2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon Race Recap - Riverdale, UT

Official Time: N/A
Placement: N/A
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 70s with breeze from the south
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: [2024]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:27	Into the wind. Man is it warm out!
2	9:13	Got into a tailwind.  Still feeling warm, but nice tailwind
3	9:21
4	9:29	On to a dirt trail
5	9:40	Easy start -- into a pretty good wind.
6	9:32	Seriously debating on quitting at the halfway point
7	9:40	Really working hard. Perhaps I should've stopped
8	9:56	Running on fumes.
9	12:17	Done.
10	15:30	Mostly walking back
11	17:07	Mostly walking
	Total Miles: 11 - 2:01:35

Introduction

Last year, I ran the Path to Opioid Prevention 5K -- a charity run supporting ways to avoid the perils of Opioid addiction in beautiful Riverdale UT.  After completing the 5K, I was so awed by the course I knew I wanted to come back and run the half marathon.

I normally don't run half marathons in the summer, so stating that I wanted to run the longer edition of the race took some guts.  But I figured I may suffer a bit, I could finish it and experience the Weber River Trail.

Starting line area

The Race

The race was held in Riverdale Utah, about an hour from my place.  I brought 2 new racers to the event as well -- how could we pass up an affordable race?  I think I also sold them on the beautiful course and the race's societal benefits.

They had two bus pickup times, 6 AM and 6:30.  We got on the 6:30 AM bus.  Everything was well timed and we had plenty of time to make it to the starting line and use the bathrooms.  Transportation took about 10 minutes and was on a simple yellow school bus.

Dirt trail portion

There were only about 60 runners for the half marathon (they had quite a showing for the 5K).  The race isn't chip timed but we were assembled around 7:00 AM and headed out with little fanfare.

The race headquarters was at an LDS church.  They had about 3 porta potties for us, which turned out to be plenty.  

Once the race started, we headed into a quick neighborhood run and we were greeted with a bit of a headwind.  I knew it was going to be a challenging today on account of the heat, but the wind too?  Fortunately, we only had to run about a mile into the wind, which was coming down the canyon.

After about a mile, we were running along 6600S.  It was a lightly trafficked road.  Beside us, locomotives ran back and forth.  It was kind of cool to be honest and took my mind on how hot the race was.  Already, I had worked up a decent sweat and I felt like I was working harder than I should've for a half marathon.  By pace was well over 2-hour pace but today it felt hard.

The first 5K or so was along residential street and I rather enjoyed this section.  It reminded me of some of the farm roads in Illinois that I used to run along.

At the 5K point, I was right on target where I wanted to run.  I had hopes that I was going to run 2 hours but I think that was going to be a stretch given the temperatures -- and I had heard that the course had some dirt sections.

After hitting the 5K mark, we jumped onto a dirt trail.  It was rocky in spots and there were some spots where the Weber River had worn away the banks of the trail, but technically -- it wasn't that technical of a trail at all.  The race is small enough where I was never hemmed in on the thin trail and there were other cyclists, runners and dog walkers on it too.  It was also beautiful with the river and vegetation.

I was still working hard by the time I reached the 5K race's turn around.  They too had started at 7 AM and I only ran into a few walkers at the tail end of the race.  It was also the time the race turned into pavement.  Finally, a little more bounce from my shoes!

Memories of last's year race came back.  The miles were clicking off quickly but I was started to get achy and sore.  I had put in a fairly solid training week followed by some work around the house, so my legs were fried from the get go.  I had carried my own hydration (as well as getting some hydration, which was offered at about every 2.5 miles), but I still don't think I was drinking enough.  And I was still sweating a lot, despite the tree's cover from the rising sun.

At about mile 6.5 or so, we pass right by the exit to the finish line.  I could hear the 5K runners celebrating their accomplishment.  I was tempted, though, to call it a day and peel off the course. I knew hard times were coming and mentally I wasn't quite ready for that thought, so early.

I had faced hard races before and things would get difficult, but I could push on.  Perhaps the thoughts of quitting were just fears.  My pace was still holding okay but I knew I wasn't going to be able to hold it.  It was just a matter of when I'd be doing the marathon shuffle, not if.

I left the noise behind me and proceeded to mile 7.  I had run a few miles of this stretch of trail on my cooldown last year and a memory of a Halloween run I had done came back to me as I progressed further northward.

The route also got a little hillier and I remember grabbing water from an aid station, and it was ice cold.  And it seemed to hit my gut like a heavy weight. It was awesome, but it just didn't sit well.  I had to go up a hill and I wound up walking it -- it was a very short hill -- but one that I just decided to walk up.  And once I got to the top, I felt sick and kind of woozy.  My pace had already dropped considerably.  I looked at my watch and I was about a quarter of a mile from mile 9.  By my calculation, I had about another .75 to .9 of a mile to go before the turn around.

Given that the race was so lightly attended, I stood there. Part of me was wanting to walk to the turn around and part of me knowing the race was over and that walking wasn't something really wanted to do.

