Salmon Marathon - Race Reviews

I highly recommend this race. It lacks for nothing, except for big crowds - if you're into that kind of thing. The organizers do a great job. A nice point-to-point course in a pretty area, on almost all dirt road so it does not beat you up at all. The finish in the city park by the river is excellent, providing a chance to soak your legs in cold water after the run to kick-start recovery. I did this race with some others as a ID/MT combo weekend, and it was excellent. Salmon is a nice little town, and there is a lot to do and see within a few hours driving distance (hey, you're probably going to be doing some driving to get there anyway), especially for Lewis and Clark buffs.

I don't know what more I can say than hasn't been already said. They put on a world class marathon and everything is just as well done as the biggest marathons in the country! Fast, scenic, flawlessly executed, and not an ounce of home grown local flavor is lost. This was my 7th time running Salmon and we'll make it 8th, 9th, 10th, etc. Mark your calendar for September 10th 2016. You wont be disappointed. I think last time I rated fans a 4 Star because there are few. However the fans were soooo enthusiastic and nice (I even gave an autograph to some kids!) and if you count the wildlife as spectators the entire course was well attended ;)

By all accounts this was a nice race before the current Race Director took it over, but now it is outstanding. The early morning start allows for continuously changing scenic views as the sun reaches each of the surrounding hills. We saw a variety of wildlife along the course, including elk, deer, hawks, and jackrabbits. The race is run primarily on a dirt road, and it a net downhill. Aid stations were well stocked and each included its own port-o-let. Race staff and volunteers, including the course turn monitors on horseback were all friendly and enthusiastic. Highly recommend this race to marathoners of all abilities.

This was my second time running the Salmon Marathon and it was even better than the first. This is the best marathon course I have ever run. Absolutely beautiful scenery, perfect race conditions, great volunteers, and a very fast course make for a great experience. Salmon, ID may be a little out of the way to get to, but it is certainly worth the trip.

I loved this marathon. The course was the most beautiful I have every run. The scenery is superb. Lots of aids station and porta potties along the way. Cups were large with plenty of water, more than at most marathons. Some were manned by high school volunteers, one by senior ladies and one was doing her knitting so great small town feel. Horses to pat along the way. Everyone was so friendly and supportive. I really did not want this race to be over. Finish was in a park by the Salmon river. Plenty of food. Unique medals and awards, I got one and love it. Everything was in keeping with the area, all depicting salmon. Only downside was the fact that I had registered and was not on the confirmation list. I emailed and really got no response. They sorted it out when I arrived but this meant that I did not receive the email with instructions so did not know about the clothing drop at the start. Also the school was supposed to be open but was not and it was quite cold waiting for the start. I can overlook the couple of glitches because I loved this race so much. The altitude took its toll on me as I am from the coast but it just meant I was out there longer and could enjoy the scenery for longer. I would definitely run this one again.

So many nice things about this one. Salmon in a perfect small resort town in the mountains (high elevation is hard on us Midwesterners, though). Great host hotel (Stage Coach Inn is on the Salmon River with very helpful staff), restaurants (check out the microbrewery), activities (Lewis and Clark's Sacajawea museum, white water rafting, soaking in an open-air hot spring, etc.). Course beautiful and mostly peaceful (took one Fans star off for several horse trailer pickups that don't slow on a gravel road for runners). Couple tough hills (at 7 and 14) so be sure to link from the marathon website to the USATF elevation chart, and train for those two. Event limited to 300, so jostle-free start with chip timing. Perfect start time (6:00 a.m.) just at dawn, with a schoolhouse to stay warm in until go time. If you run at less than 7-hour pace (as you must or the course closes), you should stay clear of the half marathoners that start in the middle of the course at 9:30 a.m. Good course support (thank you, Salmon Backcountry Horsemen for your help at intersections). Free pre- and post-race food on the finish island in the Salmon River, including pizza and microbrewery beer. Certified massage therapists at finish. Nice salmon medal and quick results. Top-quality, long-sleeved t-shirt and awards. Overall, a good choice for an Idaho marathon.

