Top of Utah Marathon

I would highly recommend this marathon. The first 14 miles are scenic as you run down the canyon and the remainder is through some local communities which gives you a good mix of sites. The marathon is very well organized from pre-to-post race events. Everyone I encountered was extremely friendly and helpful. The awards are Awesome and in 2016 they gave out to the top 5 finishers in each category. The warming tent at the beginning of the marathon was a nice touch and the aid stations were well organized throughout the course. There was not a lot of spectators on the course but considering you are bused to the start line and the road is closed for the first several miles, it makes sense and the course itself makes up for the lack of spectators as you take in the views.

The race states 14 miles of gradual downhill and while it isn't steep, this amount of downhill WILL take a toll on your quads if you do not do proper training. I can't emphasize this enough as I went in not prepared for this. The last 8 miles you will experience some moderate rolling hills. Nothing intense, but if your quads are shot from the downhill then you will feel it on these small inclines. Run your tangents wisely as there are a lot of turns in this race. This was a great race and it went smoothly, and the tent at top is AMAZING. Perfect weather. Despite my quads giving out at mile 16 - I was able to get a PR and BQ.

I tend to be a fan of smaller marathons, and I signed up for this one, as my running friends in Salt Lake City told me it was the second best marathon in Utah after St. George. This was my eighth marathon. Registration: The race did not fill up quickly, and I was able to register just three weeks prior to the race date. Expo: The expo was very limited but not surprising given the small number of runners. It was associated with a pasta dinner, but I ate elsewhere so can't comment on the dinner. Shuttles: I had no trouble finding parking close to the shuttle loading location. Things were smooth and on time. Start line: I had to wait a while in the cold for the port-a-potty but then was able to get warmed up in the heated tent. It is much colder at the starting location because of the elevation, so I was glad I was prepared with some extra layers. Water and Gatorade were available, and I tossed my bag into the gear check a few minutes before the gun went off. The race start was pretty much on time. Course: The website touts the spectacular fall views in the Blacksmith Fork Canyon and a fast course. It was nice scenery, but it didn't blow me away. I did have a PR, though. The first 14 miles are a gentle and easy downhill through the canyon, and then the second half is much less scenic and flat. I was able to do a long downhill training run, which is something I would recommend to others planning to run it so that your quads don't get shredded in the first half. Spectators aren't allowed in the canyon, but I didn't mind the lack of people cheering and enjoyed the peaceful and uncrowded road. It got quite sunny and hot in the second half, but I think that is normal for the weather in Logan at this time of year. Aid stations had water and Gatorade; some had fruit and Gu. All were well stocked and organized. Pacers: There were several pacers for different finish times. My biggest complaint about the race was about the 3:55 pacer I tried to stick with. I realize individuals usually volunteer to be a pacer, which is a nice service, but the 3:55 pacer was running his own race. I couldn't keep up with him after the first 3 miles, and I knew he was going way too fast. Somewhere around mile 20, I passed a guy who had stayed with the pacer much longer but dropped off when the 3:55 pacer was starting to pass the 3:45 pacer. Apparently the pacer slowed down at some point. At mile 25, I passed the pacer and only one other runner who managed to stick with him and finished in 3:54. I don't know what kind of strategy the pacer used to run the race, but clearly it didn't work for me. Finish line: It was a fairly low key finish area with chocolate milk, goldfish crackers, fruit, and ice cream sandwiches. The line for the free massages was way too long to wait. There was some nice live music, but I didn't stick around for too long. Bling: The long-sleeved tech shirt is a great color and nice design. I'm not really into medals, so I can't comment much. It had a moose, which seems to be a symbol of the race. Overall: This is a smaller, well-organized race that I would definitely recommend to others.