Bear Lake Marathon - Race Reviews

This race is the third of the "Trifecta" - Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah, in that order - and this was my second of those (I skipped Idaho). I loved the Wyoming leg (separate review) and I really liked this one too. Setting aside that it is a later race, it is significantly more challenging than Wyoming. The elevation didn't seem to bother me much even though I came from sea level, but unlike the Wyoming leg, this has a 2-3 mile trail path that is hilly, slightly rocky in parts, and new for me as a mostly road runner. So expect more effort if you're planning the trifecta. And the sun is relentless, with shade along maybe a couple hundred feet the entire race, even with a 7 am start. As for safety, this is along mostly country roads, most of them quiet, and I had no problem with local traffic, but you do need to be mindful of it. The race has a small field (I think around 70 this year) but I have found that to be a major plus as the runners were very supportive, with a lot of 50-staters who bring a positive vibe, along with family that would follow their racer along the event. This made up for the fact that without those people, there would be very few spectators except for maybe the first and last mile. Beautiful views and really a nice out and back. I found the organization and support to be excellent. It's small and informal, but robustly supported for the size of the race, with water/snack stations (mostly manned) every 2-3 miles, appropriately placed and spaced toilets, and clear trail markings with very little chance of getting lost. (The only turn I almost missed was right at the 26.0 mark when there is a little u diversion on a city street that your mind wants to ignore when you can clearly see the finish line. An attendant or sign there would be good in addition to the trail markings that were there). The support from the volunteers and the friends of other runners really made the race. I really loved this race, which was my first back-to-back marathon run. I highly recommend it.

Utah's day of the Bear Lake Trifecta was Saturday. On Thursday we ran Idaho. On Friday we ran Wyoming. Utah's course was the most varied and challenging with a steep trail portion but we also were treated to the best views of Bear Lake. The race was sold twice between the time I signed up for the challenge and the time I ran it. The new owners are working on improving it and I think they did a lot with limited resources. This was my first multiple marathons back to back. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of crazy marathoners from all over, including a couple of Englishmen. The camaraderie during the series was wonderful. The courses are very wide open so bring your sunscreen. Port-a-potties were every two miles and the water stops were well supplied. Once I finish my fifth states I hope to return.

Well. I don't have a lot of good things to say about this race. It was very disorganized. They didn't give us hardly any race details until the week of the marathon. The morning of, things weren't set up and the director informed us that the half marathon was a mile short. The course had about eight miles of dirt track and half of it was an ATV path covered in dangerous rocks. Along those paths was a septic pond and nothing pushes you four miles like the smell of turd. The track was a 13.1 mile course that you turn around and ran back. There was no mention of that and there was no mention of dirt paths. When I finished I looked forward to collecting my 'awesome swag' they advertise. Apparently all swag was was some ugly shirt and a metal. Disappointing. Honestly, find a better marathon.

The course is asphalt, through beautiful farm country, with newly green fields, and full of fat cattle, horses, and sheep. Also many new wild flowers and bird songs. The weather was ideal, cool, breezy, and partly overcast. There was no shade, because there were few trees, but since the sun was clouded, it did not matter. The course was well marked and aid stations were frequent and well stocked. All the race workers were very friendly and my hat is off to the race director Jered, who was so generous with goodies (shirt, hat, jacket, and very nice finisher medals) and a wonderful attitude.

Overall, I was disappointed in this race, which I ran as part of the three-race series. The course did not spend as much time near the lake as I had expected, and there were some scary stretches along a highway with no berm. I did not realize that most people were taking the early start, and as a slower runner, I spent the entire day by myself. The water at the self-serve aid stations was warm, and the buzzards were circling overhead. But they did keep the finish line open for me to get an official time, and I did enjoy the meals and accommodations at the guest house arranged by the race director. But if I had it to do over, I think I would choose another race for my Utah marathon experience.