The setting for this race was spectacular. Salmon and its surrounding area are beautiful, and the race course took full advantage of the scenery. The race started at dawn just outside a one-room schoolhouse. Early in the race we passed some farms, and I could not quite tell whether the cows were simply saying "moooo" or "fooooools." Either way, it was nice to have support from the livestock. The race is gradually downhill. With the exception of two longer hills, each short rise in the terrain was followed by a nice decline. The spectators on the course were supportive. Salmon is not that big a town, and this was a community event. The riders on horses at the intersections were a nice touch. The finish and post-race party were in a park along the Salmon River. There was a bluegrass band playing and enough to eat and drink. This was a well organized race and the town should be proud.

Good things about this marathon: Well organized, easy to get to the start, didn't have to get up super early to catch the bus, cheap hotels available. Things that need to be better: 1. No more Dixie cups for water (I had to drink 4 cups at each station; the cups were only 1/2 full). PLEASE GET SOME DECENT-SIZED CUPS! 2. Need a water station at mile 21. I went 5 miles with no water... unacceptable this late in the race. I understand someone went to the wrong location, but excuses don't matter when you are running a marathon and there is insufficient water. Follow-up to ensure that all stations are manned.

The race director is organized, everywhere at once, kind, and attentive. She sent an email before hand with particulars, and afterward. The course was awesome: perfect start time (dawn over the mountains), perfect course, well marked with chalk, well covered by encouraging horse-riders, both on gravel and asphalt, and with a lot of easy downhills. I had a PR. :) Gorgeous scenery the entire time and running through town at the end was carefully patrolled with a wide lane - not just a road shoulder. Townspeople were great: lots of welcome signs, some fine local eateries, an artist coop, and a wonderful, local-made and owned jewelry store. Great start: one room school house. Great finish: downtown park by the river and farmer's market. Great hills and mountains every step in between. Best of all, of course: original, well designed, great colored tech shirt and better-than-most medal and winners' trophies. I'll be back; this is a great destination run.

My husband and I were searching for a small, scenic venue. Salmon was just perfect. The mountains and the Russian olive trees were beautiful. A moose ran through a pasture adjacent to our route during the first mile! The volunteers were extremely helpful, and there were plenty of pitstops. The town truly rallied around the runners, which provided for a very fun finish. Our two kids were actually able to run the last mile with us on the sidewalk! We loved the Junkyard Bistro so much that we ate there twice. We'll be back.

My husband and I both ran the Salmon Marathon (he for his 50 state marathon goal). First of all, the one-room schoolhouse that we were taken to by bus was charming. The course was probably the most scenic we have run - on a dirt road up in the mountains with gorgeous vistas and quaint buildings. The run was mostly downhill but gradual, and there was one most challenging gradual climb. The horseback riders at the junctions added a unique experience, especially at the top of that gradual climb - on the mountain with nothing but blue skies behind them. At the end of the race, we sat in the Salmon River to heal our tired muscles. Met some nice folks in that river. Who cares about chip timing when the race is small enough! The fact that there was no medal was disappointing but apparently that is being remedied. The salmon supper made up for the lack of food at the finish line. We stayed some extra days at the Sacajawea Inn and enjoyed the blue skies and lovely scenery. I wouldn't mind doing this run again!!

This is a nice event and I am glad I participated. Overall I'd grade the event a B+. I will run Salmon again, but probably a few years down the road, because there is room for improvement that I'd like to see made. Granted, the race is only in its second year (resurrected), so I believe the race organizers will improve the event with experience. The salmon bake dinner was a nice touch. Chip timing was advertised but didn't happen. Hey - these things happen, I realize. We couldn't hear the countdown at the starting line. People were not ready for the gun to sound. I did not PR at Salmon, but placed my best ever in a marathon. I'm proud of my performance!...and, I'd like a medal to show for it! (Call me vain, I guess.) Not receiving a marathon medal may not bother some, but it bothers me because I am so proud of my 33 marathons!...yet have only 32 medals. They gave us the cheesiest "finisher's poster," which really reflects poorly on their budget decisions. The poster probably cost nothing because it has a pair of branded sneakers (with logo) front and center, with a small mention of the "Salmon Marathon." No date, and no picture of Salmon, the mountains or the river, but, instead, the cheesiest picture of branded sneakers. Thanks, but no thanks. I'd like my medal, please. Despite my rant, don't miss the bigger point: the overall experience was very favorable (B+), and I will return when they are able to tune up the organization a bit.

