Jackson Hole Marathon - Race Reviews

5 stars across the board for holding this marathon and making it a success in such a challenging era. Everything else I had signed up for had cancelled yet Jackson Hole was able to pull it off. A lot of the usual race pageantry was reduced or limited but the whole idea of still being able to run made it fantastic. Major credit to all the volunteers who showed up on a wet and windy day which gave us the opportunity to have some sense of normalcy. Despite the clouds and rain, you could get a pretty good idea of the amazing scenery that this part of the country holds. Although I had just come in from sea level the day before, the altitude didn't have too much of an impact. The course seem to be quite flat given the terrain in this part of the country. I hit my watch to start and then at the end to finish, and there were no clocks along the way to judge the time. Just able to enjoy running again with the spectacular backdrop of the Tetons.

This is very low key marathon, about 200 full marathon runners. The race started 5 minutes late than scheduled. The course is beautiful, temperature at lower 40s. The whole course is marked well. No cup, which makes it not easy to run since you need to carry your own bottle, but not bother me that much. The most I don't like is when you crossed the finished line, 1. No photo taken by organizer, at least I didn't see. 2. No heat sheet which made you feel cold somehow. 3. No water close by, you need to walk a while to get it. 4. The girl took my drink ticket for a bottle of water, which made me very uncomfortable. I ran a marathon, drink a bottle of water that needs a ticket, come on that is too much. It may just happened to me, but I don't like it. I ran 20 some marathons, this is the first time ever. What is wrong with this race!

I doubled this race with American Discovery Trail in Colorado Springs, CO (Labor day). This is the ultimate small-town - scenic race. I loved the Low-key start. We took the bus from Teton Village. No issues involved in transportation or parking. The website is very detailed and helpful. The course started at the square and we stayed mostly on the bike trail. I was holding out hope that this Mississippi girl might actually get to see her first Moose, but I didn't get lucky this time. :/ Scenery was otherwise beautiful! I never got bored. Bottom line: A must!

At over 6,000 ft. altitude it might be of benefit to head into town early and spend some time partaking of all the attractions in the Grand Teton area while acclimating. It is convenient to stay at a hotel in Jackson where you can walk to packet p/u and race start. Packet pickup was easy but no expo. Plenty of restroom options around the start. The course was attractive throughout and away from traffic except towards the end. There are rolling hills that were not big but combined with altitude make it a challenge. No spectators at all but aid stations enthusiastic and well stocked. You have to bring your own bottle to refill which I don't like much but not a huge issue. I expected a bit more for the price, but I took advantage of being in such a great vacation area that I spent an additional 10 days going through Yelllowstone NP and doing another marathon at the end of it in North Dakota. Nice smaller marathon, but don't expect good times and take in the scenery.

Great smaller local race. The course is very flat but at a high altitude. Views are spectacular. It reminds you why you run. Many of the participants were seasoned runners.

My hat's off to anyone who can PR or BQ at this one! Great race course through the Teton Mts, Aspen trees. Course starts and ends at approx 6200' but A LOT of climbing in between = tough run. No expo, just a number pick up, no swag for $100 entry? I was not a fan of the bring your own water cup. Aid stations were adequate and great volunteers. Few spectators. Finish was at the base of JH ski resort - nice. The medal was unique and well done. Great weather in '16, overall, one to do once.

If you like small races, this is one not to miss. The packet pickup and start are easy peasy to get to. You can literally park and sit in your car and wait till 5 minutes till the start and then get out. The course was gorgeous with a few rollers but nothing that left you feeling like you were beat up. The medals were great. I love how they were unique to the arches in downtown JH.

