Famous Idaho Potato Marathon

I just ran this marathon for number 42 and I have to say it was really great. The weather was perfect and the route was beautiful and pretty flat for all the hills surrounding the race. I think there were fewer than 200 marathoners but the support overall was great, even for a slower runner like myself. They still had a handful of folks cheering at the finish and still had potatoes to eat with all the fixings. The race organizers were very accommodating throughout and even went out of their way when I wanted to exchange my shirt afterwards. I would highly recommend this race.

I wasn't looking forward to this race because it seemed like more of a half marathon course and then it had to be changed last minute due to the high level of the river (from all the snow last winter). I was pleasantly surprised by the organization and enjoyability of the course. There were plenty of aid stations- I didn't need to carry my own water, and much of the run was in the shade during the later part of the morning. The medal was kinda chintzy. But it was a good run in all.

This is a really nice small race in a beautiful place. Idaho features generally low humidity, cooler temps at the start, and a relatively forgiving 2000+ feet above sea level - fairly easy for a mountain locale. The scenery - especially the first six miles - is wonderful. After that, you get river views along the greenbelt and a bit of neighborhood running. It's pretty flat all the way, and with the early start and cool starting temps, it's a nice 26.2. This race is well-organized with a small expo (really just your packet pick-up and you're out of there), good shuttles to the start line, and a nice little post race party. The baked potato bar is a nice touch. Aid stations are VERY well stocked, and the power bar options are extremely generous. Lots of gels and bars available along the way. As others have mentioned, we started with a rather large field since marathon and half marathon start at the same time. For the first half, it's easy to follow the trail with the pack. Once the bulk of runners peel off for the half finish, the marathoners continue onwards. The path is fairly easy to follow along the river, with white chalk arrows on the pathway at most points. After mile 14, other marathoners are sparse along the trail ... it's not until a short out and back portion (mile 17 - 22) that it's possible to see more racers. Regardless, with all the twists and turns, it was easy to miss a guidance arrow or a mile marker if not watching carefully. The course is not closed, which is not a problem until the end of the race. I was running along the path, but it was really full of people celebrating, walking away from the party, etc. Suddenly, things seemed to be thinning out, but I could not see a finish line. Knowing I was close to the end, I asked someone if I was still headed the right direction ... nope, I had missed a 90 degree turn, hidden by the throngs of people milling about in the midst of the home stretch. No big deal - I was not going for a speed record or anything, but still a little annoying when you're tired. Very few spectators for this race, which is not a problem for me, but might be difficult for those expecting big race support. It's a good one to have music or podcasts or a buddy for company. Bottom line: I sure did like this marathon ... and it's a great value that benefits the local YMCA. Medal this year was very nice.