Perhaps panic set in, I pulled off my bib and started to walk to the finish line.  I tried running periodically, but I never could hold any sort of a run longer than a minute or so.  I was just drained.

It took about 2 miles to walk to the finish line and I reported myself as a "Did Not Finish".

Conclusion

So this was the 2nd race I've ever not completed; the other being the 2017 Las Vegas Marathon. 

In hindsight, I probably panicked over my state.  I could've forced myself through the race.  A lot of it was ego (I didn't want to be caught in a death march) and part of it was genuine fear that I was not doing well from the heat.  I was upset about it, but not overly so; it happens.  It was also a painful reminder to respect the distance and response the weather.  Also, I came in with a very casual attitude.  I was kind of using it as a supported training run to see where I was at for future half marathons. 

There were some positives though: I did pace myself pretty well and I did bank 9 miles of solid effort.  I just wished I had come in with fresher legs.  Also, the course was pretty. Last year's write-up has way more photos.  

The race was $35.  I heard rumors they had a half price sale as well. I believe the 5K was $25.  You really can't beat that in terms of pricing for any race, let alone a half marathon.  

They had well stocked aid stations (although, I heard rumors they ran out of cups) that had gels, water and sports drink.  We were all a little worried about whether we'd get lost on this course given how small the race was, but the race was easy to figure out and any turns were clearly marked / marshalled.

The race organizers also had nice medals, a jam-packed goodie bag and t-shirt.  The t-shirt is a cotton one and was like last year's.  There was also food and drink after the race as well.

I highly recommend this race.  We all enjoyed it and I think the general consensus was that we'd go back again - even just for the 5K.  It looks like this race is slowly getting larger and other runners should give this one a shot.

Upcoming Races

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Provo Canyon to Pleasant Grove 10K Race Recap - Lindon, UT

Scenic views -- we'd have to run past the temple

Official Time: 56:41
Placement: 2nd in the 55 to 59 age group, 41st overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: Low 80's, breeze from the south
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2022] [2021] [2020] [2019]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:59	Initial climb into the race. Just settling in
2	8:45	Exactly where I was hoping to be. Feeling pretty comfortable
3	8:57	Running out of gas.  Turn around is where it should be.
4	9:12	Definitely out of gas.  Not as bad as I felt, but not where I wanted to be.
5	9:35	Wanted to be done at this point.
6	9.38	About all I cared to try at this point
6.20	1.43	Not even much of a final sprint. Just done.
	Total Miles: 6:20 - 56:43

Introduction

Time to run the PC2PG run in 2025!  I've done this race pretty much since its inception, except one year, when I chose to run the 2023 Rock 'n Roll Salt Lake City inaugural half marathon.  Even one year I topped 3 the 10K (It was very small attendance for that distance).  

The PC2PG is a growing race -- I've been there when there were a few hundred runners. This weekend, there were over 700.  For a simple bike trail run (and a scenic course) the race continues to grow each year.

Each year I've done the 10KM race.  It is simply too hot to do a half marathon, although the course does look very pretty.  The race is basically named after the half marathon, however.  It starts in Provo Canyon and makes its way to the city of Pleasant Grove (on the border of Lindon).  The 5K and 10K race offerings start at the finish line and are an out and back run on the Murdoch bike trail.

Lining up at the start

The Race

The race was moved to 8:30 AM for the 5K / 10K start.  Not exactly what I wanted to hear when I saw the weather forecast. Most races in the summer start early in attempt to beat the heat.  Due to the logistics (I think) of hosting a half marathon and the other two distances in different spots, the start times are wildly apart.

I came into the race feeling very fatigued. One just simply has to look at my recent posts and realize I've  been racing a LOT.  To compound matters, I put in a heavy week of 2 sessions and a few double runs. I was definitely tired.

Staging Grounds at the School

With the race being a bit of a low key one for me (I didn't have any realistic plans of PRing).  Also, as I stood around waiting for the race (and doing a half ass warm-up) I was already feeling extremely warm.  I didn't want to wind up in the medical tent on this one.  

The race started at 8:30 and I immediately went into about half marathon pace.  It was a struggle to get going but it felt okay.  I was swallowed up by several runners -- some of whom were running the 5KM race.

I had scoped out the competition prior to my arrival and realized that I didn't recognize any of the names.  It just sort of removed the pressure from worrying too much about my placement.

The first mile was a bit congested and you have to summit, almost immediately, the biggest hill of the race.  It is kind of a long one and it makes you question your life's choices.  

The first mile came in at 8:59.  To be honest, about where I wanted to be, but given I was supposed to be taking it a little easy, it felt a little fast.

Still, I was settled into a nice comfortable pace, I was familiar with the route, and I was slowly picking off runners.  

The race is held on the bike trail and it offers beautiful views of Utah Lake on your left and a houses / vegetation on the right.  It does change a bit and you run through some open green sections as well.  The course is also littered with cyclists and other runners.