To summarize as many of the problems that I can remember: 1. Information about the event(s) was not at packet pickup (start times, addresses, etc.). Plus, packet pickup was a complete disaster with nothing being pre-packed and most people having to get bibs and shirts for 3 marathons. 2. The 'race document' that was emailed was inconsistent with what was on the website (esp. Thursday WY start times for the full). 3. Trifecta runners did not get tech shirts, just plain cotton - and the logo on my shirt is already cracked and fading, less than 2 months after the event. 4. Participants were supposed to order finisher's jackets in advance online, but the website wasn't working, so people were told to get them at packet pickup and then they were sold out (before packet pickup started). 5. The race director generally seemed inconvenienced by the races and the runners. Never truly accepted responsibility for ANYTHING that went wrong. 6. Ran out of water multiple times and didn't have Gatorade prepared on the course. I had to make it myself as I ran by. 7. Incorrect course markings - which caused the #1 male to get DQ'd from the Utah marathon and the trifecta, costing him LOTS of prize money. Not to mention, it cost others of us time and confusion because the signs were inaccurate. 8. Horrible organization of early starters. Several people just 'reported' their time to him - no official tracking or accountability. 9. Promised a post-race cookout after the last event and didn't show up. 10. NEVER held an award's ceremony (for any of the marathons), promised to send age group awards in the mail, never did - and won't respond to inquires about them. I have emailed 3 times (for the first time about 4 weeks after the race) and have gotten no response. 11. Increased prices for 2016 - what a joke!! 12. I spoke to A LOT of other runners who were equally disappointed and baffled by the lack of professionalism. Everyone on Facebook was acting like this event was the best race ever - but that is certainly not the case. I have never even participated in a local fundraising 5k with such horrible and numerous problems. This was the worst race, much less marathon(s), I have ever participated in.

Glad I participated to knock Idaho Utah and Wyoming off my list of 50 states. It has all the making of a great time but needs much better organization. Shortly after the start, there was confusion of the course. There were signs that pointed in conflicting directions. Even the race pacers went the wrong way. People stopped running and huddled together to try to figure out which was the correct way. This was less than a mile into the race. Another complete cluster is the early starters. There were plenty of them, which is fine, but the results listed take this not into account. People who started an hour early are listed on the results of finishing before those who started at the regular time. This has all the makings of a nice race, but it certainly needs to be fine tuned.

I have run the Bear Lake half marathon for the last 5 years. This year I signed up and paid for a large tech race shirt. They sold them the day before and the only option I had was for an extra-large that doesn't fit. The new course is terrible, hot and boring! It doesn't even run along the lake. It is mostly around a town on a dirt road called Lake Town. I would change the name to the hot and dry lake town boring half marathon. Drink stations had no body at them and we were not told that they also would not have cups. Please change the course back to what it has been. Communicate better and at least place the course where people can actually come to cheer for you.

I was one of those runners who chose to double - I ran the smaller Bear Lake Idaho race the day before. This course heads south on the east side of the lake and curves around the bottom to finish in Garden City, Utah, a small town. We were bused out to the start and it was very casual; we were given the option to begin at any time and were told that if we did so, we had to keep track of our time. Some runners started VERY early; we saw them around mile 14 as we went by in the buses. The course is gorgeous with plenty of downhills and runs almost completely along Bear Lake. There also was some deer roadkill early on in the course; mostly bones and fur on the side of the road. At one point, however, a large deer was just lying there stiff. It was kind of creepy - it just made me run a little faster to get by. I suppose that's life in the mountains. One big plus - the mile markers counted down from 26, so by the time I saw the '4 miles to go' sign (my old nemesis mile 22), I was very happy indeed. I thought this was a cool way to present the distance. There were a few spectators - friends and family of other runners - and very well-stocked aid stations with cold Gatorade and gels. One of the later stops had candy and fruit, and the stations were run by Army men and women. Many of the same soldiers had volunteered at the stations at the Idaho race the day before and it was inspiring to have them there. The weather was clear, dry, and a little warm; there were volunteers driving the course handing out water and gels in between aid stations. The Bear Lake series is highly recommended for runners looking to run a no hassle double and get two beautiful states finished. However, the Bear Lake Marathon by itself would be a tremendous race for a first-timer or a newcomer. The scenery is beautiful, the point-to-point course is both roll-y and flat.

