This was my first time running the Pocatello race. What a great day with beautiful weather, plenty of aid stations, and people to cheer you along (both runners and spectators).

My only complaint would be the timing chip strap around the ankle. I participated in the half, and by mile 9, the strap was starting to cut into my ankle. I also noticed several other bloody ankles at the finish line due to the strap. My suggestion is to change the strap to a softer cloth or material.

The early start and the beautiful view were great. I took my family to see parts of it. Racing the horse in the pasture was a unique feature. The finish area was very well done, and appreciated. Go Idaho.

This was my first full marathon and I had a very positive experience. I heard that they take care of their runners, and that was no lie; there was water, Motrin, gels, etc. whenever I needed it, really. The course was beautiful and it was a great "first" marathon! I can't wait until next year to run it again!!! Thanks to all of the people who put this race together!

I thought the race was very well run. Thanks and congratulations both go to Mike and the team. The local support was very impressive.

The course was a challenging one, with the downhill testing the joints and quads.

One small issue was the last 5K, which involved dodging those walking the 5K race (grouped across the running lane). It may be worth considering having two lanes made, with a small one for the marathoners. Great race - thank you very much.

This race has all the elements that make for a great day.

Early in the morning, the shuttle bus took us high in the canyon. We waited for the race start in a remote location under the stars and made small talk about past and future races that would bore most of our friends, but is exchanged with great interest among marathoners.

At the starting gun, we started our descent down the canyon road in the darkness, lit by a full moon. Passing rural homes, streams, horses and occasionally, one another, we reached the half at a fast pace.
Soon after, we were joined by the half marathoners and felt the surge of energy from the fresh runners. The course leveled out and we faced the new challenge of rising temperatures and city streets with moderate traffic.

After a tough closing series of miles, we rounded a corner and saw the finish line in the park where we were greeted by friendly volunteers, good food, nice medals and finisher awards, and our friends and families.

My congratulations to the race committee on reaching their goal of 1000 combined race entrants. You staged a great event and provided memories that I'll keep for a long time.

This event is one of the most organized and friendliest events you'll ever participate in. From the detailed website to the warmth of the race director and all of the volunteers, this event has it all. Although it has been mentioned several times already, the goodies are second to none, with an incredible duffel bag and a sack of real Idaho potatoes and hash-browns that is unlike anything you'll find elsewhere. I would also like to especially thank Mike, the race director, for his quick responses to my questions early on. That kind of care is rare to find and is one of the factors that helped me make up my mind to participate in this race.

I am from Tennessee and traveled on 2 planes and on a 2.5-hour shuttle ride from SLC to get to this race, and it was worth every mile. If you choose this race as your Idaho event, you will not be sorry.

The only suggestion I would make is to rent a car and stay at one of the newer hotels like the Hampton or Marriott. They are not far from the host hotel, and while staying at the Red Lion made everything very convenient and easy, the rooms were a bit worn and outdated. Otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing about the wonderful weekend in Pocatello! Well done, Mike - keep up the good work!

For such a small race, this one is AWESOME!! Six friends joined me on the trek from Salt Lake City to try this race out, and we LOVED it!!! It was very well organized. The host hotel was easy to find, packet pick up was convenient, race day transportation was on time and comfortable, the race started on time, the volunteers were very friendly, the course was beautiful, aid stations were plentiful, post-race food was great, and the swag was A+!! The duffel bag made bag check easy, the tech shirt is now one of my favorite shirts, medals were nice, and I am glad I did not have to leave Idaho without my bag of Idaho spuds!!

Nice job, Pocatello!!!!

Congrats to RD Mike Calley on once again putting on a superb race of the highest quality. The course is fair, and the logistics spot on, from the transportation to the aid stations to the post-race party.

Congrats to Mike and the committee for getting the event to 1,000 participants. It was a pleasure to run the race for the fourth year in a row! I will be back again.

I ran the half-marathon, and this is the 5th one that I've done here in Pocatello for the Gap. I've run in a lot of places and I've found that this race is well organized and very pleasant. Very nice atmosphere; the people are very cordial. I will continue to run in this race, Lord willing. I don't think that I would recommend changing much of anything. Thanks very much for putting this on.

- Dave

If you are looking for a race event that is family-friendly, this race fits the bill. This event had not only a marathon, but also a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, 1.5-mile, and a kiddies' .2-mile race. The post-race event was worth staying for. Food included baked potatoes and yummy pulled pork sandwiches (free for racers and a small charge for friends and family), provided by Texas Roadhouse, and well as ice cream, chocolate milk, fruit, PowerAde, and yes, even water. Activities for families included two inflatable jump toys, and other games and entertainment for the children.

The volunteers are plentiful and friendly, starting right from the packet pickup to the finish line.

I ran the half marathon. The course runs through rural areas outside of Pocatello, an interesting change of scenery from urban events. There was a well-staffed massage tent staffed by ISU massage therapy students. I didn't have to wait in a line. The aquatic center opened their shower facilities to race participants!

The word I would use to describe the schwag is "quality." Each runner got a heavy canvas duffel bag, a tech-fabric shirt in runner's choice of long or short sleeves, a finisher's medal, and a bag of Idaho potatoes. The awards this year were handsome, engraved wood plaques, given to the top three finishers in each age group.