Idaho Falls Marathon & Half Race Reviews

The views were amazing and the race is just so peaceful. Fast course. Will run again.

This was easily the most poorly organized marathon I have ever run. It was all due to the organization. The course was fine. But the people running this event took no effort whatsoever to try and make this a memorable experience for the people involved. They didn't even provide the services they promised on their home page. They didn't offer a little tote bag (the first marathon I have ever done that didn't offer one), they did not mark a single mile of the course, most of the intersections were not manned by any volunteers (which actually caused me to go off course for some time but thankfully I noticed my mistake), there were no signs on the busy highway we were running along for fourteen miles to warn drivers that there were runners on the road, the busses were late arriving at the start so we barely had time to do a lavatory stop, we had to basically run to the start line, there was no water available at the start (or at the finish line), there was never any fruit available at the water stations, there was no water station at mile 25 as promised, there was no clock at the finish (since we started late good luck timing yourself) and at the end they had no water or Gatorade or even any paramedics. All they had were some bananas cut in half (thus already spoiling) and a few of those sugar water popsicles you give to little children in the summer. Now one or two issues like this do not ruin a marathon. But all of these facts taken together are indicative of organizers who were determined to spend as little as possible to make this a memorable experience. I have no problem with organizers making a profit and being paid for their time and efforts. To all of those looking to run a great fun marathon in the summer here in the Rockies (a lot of fun) I would highly recommend another marathon in the area. Missoula, MT puts on a great marathon in July as well, Casper WY puts on a great one every June. If you need an Idaho marathon Boise is excellent too! I strongly recommend you avoid this marathon in every way.

It was raining and storming the entire time! However, the race was still fun. The finish line had music and snacks. Loved the shirt and medal!

Had a great time yesterday running my first marathon. Met a lot of great people along the way on the bus and at times during the run. Actually I was surprised that folks from all over the country came to Idaho Falls to enjoy the run.

One of the worst races I've ever run. This used to be an enjoyable race starting in the country, running past wind turbines on rolling hills, and entering Idaho Falls. The new race company taking it over had too few volunteers, EXTREMELY poor and sometimes lacking course markings, and sparse support. A group I was running with literally watched the sole port-a-potty around mile 25ish loaded on a trailer and driven away while runners were still on the course. They ran out of cups at an unmanned aid station. Some of us got on our hands and knees to open the spout for each other to drink. Even the timing company was frustrated, as the starting line was moved at the last moment with little or no prior communication to them. I hope this race returns to it former glory. The course itself is a great change of pace from city races not to mention that there aren't many Saturday marathons available. Good luck.

M M. has attended 5+ times 2/5 found this review helpful.

Last years 5k was a quick course at Snake River Landing. It was my first race after knee surgery, and rehab has gone so well I will do the half or full this year. Probably the best part was how social the event was, with a good blend of locals and runners traveling from out of town. 2023 is the first year the Idaho Falls Marathon will be run and directed by local I.F. runners, which It think will improve the experience.

Eli H. has attended 1 times 2/3 found this review helpful.

Another reviewer's comment "minimal effort" is apt. I did not get lost or go to the hospital, but I also carried extra water. The runner experience was not up to the level of well-managed races. Race information was not up-to-date. Pages were re-used from last year and lacked proof-reading. In the last weeks before the race, we finally got a readable map of the half-marathon course, a screen shot of a a course drawn over satellite imagery with direction arrows. Even so, it was vague wherever the course retraced its steps. The best races have downloadable digital navigation resources and links to interactive maps. Water and aid station positions for half-marathon were not accurate. Half marathon had a 5.5 mile gap with no aid. The organizers claimed there was no cutoff. This is never a true statement, since the finish line has to be taken down sometime. At least disclose the time when support and timing services are no longer guaranteed.

Fred A. has attended 2 times 1/3 found this review helpful.

The new race director has really turned this race around. Very fun environment and a great course. Loved the early start time to avoid the heat and no bus ride was fantastic. I came in from out of town and our hotel was a quarter mile from the start and finish line. All in all it was a fantastic race and experience!

Taylor W. has attended 1 times 0/0 found this review helpful.