Dreams can come true in unexpected (and a-little-out-of-the-way) places. My time goal consisted of four tiers: Expected, Realistic, Dream and Fantasy. Thanks to multiple factors, I lived my fantasy in Salmon, ID! This course is FAST despite those two humps on the elevation profile. Why? Aside from the 950-foot drop, the hills are challenging but not sufficiently steep to totally sap your strength if a bit of patience is applied. Being from Colorado, the wondrous western landscapes were comparable to the accustomed home state beauty. And let me add a few other quick compliments: - Aid stations were plentiful and well staffed. - Thanks for the provision of numerous and well placed porta-potties. - The little school house indoor start was ideal for a "small event." - The horsemen and women added a special western flavor, especially the woman congratulating us after the hard part and reassuring that the rest was downhill. - Even the expected issues proved not a problem. (The vehicular traffic was rare and extremely courteous and the dirt/gravel surface that predominated did not result in the anticipated pebble collection in the shoes for whatever reason.) - Finally, I guess the staff and volunteers can't take credit for the absolutely perfect weather conditions. Nevertheless, thanks for helping me achieve my dream marathon!! P.S. If anyone finds a faster course, call me. I'm listed in Longmont, CO!

I paid for a plane ticket, rental car, motel room, ran 26.2 miles and all I got was a small, generic window advertising poster that said, "Salmon Marathon" and the date. It's a throw-away! Post-race had oranges, bagels, bananas and a cooler of water. If you wanted real food, you could buy it from the ladies stationed next to the free food. Hint to all race directors: if the temperature is in the 80s, hot water and hot HEED suck. Have some ice for those of us out on the course for more than 4 hours. I talked to a few runners the next day who were as disappointed (or more) than I was. Don't slap runners in the face by giving them as a finisher's award an advertising shoe poster that has nothing to do with the race.

I had a great time at this race. The host motel was terrific - even setting up the standard continental breakfast at 5 a.m. for runners. While food was scarce at the end, the sit-down salmon dinner later that day was a nice treat. Folks who didn't stick around for the dance missed out - there was a great band, and a raffle to benefit the local search and rescue organization.

This was an incredibly well-run event in every respect. Put it on your list of great destination races. The course was scenic and pleasant to run. Water stops were well-staffed. Traffic control was superb. The town totally embraced the participants. The finish area was organized and efficient. Post-race entertainment was a special bonus. Salmon is off the beaten path, but it is well worth the effort.

This is a small-town race with small-town charm. Very well organized, awesome scenery, enthusiastic crowds, and great post-race party. The shirts were high quality, the medals unique, and the town inviting. This is one of the hidden gems out there. You won't be disappointed. Afterward, there are plenty of mountains to climb, trails to hike, and rivers to fish and raft. And, don't forget to try the Lost Trail Pale Ale down in town!

This race was so well organized that it was hard to believe it was the inaugural running. I've read the comments from others and I agree with all the positive things said. I'm a flat-lander and my body knew when it was going uphill due to the altitude, but I still had an excellent finish time and recommend this race wholeheartedly. Thanks for all the support from townspeople and volunteers. Kudos to race director Kathy Gatens for going the extra mile in many ways! Her passion is Whitewater Therapeutic, which benefits from race proceeds. Pitch in a little with your race entry; it's a good cause.

