Park City Marathon - Race Reviews

This was probably the prettiest marathon I've done. Beautiful views of valleys and mountains, ski resorts, golf courses, neighborhoods, the quaint Main Street area of Park City, the famous white barn, and even several hot air balloons (which likely had nothing to do with the race, but were fun) make for nice distractions throughout the run. Would be a tough course for a PR, as it is more uphill than down to mile 16, but well worth it. Aid stations were well-stocked, with most of them having oranges and/or bananas and a couple having GU, in addition to water and sports drinks. The volunteers were very nice and supportive. Not a whole lot of spectators otherwise, but I had my own little crew who went to several spots on the course, and I've run small marathons before, so not much of an issue for me. The medal was interestinga rather artistic one, but I thought fitting for the town. The packet pick-up was pretty spare: no bags and a non-tech shirt. But if you're interested in a very nice run in a place that normally has good weather, I'd definitely recommend it.

If you don't expect much, except a T-shirt, a plate of potato chips and a coke at the end, then this M is for you. First 16 miles are uphill. Nice gradual incline until about 13.5 miles then the real climb begins. The views of Deer Valley and downtown PC are beautiful. Well worth the uphill run. After Deer valley, it's 10 miles of rolling hills. This is my 8th PCM and was startled to see how far the M has fallen since I last ran in 2011. No place to warm-up except outside, you don't even get a bag to put your clothes in. Hopefully, they will get better sponsors next year. Otherwise, avoid this marathon until they get their act together.

The marathon was very well organized, and the planners made my experience stress free. Park City, Utah is very beautiful, and the people of the community were very friendly. Running at 7,000 feet altitude is very difficult, so don't worry about your marathon time. I hope to be back someday to run in the area again.

This is a demanding high elevation course set amid beautiful mountain scenery. Weather was great - mid 50's at start and low 70's by finish. No humidity. I thought the course was well organized and executed. The downhill trend descending from Deer Valley is a series of rolling hills and not all downhill. The worst part was the final 3-4 miles on mostly unpaved surface. The scattered gravel on the packed dirt trails was brutal on my feet. If I run this course again, I will wear trail shoes.

I expected a challenge and that's exactly what I got. The first 5 miles are rolling hills through a neighborhood. And then a long 6 miles on a gravel road and railroad bed that seems to go on forever. We kept climbing to mile 16 when we finally turned downhill... except for a killer one-block climb at mile 18! Food could have been better at the end, but that was no biggie since our hotel was right there. Free massages at Massage Envy were wonderful! The Newpark Hotel was right at the start/finish line, so getting ready for the start and walking back after the race were both very easy. I will definitely be back!

My first trip to Utah was a pleasant experience. The host hotel is first-class and not expensive. No need for a car here, with free public transportation and the race starting right outside and bicycles for rent right there. Plenty of choices for eating within walking distance. The course was easily the most difficult I have run. It starts at 6,300 feet and goes up to 7,300 feet, and it was tough for me. Beautiful sights along the way - horses and cattle in pastures. Aid stations were stocked and ready. Not a lot of shade on the course. My recommendation would be to arrive a couple of days early to acclimate to the thin air and visit the area, which has lots to see and do.

Coming from NY, I was just so pleased with this entire experience. The setting was beautiful, the weather moderate and the terrain incredibly challenging. At the end of the race, a nice fellow next to me joked, "Well, at least only the first 16 miles were uphill." I finished about 30 minutes slower than my previous marathon due to the altitude and terrain, but I wasn't here for a PR. The race was well organized and the entire experience went without a hassle - being able to park close to the starting line and a large grassy area to spread out after the race made this very easy to deal with. The race was a bit light on spectators but there were also two other races in the area that day (a 100-mile bike race and a triathlon at Jordanelle), so perhaps that affected the turnout. Also, after reaching the peak of the terrain at Deer Valley, I wasn't expecting so many additional hills (8th St. was brutal!) and at that point any decline was just as painful, as I was totally spent. It would be nice to find a way to have a more triumphant finish than meandering around the back end of Newpark, but, again, this is an amazing race and really one to add to your list. Thanks, organizers... I hope to be back one day.

