2023 Cedar City Half Marathon Race Recap - Cedar City, UT

Anticipation Before the Race

Official Time: 1:51:02
Placement: 7th in the 50-54 age group, 178th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 50's with slight tailwind
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: First year for me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:01	Off to a decent start. A little bit of up hill and at 8200 feet altitude.
2	7:35	Letting gravity pull me down. Feeling so good.
3	7:36	Actually a decent mile here despite the climb.
4	7:18	Wow!
5	7:37
6	8:06	Slowing coming back to reality.  Some down, but course definitely flattens out.
7	8:28
8	8:34	Felt like at this point, I was tired.  Knew the last 5 miles were going to be a struggle
9	8:50	Gentle downhill but definitely not in the game
10	9:09	Hit the 5K starting point, on a bike trail now.
11	9:06
12	10:04	Just shambling along
13	10:14	I'd walk around 30 seconds and then run .1 of a mile.  Never again.
13.10	0:51	Crossed the finish line at 13.06 miles, but kept running to make it official.
	Total Miles: 13.10 - 1:51:48

Packet Pickup 

Introduction

So with me having a serious case of race fever, I had absolutely nothing on the calendar for this past weekend.  I searched for a race -- high and low.  It had to be worthy of doing, age group awards, not super expensive, no major headaches, and it had to be fun and different.  There was a big race in Salt Lake, but I knew that was expensive and I've already driven up the route, so it wasn't terribly new.

My searches did take me to the Cedar City Half Marathon.  It was in southern Utah, something new, and it was a race I had put on my "to-do" list for quite some time.  Most every year it popped up on my radar and I just never pulled the trigger and said "I am doing this".

This year, I made the decision to do it.  I did some research as to what it would cost me in terms of gas, hotel, food, etc and came to the conclusion it was in the budget.  It wasn't cheap -- the week of registration was $100, but I was willing to take the plunge to have a new adventure this week.  Also, the promotional video they had on their site was the kicker: what a beautiful course.

Pre-start starting line

The Race

I managed to pick up my bib on Friday evening.  It was crowded but not terrible and I got a giant swag bag for my troubles.  I don't think I've ever gotten a bag so full of "things" before but already the race was off to a good start.  And the stuff wasn't just "junk" but product samples and things I'd actually try and use.

I had serendipitously gotten a hotel that was near the bus loading and packet pickup.  In fact, it was about a block and a half walk (pro tip: stay at the Best Western in Cedar City) It made it convenient in that I didn't have to fight for parking, let alone move my car in the morning.  So the bus loading process was easy and stress free.

The initial start of the race

The bus ride took about 20 minutes to read a campsite.  They had a plethora of bathrooms (again props to the organizers) and they also had pit fires, music and heating areas.  I had brought a light jacket and tights / gloves but I only wound up using the jacket and tossed on the gloves for a little while.  I had about a 45 minute wait (or less) before the start.

People assembling pre-race.

Wood Ranch starting pen

The race started at 7 AM and we made our way out of the camp and onto the service road that would eventually take us back to Cedar City.

The course is closed to traffic, which means we could take the curves on the street as efficiently as possible.  I had studied the course via their video and knew we were in for a beautiful morning -- with majestic rock formations lining the winding canyon road.  

The initial 5 - 6 miles are a crazy fast downhill and with a slight tailwind, I felt that the running was light and easy.  Especially on race fatigued legs. 

Leading up to Cedar Breaks -- we did not run this wya.

I always have a hard time figuring out how to run these downhill races, but I let gravity assist and monitored by breathing.  Despite the high elevation, I wasn't breathing hard, but I did feel a bit more tired / lethargic than I should've.  I knew I was running fast --- even faster than my normal 5K race pace - but it felt effortless.

Beautiful start to the race.

I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt and was completely comfortable with the temperature.  They had a bag drop prior to the race and I didn't have much to begin with to drop off.  I had thought about wearing more cushioning shoes, but decided to go with my trusty Saucony Pro 2's.  They hadn't let me down before and I feel like they were able to withstand the blows of the descent.

The initial miles were stunningly beautiful.  The sun was coming up, we were mostly in the shade and I could hear the river (Coal Creek) to the left and right of me.  Sometimes it was well below me and sometimes nearly next to me.  The race was a big one and I was always surrounded by other runners.

Bag Pipe players on the course

The first 6 miles flew by effortlessly and I knew I was in range for a fantastic race time-wise.  I was worried about the final 5 miles, as it looked like the massive drops were going to end and I'd be back to reality.  I was hoping, though, that my body would be able to at least manage a decent pace for the remainder of the race.

