I prefer the small races so I choose wisely with this one.

The organization it takes to drive runners to the start of a races miles away and up narrow, winding roads is something to think about. You have to wake up really early to catch a ride to the start. Then you wait at the starting line (in the slightly chilled air).

The first portion of the race is on narrow moutain roads. The air is thinner, the downward grade will hurt (even though you think it won't), and you will be dodging bikes and cars.

After you come off the mountain, you're running in residential areas, and then along some pretty boring roads. There aren't too many spectators. By this point, it's pretty hot too.

That being said, every aid station was stocked and the other runners were very supportive.

Any race in July is going to be tough. If you're trying to cross off state and don't have anything going on in July, I recommend this one.

This was my 35th marathon and this was by far my least favorite and most miserable. Everything about this marathon lacked energy - from the packet pickup to waiting around for the start to the finish line. There were no fans and even those at the water stops were unenthusiatic. Waiting at the top for 90 minutes was silly. Water stops were too far apart. I couldn't wait to get this one over with.

Further to the comments of the marathoners from Maryland and Illinois, to date I've run 23 marathons and found this one to be the toughest one(by far!) in terms of the downhill course, altitude (7500+' down to 4400' in SLC) for anyone used to running closer to sea-level or at lower elevations (along with the heat once you enter SLC) if you're having a tough day. I'm from the Toronto-area and ran my 'personal worst' marathon time at Deseret. That said, this race offers a very scenic course thru Emigration Canyon with views of Salt Lake valley and I found the 'Days of 47' history of Pioneer Day holiday interesting. Logistics weren't great but this is a smaller race. Not a race to run a PR though (unless you're from the Rocky Mountain West) and expect a rough day if you typically run on either the east or west coast.

I've run 14 marathons in 8 states and 2 countries in Europe so I get around and know what a good race should b like. The course was boring and had no spectators. It was hard on my body because it was a constant down hill, I normally only experience pain after I run....not during but this race I did, and had my worst time ever. When I finished they had run out of water! The shuttle busses going back were a mess and weren't properly marked. I was lucky to get back to my hotel at all....no cabs cuz parade had streets closed off. When I registered at the expo I was given a bib number for the 10k when I clearly wrote full marathon and if I didn't go back and change it I would have been out of luck.

I drove in from Las Vegas and the day of packet pick up I tried contacting the race director via e-mails and phone calls and I never got a response! I would advise anyone to skip this run. Worst marathon of my life!

I've run more than a dozen marathons, and found this one to be just brutal. I'd read the comments about this race and prepared well. I took warm clothes and a blanket to the start line. I've practiced running downhill. I was ready for the heat. And none of that mattered. The first ten miles down the mountain were easy and fun. I had to hold myself back from running too fast. By mile 13, the constant downhill was bothering my hamstrings. By mile 18, I was in constant pain in my hamstrings and knees. By mile 20, I had to walk, since it hurt too much to run. Around me, at least 80% of the others were walking too. The weather was hot, and the water stops were only every other mile. As I was walking, that meant 30 minutes between water stops in the hot July Utah heat. I was smart enough to pack some cash, and made my own water stop at a 7-Eleven along the race route. There were very few spectators to cheer us on. The traffic control was minimal, on Emigration Canyon road, there were cars going both ways that ignored the runners. Lots of bicyclists also on the race route whizzing by. I would only recommend this race to those looking for a hardcore mountain marathon experience.

This race starts at an altitude of 7500 feet and with a significant descent for the first 5 miles of probably between a 7% to 10% grade. Race preparation must include lots of training and practice to condition your legs to that type of stress. Local runners are aware of this but it may not be complete apparent to others. So if you are coming from flatlands and sea level - beware.

Likewise, although everyone was very nice and tried to be helpful, there were some very simple things they should have included especially for a race that's been around for over 40 years. Namely, race volunteers or officials at key turns on the course or at a minimum, clear directional signage or road markings.

There is a short out and back between miles 9 and 10 where there is just a cone in the road which is supposed to signify a turn around - however it had a sign with an arrow pointing straight ahead. How about a u-turn sign? Or a person posted at the cone to let runners know where to go? Fortunately the runner in front of me had run the race before and knew that this was a turn around, so I followed him.

At slightly past mile 24 there was supposed to be a left turn - however, again no signage and no race officials. In fact, police on hand to block traffic for the parade were uninformed about the race route and even sent one runner the opposite direction. I actually ran an extra block and was directed to run down the parade route by a police officer which added over a half mile to the race course.

I realize that sounds very negative - but this race is really an adventure and seriously physically challenging to say the least and despite those aforementioned issues, I actually had a pretty good time at this race. It is low key, but the local runners are tight-knit and very supportive of each other both before, during and after the race.