This was my 72nd marathon. I knew it would be tough, due to the altitude, summer temps, and hills. What I wasn't as prepared for was the long, monotonous miles in the relentless sun. The host hotel is excellent and couldn't be located any better for this race. I think racers should automatically be given the option of a late checkout of at least 1 p.m., but you have to ask for it (while they act like it's going to be difficult) and then allow you a 12 noon checkout as the latest option available. Other than that, the hotel and logistics were great. The 6:30 a.m. start is good, and could even be earlier in order to avoid the sun and heat. The race started right on time, and there was little risk of getting off course for us "middle of the pack" runners. The problem I had was that a good portion of the first 15 miles or so are a VERY boring along Interstate 80 and the rail trail, with absolutely NO shade. That stretch seemed endless and really sapped the strength out of me. Then you enter the "fun" portion with the pathway to Main Street, the circle around Deer Valley, and the return by Main Street to the Park City Mountain Resort. They seem to have cut out running by town lift bridge this year, but didn't say that anywhere or why. Then the last 6 miles are another long, BORING run on a paved path through fields (again, NO shade, and by then the temps were in the 70's). So portions of the course rate 5 stars, but the majority of the course is unremarkable. It was very helpful that they had ice cold washcloths at a couple of points on the course and at the finish line! I like the finisher's medal, so they must have improved from prior years. The post-race refreshments were disappointing compared to others, but I don't run the race for that. Park City is a beautiful resort town and well worth the visit if you've never been there. The race is small (capped at 500 marathoners) and basically well run. I was just disappointed in the monotony and brutal exposure to the sun on the majority of the course.

This was very well organized. The volunteers did a GREAT job of helping with the course along the way. The course itself had a beautiful scenery. Up through mile 13, it was tough... but then came the real test between miles 14-16 (my legs were screaming). After mile 16 (with the exception of one small section right at mile 18), it was downhill the rest of the way. There were plenty of water/Gatorade stations as well as port-a-johns. This won't be a PR course, but it is one that is well worth the trip (I am from Georgia).

This is my 7th consecutive year of running this marathon, and every year is an example of a well-executed race. There is a nice building to prepare for the race, and no bus ride. There were pre-race announcements, along with the national anthem. But here is what the rest of the race directors can learn from. At the first rest stop with bathrooms, there were FOUR of them: 500 runners, and 4 bathrooms to use. WELL done. I've seen other races with over 500 runners and only one bathroom at each stop, resulting in lines. I've seen even worse, with 1500 runners and again only one bathroom at each aid station. There is nothing more discouraging than watching a time goal bleed away while waiting in a bathroom line, while standing behind the guy in front of you who is also waiting in line. There were volunteers everywhere they were needed, and one of them tried her best to get a bus to stop to let us go by. The bus driver ignored her and went anyway; we had to wait behind it. I could just visualize Ralph Cramden from the Honeymooners driving that bus. At the end of the race I didn't feel too well, and the medics even came out on the lawn to check on me. If the rest of the race directors in this state want to learn how to do a marathon right, all they have to do is come up to Park City in mid-August.

You want a beautiful course, great volunteers, and an easy - forget the bus - starting line? Well throw in a few awesome hills and this is the marathon to run! I have run over 30 marathons and Park City is one of my favorites! Won't be missing this one! I love everything about it - and the flower at the end is the best! Keep running! :)

Park City's medal is unique, just like the race and the town of Park City. I run marathons because of the challenge of the event, and the medal is a representation of my completing the race. The medal is a good medal. I've done 11 of 13 Park City Marathons. Its staff are all volunteers, and no one organizes a race better than they do.

Great race; crappy medal! Loved the racing surfaces. The course was absolutely beautiful. The people were very encouraging and supportive. The starting line and finish line were super!!

How can such a scenic, well-organized race drop the ball so badly by handing out such a crappy medal, hanging off of a red shoelace? After completing a tough race, there's nothing better than receiving a great medal to inspire you to come back next year. That "medal" in no way reflects the unique, artistic place that is Park City. If the organizers are unfamiliar with what a good medal looks like, they should check out any other race in Utah.