The had 7 aid stations on the course -- serving Powerade and water.  One of the last stations had pickle juice -- which I thought was odd. I'd rather see that in the middle miles.  The crews running them were amply trained, although some of the water stations had lukewarm water, which didn't really help quench my growing thirst.

One of the treats too was the bag pipe players around mile 5.  It was nice to be greeted by them and hear them play.  It is one of the highlights of the race and one that the organizers appear to celebrate.

Eventually, the good times must end though and eventually the massive downhills stopped and reality hit me hard.  My effortless 7:30 miles turned into low 8's and eventually more typical 8:30's.  I was okay with that but the work it took to hit those paces seemed harder.

I figure I was still at 6500 - 7000 feet elevation, which would explain the effort.  Also, I don't think I was consuming -- or had consumed enough hydration prior to the race.  I was drinking, but it didn't seem to be enough.  I did eat a Gu with caffeine which perked me up a little, but not as much as I would've hoped.

By mile 8, I knew the final 5 miles were not going to be pretty.  The crowds had thinned and so had the excitement.  The canyon was still pretty but I could tell it was less "wild".  I definitely wasn't bored but now it was work.

Crowds at the finish line.

I somehow made it to the 10 mile mark -- not exactly feeling great.  I still had hopes that I'd be able to turn it around or at least run low 9 minute miles for the remainder of the race.  but I was in desperation mode.

The course had left the canyon's road and onto the local bike trail.  The first mile of the bike trail was really nice -- it felt like I was still running in the wild but eventually it gave way to more traditional, urban bike trail.  It was still pretty but in a less wild way.

By the time I hit mile 11, I knew I just wanted to finish. Part of me told myself that I'd never run this one again.  I hate downhill races.  I don't train for them and they always make me feel like this.  I just have nothing left in my legs and I was mad at myself: did I go out too fast? Was it because I let gravity have its way with me?  Should I have purposely slowed up?  I can just never figure out downhill racing.

Finish line photo

The final 2 miles were a grind and the closer I got to the finish line, the worse I felt.  My legs felt heavy and mentally, I was just done.  It was also embarrassing, to me, to be shuffling as slow as I was while the Southern Utah University track team marshalled and supported the course.  I bet they saw me coming and laughed internally.  

The last mile, I did something, I don't think I've ever done in a half marathon:  I started to do a walk run method.  It was either that, or be sick or pass out.  I was still running at higher than normal elevation: about 5700 feet according to my Garmin.  I'd run for about 30 - 45 seconds -- often times too fast - and then walk for 30 seconds.  It worked -- mile 12 to 13 was no different than mile 11.

I was alerted I was about 400 meters from the finish, and I forced myself to just run it.  I slowed up a bit more and I fell into a rhythm.  It stuck -- I wasn't going to finish walking.

Somehow, I did make it and I looked at my watch: 13:06 and I was 1:51 and change.  I wound up grabbing my medal and hurriedly continue to run -- for another .04 of a mile.  As soon as my watch read 13.11, I stopped, doubled over and gasped for breath. 

I do believe the course was 13.10 miles.  With all the canyon stuff and taking the most advantageous route in terms of running the curves, I suspect my watch marked me a little short.  Either way, my watch alerted me that once again, I had set a record in the 10K and half marathon.  Despite my less than "great" finish, I still managed to run well.

All Smiles once I got rehydrated

Conclusion

So one thing I loved about this race -- there is a massive party at the end.  There was more food, drink, and entertainment than I've seen at most races.  The turnout was really good, so there was no shortage of people to mingle with (I didn't know a soul there).  

I managed to snag a spot to sit and sipped on some Powerade.  It took a while to get back to "normal". And it took another jump in time before I was willing to sample some of the food.  The event was catered and they had an ice cream machine.  They also had protein drinks, an assortment of energy / granola bars and candy.

Live band at the end

Prior to the race, I had visions of running back to the my hotel.  It was only about a mile but I just had no energy to do much of anything.  My legs were just cooked -- and I think it was mostly from the descent and not the actual distance.

Fortunately, they did have shuttles to make the drive and it dropped me off within a block of my hotel.  Again, props to me for picking a hotel so close to the finish line.

Overall, I loved the race.  Despite what I may have said up above in the final 5 miles or so, the course was absolutely stunning.  It was fast, well supported, and just done almost perfectly from start to finish.  

