Boise Marathon

Pros - weather, scenery were great

Cons - start line was not assembled by the time it was supposed to start, and worse no one explained anything (like that they were running behind, what time we would start). Finally started about 10 min late to a guy that just yelled a countdown. There were 2 signs for mile 11 (neither at mile 11 according to my watch), not much support/water/snacks at finish, confusing turnaround point for the half marathon.

Flat, fast course. Hopefully the organizers get it together or change companies in the future cause it would be great Boston qualifier due to typically cool weather and flat course

Ample parking nearby to course, port a potties at start (could have been more)

This event was a pure money grab by the new owners. Zero course markings. Zero food, energy drink, gels at the aid stations, no shirts, no medical support and no staff to be seen anywhere.

Pro - tip for this race - choose a different race!

The best thing about the race was location. Although the course had multiple loops, passing the same spot a few times, I really didn't mind as we stayed on the green belt, mostly along the river. It was beautiful and the weather turned out to be nice, even though rain was predicted up to the start time, it only sprinkled a couple times and I barely noticed it! There was a lot of hype about famous running people being there but I didn't see any. Also, for the money you didn't get anything in your goodie bag except a t-shirt, not even a tech shirt, and race bib. Gear check? Good thing I really didn't need it because that was pretty hazy. Must use clear plastic bags? Where are they? No communication on that. Those should be given out at the expo so we can fill them???

My biggest complaint, by far, is the lack of signage towards the end. I missed my BQ by 1:50. I had to stop a couple times and ask people if they knew which way to turn. No one did, finally a girl I had passed some time ago came up and told us which way. This was in the last few miles, happened twice. Once I started off in the wrong direction until some people saw us and yelled we were going the wrong way. I'm pretty certain I would have gotten my BQ if not for those mishaps. That said, it was my 25th state and I'm happy with my 2nd place AG finish.

I stayed at the Boise Downtown Hampton and it was close to Boise Center, which was really fun, especially saturday morning with the Farmer's market!!! Easy walk to race start/finish as well. They accommodated the extremely late race by allowing me a late checkout.

Hampton Inn-Boise Downtown!

Too late of a start (noon) and then that was delayed, well organized otherwise and a great course.

Overall this marathon was well organized and well covered by both police and volunteers. Plenty of rest and water stops. Although it rained and is prone to do this at this time of the year here, the race course itself goes through very beautiful neighborhoods, has the beautiful backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and is well attended. The only negative comment I would have is they need to start on time irregardless and try and figure ot how to get more people out to cheer. Having past runners who have had successful careers in the sport there to cheer you on and run in some cases, was an added bonus. Their insights and well wishes were very much appreciated by all.

If not competitive, run slow and steady at a comfortable pace that enables you to enjoy the scenery and course while still enjoying the distance and ambiance. Make an effort to meet with older runners prior to the race and get some encouragement and insight into proper running techniques. Run at pace you can maintain and be sure to take water and fluids and snacks as necessary so as to not dehydrate or cramp. Do proper distance training weeks prior to the actual race building up your mileage weekly.

You need to arrive at least an hour prior to the race in order to get parked, stretched and acclimated to the area prior to the run. There are a number of hotels within a couple of miles of the course which can be a bit pricy but it you go alitle southwest of the run uptown you can find some reasonably priced hotels just off 84 near the airport and further west along West Overland St. Parking is quite large near the race site and the college is within a mile of the start which also hosts a number of parking spots.