As a flat-land person, I fully expected the elevation to negatively impact my time. It may have to some degree but not nearly as much as expected and should not prevent anyone entering this well-done event. If you have a chance, there is plenty to do in Park City, so come early to adjust to the conditions. Reading about the course in advance is very important because it will help you to run this race well, both physically and mentally. Only when you approach the highest point of the race do the inclines start to get a little bit more challenging. In general, the course is a gradual uphill incline until around the 14-mile point when the inclines get a little more challenging. Once you hit around the 16-mile point the course is very favorable in terms of being downhill WITH THE EXCEPTION of the 16% grade uphill around mile 18. The hill makes Heartbreak Hill in Boston look flat. The hill is the real deal. However, the hill is only two blocks long. August temperatures seem to go up like an elevator during the day in Utah at this time of year, so for slower runners, conditions could get a lot warmer at the end of the race (or at least they did in 2009). Staying hydrated in this very dry climate is important. The aid stands were well done. I'd recommend over-hydrating at the start of the race to avoid cramps late. The race medal won't be my favorite one, but it was consistent with the green environmental focus of this race and to stay local for sourcing (as opposed to buying from China). The race was even planning on feeding the left over banana peels to pigs on a local farm, so they should get credit for creativity. Overall, I was very satisfied with the race organization. It is on the small side, so if you are a three-hour marathon runner, you should expect to run the race alone. I will always remember the hot air balloons rising in the distance at the start of the race, and the beauty of the mountains, but my legs will probably remember the 16% grade hill.

i usually run on the beach (East Coast), so having a chance to run in an area with beautiful mountain scenery was awesome. I was concerned about the altitude, but this did not seem to be a factor. I kept my beginning pace very slow for the gradual uphill to Deer Valley (about 16 miles). The downhill into town to McPolin Barn (21 miles) was great. The last 4 miles were tough in the flat, hot, reserve park. For us flat-landers, expect a minute/mile off of your usual pace. I recommend staying at Newpark Hotel; it's right at the start/finish, and you can be in the hot tub drinking beer, watching the end of the race.

The course if beautiful - tough, but very scenic. There aren't many spectators out, but the few that were out were great! The course was marked well for the most part, but there were a few parts where I probably would've gone the wrong way had I not seen the people way in front of me. Aid stations were well stocked - water, Gatorade, and Hammer Gels were standard. Some of the stations at the end of the race had fruit, PB&J sandwich bites, and trail mix. The volunteers were amazingly supportive and cheerful. The flower they hand out with the medal was a nice touch. The food and drinks at the finish line were great too - bagels, chocolate milk, OJ, water, Gatorade, fruit, and pretzels. The only complaint I have is about the swag bag and medal. I know that's not the reason we run marathons, but the medal looked like a high school student made it in jewelry class. The shirts were the ugliest race shirts I've ever seen (neon green with neon orange accents), and the swag bag was practically empty - a pro-bar, magazine, and a magnet. That may sound dumb, but I was disappointed with the medal and goodies.

The Park City Marathon has a great course with spectacular views. Fellow runners were fantastic. The spectators, unfortunately, were not out in the numbers I generally see at a marathon. The volunteers were friendly, helpful and, basically, just great. Finally, I don't mean to complain, but the medal is really about half a step above what I'd find in a Cracker Jack box. It has a cheap, quarter-inch ribbon that was so short that it barely fit over my head. When I'm told I'll get a medal, I expect a medal, not a trinket from a craft store. I mean, really, what did my $65 go for? This is a circuit race, so there were no shuttle buses needed, etc. I'm a bit puzzled. In all, I would highly recommend this race. The volunteers and scenery are what this race is about.

This was my first PC Marathon, and 158th race in total. I would strongly recommend it for the scenery, organization and ease of access. It's an easy 30-minute drive from SLC, and the host hotel was comfortable and situated in a resort area, within walking distance of a variety of restaurants and a Whole Foods, and only a few meters from the start and finish line. The scenery on the course was breathtaking, while the altitude was not too bad. There were a few hills, but nothing unusual. They had adequate water, Gatorade, gels and porta-potties. Temps were cool (50's) at the start, warming to high 70's by three hours in. I wore racing flats, but would recommend training shoes, as about 10 miles were on fire roads with rocks. See you in 2010!

