City of Trees Marathon

I have wanted to run this race for several years now and it finally fit my schedule for 2017. I was excited for the event and wanted to love it, but was very disappointed with the organization. I don't take writing a bad review lightly, but feel like the runners should be warned. On course markings were severely lacking. There were 3 places I actually had to stop and try to figure out the course due to a lack of arrows or conflicting arrows. Two places following the arrows led me the wrong way since arrow placement was bad. Aid stations were sporadic. Some were as far as 4 miles apart (13-17) and several were spaced 3 miles apart, and others 1 mile between. There was access elsewhere, so that wasn't the reason. Many stations has several volunteers all just standing there, but runners still had to grab water from the table instead of being handed the cup. Reading past reviews it looks like poor course marking and lack of aid stations has been a consistent comment, yet they choose to ignore it and not make the race better. It felt like they were doing the bare minimum to put on the race. They were more excited about post race beer than the actual run experience. On the plus side, logistics were easy and Boise is a nice, clean, friendly town.

After reading the previous comments and knowing nothing about Boise, I went into this race with slightly negative expectations. Boise isnt really known for any historical significance, at least not to us southerners. I expected this to be a weekend where I wouldnt be glad to check off the state and get home. I was already a little frustrated because Packet Pickup ended at 3 or 4 pm (the website & emails were different.) My flight landed at 2:30. But the minute I landed at the airport, my attitude changed. -Host hotel (Spring Hill Suites) has free 24hr shuttle so I didn't need to rent a car (YEAH!) The hotel employees were super nice and accommodating. Our room was much larger than I expected for the price. The hotel was a block from the start/finish and walking distance to several restaurants. Plus if you wanted to go farther, the hotel shuttle would take you! (We went to Trader Joes) -I was a pacer for this race so I got one of the local pacers to get my bib & shirt. We did make it to PP (it ended at 4). Quick and easy-no frills. The local running store was there with last minute supplies if needed. -Race morning was easy. A 5 minute walk to the start area. Very low key. Volunteers were super friendly! -The course was 2 out/backs (one NE, one SW). The greenbelt is a great place to run! If I were a local, this likely would be where I would regularly run/bike, so racing there year after year would get old. But for those of us coming to check off the state, it was great! I wouldve enjoyed some downtown scenery, but I wasnt disappointed. The path followed the river and passed several nice city parks (I was amazed at all the green space and bike lanes!!), behind the zoo (we saw the giraffes!) and through Boise State University. While the mile markers seemed a bit off, they were clear and easy to spot from a distance. The course was well-marked. I got a little confused at one turn through a small traffic circle-a few more arrows/people there would have been good). I ran with a local Maniac for about 14 miles who played tour guide for me. I also ran with several other locals who were super nice and were more than willing to answer my tourist questions. I never heard a negative comment about Boise! I was totally sold! After finishing, the park was easy to navigatea food tent and lots of space to sit and relax. The running store was holding a raffle. I ran up last minute and got a ticket and ended up winning a pair of trail shoes! Having little to no knowledge about the city and expecting nothing but farm and industry (you know  Idaho potatoes), I was pleasantly surprised with the city and the race. A definite option for 50 staters to consider!

A fun local race in a beautiful town. Still, could use some minor changes. First of all, the race website advertised an expo with vendors. There was nothing except packet pickup. I was really hoping to be able to pick up some gels but was able to visit a local running shop. Not a big deal, but would have been nice to know in advance. Second, there were no gels on the course as advertised. At the stop where they were supposed to be provided, it looked like two volunteers had found love. They poured out some drinks, set them on a table, and were both sitting on the ground and flirting, oblivious to the race. Good for them, but would have been good if volunteers were actually volunteering. Finally, and the major complaint, the course was not always marked well. I made two wrong turns and ran approximately 3 extra miles. I do take partial responsibility for this myself. Still, I don't want to be too critical. It was a beautiful course in a beautiful city. I would definitely choose this race again. With a few minor adjustments, it could go from a good race to a great race!