I selected the Jackson Hole Marathon primarily because it was on a holiday weekend and I wanted to visit Jackson Hole. Jackson Hole is an absolutely beautiful town and a lot of the course captures the rugged and natural beauty of the area. First off, I paid $100 a few days before registration closed for the marathon. A little pricey, but in line with a typical marathon, especially for registering late in the game. Packet pickup was very small, friendly and easy. I was in and out in a few minutes. The course starts off in the downtown area (with plenty of parking and low stress logistics  could've used more bathrooms though) and quickly jumps onto the bike trail system. It was raining this year, but I found it completely enjoyable. Most of the course is done on the bike trail and since it is point to point, it never really gets old. While the course profile indicates that it uphill, I only felt like I was running uphill a few times. I didn't like the late middle miles though when I was running on the side of a major road that lead from Jackson Hole to the Tetons. I felt safe on the wide, coned off bike lane, but there was a fair amount of weekend traffic. Course support was good. This was also a cupless race and luckily they had 'fast-pour' devices on all the containers. They also had gels, candies and even salt capsules. I felt there was more than enough support and kudos to the volunteers for braving a rough weather day. Despite the rainy weather there was a fair amount of cheering people. Although if you are looking for big-city sized fan base, you will be disappointed. My Garmin measured the course at 26.78 miles. Couple this with the high elevation and it made for a slow time. Informal comments at the end indicated a lot of people's GPS said the course was long. Since it was on the bike trail I am not sure how my GPS was so far off as it was easy to run the tangents. Mile markers were present at every mile. The t-shirt and medal were both outstanding and something that got a lot of ooh's and ahh's on my Facebook. I was a little disappointed with the post race goodies  seemed to be just bananas, soda, sports drink and beer. I was super happy to find that they had a $5 shower close by, which helped a lot. Overall, if you are a 50-stater or want a beautiful marathon that is well supported and in an awesome part of the country, I would highly recommend the Jackson Hole Marathon. I had a good time and I would definitely do it again.

Running in the shadow of the Grand Tetons makes it hard to have a bad day. I was struggling with my race, so focused more on enjoying the scenery. All of your running occurs about 6000 feet, but without too much elevation change within that. The only downside to the course are the segments that have to be run along the highway. I never felt endangered by this, but it made some parts less attractive than others. Fortunately the last few miles are along a nice, (mostly) wooded path, with great views of the mountains. Aid stations are all DYI, so be sure to carry your own hydration system that you can refill if needed. Between the unmanned aid stations and relatively few others on the course, there isn't much to be said for the spectators. I gave it three stars because I'm fine out there by myself or with fellow runners, but I recognize that others like more crowd support and energy. The weather was fairly warm, so combined with the elevation it's probably not a PR course, but it's definitely a beautiful part of the country to explore on foot.

A small race with beautiful, top notch scenery! Pros: Beautiful scenery Flat course Well organized Easy parking at the race start Good water stops with enthusiastic volunteers Nice medals and race shirts Cons: It is at elevation, so for us low landers, it made an easy course a lot more difficult If you don't have someone to transport you, a bit of a haul between start and finish Not much shade on the course, so on a sunny warm day, it could get really hot I can't say enough about the race organizers - there were several lowlanders struggling with the elevation. The race organizers supported everyone until the end, even though they finished after the cut off time. Something happened to the medals on race day and we got some pretty cheap medals. But eventually, the race organizers sent new and improved medals, even though we were not expecting them. Loved the race and spending time in Jackson Hole, Tetons and Yellowstone. Be sure to check airfares into Idaho Falls - we were able to get much cheaper fares by driving 90 minutes.

Very well organized race, from packet pickup to shuttle return after the race. I am from the beaches of Florida, so the altitude was a significant challenge, but the perfect weather and marvelous scenery made it one of my very favorite marathons. The Batchens are well experienced distance runners and know how to put on a first class event for us. We stayed at the Ranch Inn, which was very convenient and a nice little place tucked in Jackson Hole. Not fancy, but clean and serviceable.

Water stops, volunteers,packet pickup were great. Wonderful views of the Tetons also. I just hated the course, maybe I was running a different marathon but my Garmin said mile 10-26 was running up a never ending gradient. I know the altitude didn't help but I was never so happy to see the finish line. My 34th marathon and by far the most difficult. Maybe the course should be reversed!