I had paid $100 for the race, which is definitely NOT cheap.  With the service fees, it turned into about a $110 race.  Granted, I did sign up for the race the week of, so I expect to see that level of pricing.  I did receive a coupon for next year and I wound up signing up -- so I am in for 2024 for $40.

Medal and shirt from the Cedar City Half Marathon

The medal is one of the bag pipe players and it has moveable parts.  Definitely unique and custom made for the race.  Very cool.  The t-shirt (the back is shown in the photo above) is of nice quality, technical fabric, and one that I'd be proud to wear while running or at another race.

I definitely felt that this race went over the top in terms of what you got for your registration.  The bus ride, aid stations, swag in the bag, everything.  I was happy from start to finish.

My performance -- I still have very mixed feelings.  It wasn't a "great" race for me.  I felt like the course defeated me and while my time was outstanding, the way I ran the final 5K didn't sit well with me.  Again, I am a little undertrained for the half marathon distance and I certainly don't do a lot of downhill training, so I sort of got what I prepped for.  My time will probably be the best of the year for a half marathon, but it probably won't go down as the best race of the year for me, just on account I didn't run the final portion of the race the way I envisioned I could've.

I do plan on coming back next year and am looking forward to doing this race again.  Despite my misgivings (about my performance), I had a great experience and several days later I am still buzzing about it.  

I am hoping for improvement in 2024.

Upcoming Races

09/23: 2023 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/07: 2023 Apple Harvest Run 5K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)

10/21: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/28: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Can't Make It)

11/18: 2023 Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

11/23: 2023 South Davis Recreation Center 5K - Bountiful, UT (Confirmed)

02/25: 2024 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/20: 2024 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

07/24: 2024 Deseret News Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed

09/07: 2024 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)

10/XX: 2024 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Confirmed)

2023 Swiss Days 10K Race Recap - Midway, UT

The hill climb near the end of mile 2.

Official Time: 50:45
Placement: 73rd overall, 2nd in the 50 - 54 age division
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 50's, damp, little to no wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2022] [2021] [2019] [2018] [2017] [2016]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:04	Decent start. Initial downhill and then a grind uphill
2	9:11	A couple of hills here.  This is the slowest mile of the race
3	8:38	One last hill, then down it and into the flats. Trying to rebound
4	7:50	Love this mile.  Downhill and get back to 5K race pace
5	8:05	Just wrapping up the downhill, but now the flats until nearly the finish.
6	8.29	Grind uphill then mostly flat until the finish.  Just wanting to be done.
6.06	0.25	Sprint to the finish!
	Total Miles: 6:06 - 50:45

Introduction

For many years now, I've been toeing the line at the Swiss Days 10K.  Swiss Days is celebrated Labor Day weekend (the first weekend of September) in Midway, UT.  The day commemorates the city's Swiss heritage.

The city has a massive fair that is very popular, resulting in a lot of people showing up to shop at local craft vendors, eat food, and hear music.  There is also a popular parade.  The event lasts several days and Saturday is always the busiest day of the festival.

The final day of the fair kicks off with a 10K, which has been running for many years now (I heard a rumor from the late 70s).  Usually it is popular with the local high school cross country teams but several hundred people show up for the hilly race -- along with a contingent of kids for the kids' run. It is budget friendly and the course is simply beautiful (but challenging).

Starting area

The Race

The race is an early one -- it starts at 7 AM at a local LDS Stake.  I always get there early to snag a prime parking spot and get settled in.  It is just less than an hour drive from the Salt Lake Valley to Midway and it was raining lightly most of the way.  I think I've run the race before when it was raining prior to the start, but this was probably the most prominent.  

Being one of the first one there, I managed to get my bib in short order.  I did a quick shakeout run and some drills.  I felt okay but not super springy.  I had to keep in mind that I was up about another 1000 feet compared to where I usually live (5300 feet).

The race started about 10 minutes late.  It isn't chip timed and I had managed to jockey myself into a pretty good position.

I started off strong but in control.  I knew the first half of the course was primarily uphill and going out too fast would cost me in the second half.  I had found some other runners who were running a similar pace to mine and I tucked in behind them.

I wanted to get off to a good start, so I pushed it more than usual, netting a fast first mile (8:04).  I had studied my splits from last year and I knew I was ahead of schedule.  Good news, since I was attempting to run better than last year (50:53) and potentially beat my best time (49:40).