I'm from Texas, and I was a little worried about the altitude, and the hills. It really wasn't that much of a factor for me. The cool (high 40's), still, morning air was a perfect for running. I took it fairly easy in the first half of the marathon, knowing that there were some pretty good climbs. One section of the course allows you to pass by runners going the opposite direction - very cool to see the leaders for a change, and some friends along the way. The finishing area was nice and grassy - it was great to walk around in bare feet after a marathon! (We don't do that in Texas... too many pointy things!) The glass finisher medal is unique. But it's not one of my favorites (I can't hang it on the back of my door with my others, as it will break). If I lived near this race, I'd probably run it every year. I highly recommend this one.

This is the first marathon I've run. It was a lot harder than I had anticipated, but well worth the effort as anyone who has run a marathon can understand. This was a beautiful course. It started out pretty tame, but soon we were on trails for about 8 miles, it seems. Hot air balloons were rising above the mountains as the sun came up. We wound back into Deer Valley ski area - gorgeous! Then onto old Main Street for a quick uphill to Park City Mountain Resort. Eventually we ran back to the start/end. Beautiful handmade glass medals. Ran with my best friend... one of the best experiences of my life. Will be back in '09!!!

Park City is certainly a great destination for a marathon. The course is a loop that starts from its lowest elevation. Going out, there is a brief, challenging climb that culminates on a rails/trails path that is relatively flat and steady. Turning toward Park City at about mile 10, the course starts climbing at a slightly more pitched rate, but it's still very manageable. At mile 14, the course takes an abrupt turn up the hill toward Deer Valley Lodge - the top of the course. This section, about 2.5 miles, is by far the most challenging. Once at the top, however, one begins the descent, runs through Park City, a last brief hill, then from about mile 18 it's a long, gradual downhill to the finish, retaining its beauty the entire way. There is enough variety in the course to ward off boredom. I do think many of the previous concerns about this being a "very" difficult course are overstated. I've run Antarctica and Catalina, both of which are in a class far beyond Park City in difficulty. Even Run with the Horses, run the same day, is over 1,000 feet higher and with more challenging hills along the way (although not as sustained.) The only thing to understand is that this course is a high mountain course. If you've never run at elevation, be warned that your pace will be much slower than back in Florida or New York. Still, you can't beat the beauty of this area. The medal is unique. The organization is pretty much flawless. The finisher's area had chocolate milk. :) All in all, a very good experience.

Hands down, this is one of the most beautiful courses in America. Yeah, it's no cakewalk, but that's why we all suffer through 26.2 anyway, right? Amazing run. I'll be back as long as I can put one foot in front of the other!!

WOW! The course is challenging, but that is in part due to a Florida girl facing the altitude! Even though I found this marathon very challenging, I would recommend it. It was very well organized. The race director, staff, and volunteers were all very friendly and helpful. There weren't a lot of spectators, but that was understandable because of the isolation of some areas of the course. The scenery is beautiful, and the weather was perfect! Park City is also close to great national parks! I really enjoyed my time in Utah. Thanks to all who made it happen!

All I can say is that I had a ball! This is one of the best marathons in the world to challenge your running ability. It was great to see so many familiar faces and meet up with a few of the new Forum Flyers. Don't get bent if I forget your name here, Teresa, Canyon, Lark, Hawkeye, JRTerrier, Jenifer, Smooth, Maynard, B'sMom, SweetiePie, and so many others that I've gotten to know over the years running in these races. My race was rather unremarkable. I remember starting out my race somewhere around Lark, Hawkeye and Smooth near the starting line! As I started running and I was headed east just a few blocks into the race, right out of the blue, "Canyon" caught up to me and she let me run with her. Every time she lets me run with her I seem to have a great day. I can't remember what mile it was she decided to run at her own pace and sent me away to fend for myself. I think she gets tired of listening to me chip my teeth. Thanks Sis, you always amp up my runs! Okay, I took off and kept chanting Smooths' mantra (smooth, strong and faster)over and over again. I think the difficulty of this race ranks up there with the hardest I've ever done. This year the organizers switched up and were running this one backwards from last year, with about 18 miles of it running uphill at some serious altitude. And let me tell you this: altitude is a real kick in the shorts and a major drain on anybody's stamina, and the last 10 miles downhill was difficult. But as bad as it was, I feel as though I ran one of my best technical races of all time. Everything I did to prepare worked for me on this race right down to the corn story! Now would I recommend this race? Yes, I would! As a matter of fact, this was my fourth shot at it and I love it and I'll be back in '08. But you better be ready for the altitude or your going to be in for a rude awakening. When it was all said and done, I managed to capture my dream goal to grab a 1st place in my age division (55-59) at a pitiful pace of 8.3 Min Per Mile and a finish time of 3:43:35. Next run in 21 days at TOU with my gang of 4! See you all there. Take care, and be careful out there!