Wyoming is an amazing place, and this race is well worth the journey into the Forever West. Only in its third year, this is EXTREMELY well organized with ample communication from the wonderful race director Jay Batchen. This is a cupless event, so you bring your own water bottle/hydration system. There were numerous aid stations ... I thought there might even be too many, but the beauty of cupless is that you only need a couple people at each station. The volunteers were cheerful, helpful, and delighted to welcome visitors to their spectacular home. The selling point of this marathon is the Tetons. Throughout the course, you get to feast your eyes on amazing scenery, which in my opinion, more than makes up for the lack of spectators. The only negative about the course is a good five mile stretch along highway 22. Runners run along the shoulder separated from oncoming traffic by cones. I found that to be pretty disconcerting. I understand from a couple fellow runners on the course who are locals that Jackson is in the process of connecting all legs of its trail system, so this problem may eventually be mitigated...most of the course is on paved bike trails with this one exception. Aside from that, the course is apparently a gradual uphill, but it does not feel like it. It feels mostly flat, especially for a mountain race. You WILL feel the altitude if you are coming from sea level. It's 6400 feet elevation. The start is in downtown Jackson. It ends 13 or 14 miles away in Teton Village at the base of the ski slopes. If you stay at the Teton Village, you can take a shuttle from there to the start, and you finish by your room. If you stay downtown, there are shuttles back there from the resort. It's a good deal. I think both options are fabulous ... Either way, this is a race that positions you for a great vacation because you are at the Grand Teton National Park and very close to Yellowstone. From the friendly people of Jackson Hole to the gorgeous mountains, to the tremendous race director, this is one that will only get better and more popular.

I'm trying to be positive, but I did NOT enjoy this course. A good portion went along highways with no shade and endless stretches. I've run many marathons, and this was one of the most boring. I don't need bands and crowds, but at least some variation in scenery and things to look at is helpful in passing the miles. It also got pretty warm, so those last, shadeless miles were tough. If you need Wyoming to complete the 50 states, this will do it, but otherwise I can't think why anyone would come back. Logistically, it took me a while to get my head around the start and the finish, and all the bus options. I ended up parking at the finish and taking the bus to the start (so my car was at the finish). That worked OK, except the bus was a little late and the race started late (about 5 minutes). There were only TWO port-a-potties at the start, and a couple of rest rooms at the Chamber of Commerce (the 'race headquarters'). Maybe there were more, but I couldn't find them. There was a community center with rest room signs, but it was locked. So the bathroom situation at the start was inadequate. I really liked the 'no cup' process at the aid stations. I brought a hand held water bottle, and bought a hydro-pouch, and that worked perfectly for allowing me to get both power aid and water. And there wasn't all that usual debris from people dropping used cups. The finisher's medal is very nice. While the race shirt is a technical long sleeved one, the colors just didn't work together. And it was too hot to wear long sleeves post race. The post race 'refreshments' were pitiful (sorry) and the beer was kept ice cold in a cooler (but I wouldn't have known it was there if I hadn't asked). Jackson Hole is a neat town, and a picture under the antler arches in the town square is a must. But, as far as races go, I wouldn't recommend this one.

I completed the half marathon. Small race, but organized. The course was on a bike path, with 3 miles along a major highway. However, the Grand Tetons were in full view nearly the entire time. The last 6-7 miles were quiet and serene, with the autumn foliage everywhere. I agree, stay in Teton Village, if possible. Eliminates the hassle of driving to and from the race.

This is an outstanding small race that met all of my expectations and more. The weather was great and scenery was outstanding. It is a meandering point to point run from the center of Jackson to Teton Village. The course follows the floor of the hole (valley) with no noticeable hills. A lovely crossing of the Snake River is a high point. Most of the race is along paved bike paths. Since I came up from the southeast, the cooler temperatures and low humidity offset the high elevation. There were plenty of 'port o johns' along the way. Post race food was a bag with an apple, energy bar, and a container of dried fruit. The 1/2 marathoners start at the half way point and don't clog the race for marathoners. I would recomend anyone running this race stay at Teton Village. This eliminates a drive out to Teton Village, a bus ride back, and the necessity to drive back to town after the race. This is at the finish and where you catch the bus to the start. Accommodations can vary from a very modest hostel to world class resorts. The race registration fee is very reasonable, but Jackson Hole is an expensive location. I highly recomend the Four Seasons at Teton Village. It is pricey, but wonderful and convenient to the finish and bus pick up. Spectator support is sparse.

I did this marathon as part of my quest for 50 states and loved it! I have the feeling this race is going to become very popular. The course is flat and very scenic, with plenty of aid stations and awesome volunteers. The medal and shirt are very nice. The cup free racing was not an issue for me, but as this race grows in size it may become a problem with more runners at aid stations trying to get to the water and gatorade. Overall, a great race and one that I will definitely repeat. Jackson Hole is a really nice town to visit.The town itself is very nice and it is close to several parks, such as Grand Teton and Yellowstone. It is definitely worth taking a few extra days to sight see!

