Coeur d' Alene Marathon

This was my first marathon in Idaho, my 2nd 26.2 overall. Weather was cool with slight overcast that allowed for an overall cool race. Packet Pick Up Packet pick up was re scheduled to start an hour later than website advertises which was fine. My kids had plenty of time to play at the park while we waited. Was able to purchase a few items for memorabilia. (Had my size available in the styles I wanted). Race Day We stayed at an Air bnb .5 miles from the start line so my wife had plenty of time to drop me off. There was a few dozen porta potties on site and that gave me around a 5 minute wait for restroom. I pack my own fuel so I may not be the best judge on aid stations however there seemed to be plenty! I did stop twice for extra water to ensure I didn't run out. The course itself is beautiful. Running along the lake was pretty and there seemed to be quite a bit of spectators from locals. Although not as much as in the Ogden Marathon. (my only other experience in 26.2 events) The only con is that the course runs you right by the water plant so that was a smelly section! 'Motivation to run faster' lol! The course itself was beautiful.

This just was not a good race. The organization of the run stands out. 1st. They ran out of shirts. So even though i went to packet pick up hours before those closed they said they had been out of shirts and could contact us to ship us our size in mens. That was 4 weeks ago and no response from them (i have tried contacting them). 2nd. It is a loop marathon, you run the same route multiuplue times. When i was finishing they had teenagers volunteering. At about mile 22 about 3 hours into the marathon they started picking up the mile markers!!! I think they meant to pick up the markers (mile 1,3 5 etc) from the 1st loop but they made a mistake and pulled up the last 4. Nothing like running a marathon with no mile markers. 3rd, there was no water. They appeared to only have staff and volunteers for the half marathon. Once that was done, they were done and left. Just not a good race, don't run this one. Pick Boise, much better ran marathon. STRONGLY SUGGEST Running a different race.

We drove down from Canada to try the half marathon. It was well organized from packet pick up to awards ceremony. The weather was perfect too. We'll be back next year.