I didn't get a PR on this course and I was warned not to expect one. It challenged me like no other course has. I thoroughly enjoyed the views and the back trails that the course offered. I saw a few runners stop and take pictures of the beautiful views. I would recommend getting in town a few days early to acclimate to the altitude. Great time! Great race!

To quote the race organizers: "The course is not deliberately tortuous - but hey, it is what it is." The altitude is a killer if you don't live there, but the scenery is spectacular, and it's a real joy to run most of the race on trails and uncrowded roads. My boyfriend mountain-biked the entire course and enjoyed himself immensely, so he's given the course five stars from a support crew perspective as well. If you're looking for a PR, this isn't the race for you; but if you want to enjoy an uncrowded, well-supported race in a beautiful setting with wonderful organizers, challenge yourself to run Park City!

This was my first marathon and I knew it was going to be hard. And it was. My goal was to run the entire race and I did. The hills were tough, but the other racers were supportive. It was a small raceonly about 500 runners in the marathon. The scenery was beautiful. We saw hot air balloons and cows. It was a rewarding, difficult accomplishment. Very well organized! The only thing, they actually ordered women's sizes in the t-shirts and they ran very small. I'm disappointed that my first marathon shirt I can't even wear!

The race was fantastic. I would recommend this marathon to everyone. The hills are, for the most part, easy enough, but the altitude will kill you if you are from the Midwest like me. The views are beyond anything I could ever try to explain. The aid stations were well stocked with water, Gatorade, and fantastic crews. The course is nearly half hard-packed gravel so be aware!

They changed the course from 2006 to 2007. They made it harder. I suspect they changed to course to eliminate crossing over US 40 (2X). Now you go under US 40 through a box culvert. It was was kind-of creepy. I think the course would better (and faster) the opposite direction (CCW). Then they could start the the 1/2 marathon and marathon at the same time, and clean-up those early aid stations sooner. The course is definitely pretty, but from about mile 4 to mile 16 it is pretty much all uphill. It's not all that steep uphill, but it is relentless. By the time you get to Park City, and realize you still have a mile or two to go to Deer Valley, you are very much ready for the downhill section. Unfortunately the downhill section is much shorter that the incline. Then you get to Park City again and have to slog up to Empire Avenue, and that is very steep. Overall I had fun. It's a good race; well organized, with a nice shirt and medallion (artsy glass thing). You may want to run it in trail shoes. I had regular road shoes and I stepped on a few rocks that hurt my feet. I'd recommend it, but don't expect a PR.

The PCM allowed an early start for slower runners/walkers. However, they used their intelligence (lacking in many other marathons] to set it up. Entrants had their bibs marked, and then on Saturday morning, went to the timing line, waved their chip over the sensor and took off. (In other words, you could start more or less when you wanted; the timing chip and finish mat took care of the rest.) The results listed everybody. Congratulations to the timers/organizers of the race. I hope other marathons will "grow up." The course was very scenic, and though it is somewhat hilly, it is to be recommended.