If you are looking for a marathon with bands, throngs of spectators, a huge party at the end, or clocks at every mile marker, you'll want to skip this marathon. However, if you want a well run marathon that delivers on a beautiful, accurate course, an affordable price, a couple hundred friendly runners, and ample support, you'll find it at the Bear Lake Marathon. The course is certainly challenging - in terms of rolling hills (no back breakers, but it seemed like the course was more uphill than not). Another challenge is that you'll be running at elevation (approximately 6000 feet). The course is run on roads around the lake. There is minimal car traffic at the start but the later miles, as you head back into town, you will have to pay attention to traffic. Also the race gets significantly warmer as the sun bakes the west side of the lake. The shirt is a high-quality tech shirt, the medal was interesting but certainly not the best I've gotten, and there was water / sports drink / gels every 2 miles (starting at mile 3.2). The start was pretty unassuming - a simple ready set go pretty much 5 minutes after the buses arrived. Also the buses to the race start were full and had standing room only. The finishing area had plenty of food, even for the late marathon finishers. Just don't expect a huge crowd of people cheering for you as you come in... again this is a small race. I would certainly run this marathon again. The course is absolutely stunning and it is a low pressure way to get Idaho or Utah off your 50-state list. Just keep your expectations in check and remember to enjoy the views. Tip: go to the lake afterwards and take an impromptu ice bath. I have never felt less sore after a marathon after having done that.

I ran the Friday marathon (the smaller of the two events) and then braved a second marathon in two days. The Saturday race is larger mainly because there are multiple events (Half, 10K and 5K). The marathon itself had 119 finishers as opposed to the 98 finishers on Friday. We enjoy spectacular scenery as we run around the south end of Bear Lake (beginning on the east side of the lake and ending in Garden City). They have shuttle buses that take us out to the start line. these buses then shuttle the Half marathoners to the start. There are some mild rollers the first 8 miles or so but after that the course is super flat. The support was excellent. Aid stops every mile and a half or so with water and gatorade (different flavors at different stops. a nice touch). There were also many stops with gel (all having multiple flavor options) The first 20 miles the roads were super quiet. They are not closed but it isn't needed. You can literally go miles between cars. Most of those cars were family or friends of runners. If you want family to get to see you often during a race this is the race. There is a stretch from 20 to 23 where runners run along a moderately busy road. It was really no big deal but I guess it could be if you encounter a rude driver. The final 3 miles we run on a bike path that runs along the road so no problem then. I hurt my knee on the run and didn't finish until almost 6 hours and I felt supported even finishing that late. That is a sign of a good race!! We got a nice shirt and medal. I also appreciated the morning bib pick-up. I flew into Salt Lake City and stayed in Logan Ut. It was a tad far away from Garden City (40 miles) but the ride was gorgeous.

I ran both the Friday Idaho run and Saturday's Utah run. The race directors did everything imaginable to make both days a success. Course is beautiful, support great, volunteers friendly. I'll go back.