Mile 2 is where reality sets in.  This is where the bulk of the hills are on the course.  I felt like I was redlining and my breathing went from "working" to taxed.  I slowed up a bit and the runners who I had passed overtook me.  I felt like the race was slipping away from me but I also reminded myself this was my weakest area and that I would probably rebound once I got through this section.

The nice thing about this part of the race, though, is that you are greeted with some majestic views of the eastern facing Wasatch mountains.  They were cloaked in clouds and there were hundreds of wild sunflowers lining the roads.  Mile 2 came up over 9 minutes -- definitely slower than last year.

I grew a little despondent.  This wasn't going to plan.

I ran a little further up the final hill and was finally greeted with the turn around.  I could've hugged the sign.  Normally I don't run terribly well uphill and my training neglects that aspect -- so when I do run uphill, it is a matter of just getting up it, no matter the pace, and then rebound when I am done with it.  

As soon as I turned the corner, I felt my pace quicken and those that had passed me suddenly found themselves being pursued aggressively by me.  Perhaps I could salvage this race!

Having dealt with the uphill and now getting the downhill, I was okay with getting an 8:38.  Not where I wanted to be, but the worst of the course was now over and the rest of course was primarily downhill.

I began overtaking other runners as I gained confidence in being able to gut out the second half of the race.  We had left the outer limits of the Wasatch State Park and were returning back into the well-to-do neighborhoods of Midway.

Mile 4 was hit at 7:50 -- fabulous! But to be honest, I was expecting to do a bit faster.  At this point, I wasn't sure if I was on pace to meet or beat last year's race.

I kept an eye out for my competitors -- and I wasn't sure what the age divisions were this year -- so anyone over the age of 40 was my competitor.  I was running solo for the most part, but I knew I had masters aged runners behind me.

With about a mile to go, I was still running low 8-minute miles.  I had benefited from the remaining downhill and my confidence was buoyed that I could at least come out ahead this year.

Unfortunately, I hit the skids, so to speak in the last mile.  I knew it would happen.  I was running on flats and my legs were shot.  Last week's downhill race could still be felt and I had used up too much energy on the uphill portion of this race.  One of my competitors passed me and I knew I didn't have anything to keep up with him.  I hoped he wasn't in my age group.  

I knew another runner who I suspected was going to be in my age division was closing in on me.  He was surrounded by several other runners of various ages.  Last year the age division was 50 - 64 (normally it was the typical 5-year splits) so I had no idea where I stood.  Fortunately the race is generous with awards up to 5 deep.  I turned the final corner and I knew the finish line was close, but still far away.  I knew the guy ahead of me was likely unreachable -- I just needed to solidify my position.

The mile markers were mostly off after about mile 3 or 4.  My Garmin's alert usually came in several yards after the mile marker and it was growing with each segment.  The course always comes in around 6.10 but this time I must've really run the tangents well, as I was coming in at a low 6 miles.

In the last quarter mile, I dug down -- recalling all the strides / speed sessions I had done in the months prior to this race.  I knew I could handle it, just get it done for another 90 seconds or so and shave off a few additional seconds.

Finally I crossed the finish line. I put on a brave face though, knowing that the finish line is recorded for YouTube.  So I managed to get past the camera before bending over, hands on knees, gasping for breath.

Done!

All smiles at the finish

Conclusion

So going into the race, I came in with the attitude that this was an "A" race for me.  I was all in and I was striving for the best time possible for this course.  Having run the course a bunch of times and having trained for the 10K most of the summer, I felt that today was a good day to break 50 minutes on this course.

While the weather was great, my body just wasn't ready to smash the course.  I was on vacation for the first 3 days of the week -- eating too much food and I've done so many races of late.  I wasn't rested enough and I am probably heavier than I should be - or want to be.

So I am not totally surprised by today's outcome.

I did, however, manage to finish 2nd in the 50 - 54 age division.  The race has gone back to the 5-year age increments, which are standard for most races.  They also were giving out their giant glass steins as age group awards.  I have a few of them and the 2023 edition will be a nice add to the collection.

Post race refreshments included, bananas, chocolate milk, fruit and of course high-end donuts.  Half the reason why I drive nearly an hour to this race is for the post race donuts.

Mmm.... post race food!

The race did start late, but overall I was happy with my experience.  The price of the race has gone up over the past few years (what hasn't?).  But I love the course and there is a good vibe by all the participants there.  I also like how the race's award system is pretty simple.  Just show your RunnersCard timecard and pick up your award.  