Park City chose a new route for the 2007 marathon, which took runners through several scenic parts of this trendy ski resort area. My favorite, though, was the rustic trail, a remnant of an old railroad line, bordered by fields of greenish-brown sagebrush on each side. I felt as if I really were in the West! The volunteers cheered us on at each aid stop and handed out water, Gatorade, and Hammer Gels (which I found to be just fine). Some gave us cold, wet washcloths An added touch, but not too necessary since the temperature was not particularly warm (mid-60s at the end). Post-race food was fine and the medal, a glass maple leaf, was different enough to be a nice memento of this experience. But there are a few things runners should be aware of before attempting this one. It is not easy. Being from the Midwest, my friend and I had trouble breathing, due to the high elevations (runners rise to about 7,500 feet). I thought I could make up for a slow half by running faster, downhill, after mile 16, but my body wouldn't respond. I had just completed Newport (OR), at sea level, a few months earlier in 3:37, but couldn't break four hours in this one (4:03). The winner couldn't break 2:45. The last 10 miles are not all downhill, even excepting the steep two-block climb at mile 18. There are hills to climb in these closing miles! Also, the course has enough gravel trails that this can be accurately labeled a semi-trail marathon. It seemed as if at least 10 miles came on these gravel paths, which also make it harder to run, unless you have trail shoes, which my friend and I did not. We ran the famous Grandfather Mountain marathon (one of Americas ten toughest) last year and, while Park City doesn't have such severe hills, its lack of oxygen makes it nearly as difficult. However, I like small marathons and I must say that I enjoyed Park City a lot more than the 2007 Boston. The people in Utah are very hospitable and treated us well, and the Holiday Inn host hotel was magnificent: an early breakfast and a late checkout. Just remember that this is not a marathon for the novice.

Organizers and volunteers were cheerful, helpful and extremely well organized. Lots of nice touches throughout the race: warm convenient field house before the race, several hot air balloons along the rail trail, varied terrain, Gatorade at all stops and hot showers after the race. It would be helpful if you could spend several days in Park City or nearby getting used to the altitude. Many thanks to all.

I have run all of the Utah marathons and this one ranks as one of my favorites! The course is so beautiful that the miles passed quickly. Although it is a bit more challenging, it is worth it. Throw any time goals out the door and run this one just to remind yourself why you love to run. I have recommended this race to every marathon runner I've come across. I will be back!!

I've run Park City four times now, and it just keeps getting better. I love the hills, the trails, and the great volunteers. I was worried that the move to August would bring warmer temps during the run, but this year the weather cooperated very nicely.

This is one of the better marathons in Utah. The course is spectacular with a lot of trail sections, but don't plan on a PR. Just relax, take your time, and enjoy yourself. Do it as a training run for St. George or TOU. The course is a little hilly, especially miles 14 through 17, and there are not many spectators, but the spectators that are there are very enthusiastic. I especially liked running on the rail trail and through the wetlands areas. The hill on Empire Ave. is steep, but relatively short. The weather at the end of August is typically quite good in Park City and 2006 was no exception. The aid stations and the volunteers were great. I had a little trouble finding the starting line; the race actually starts in Silver Summit, not Park City. I highly recommend this race; if you were going to do one marathon in Utah this would be a good choice. The finisher's medallion is unique - very nice. It's a handmade glass maple leaf. It's kind of a work of art. I hung mine in my window. I will back to this race.

The Park City Marathon was my second marathon. If you love the mountains, diverse terrain, and great scenery, you'll enjoy this marathon from beginning to end. Although it's a smaller marathon (maybe 300 participants) it was very well organized with a friendly staff and volunteers. There were even a few bands along the route to add a festive mood (although I think most runners had other things on their mind - like where's the next hill I have to climb). It had most of the amenities of a larger marathon such as plenty of water/Gatorade stops, good traffic control (there's not much traffic on the route), nice end of race amenities including good food/drink, massages, and an artsy finisher's medal. The course variety was great, including a good amount of the race on smooth gravel roads ("rail to trail"). It incorporated some of the naturally hilly terrain without overdoing it. Even the four-block steep climb to the top of Park City was manageable. What made this year especially enjoyable was the weather - it had rained the night before. The race started in the 40's and finished in the 60's with a mix of partly cloudy and sunny conditions. In preparing for the marathon, it's a good idea to practice on some hills and at altitude if possible. You have to be somewhat focused on your breathing because, afterall, you're at 6,000 to 7,000 feet. All in all, I give the marathon high ratings for great terrain and organization. But for these reasons, I'm afraid it won't be long until the secret's out and it grows into a much larger marathon.