Let me begin by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed this race. The volunteers are incredible, the course is very pretty (and simple), and the race is relatively well organized considering it is a two-day, multiple race event. The course - The marathon course for the Utah portion (the more popular and more well-supported of the two) is very lovely indeed, with views of the mountains and lake present virtually the entire race. The first 10 miles or so are full of rolling hills, but the the grades are fairly gentle. There was also an intermittent head wind during the first half of the race, but obviously no one is to blame for that! For the first time in my running life, I actually completed the second half of the marathon faster than the first half. Not to suggest this will be the case for everyone, but the course is essentially dead flat the entire 2nd half. The last 10 miles or so are run on a somewhat busy state highway and, for understandable reasons, they are unable to close the road (there is a paved trail for the last miles before the park finish). Loved the finishers medal, expo, post-race support, volunteer enthusiasm, etc. Nothing but first-class. My only real 'criticism' if you would even call it that is this: As a 'faster' marathoner, I found it a bit frustrating once I caught up to the large contingent of half-marathoners, 10k runners, and marathon walkers around mile 17 and was forced to weave my way through them (not to mention the oncoming traffic which exacerbated the situation), constantly having to dart this way or that, changing direction to avoid them....Definitely made it a little more difficult to focus on maintaining my pace, plus the sharp darting and direction changes are no fun on 'jello' legs :) I realize there is little that can be done about this, as the course is shared by all race distance participants. Just a thought for any marathoner shooting for a 'faster' time. The other runners (regardless of distance) were supportive, enthusiastic, and incredibly friendly, as were the fabulous, self-less volunteers who manned the aid stations and finish line. Thanks to mammoth for a great race! I would definitely come back for this one.

I ran the Friday 'Idaho' marathon followed by the Saturday main marathon in Utah. The Friday event is small, limited help, no real support, but a whole lot of fun ! Don't know the numbers but I bet it was under a hundred runners. The course is spectacular, a point to point loop around half of Bear Lake. You can choose to finish the loop, and circle the entire lake the next day if you desire. Finishers get a cool 'back to back' marathon medal . I know the organizers are busy enough with the Saturday race but cant give them enough thanks for setting up the Friday race as well. huge thumbs up !

This was my first organized race and I ran the half marathon, which was Saturday. I felt at the time that it was good, but since I have run other races since then, I really don't think that it measures up. The organization wasn't as great, it seemed a little unorganized, and while the aid stations were okay, it would have been nice to have them more frequent. My biggest complaint was the lack of porta-potties. Many runners were just left to do their business on the side of the road due to the lack of potties. Not cool when it is freezing and raining. When you did get to a potty, the lines were so long that it made the bushes look like a better option. At the end of the race the spectators were good, but I wondered where they were till the last mile. I know it is a small town, but there were practically no one to cheer you on. However, the scenery is awesome. I love how it is pretty flat. I also liked that it was a smaller race; for my first that was nice.

The race organization for the Friday and Saturday marathons is impressive. I didn't have high expectation for a small race, but they went above and beyond to exceed them. It is obvious that the organizers enjoy what they do. Ladies, they had nice women's tech shirts for both days, so take that into consideration when picking your shirt size. I usually wear my race shirts once then they go to charity. These are so nice that I will be keeping them. Aid stations along the way were great. Plenty of GU, PowerAde, water, and occasional fruit and snacks and fun volunteers. Looking forward to running another marathon with Mammoth Marathons.

Fairly easy course (but be warned it is at altitude), with rolling hills to start. Great organization, with plenty of drinks, GU, fruit, etc. at frequent intervals. Volunteers were awesome. Beautiful scenery along Bear Lake. Weather started off nice and then got nasty. Make sure to bring a running jacket and gloves just in case. A nice finishing medal as well. Post-race party was lacking much in the way of food and drinks. That's really the only thing that needs to be improved. Overall, a great race.

This was an amazingly organized race for one so small. Issues brought up in previous years' reviews were clearly taken into consideration this year. There were plenty of aid stations with water, GU (different GU flavors), Gatorade, port-a-potties, first aid kits, friendly volunteers, etc. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate on Saturday, and I'm pretty sure it hailed on me - but the RD drove around with garbage bags for runners to wear when the rain got bad. The volunteers THANKED us for running, when clearly they needed to be thanked for standing in the cold rain, waiting for us slower "runners" to arrive. I wasn't thrilled with the traffic towards the end of the race, because I wasn't confident that the cars weren't going to hit me - not sure why they had to speed by me in the pouring rain. The RD did remind us at the beginning of the marathon, though, that since they couldn't close the roads we needed to be more aware of the cars and to stay on the shoulder of the roads. Scenery was gorgeous - even the dark black clouds and rain over the mountain were pretty. I found that the organization and attitude toward the runners (slow and fast) made this one of the best marathons I've run.

