Wyoming Marathon - Race Reviews

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

I decided to do the Wyoming Marathon as my 'screw you 40' race. I had just turned 40 a couple of weeks before and I wanted to find a real challenge for myself as I entered my 5th decade. I was very successful, as this race was the most challenging marathon of the 18 that I have completed. The course is beautiful, although it can get sloppy if it rains, especially on the way back. There is a half marathon and 5K as well. We ran through the mountains just outside of Laramie. It is mostly packed dirt, with about 7-8 miles of pavement from miles 7-11 and 15-19. The winds can get nasty along this part of the course, so be prepared for that. I would suggest that you really respect this course. The last 5 miles are pretty much uphill. The last mile alone includes 2 significant hills, including finishing while going up. This is a race where I kept thinking, 'What goes down, must go up.' This is a simple, old school race. No chip timing, no expo, just a few people in a trailer. It is what adds to the charm. There are 3 aid stations where they had water and energy bars. God bless the volunteers for staying out there the whole time. There's also a double marathon, so these people were there all day long. Thank you for being out there for us. Spectators were limited to the support of family and friends. If you desire a big crowd, with a lot of fanfare at the end, forget this one. All in all, I loved this race. The runners seemed to form a bond together against the course. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I definitely found the challenge I was looking for.

I ran the 5k in Vedauwoo Wy - first race I ever ran. I had a great time, a little cold but with help from friends they showed me what to wear and gave some tips. I ran a 33:48, not the greatest time, but for my first, I now have something to improve on. Funny thing I never run outdoors, I use a tread mill sometimes - I'm a bike racer. I'm sore in many different places but it was worth it. I plan on doing a lot more outdoor running. Thanks.

..and he delivers! Funny, but true. The Wyoming Marathon races provide for a different kind of marathon experience - not to say one that is all bad. I would not recommend it as a first marathon, or if you love a party atmosphere. Be prepared for cold, windy conditions and changing weather in the high altitude of Wyoming. If you are thinking of trying an ultra someday, this marathon would give a good preview, since it is a bare-bones race and will test your endurance. If you read all of the previous comments, you should find no surprises at this race. All negatives aside, I knew what to expect and had a good time. I must note that I was originally signed up for the Double Marathon, but decided to stop after 26.2 miles. The officals did not hesitate to hand me a finisher's medal for the marathon and list me as a finisher, even after I told them I was a DNF for the 52 mile - a very gracious offer. Also, we booked a very nice, inexpensive hotel in Laramie and had a 10-minute drive to the race start (which is a very convenient arrangement at the rest area).

Wyoming is #42 of my ongoing quest of 50 states + DC. I chose Laramie/Cheyenne because I wanted a CHALLENGE!!! I WAS NOT DISAPPOINTED!!! Over the last 15 years, I've found that the small marathons are the BEST. Usually put on by a local Runners Club, the members are there to serve and support the participants - not to turn a profit. A MOST MAGNIFICENT COURSE, in a MOST MAGNIFICENT LOCATION, Wyoming provides the basic amenities to assure your marathon survival if YOU have the bones to attempt it. I could only salute the few who started out for the second loop (Western States Double Marathon Championship)!!! The barren beauty and rawness of the course inspired me to will myself up the nearly 500-foot climb of the final 2 miles. It has been nearly 20 years since just finishing a marathon is such a major achievement. Congratulations, Wyoming - your marathon is the BEST MARATHON for course, management and support!!!!!

Overall, this was a well organized group of races and a great opportunity to experience the southern Wyoming countryside. The host hotel, Little America, was well worth the money. I recommend spending a few nights and visiting Cheyenne. The pasta dinner was perfect, and the RD gave some good pre-race advice and went over some of the race history. The marathon was a nice out-and-back course. Aid stations were perfect, and I really like the paperless set-up. People were very friendly (runners and volunteers). Give yourself plenty of time to get to race start from the Little America, as we were slowed by fog. The race promptly starts at 6:00 a.m. The marathon course was hilly, and be prepared for the last 4-5 miles of uphill. Super race for a 50-stater! I want to come back and camp at Vedauwoo.

I like the RD's approach to "paperless" stations. Other race directors should take heed - there's too much waste at races. This course offers running at its purist; nice terrain, great folks and a low-key setting. The philosophy is that everybody is a winner; there's no reason for age-division medals here.