I have run this marathon 9 times (first time was back in 1982). It is my local course as I grew up near the mouth of Emigration Canyon. I appreciate Bob Wood and his team's help to organize this race. A few notes to those running this race:

1) There is a lot of down time at the top waiting for the race to start. In 2010 it was pretty cool (close to 40 degrees). In 2009 it was warmer. This year we went to Wal-Mart and bought $5 chairs. We really wanted someplace to sit down versus walking/standing for over an hour waiting for the race to start. We ended up getting the chairs at the bottom since we put our numbers on the back of the chairs.

2) The first 4 miles are the steepest downhill miles I run all year long (even steeper than anything at St. George). Take it easy on these first 4 miles.

3) Enjoy the canyon; it is the best part of the race. You leave the canyon around mile 16.

4) Once you leave the canyon, you get more crowd support. However, the city is more focused on the parade than the marathon.

5) The volunteers are great.

6) The heat (I think near 70-75 at the finish line) hasn't bothered me much. I drink at least 3 cups of water at all aid stations after 13. I also pour 2-3 cups of water on me at each aid station.

It is a good race. However, I got smoked by my 18-year-old son and my 48-year-old younger brother. :-)

I too picked this as my first marathon and it was a mistake in that the downhill creamed me. That being said, I loved this course. The downhill section is gorgeous - I love those canyons. I ran fine until the mile 15 aid station, at which point I stopped to refill a water bottle, and my knees stopped also (IT band flare up). After hobbling for 3 more miles I had to walk the last 8.2. I thought the organization was great for a small race and the volunteers were excellent. I finished in 5:30 and got no support after hitting the finish line. Thankfully my family helped me find popsicles and water. I guess the volunteers had checked out by that point. Overall, I enjoyed it and I'll be back so I can "run" the marathon the whole way.

Course:
Beautiful course. There are canyons, mountains, the sound of streams and a view of the valley in the early morning that is truly spectacular.

Volunteers/Spectators:
Not many spectators until you reach the Salt Lake Valley, but the ones who were present were very supportive. The spectators for the parade route for one block definitely noticed us and were very encouraging. A big thank you to the volunteers. They all got up very early on a Saturday (including children). All of the aid stations were well staffed, supportive and helpful. I am very grateful. There were many cyclists passing us and sharing the course. They were without exception very respectful and actually very encouraging.

Organization:
This marathon has been held for over 40 years. That says it all. It is very well organized with great staff.

The following are intended to be comments and suggestions (not criticisms) for future participants and the race directors:

1) Heat Factor: completely overrated. It is actually very cool before the race and I was shivering waiting for the start unless I kept moving. Bring sweats and something to sit on. Most participants did. This marathon is held to celebrate the 24th of July and the date is not going to change. It is summer in Utah, with high temperatures in the 90s, but not during the race. The real heat does not set in until after about 11:30 and the race directors have clearly stated that that is the time limit and there is not going to be support afterward. That is completely fair. Everyone knows it beforehand.

2) Train for downhills. The only real uphill is between miles 6 and 7 and it is not excessively steep. What is really needed is prior training running down hills at a 10% grade. Have someone drive you to the top of a long hill for several miles and train running down it - not up it.

3) Bring a small flashlight for before the race.

4) Increased number of port-a-potties are definitely needed at the start of the marathon and during the first half. After that, it becomes less important.

5) The water at the stations was cool and not warm (see comments from prior years) and the finisher medal and tech T-shirt are very nice, without excessive amounts of advertising.

6) You will wear a chip (to record your finishing time?), but the actual start is not chip timed. I would like to see the entire race chip timed.

7) A huge thank you to Sam Wood for all of the extra effort to send us a second T-shirt after the race at a nominal cost that made no real profit for the marathon whatsoever.

Summary:
I only enjoy running for fun. I have been lucky enough to run marathons and ultra-marathons on three different continents in the world. This is a great marathon. The staff/volunteers deserve a huge thank you for a great job. I will definitely be back.

This marathon is not for slow runners. They say specifically that they open the roads after 6 hours, and they are serious. What confuses people is that past results do list times of up to 7 hours. BUT there is no course support after 6 hours and it is easy to get lost. Once in the city, it is really hot, and course support is essential. My biggest complaint: lack of signage. Only a few directional signs. I think I saw only 2 signs with arrows. I would have missed one crucial turn had I not been with someone who has run the course before. Once, in the city, there were several turns that were hard to find. I was still within the allotted time, so I was fine and had police tell me where to turn; but those who missed the 6-hour cut-off didn't know where to go. Past reviews talked about people watching the parade not knowing that there was a marathon and not cheering - not only do they not cheer, but they also walk in front of runners. I was in UT for a few days before the marathon, and while the news talked about the parade and festivities non-stop, not once did I hear any mention of a marathon. So, the locals really know nothing about a marathon. I had one bicycle almost run me over, and when I told her she was on a marathon course, she asked what I meant. I then screamed, "DON'T RIDE YOUR BIKE INTO ME." Otherwise, the volunteers were great and the course is beautiful in the mountains. I just wouldn't recommend this for any runner who is going to be near 6 hours or over 6 hours. And I think they can hang up a few arrows telling people where to turn.