The course is quite simple but generally lovely. All along the lake, there are a variety of sights to see that are really breathtaking and enjoyable. A less enjoyable part is toward the middle-end, when we were along a sort of busy road with cars coming near us! Also along the race, it was kind of cool the way they counted down miles to go, instead of telling you what mile you were at (like most races do). The aid stations were sorta blah - no good energy drinks, and bare-bones energy gels. Post-race was ok; there were a few cookies and some fruit, but a bit more variety might be nice. Organization was better than the previous day (this group allows racers to do two marathons in a row, to run around the whole lake - pretty awesome!), although we still started late. At least there were a few more bathrooms (though they still need more!) and mile makers (the day before there were none!). There were no spectators to speak of, so it is a pretty mellow time. So in closing, for what this race offers (especially in conjunction with the double they put on from the day before), it is great; and with a few adjustments, this could be a pretty perfect race.

I hope to see this company keep up their usual high standards for their events. This group really makes runners feel like their participation is valued and that they aren't just in it for the money. They offer two marathons in two days around Bear Lake so that runners can get the experience of running around the whole lake, and can get two states in if they are trying to get all 50 done. Organizing two marathons in two days must be an extreme hassle, and they do this for the runners. The first day was a little less supported, but this was advertised beforehand. They actually drove my car to the finish line for me in exchange for taking some people back to the start line. The second day I took some early starters to the start line and then one of the RDs drove me back from the finish - amazing. I also ran both marathons injured (dumb, I know), and while I usually finish in 4-ish, I knew I would be a lot longer (6-ish?); I asked the RD what the cutoff time was and he told me that there wasn't really one and that, if necessary, he would just drive behind me until I finished. They don't have to do that - that is just unheard of! Anyway, I hope that they continue this high level of quality events as they get bigger - and they will, if they keep this up. I have run another marathon with this group ("Little Grand Canyon"), and it remains my favorite out of the 17 I have done so far. My only "complaint" is that both medals for the first and second marathons were exactly the same. No big deal though. I also rated the "spectators" category 5/5, but really it should be N/A. There weren't any spectators... and that's great for me. I hate people saying dumb things like, "Almost there" - with 18 miles to go - and "Lookin' good," when this is clearly not the case. So... thanks again, Mammoth Marathons. Keep up the great work!

Nice area, good weather, helpful volunteers - overall, a great experience. Cut the oranges and bananas next time and control the traffic, and you've got yourself a classic!

Running lakeside in the early morning as a white pelican skims the placid blue surface of Bear Lake is indeed a scenic experience that all should enjoy. While the highway portion of the run could be a bit disconcerting at times, I didn't think it was too bad. Another great marathon to add to Utah's growing list of classic runs.

Bear Lake is beautiful! Breathtaking - and getting to run around half of it was an overall great experience. My biggest problem was the last 10 miles on the side of a busy highway; for me (60 years-old), it was just not wide enough. The trucks and cars went by fast, but next time they will have some signs up to warn the drivers, so that would help. The organization and organizers were super! Fruit (oranges and bananas), GU, water and Gatorade at most of the stops, good road surface, porta-potties along the way, but no encouragement from the community. Perhaps they just did not know what to expect. We had a lovely time in this community of Garden City. These guys are the best!

The Pros: Race Directors: Jared, Dwayne and Corey are enthusiastic, flexible and eager to please Setting: The race is run around a gorgeous, deep blue lake surrounded by mountains on the Utah-Idaho boundary. (Attention 50 Staters: The race can count for either state.) Weather: The entire race was cool, even for us at the back of the pack. Raspberry Shakes: A Bear Lake specialty not to be missed. The Cons: Traffic: Miles 17-24 are run on the shoulder of a state highway, where some of the drivers are not runner-friendly (pay attention). Hills: Rolling for Miles 1-8 (but not too tough).