I am from Iowa, so this course was rather difficult for me because of the high altitude. I usually get around 4:00 in each marathon I have run, and with this marathon, I got my worst time ever: 5:32!!! If you are going to run this course and are not used to high elevation or a lot of hills, then this course is not for you. After I was finished, however, I really felt like I worked hard and deserved the medal even though it was my worst time. I was not disappointed at all with the results because I knew what to expect. Wyoming is really a breath-taking state and the course was absolutely amazing. I loved the Little America Hotel, and it was really cheap. I highly recommend staying there. The pasta dinner was also very tasty.

If you're looking for a challenging and fun trail marathon, this is it! Only about 150 runners stood at the starting line when I ran it on 5/25/08. The start (and finish) consisted of a line of flour across the dirt road, and an orange cone next to the race-director's RV. After a short prayer and moment of silence for Memorial Day, we were off. The weather was nice, about 30 degrees at the start, but it got very windy (50 mph+) as the race went on. The course is mostly on dirt (about 77%), descends around 1,500 feet, and ascends around 1,500 feet total. Although this was my first attempt at marathons on consecutive weekends (I ran Fargo 7 days earlier), and this was my 2nd slowest time ever (5:12), but it was good enough for 30th overall, and 2nd in my division. This is NOT a fast marathon. Run it if you are craving some open space and a small, community-oriented bunch of die-hard runners. There are just 3 aid stations on the course, and runners are required to bring their own water bottles. Eliminating cups keeps the environmental impact to a minimum in the Medicine Bow National Forest area. All this being said, the race was well-organized, and the volunteers were magnificent (despite few aid stations, some of them drove the course offering aid to runners on the fly). Oh, and you'll be inspired by the several runners who turn around at the finish to run it all again for the Rocky Mountain Double Marathon!

The positives: - No porta-potties! - Almost no spectators! - Too few aid stations! (and no cups at these stations) - No Gu shots! Negatives? None, really - so long as you keep your expectations realistic. This is a unique marathon: - Everyone is expected to respect the remote and pristine public lands it is run on (so no paper cups to blow around and no Gu-shot trash to litter the area). - The only toilets are at the rest stop facility at the start.... The rest of the race is an off-trail, au natural experience. - Enough friendly, well-stocked rest stops where you can fill up your required-to-bring water bottle with water or sports drink and grab a handful of potato chips, pretzels or trail mix. This is a most excellent marathon value ($45 in 2007) while still benefiting the Cheyenne Boys and Girls Clubs. Besides the benefit feature you get well-stocked aid stations, a medal (same every year) and an unusual color cotton t-shirt - this year bright yellow, which I prefer to the bright purple from a couple years ago. If you were to use a "cost per running hour metric" this is undoubtedly the best value in the US! (This is a slow race due to the wind, altitude and up/down topography.) Other considerations: - WEATHER: Be prepared for some challenging weather (it is ALWAYS windy here and it can be cool due to the nearly 9,000' starting altitude). - HUMILIATION/INSPIRATION: A significant percentage of the runners complete this challenging marathon... and then turn right around and run it ALL OVER AGAIN to complete the "Rocky Mountain Double." This is humbling to witness but at the same time it's inspiring to see runners of all age groups heading back out to run this difficult course a second time! If you're up for a different sort of race and an unusual challenge, sign up for the 2008 Wyoming Marathon!

This was my first marathon post knee surgery so I walked the course. It was one of the most enjoyable marathons I have completed. I was alone from start to finish but loved the solitude. The aid stations were well stocked and manned by friendly, helpful volunteers. Every runner smiled or waved at me as I trudged along. This is a very tough course, especially the last two miles. As promised, there are no frills, except the supreme satisfaction of finishing the marathon. Nevertheless, I recommend it to any runner or walker, not only because of the toughness but for the beautiful scenery and the kindness of the genuine men and women who are out on the course from crack of down to sundown to make sure you are okay, provide water, Gatorade or snacks, and offer moral support. The medal is a replica of the Great Seal of Wyoming, which I think is beautiful. My thanks to the race director and all the volunteers.

