"What a great/tough race" (about: 2014)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 3


All the comments are true about this race. Be prepared for some great scenery and a bunch of hills. There are very few flat spots on the course so train accordingly. The climb to the finish is the toughest I have ever encountered. Do not expect many spectators or a large field. You will be running by yourself most of the way. Since the course is on packed roads the markings are done with chalk so pay attention to where you need to turn etc. I finished my 50 state quest here and could not have picked a better challenge to do so. Logistics were simple too. What a great race.

 

C. B. from Long Island, New York (7/10/2013)
"Challenging but scenic and friendly race" (about: 2013)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


As others have said, this is certainly not a PR course with the constant hills and altitude above 8,000 feet. However, if you know that going in, you can take it slow and enjoy the great scenery. The support was minimal - as advertised - but the volunteers out there were extremenly friendly and encouraging. In fact, the guy at the 13 mile aid station (turnaround point) gave me one of his own energy gels after I told him I had forgotten mine in my hotel room. Not the best time to have made that mistake considering this was such a no frills race, but that selfless volunteer made the last 4-5 mile uphill more managable for me. Going for the 50 states, glad to have done this as my Wyoming race.

 

Jim Skibo from Cedar Hill TX (Dallas) (6/1/2013)
"Very Difficult but rewarding trail race" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


DESCRIPTION OF THE RACE:
This was a VERY difficult course but the race director warns you of that on the website so it should not be a surprise. The race starts at altitude (8,700 ft) and has significant inclines throughout. There really is no flat spot on the course, you are either going UP for miles or DOWN for miles. It is an out-and-back course so the route gives you a MAJOR climb of 5 miles to the finish line. The field is very small, about 70 to 80 marathon runners and far fewer ultra-marathon runners. This is mostly a trail run on park roads that are hard dirt with gravel. About 6 miles on an asphalt service road next to an interstate (I-80). Going out I found that part boring, but coming back it did not seem to bother me because I knew I was on the home stretch.

There is LIMITED course support. I would describe this as more like your own private trail run through uninhabited lands. You are on your own so be sure you are comfortable with that.

What support there is, is in the form of water about every 5 miles. They have Gatorade power if you want to mix your own. You MUST carry a water bottle or hydration system. The folks at the aid stations were really kind and looking out for your well-being. BUT, there was no course patrol of any nature and if you would by chance need any attention between those 3 stations, you would be out of luck.

There are no race porta potties anywhere&at the start&along the course&none. The director tells you that is what trees and rocks are for. BUT, there is one park outhouse at about mile 11. It will have no toilet tissue but if you need an enclosure, it provides that, otherwise you have plenty of privacy behind rocks.

MY TAKE:
I would say that it was the single most difficult physical activity I have ever done in my life. That comes from a guy who has run 72 marathons around the world. But I loved the experience. The scenery is just breathtaking. I am a flatlander from Dallas (850 ft) so this was 8,000 ft higher than I am trained for. We flew up two days before the race and quite frankly, unless you live there for a half year, you are not going to acclimate in a day, a week, or a month. I had run Colorado Springs at 6,600 ft and handled it, but 2,000 feet higher did me in. I ran/walked/ran. The best advice I got and I pass it along is, run to your breathing and not the other way around. I knew early in the race that the altitude was really affecting me so I just decided to take it easy and pace myself to endure a LONG time.

The weather started at 37 and ended at 73 with humidity of 11% so it felt great. The folks at one aid station told me it is normally cold, misty and even some snow flurries. We lucked out for 2013.

MEDAL:
I needed Wyoming and wanted the medal for this race in particular. As hard as nails and basic as the race is, the medal is quite an amazing contrast. It is very well made and cast in the USA out of fine pewter. It is about 2.5 inches in diameter and incorporates a very detailed replica of the Great Seal of the State of Wyoming (the state seal) with a header piece stating the marathon event. It is also made like a military medal and has a ribbon with a pin so it would be pinned to a chest pocket not hung around the neck. This is really well done and I intend to submit photos of it to Marathon & Beyond for inclusion in their annual top 25 medal listing.

HOTEL:
You can stay in Cheyenne and rive 20 miles to the start or stay in Laramie and drive 10 miles to the start. We stayed in Laramie because it was closer and had several college town amenities because the University of Wyoming is located in Laramie.

 

Jim Skibo from Dallas Texas (5/30/2013)
"VERY difficult race...but worth it" (about: 2013)

50+ previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 5


DESCRIPTION OF THE RACE:
This was a VERY difficult course but the race director warns you of that on the website so it should not be a surprise. The race starts at altitude (8,700 ft) and has significant inclines throughout. There really is no flat spot on the course, you are either going UP for miles or DOWN for miles. It is an out-and-back course so the route gives you a MAJOR climb of 5 miles to the finish line. The field is very small, about 70 to 80 marathon runners and far fewer ultra-marathon runners. This is mostly a trail run on park roads that are hard dirt with gravel. About 6 miles on an asphalt service road next to an interstate (I-80). Going out I found that part boring, but coming back it did not seem to bother me because I knew I was on the home stretch.