I drove a long way to run this marathon and it was well worth it. The Salmon Marathon is one of the top marathons on my list. The race was very well organized, which was especially impressive since it was the first Salmon Marathon. There were so many things that were done very well in this race, including the course, the aid stations, the friendly and enthusiastic volunteers, the race shirt, and the start at a one-room school house, where you could stay inside to keep warm until the start. I would definitely recommend this race.

If you are looking for a small marathon where the whole town is behind you, this is it. Very well organized on a beautiful course where you can stop and pet a goat and still qualify for Boston. Even the weather was perfect. Run this one next year, but wear good, stable shoes for the road.

What a fantastic event the good folks in Salmon, Idaho put together. Put it on your race calendar for 2009! This point-to-point race starts at an altitude of 4,881 ft and follows a dirt road into Salmon, ID where it ends on the bank of the Salmon river at 3,931 feet. It is downhill with a few rolling hills. There are two inclines at mile 7 (steep, but short) and mile 14 where the course takes a 1.5-mile out-and-back up a drain. This is a fast course! In my running group of five, we set three PRs! The race is a Boston qualifier. The entire event is superbly organized! Support stations were every two miles with plenty of volunteers, water, Heed and porta-potties. The intersections along the road were staffed by members of a local horseback riding group. Other attractions included a moose at mile 3, a senior citizen group singing "God Bless America" at mile 5, hawks circling low in the sky at mile 18, and a herd of goats at mile 21.

I, without reservation, endorse and second everything already said about the event and appreciate and endorse the charity it supported, White Water Therapy. Kathy, the race director, is absolutely first rate.

If you're tired of running marathons on city streets, this is for you. Very well organized, with the whole town pitching in. Solid: Aid every 2 miles. Plenty of port-o-potties. Organized transportation to the start. Well marked. Good communication going into the race. Valley and mountain scenery. Nice shirt. Nice free events surrounding the race. Unique: Horsemen (and women) at all turns or potential wrong turns to point the way. Point-to-point race that was staged at a small-town schoolhouse so that you don't get cold waiting for the start. Almost the whole race is run on gravel roads with good surfaces. Great small-town atmosphere. Nice views. Wood-carved finisher's medallion. Crowd support: This is a small marathon, so your fellow runners become intimate. There were limited places for crowd support (at the intersections around every 5 miles), but the crowd that was there was very enthusiastic. The base crowd rating is 2 stars due to the size, but raise it one star for the local ladies singing in front of their house, and raise it another star for the enthusiastic support of the moose, cows, and goats along the course. The cows were very supportive! This is a friendly atmosphere. Nice race, and the weather was perfect.

This race was run very well; from the race director, down to the volunteers, even the cow lady was great. Deer, moose, goats - all kinds of things to see. It's definitely worth doing again. This rates up there as one of my top 10 picks....

Beautiful day for a run in the Idaho countryside. Race director and town's folks went out of their way to make it an enjoyable experience. Spectators were sparse but extremely enthusiastic. Thank you so very much for making it a fun day.

This was a great race. The course was incredible and the people of Salmon were very supportive and friendly.

My wife and I ran this race and wow! If you didn't know it was the inaugural year, you would have thought they had been doing it for 20. EVERYTHING was perfect. The course, the food, the buses, the hospitality, etc. - all went off without a hitch. And I know you can't give credit to a race director for weather, but that was perfect too. I only gave the fan rating a 4 because it's a rural marathon. The fans that were there were great, and for a small town, there were actually a lot of people cheering. Except the moose just stared. The cows at least did their best to act scared and ran about in a frenzy. :) THANK YOU, SALMON (the whole town!). We'll be back! Oh, the course is super fast too, and we'll be taking our finish times to Boston!

The Salmon Marathon is a very special race. I have completed 59 marathons and this one is at the top of my list. The pluses for the race include: (1) excellent organization; (2) great course and scenery; (3) very nice medal (4); an abundance of friendliness from fans and fellow runners. I saw some cows, some deer, and a moose ("cool," huh?). If you need a run in Idaho, consider this one. You won't be disappointed.