I love the ups and downs - yes, they're pretty steep at times, but what affected me was the elevation. Coming from 2000 feet to 9000 feet above sea level was tough. I arrived late the night before (which is against all advice I could find). The coure ranked up at the top in beauty - it was breathtaking, actually. I saw most participaters running AND walking the course. Me, I WALKED the entire couse and was delirious the last two miles because of elevation sickness (the finish takes you back to the top at nearly 9000 feet) and without the help of my son and husband, not sure if I would have made it - both had a hold of my hands and led me up the last mountain. So, TRULY, if you intend to do this marathon or any with high elevation, arrive a couple of days ahead, or count on struggling. Otherwise, this was a well organized event and worth participating in. The scenery is to die for....

The course is an out-and-back, all above 8,000 feet in elevation. It is situated in the mountains between Laramie and Cheyenne. The course is mostly on dirt/gravel roads, with about a 3-mile stretch (6 miles total) on a frontage road boarding I-80. It is not a flat course! There are three major hills and almost no flat sections to the course. The last 3 miles are particularly tough and steep, as are miles 5-7 (roughly) and miles 14-16. There were pretty much no spectators on the course. I got some friendly (I assume) honks from semi drivers while I was running along the frontage road part. Fewer than 100 people generally run this race. It's a bargain at only $45 to enter. There is a double marathon that starts with the marathon and a half marathon as well. The double marathon is precisely that; you run the marathon, then turn around and run it again. That's nutty! For $45 you don't get a lot of frills. The finish line is an orange cone and a white line across the road. The medal is unpretentious. If you're expecting frills, don't come to Wyoming! The draw is the challenge, the race itself. The roads were in good shape, not crowned at all. There was a tiny amount of washboard running, but it was generally avoidable. There were probably 10 cattle guard crossings and they did not put down any wood over them, so watch your step! The frontage road bit is a fair distance away from the interstate; the traffic noise was noticeable but not distracting. In fact, the views from the frontage road bit were really nice; to the south you could see the Mummy Range and Never Summer Mountains, both of which are in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, some 50 miles away! The bits in the forest were nice and quiet, and there were lots of interesting rock formations to look at in the Vedauwoo section of the course (near the turn-around). I think we got pretty lucky with the weather; it was in the 30s at the start but calm and clear. If you know anything about Wyoming weather, having no wind is a cause for celebration! The first 5 miles were chilly but I knew it would get hot, so I didn't mind being cold for awhile. There was no shade on the frontage road but there was a slight wind; just enough to keep things cool, not so much to impede my progress. The wind was generally against us on the way back. In other years I imagine the wind can be brutal; I got lucky I think. The temperatures were climbing towards the end, but that was the least of my troubles. The elevation and hills were the toughest obstacles, and they will be there no matter what the conditions. The race espouses an eco-friendly ethos. To that end they do not provide any cups at the aid stations, and you are required to bring your own water container. I thought that was a pretty neat idea, but make sure you practice using whatever water bottle device you plan to use during the race. You can refill your water at the aid stations, and they had powdered Gatorade as well, and snacks, including pretzels and chips. I actually didn't stop at any of the aid stations because I brought enough water in my Camelbak and had some hammer gels in there as well. The course indicates that there are only 5 aid stations but I saw two or three roving support vehicles that had water available, and one spectator had a jug of water for runners, so you really could get by with something small like a fuel belt. Also there are no port-a-potties on course, and no real good pace to duck off the course on the frontage road section, so plan accordingly. You are probably not going to set a PR on this course, unless this is your first marathon (ha, ha), or if the only other one you've done is Pikes Peak or something else hilly. Come for the views, the simplicity, and the challenge.

Start at 8,700 feet, and add 20 mph headwinds, steep inclines and downhills, few to no aid stations, no cups for the ones that they did have, and no Gu.... What's not to love about this race. The race director is clear: they promise nothing and they deliver. This marathon is NOT for the novice runner or anyone looking for a P.R., but is definitely on my list as one of my favorites and I will run it again. The elevation was particularly difficult because I live at sea level. My guess is that next time I'll get out there for about 1 week before the marathon to get used to the elevation. The course is spectacular. After trying actually to run this course, I finally gave up and started walking the inclines and running the declines. I even stopped to take pictures. I met some truly nice people on the course and the race director is a great guy. The pasta dinner was very good.