There is LIMITED course support. I would describe this as more like your own private trail run through uninhabited lands. You are on your own so be sure you are comfortable with that.

What support there is, is in the form of water about every 5 miles. They have Gatorade power if you want to mix your own. You MUST carry a water bottle or hydration system. The folks at the aid stations were really kind and looking out for your well-being. BUT, there was no course patrol of any nature and if you would by chance need any attention between those 3 stations, you would be out of luck.

There are no race porta potties anywhere&at the start&along the course&none. The director tells you that is what trees and rocks are for. BUT, there is one park outhouse at about mile 11. It will have no toilet tissue but if you need an enclosure, it provides that, otherwise you have plenty of privacy behind rocks.

MY TAKE:
I would say that it was the single most difficult physical activity I have ever done in my life. That comes from a guy who has run 72 marathons around the world. But I loved the experience. The scenery is just breathtaking. I am a flatlander from Dallas (850 ft) so this was 8,000 ft higher than I am trained for. We flew up two days before the race and quite frankly, unless you live there for a half year, you are not going to acclimate in a day, a week, or a month. I had run Colorado Springs at 6,600 ft and handled it, but 2,000 feet higher did me in. I ran/walked/ran. The best advice I got and I pass it along is, run to your breathing and not the other way around. I knew early in the race that the altitude was really affecting me so I just decided to take it easy and pace myself to endure a LONG time. That worked.

The weather started at 37 and ended at 73 with humidity of 11% so it felt great. The folks at one aid station told me it is normally cold, misty and even some snow flurries. We lucked out for 2013.

I needed Wyoming and wanted the medal for this race in particular. It is really simple, but cool. It is the Great Seal of the State of Wyoming (the state seal) with a header piece stating the marathon event. It is made in the US and is a very detailed casting. Kind of unusual but cool is that it is a medal&.literally. It does not have the around-the-neck ribbon; instead, it is like a larger military medal with a short ribbon that you pin on.

We opted to stay in Laramie which is only 10 miles from the start. If you stay in Cheyenne, you have a 20 mile drive to the start.

 

S. K. from Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (5/22/2013)
"Amazing scenery" (about: 2012)

50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


I ran the half marathon and enjoyed every minute of it. Granted, it wasn't easy with the elevation, winds, cold temps, but the views were endless. As one reviewer said 'this is God's country' and he has some great views.

The volunteers were kind, thoughtful and tireless. Even the dogs were friendly.

This really is a small race, and it just reconfirms why I enjoy them so much. The race director gave out last minute instructions, said a prayer, wished everyone good luck and we were off. The start/finish line was created out of flour. The turnaround for the half had a 5 gallon water drum for you to refill your water bottle. The timer was sitting in the back of the pickup truck (to keep warm). Packet pickup was in the RD 5th wheel (along with his dogs).

If you are looking for a challenge, amazing views, kind volunteers, this is the race for you.

 

George (Ted) Hobart from Arlington, Virginia (5/29/2012)
"Incredibly Tough With High Winds But Really Scenic" (about: 2012)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


I had a blast at the Wyoming Marathon and even though it was my slowest marathon ever, it was truly an incredibly beautiful course to be apart of. I struggled with the high elevations and 50 mph wind gusts, but the hills were not hard - but the other factors really slowed me down. Expect no specators other than the amazing aid station volunteers. I loved the scenic beauty of the course, with wild flowers everywhere. This was my 26th US state and what a great running adventure it was! Thank you so much for everything!

 

T. B. from Columbus, IN (6/1/2011)
"Work-out in the Wyoming mountains." (about: 2011)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Wyoming Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


Well, I saw the elevation map before taking on this run, but it was a work-out! Granted, I have seasonal asthma, live at about 600 feet, and this started at 8600+ feet at the Summit Rest Stop. Weather (beyond their control-duh), was misty, windy, and in the 30's at the start. Fog was dense enough, I lost track of runners 50 yards ahead of me. By the return trip from the turn around, the countryside became more visible, and breath-taking at times. WONDERFUL pre-race meal at Little America Inn. Aid stations (God bless the volunteers who sat waiting for us!) were stocked with the right stuff. Bottom line, this is a run in God's country organized by a God-fearing man who offers it to those who come knowing what to expect. If I was local, I would plan to return just to enjoy it in better weather, but I will have to wait till I get my 50 states finished!

 

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