Runtastic Nebo Marathon Reviews

  Great course but descent and early bus time are punishing

By NS about 2024

Review

Beautiful course. Lots of friendly aid stations. Descent is fast but wears on joints and soles of feet (maybe worse for me since I'm near 60). 4 am loading time for buses is really early considering lack of hotels nearby.

Race Tips

Not nearly enough port-a-potties at the top, go in advance if you can. Take a hoodie and drop bag for the top since it's colder up there while waiting for the start. First 10 miles are between 8,000-9,500 feet elevation. If you're not used to running at elevation--train for it. Also, train for steep descent--over 4,000 feet in about 10 miles.

  Who knew downhill could be so hard

By Penny about 2018

Review

I thought this would be s great downhill race. How easy is downhill. (NOT). This downhill is steep at times and takes s toll on you. The first mile is uphill. If the first 10 Miles don't wear you out than the elevation will kick your butt. I thought I was prepared but apparently not. By mile 20 I was totally exhausted. Normally I can push st the end but with elevation I had nothing else in the tank st the finish.

  The Perfect Challenge

By JB about 2018

Review

This is not an easy downhill race but you can still get a great time. It really is a perfect challenge for your training. You start off in the dark, but not long enough for a headlamp & the sunrise is spectacular! I'll never forget it. The busses up we're great & I thought it was very well organized in 2018. Especially if your from the Salt Lake area I'd recommend this.

Race Tips

The initial hills at the starting elevation may make a lot of runners second guess this choice for a marathon, but you have to trust your training that you can make it up in the last 16 miles. If you've put the work in, you can do it. The out & back (mile 7-9) is on gravel before rejoining the pavement and has a few mild hills. Once you hit the downhills & drop a little elevation you'll get a burst of energy you didn't think you had, but pace yourself because you'll want to run faster than you should... there's still a ways to go.

Right before town, there's a field on the left. When it's sunny it gets hot there, it push on, there's a nice little downhill coming (in the shade).

When you get to town, you're almost there, but don't be fooled when you finally turn left for the park, you can't see the finish like until right after the park, but it's only a few feet beyond that, so keep the gas on. If you've trained well (especially at altitude), you'll be fine here. I didn't train at high altitude, but still had a great race. If you've only trained average, don't expect this to be easy. The hills for the first 9.5 miles are no easy task. I them without walking, but it was slow moving. I knew I could make it up on the downhill though.

Trust your training. If you feel well, you can do it, and you'll have a great time doing it!

  Lots of uphill for a downhill race

By BF about 2017

Review

The first 10 miles of this race could be classified as rolling. There are even some pretty steep uphills in this portion (small parts with an 8% or greater climb).
The aid stations did not have the advertised amenities. First gel or gu was not till mile 19, though it was promised at mile 7.
Road is open to traffic the entire race and there were cars on the course the whole way. Overall a poorly organized race.

Race Tips

Be prepared for a lot of uphill at the beginning. Then it gets steep (downhill) at mile 10 or so, but with slight climbs throughout.

Not enough toilets at the race start.