This is what running is all about: Going back to the basics of dirt roads, hills, sunshine, carrying your own water and not having any worries about what mile you are on, what your time is, or what place your in. The people on the course were there for a reason, to support you and make sure you are alright. The athletes were supportive of each other and encouraged each other on. Great support on the course, and while it was very hard, it was well worth the effort.

Very enjoyable if you are looking for a low-key race with great scenery and affable race organizers. The course is quite difficult with 4 miles of "quad softening" downhill running at the start of the out-and-back course. There is then an immediate steep climb followed by another massive decline to the turnaround. The views during the race (other than a taxing 3 miles on pavement midway) are incredible and make the race. The runners are all friendly as this type of race attracts people out for a great experience (PR not possible unless it is your first marathon). I would definitely do it again.

I ran the full marathon in 2001 when I was in good running condition and the half marathon in 2005 when I was out of shape. I travel to Wyoming about twice a year to visit relatives in Cheyenne. Veedauwoo is an interesting place to go rock climbing or hiking (this is where miles 10 through 16 are run) and the odd shaped rocks provide a great backdrop as you descend to mile 13.1. It is an out-and-back course, so you basically run uphill during the second half - much fun!! This course will really toughen up your lungs! Aside from the 8700 ft elevation start and hills that go with it, you run through the beautiful forest of medicine bow and the scenery of Veedauwoo. Last year when I did the half marathon - the race director was nice enough to let me register late and still be an official runner of the race. Thanks Brent!

This is one of those races that nobody does for awards, times, or any other type of exposure. You will not find any of that with this race. This is a race for those of us that simply enjoy coming together with like-minded folks and pounding out some tough, but beautiful miles. The course is rough, but the gravel roads are forgiving on your legs. The last 4-5 miles are brutal, but I know will make me tougher runner. The weather can do anything that weekend (2006 was actually wonderful). Do this race if like tough, rewarding, and friendly races.

A challenging run through exceptional country. I thought the hills, altitude, and wind would be devastating to a coastal dweller - but only added about 20% to my best. Not that you should care about time on this one. The Vedauwoo area is just stunning! Plan to take some separate time for exploring and photographing this wonder. The couple of miles along the highway each way are the worst of it, especially if there's a cold windy rain. There's a decent pasta dinner at packet pick-up in Cheyenne. An easy drive up from Denver for those of us that need to fly to less expensive hubs. Well worth it.

I attended grad school in Laramie, so as a somewhat-local to Vedauwoo, I knew what to expect. You can't plan for the weather here, expect wind, then maybe snow or hail, sun, rain, and wind again. Or you could just luck out and have a completely clear day. Course is not speedy but Vedauwoo has the most amazing rock formations. To locals they are kind of a hidden secret that they don't want everyone to know about because it would not be cool if this place were overrun with tourists. There is a 3-mile stretch along I-80 that is expecially cold and windy, and you hit it twice because the course is out and back. Other than this, expect gorgeous scenery different than you're used to (expecially those from the eastern US). Good race to do if you want something different out of your marathon experience.

If you want crowds or PR's, stay away from this one. But, if you enjoy running for the thrill of it and if you appreciate beauty and great running weather, do this marathon. They don't get much prettier, especially the section through the Vedauwoo area. Yes, it's hilly and the altitude kills us flatlanders, but it's still awesome.

I'll be back... a real challenge with no time limit, a high altitude and cold winds (you can see your breath along I-80). The GPS tracked the miles at 27.72, not 26.2.

While this may not be for everyone, I found it a unique and great event. (God gets some credit for making a part of the world so beautiful--I was so taken with the juxtaposition of rock formations within forest land.) I rediscovered the joy of running in many ways, not the least of which was just not caring about my splits/over-all time. The out and back course gave you moments when you shared the camaraderie of other runners, with plenty of other time for solitude and reflection. NOTE: I gave 5 stars for 'Spectators' as there weren't any, as befits this event. I always carry my own water bottle, don't shop at race expos, prefer a good shrub/rock to a porta-pottie.......and they had size small shirts. This all comes close to making Brent a race director who delivers, in my book.

...just to make the race tougher. Start at 8700 feet and go down 600 feet, up 600 feet, down 600 feet, up 600 feet, down 600 feet and finally up a steep 600 feet for the longest last 4.5 miles of any marathon. Add a gale force head wind for most of the race. Blend in an intital wind chill in the 20's and it never got warmer(the reports of snow flurries were probably mirages). Don't expect cups at the 3 aid stations. Yet veteran marathoners keep going back. Why? Sue and Brent are great, the scenery is unbelievable, the camaraderie is excellent and when it's over, you know you've accomplished something (even at your PW time).