I love the age group award.  The t-shirt, is nicely designed, but it is cotton.  I likely won't wear it much except to bum around the house.  

After the race I did circle the fairgrounds a bit.  It isn't really my thing to shop for that sort of stuff, but I checked it out.  They had a lot of food offerings, but I had made a mini meal on a donut and fruit.  

After last year, I thought this year might be my last year doing this race.  But after this year, I'll definitely be back and hopefully next year I can crack sub 50.

Swiss themed city hall in Midway, Utah

Upcoming Races

09/09: 2023 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)

09/23: 2023 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/07: 2023 Apple Harvest Run 10K - Santaquin, UT (Confirmed)

10/21: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/28: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Can't Make It)

11/18: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Confirmed)

02/25: 2024 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/20: 2024 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

07/24: 2024 Deseret News Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

09/07: 2024 Cedar City Half Marathon - Cedar City, UT (Confirmed)

2023 Nebo 10K Race Recap - Payson, UT

Official Time: 48:19
Placement: 3rd in the 50 - 54 age group, 17th male, 26th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Mid 60s, no wind
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	7:49	First quarter mile was uphill and at elevation. Not warmed up. Rebounded immediately at the turn around
2	7:06	Wow. Fast mile!
3	7:37	Still holding steady
4	7:59	Snapping back into reality.
5	7:54	Came back a bit but mostly flat and running with the 5K runners / walkers.
6	8:14	Tough mile here.  Not a lot left.
6.22	1:37	Surprised myself here and really turned it up a notch.  So happy to finish
	Total Miles: 6.22 - 48:19

Waiting for the start

Introduction

I've never run the Nebo 10K race before.  I've seen the race pop up in my calendar from time to time and I've never signed up.  The effort seemed a bit much for me -- getting up early, getting on a bus, etc.  Also the cost of the race as a late entry always tipped the scale.

This year, I had a friend doing it and we decided to carpool.  It was still pricey but with a friend doing it, it seemed worthwhile.

The race is held in Payson -- a solid 45 minute drive south of where I live.  The race is also a fast downhill race.  I have yet to race in Payson and I've driven a bit through the canyon so I knew it was going to be a pretty run.

Final turn

The Race

I got to the race site around 5:45 -- at the local city park.  The race was busy and the 10K was the last race to load on the bus.  I was able to find a decent parking spot.  The full marathon runners had already left and the half had mostly disappeared.  There was a good line-up for the 10K buses.  It took a while to load the buses -- as many of the buses hadn't returned yet from dropping off the other runners.  In fact, this was probably my biggest complaint about the race.  It wasn't until after 6:15 that I was finally on a bus, making the 5 mile drive to the race start.

I got to survey the course as we wound our way up the canyon.  There were a few rolling hills to content with, but it was mostly downhill.  I could definitely tell I was in for a fast time.

I arrived on the second  bus and the line for 3(!) porta-potties was already 30 - 40 people deep.  I immediately jumped in line and barely made it through the queue before the 6:55 AM start.  The race was slated to start at 6:45, but with the bus miscue, we started late.  Suffice to say, my warm-up routine was scraped and amounted to a few jumps / arm swings.  

Finish line photo!

The race did start and we headed out of the campground parking lot. My impression of the race was that we'd swing a left and be greeted with the descent back down to Payson.  Instead, we hung a right (as the race arrows directed us) and proceeded UP the canyon.  What?!?!  

I thought it was a mistake and part of me was filled with dread.  How much of an uphill chunk did we have to do?  I was breathing pretty hard with the higher elevation and the hills and I certainly hadn't warmed up, 

The uphill was short lived and within about a quarter of a mile, I saw the lead pack coming back down the canyon.  Whew, the race organizers hadn't screwed up.  There was a large cone to turn around at and I was greeted with what I came to run:  a fast downhill.

The next 2 miles or so was spent barreling down the canyon.  It was so easy to run and I hit some fast miles.  It was cool out, shaded and I loved running down the canyon with a little stream off to the side and some pine / canyon shrubbery on either side of me.

I hadn't really come in with a strategy on this one, but I knew that I had roughly 4 miles of downhill and then about 2 of rolling hills to the finish.  I wasn't sure how to pace this -- being that if I held back, my quads would still be shot for the final 2 miles.

I wound up pushing the pace, hitting a 7:49 and 7:06 split.  Those splits are definitely not 10K paces, but more like 5K or 3K paces.  It seemed pretty effortless as I let gravity and a little extra kick power my run.

