Jackson Hole Marathon

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!