The marathon director of this race is very proud of the motto as stated on the race application, 'where the race director promises nothing, and he delivers.' Some of us hearty souls look at that as a challenge, and therefore expect 'nothing'. Actually there were a few places where the volunteers strategically placed full bottles of Gatorade and water - runners simply helped themselves. The scenic topography consisted of huge granite boulders and pine trees, remininiscent of Arizona. Look out for an abandoned structure and several 1950's vehicles after the marathon crosses under I-80... this gives the race a classic 'old West' feel. Incidentally, be mindful of the cattle-guard just before going through the tunnel under the freeway... in an effort to challenge runners, the director deliberately doesn't place plywood there. You don't want to injure yourself. As others have stated, it's very hilly throughout. The toughest challenge for most will be the fact that the last two to three miles are uphill. Don't expect a classy medal; 2002's was actually a medal of the state of Wyomings Seal, and not draped by a standard ribbon, but a small strand of ribbon attached to a pin that you could put on your old high school letterman's jacket. A primary motivation to run this one may be the pre-race pasta dinner, which is abundant with food, well organized and first class. Marathoners from around the US, many from the '50-states Marathon Club(s)' attend the event. Brent Weigner (Race Director) is pretty funny; his pre-race brief gave me quite a laugh.

I ran the marathon in 1998, 1999, and 2003, and the double in 2000 and 2001. If you're looking for a fast, easy course, try Chicago, because this isn't it. This course should be run slow and easy, and enjoyed. Start slow, and slow down from there. Expect to finish 30 to 60 minutes slower than a normal marathon - longer if you haven't done a lot of hill work. You can start out at normal marathon pace, because it is downhill, but slow down when you get to the first hill, or you won't enjoy the second half of the marathon. Most years the weather is cool enough that the limited water stops are not a major problem. A water bottle wouldn't be a bad idea, although I usually don't carry one. You will need to carry at least a cup to drink out, of as cups are not provided. Between miles 7 and 10, the course seems to be uphill. It is an optical illusion. Coming back, you will know it is uphill both ways. This is the least scenic part of the course, as it is the frontage road for I-80. It does provide most of the fan support (from drivers who honk and wave). The rest of the course is quiet, with beautiful scenery. Be ready for almost anything weather-wise, from snow to 80 degrees - perhaps in the same race, if you do the double. This is one of the few marathons that doesn't explicitly exclude dogs. Two of my dogs have completed the marathon (in much better condition than me). Other dogs have run parts of the marathon. If you do run with your dog, be sure to have it on a leash. You will need to have a way to get it water, and make provisions for letting it drop out if need be. Be sure that your dog has trained for long distances in hot weather. Most dogs I have run with would have trouble running this marathon in a hot year. There are a number of cattle guards, so be sure the dog can walk across them. Ask the race director if it is ok for your dog to run. Start at the back of the pack, so your dog doesn't interfere with the other runners. The course is about 30 feet wide, so there is no problem passing people after the first 1/4 mile. Don't consider this a race and don't plan on winning it. Most of the runners are either training for a 100-miler or trying to check off one more state. The winning times are slow. Often the person you are racing up that last 4-mile climb turns around and runs the second half of the double. This is a run to be enjoyed, not raced.

What a treat this was. I knew from the outset that (1) the course would be very hard, (2) there are virtually no race amenities, (3) that there would only be comparatively few participants, and (4) I would need to carry my own water. Most of all I new that thin air would be extra hard on a flat-lander's lungs, so I planned accordingly. I thought all who organized and supported the race were cordial, competent, and convivial. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was wonderful. A full moon setting and a rosy pink sunrise occurring simultaneously. After I finish the 50 states plus DC, I will definitely return.

Beautiful scenery, adequate support but bring a water bottle for refills, and very helpful volunteers. I liked the mile markers which I understand were new this year! Truly an arduous course at high elevation...but a winner! Would do it again. I was, however, disappointed by the sparse pasta dinner, which I was told was one of the best in previous years. Not much variety...would pass on that.