Blue Sky Marathon

This race is a challenging trail marathon that is very well organized. The trail ranged from packed dirt to technical rock gardens, and included some major hills that will make you feel like you can accomplish anything once you're done. Not being familiar with these particular trails, I was concerned about taking a wrong turn, but the course was extremely well marked and there were volunteers at important junctures. Aid stations were spread apart due to the nature of the course but they took great care of you with plenty of snacks, hydration, and "aid" you got there. Spectators were rare (aside from a few Boy Scouts, hikers, and mountain bikers you might share the paths with) given that you are running on singletrack, which is part of the beauty of the run. The views were amazing. Medals and race shirts were nice, overall/age group awards were really neat and local artisan made, and the post race barbecue, beer, and raffles were perfect. Would highly recommend!

This was my second attempt because I got picked up last year. I got lost on the course & did not have time to complete it. This year, there were more markings and volunteers at strategic locations. I was successful in completing the marathon. YEAHHHH! Because of the terrain, there really were no spectators except for the volunteers at the food water stations and the finish line. They made up for the lack of other spectators because they were enthusiastic and supportive. The food was great & greatly appreciated. They and the race director had a really long day. We received an engraved finisher mug in place of a medal. The mug is very nice but I would have preferred a medal to hang on my medal rod. I have a small rock that my son can turn into a medal to represent this run and add it with the other 68 hanging there.

This was my 6th marathon but first trail marathon and I met my time goal and placed in my age group, which is only possible in a smaller race! Even though it took so much longer, I may never run another road marathon. This was an excellent first trail marathon, assuming you've trained on trails and are OK with the altitude (I'm from Boulder so it was not an issue but I bet it would be if I were from sea level). Course was mostly runnable by trail standards but still challenging, yet not in the way I anticipated. Check out the elevation profile and trail maps and pay close attention to miles 16-20  this is where the terrain was really challenging (jagged rocks and scree, cambered trail), even though it wasn't much elevation gain. In contrast, the big hill at the outset really wasn't bad. Beautiful scenery, especially the views of the reservoir. Note though that most of the course was in the open, which could be an issue if it's warm (it was sunny in the high 60s-low 70s, were it warmer that would've been tough). Make sure to fill up water bottles at the aid stations! I loved the fact that at mile 9 you ran right by the start so you could leave a drop bag and pick up (or ditch) items. A well organized race with very well-stocked aid stations (candy corns at mile 21!), although the Tailwind hydration drink wasn't palatable. Friendly volunteers, few spectators (but you expect that, right) except that people really cheered at the finish line, which was very motivating. Good, plentiful food at the finish (BBQ hamburgers, etc). Medal was nice  an engraved beer bottle opener. Best part the post-race massage. I never get massages right after marathons, but this one was amazing. It's clear that the organizers are runners who care about getting things right. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this marathon, particularly if you are new to trail races or small races!