I like smaller marathons(~150 full runners), if you need crowds tons of specators and bands this isn't for you. However if you are ok being alone while running this is an amazing course with great views. The organization was top notch with great volunteers and plenty of infomation before the race. I wasn't sure about the cup-free part but I found it didn't really bother me at all.

This was a great marathon run at altitude. Probably the smallest race I have participated in but the friendliest and one of the best run events. In only it's second year, Jackson Hole will only continue to get better and grow. There were concerns prior to the marathon about the smoke from fires in nearby Idaho but they were a nonissue on marathon day. The cupless system worked quite well as I am used to running with my own hydration. That might be an issue for some though. Plan to come early or stay longer to enjoy the Grand Tetons National Park nearby and Yellowstone National Park just to the north. A great destination marathon.

I can't recall another marathon that I've enjoyed as much. Great tech shirt, loved the medal, beautiful course, plenty of water stations, enthusiastic Staff, good food and Snake River Brewing beverages at the finish. Perfect autumn weather and foliage for runners. With a finish time of 5:15, I'm pretty slow, but that just gave me more time to look at the Tetons and enjoy the fall colors. A small marathon with a big heart. Highly recommend.

As a veteran of what is now 36 marathons, I want to add Jackson Hole to the list of those to put at or near the top of your list of destination marathons. I can't fathom why only (about) 100 marathoners ran. For its only second year, the organization was mature beyond its years. Nothing they can do to control the effects of altitude (6,300 ft.) or the smoke from fires in nearby states. What they did do what communicate very well and very often on the concerns posed by the smoke, which turned out to be minimal. The cupless water issue may be an issue for some, but a nice gesture towards the problems posed by cup waste. One outstanding feature of a race here is the close access to Teton National Park, which has amazing views of the Teton's and great hiking options. Or a float trip down the Snake River, also closeby. Even Yellowstone is just a couple hours a way. So, make a long weekend of it and find out why Jackson Hole is such a great destination; now NOT just for skiers.

Kudos to the race director for a great event! Great organization, beautiful course that was relatively flat and enthusastic volunteers. I would highly recommend putting this marathon on your 'to do' list.

The course was amazing. Excellent use of community bike paths to minimize traffic, beautiful views of the Tetons and the autumn colors the entire route. Point to point was great. You're right by Grand Teton National Park and up the road from Yellowstone, so plan an extra day or two for touring. Be warnedthe altitude is no joke. Some may not, but I enjoyed the 'cupless' race...some may need to practice running with water if that's not your style. Clearly a race in its first year. The start line lacked organization, and the expo needs work. ButI am sure this will become the premier race in WY in another year or two!!!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

You almost forget you are running at 6200 feet elevation with the spectacular fall scenery. I little too much running by the highway but the rest of the course made up for it. Hard to believe this was a first year run. GREAT job by the organizing team. Lot's of water, lots or toilets, clear directions, great logo and shirt. And what a fun party at the end! NOTE to others, book a room early. This may be 'off season' but the town was full.

The scenery is the best part of the Jackson Hole race, but there were a lot of other things to like about it, including: -Course - a net elevation gain but most of the course was on paved bike trails so the ascents were gradual and not severe. -Mile markers every mile, located right on the money. -Weather - no wind, temps about 40 at the start and mid-50s at the end. -Schwag - Decent short-sleeved shirt, great postrace food and drink, nice ceramic coaster for finishers, and some good prizes for age group winners. Medals are not my thing and they didn't have them yet, but the ones they're sending later feature a cool-looking moose. -Post-race concert at Teton Village by Shelly & Kelly, a local band who played for 3+ hours. -Entry fee - $65 for all of the above is great compared to most races. Things not to like so much: -The 'cup-free' racing concept is noble but kind of silly. For longer races, having to stop to fill one's bottle at every aid station might not be a hassle but it was a real pain for me. Using recycleable paper cups is no more environmentally harmful than wasting dozens of sheets of paper on flyers included in the race packet, almost all of which go directly into the trash. -Solitude - Crowd support is way overrated but since the field was so small it was awfully quiet. From mile 7 to 23 I didn't pass another runner or vice versa. So if you're racing that can be mentally difficult, especially for flatlanders worried about the altitude. This was the first time that I wished I had worn my iPod in a race. But if you're not racing, just running for the experience, the peace and quiet are awesome. -Altitude. Overall I thought Jackson Hole was a great race, and would highly recommend it to those looking for a destination race.