Awesome crowds at the end

Miles 3 and 4 -- the canyon opened up and I had a few uphill sections to contend with.  There were meadows with cows in them and more flat running. I was still surrounded by the towering mountains but they were further away, giving way to more intense sun.

Part of me got a little frustrated in that the pace felt slower and I actually had to work for it.  This was a mental hang-up though.  My pace was still rock solid for a 10K.  I took it easy on the uphill parts, cruised on the flats and relished the mini downhills.

I could feel myself fading though.  The downhills had smashed my quads and with all the miles, races and training I've done, my legs were begging for mercy.  I wasn't sure who I was running against but the crowd had thinned out and not many runners were behind me.  I just knew that the race was fairly competitive and that if I wanted to place, I'd need to bring my A game.

The final third of the race was mostly run in Payson itself.  It is kind of a rural community with ranch style homes, big yards, and an older atmosphere.  When I first moved to Utah, it was at the edge of civilization.  Now, it isn't.

It was also at this point that I joined up with the 5K runners.  Most of them were walking but as I got closer to the finish I got mixed up with the running ones.  I also got overtaken by the speedy half marathon runners who had had a 30 minute head start on me.

I was running on fumes but I knew I was still running 10K pace.  It took a bit of extra effort as well to dodge parked cars or wide berths of 5K runners.  

The mile markers - for the most part - we spot on.  Although, I was about .03 of a mile off with them.  They had markings for the marathoners (which aligned with my race) and the half marathon runners.  It was nice to see consistency and reassuring I wasn't going to have a shortage or overage in miles.

As I got closer to the finish line, I started to gauge if anyone was coming up behind me, but the coast was clear.  I could hear the announcer and the I got a sense of where I was in regards to the finish.  The final push is a gentle downhill and I quickened my pace.  There was a really good crowd lining the finish line too, so that only encouraged me more.

I made the final turn and gave the last .1 of a mile all I had.

Pretty happy with my finish

Conclusion

I finished in 48:19, for a legit 10K race.  With the full marathon being certified, I figured the 10K would be as well.  Either way, my Garmin rang up a 10K.

I figured I had run well and my watch alerted me that I had PR'd in the mile, 2-mile, 5K and 10K.  I have run better in my life but I think these are over the age of 50 personal bests for me.

Finishers Medal and age group 3rd place medal

My phone had my results for me (I had carried my keys and phone in my FlipBelt) and I was happy to see that I had placed 3rd in my age division.  However, I was bit a hesitant to take credit for it -- since so many runners had gotten a late start with the bathroom situation.

For the next 15 minutes, I was busy refreshing my browser -- but I am happy to report that my place held up.

Waiting for the awards

It took a while to get the awards out but I've certainly experienced worse.  It was a beautiful day though and I was able to socialize with some runners.  Post race refreshments were oranges, bananas, sports drink, water and chocolate milk.  They also had muffins of some sort as well.  It was a bit better than normal in terms of post race food.

Overall, I was happy with my experience.  Runtastic Events always does a good job with their races.  There were plenty of water stops, the course was easy to follow and everything went well.  My only gripe was the late 10K bus loading.  There really wasn't ample time between drop off and race start.

Performance wise -- I am happy with my time and running on this one.  I pushed it hard and gave it a solid effort.  However, it does come with an "asterisk" on the day.  The course was just a massive downhill and it was hard not to have a great race.  I think in comparison with other races I've done, it comes in on par, or slightly better than usual.  It does look good on Athlinks though.

I would certainly do this race again next year.  The half marathon certainly looks enticing as well, given that that race is even more downhill than the 10K.  

I was sore after running the race - including the following day. Physically, you do pay a price for this one but my finish time feels really good, even though I was definitely aided by the course.  If you are looking to run one of (if not the) fastest 10Ks in Utah, you should give this race a try.

Upcoming Races

09/02: 2023 Swiss Days 10K - Midway, UT (Confirmed)

09/23: 2023 Witch Run 10K - West Jordan, UT (Confirmed)

10/06: 2023 Antelope Island Race - Syracuse, UT (Maybe)

10/07: 2023 Apple Harvest Run 10K - Santaquin, UT (Maybe)

10/21: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

10/28: 2023 Haunted Half 5K - Provo, UT (Can't Make It)

11/18: Snow Canyon Half Marathon - St George, UT (Maybe)

02/25: 2024 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

04/20: 2024 Salt Lake City Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)

07/24: 2024 Deseret News Half Marathon - Salt Lake City, UT (Confirmed)