Huff to Bluff Marathon
Blanding, UT USA
May 19, 2018 - CANCELLED
Race Details
Begins in Blanding, UT and proceeds south on Highway 191 to Bluff, UT.
Contact Information
Name: | Ryan Heck | |
Address: | 88 S. 100 W.
Blanding, UT 84511 |
|
Phone Number: | 435-678-3966 | |
Fax Number: | 435-678-3116 | |
Email: | Email the organizers |
Runner Reviews (12)
D. R. from Utah
(9/29/2014)
"Nice Small Race - lots of uphill though" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was a good experience, but I have to say it felt like half the back 13 seemed like it was uphill a mile at a time. I PRed on this race though. Scenery is really only the last mile. The rest is basically all farm land and empty fields. The staff was TERRIFIC. The post race was TERRIFIC. The atmosphere TERRIFIC. You could keep running another 20 miles and be where Forrest Gump turned around in the movie - literally, but that scenery is not on the race course. The towns this race covers are pretty small too, so accommodations aren't the best. I'd recommend it though. Shirt was really cool I thought and the medal was fine. | |
B. K. from Ontario, Canada
(6/2/2014)
"Great small race!" (about: 2014)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 In summary: this was a really great small race with less than a hundred marathoners. The marathon course from Blanding to Bluff followed US 191 which was rather monotonous. There were two steep colourful downhill sections (near half way and a canyon before the finish line) and many (too many!) small uphill runs which seemed to never end. The race start was chilly, followed by a beautiful sunrise and an ugly head wind which accompanied us all the way: the closer to the finish, the stronger the wind. There were not many spectators, mostly friends and families along US 191 and a nice crowd of locals and visitors at the finish. Volunteers deserved more than '5', they were friendly, efficient and supportive. Organization of the race was excellent, from the day before to the beautiful event after the finish. After the race I spent ten days in South Utah exploring all National Parks, Monuments, State Parks and other attractions. Thank you H2B! | |
S. L. from Williamstown, ON
(5/30/2013)
"Loved the whole experience" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I would do this one again. Why? ~ easy bib pick-up and wonderful pasta supper ~ personable director who was friendly and accommodating ~ a lovely course, the first half being easier ~ the last 2 or 3 miles were even more scenic and very downhill ~ the volunteers were friendly and fun ~ EMS kept a good eye on all the runners ~ the finish line was welcoming and the food was good ~ there were age category awards ~ just a great overall experience ~ there is so much to see and do in that area - gorgeous Utah ~ a great marathon for the 50 Staters Only recommendation: add a 10k to the mix | |
J. W. from Kansas City, KS
(5/23/2013)
"Terrific small marathon" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I like small marathons. More than anything I like well organized races. This is the perfect event for me because it is small and INCREDIBLY well managed. Ryan is a fantastic race director. He thought of everything. And the volunteers who helped were stellar. Small as it is, it was as if everyone involved tried to leave no small detail undone. There were fireworks at the start, well stocked aid stations, accurate and well marked miles, plenty of port-a-potties, plenty of cooling aids for the last third of the race (when the weather was warming), patrols driving the course, fans and volunteers along the way, water sprayers as soon as you cross the finish line for a nice cooling off, tremendously well stocked finish area food, nice award ceremony at the Bluff Fort, great medals and awards, etc. The day before the race we drove from Bluff to Blanding for packet pick up and the pasta dinner. The course looked daunting at that time. The next morning I was pleasantly surprised to see how much more picturesque it is on foot instead of in your car. Also, I was very surprised at how quickly the miles seemed to click by. Although this race is a little more difficult to get to, it's well worth your time to go. If you're a 50 stater and need Utah you should really consider this one. | |
T. W. from Utah
(5/21/2013)
"Well organized, personal & friendly peope.." (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 This was my first real small marathon, a good experience. The volunteers were super. Everyone from the course director on down was interested in you! They wanted to know you. The director, Ryan went above and beyond, from placing coins on the course for you to pick up, if that was your thing. I mentioned that I would like a banana at mile 13 and when I got to mile 13 the next morning my banana was waiting for me with a personal message on it! What more could you want. If you want a race with a small town feel with a big heart, run the Blanding Huff to Bluff. Great job super race. Thank you. | |
D. S. from Spanish Fork, Utah
(5/21/2013)
"Thanks for an amazing experience!" (about: 2013)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was my first marathon and I didn't know what to expect. But I was blown away by all the wonderful support and volunteers along the course. From the fire truck and the wet sponges, to the music and gatorade stations, it all enhanced our experience! My sister and I ran side by side and accomplished our life long goal together! Thank you for an amazing race! | |
T. K. from Albuquerque, NM
(6/10/2012)
"Great opportunity to run fast and have tons of fun" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This race was excellently organized, well supported and an absolute blast to run. The volunteers, who probably outnumbered the runners, were cheerful, helpful, and genuinely excited to be there. This race is definitely well endorsed by the community and I will hopefully return soon. The course is great for a fast time despite the high altitude at the start. Most of the course is downhill netting a net 1400' drop, although a few rolling hills in the second half can make the legs scream a bit. However, temperatures in the 50s and a tailwind in 2012 gave this race nearly perfect conditions. The race director was on top of everything down to the minor details. He ensured that the runners were safe on an open course, which ran along the shoulder of a highway against traffic. Police were seen frequently cruising the course to maintain runner safety. Other small touches gave this race a unique personality. Runners were allowed to drop water bottles at packet pickup to be used at specific aid stations during the race much like elite athletes can in larger races. The treasure finding prize which rewarded the person who found the most money on the race course was another unique aspect. Finally, the finish and post race recovery was well staffed and competently put together. The Bluff Fort is a perfect space for runners to gather, receive massages, eat, drink, and await the award ceremony. The awards, by the way, were spectacular. Handmade pottery awards went to the age group winners and stunning raffle prizes like balloon rides or rafting trips down the San Juan were abundant. This race is a must do for anyone who enjoys small town hospitality, environment, and atmosphere of the gorgeous southwest. | |
H. I. from Midvale, UT
(5/21/2012)
"Great small town run" (about: 2012)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my second marathon and I was pleased. I love small races for the intimacy that you feel with other runners and the volunteers. Blanding is surprisingly beautiful and the run is through the rugged beauty of southern Utah. The last mile is by far the best, not only is it downhill but it is through gorgeous bluff canyon and past twin rocks!! I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a race through wide open spaces. Do it! | |
G. R. from Canada
(5/20/2012)
"A race organized by perfectionists" (about: 2012)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I cannot say enough good things about this race. There were just over 100 runners, but the amenities and organization were better than at many 1000+ marathons I've been to. The course is almost entirely downhill- probably a faster course than St George. Runners get hoodies, and the finisher's medal is elegant and heavy. The community offers spectacular support - they seemed eager to awake early, dress in costume, and host a party at their aid stations, which by the way, were well organized. One quirky aspect is that the race director scatters coins along the course and offers a prize to the best treasure hunter. The best small race I've been to. I highly recommend you run here! | |
P. S. from Jacksonville, Florida
(5/24/2011)
"Hometown Hospitality" (about: 2011)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Huff to Bluff Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I cannot say enough about the hometown hospitality of this race. The aid stations were well stocked and there were two elite stations for runners' favorite drinks and gels. The race directors made sure everyone felt special in this race. The shirts, medals and awards were unique. The post race food was great especially the chocolate milk. The town of Bluff made everyone feel welcome and I was surprised to see so many residents of Blanding and Bluff supporting the runners so early in the morning. I would recommend this race to anyone but make sure you look out for those hills in the second half of the race. |
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