I sped through the 5K turn around and crossed a marshalled street.  I was still running okay but I was distinctly worried about how the heat was affecting me.  It did feel warm but I was still moving okay.  Finally mile 2: 8:45. Maybe this was going to be an okay race. I'd be happy if I could hold 8:45's.

You are never really alone at this race.  From the get go there were half marathon runners coming in and there were enough 5K and 10K runners to keep you motivated.  I worked with a variety of runners throughout the race.

Heading to the finish

Finally mile 3 and the aid station. Normally, runners would hang a left here and go down a few strides before turning around.  This year, the volunteers were telling everyone to run to the cone and turn around. The first cone that was in view, was a small red one placed to encourage you not to run into the street.  I saw a few people turn here, which would result in a shortage of about .1 of a mile (each way).  The real cone was to the left.  This year, the cone was set at exactly 3.10 miles.  To be honest, I was a bit sad  -- because I was already just ready to be done with the race.  

Mile 3 came in at 8:57.  I was fairly winded and I knew the rest of the race was going to be a challenge.  The first 3 miles felt like it was slightly uphill. Perhaps I'd see better splits on the way back.

I grabbed a cup of Powerade at the return aid station and soldiered on.  I kept reminding myself I wasn't racing but this was a race.  Definitely a conflict of interest.

I got shouts of encouragement from other runners, which always helps.  I kept recalling all the workouts I've done where I had run faster than what I was currently doing.  I could do this.

The way coming back seemed faster in terms of my perception of time.  I had run this section many times and I was recalling all the times on it.  It is a pretty area and there were a ton of people out on bikes, walking their pets, and running. I was really happy I had gone with the tank top.  I normally don't run in one, but it definitely helped me feel cooler.

Mile 4 came in at 9:12.  Disappointing but not unexpected. Again, I was fatigued and at this point I was working hard for every step.  

Mentally, I was relieved to hit the 5K turn around again.  I greedily grabbed some drink and poured a little over my head.  I was passing many half marathoners but I couldn't really figure out who was left running the 10K.  

The course did feel like it was slightly uphill both ways. I suspect that is just the nature of a rolling hills course.  Other than the initial one, none of them are terrible, but I wouldn't call the course pancake flat either.

I crossed mile 5 in 9:35.  I expected about this much. I was just gone at this point and hoping to finish.

Still, with a net downhill on the final mile, I decided to push a bit.  Occasionally, I did get my phone out to take a picture.  I was really worried about the heat getting to me and I could feel a bit of a chill coming over me -- the first signs of heat stroke.

I hadn't really seen anyone in my age group, so whatever I was going to get at this point, I was going to get.

Finally, I made a left turn and I was greeted with the hill that I climbed nearly an hour ago.  I didn't have much to take advantage of it with in terms of energy but I let gravity pull me down.  The course also seemed to be get a lot more crowded. I think I had inadvertently joined up with a group of recreational runners, who clearly were enjoying their run.  I couldn't figure out if they were on their cooldown or they were part of the race.

This half mile section is really the only part of the race on car road.  The rest of the course is on the bike trail.  I had access to the sidewalk and there was never really any danger. I just wanted to be done and I could hear the finish line in the distance.

Mile 6 came across at 9:28.  So much for a big benefit of the hill.  I just wanted to be done.

There was a decent crowd lining the finish line.  With a race of over 700 runners, those who had already finished or who were spectators gave shouts of encouragement.  I actually started to try a bit harder here.  Might as well, put on a brave face and make it look like I was a pro runner as I sped through the finish line.

Conclusion

So once again, this wasn't a race "race" for me.  It was a get it done, hope I win something in my age group, and bank a solid effort.  The other goal was not to wind up in the medical tent or having to walk (mission accomplished).

My time, was a whopping 3 minutes slower than last year.  Last year was a "sufferfest".  This one wasn't as bad but I wouldn't call this one an improvement in terms of performance.  But given my race load and the weather conditions, I raced this one pretty much to plan.

Podium Picture

I was happy to find out I was 2nd in my age group, and in the top 50 runners.  

I had brought my own hydration for after the race, but there was a typical spread of food: cheese sticks, oranges, bananas, etc.  There were also some vendors.  I don't think I could eat anything though and I wound up socializing until the awards came about.

The shirt appears to be of the same color / model as last year's.  Not thrilled with it, but it'll work for a Saturday bum around the house shirt.  The medals were heavy duty and nicely designed.  I was happy with those.  Price-wise, I paid nearly $40 about a month before the race to register.  Not a bad price all things considered.

Medal and shirt

The course is a nice one but challenging.  Other than being a bit more explicit on where to turn around for the 10K, the course was safe, well marshalled and had ample aid stations.  I really enjoy it and I would consider running this wide bike trail on a leisurely run as well.  The 5K, though, does appear to come in significantly short (around 2.95).

This race is a lot of fun and I got to be with a lot of my friends for the morning. Running in Utah County is always a treat and I'd put this one on your list if you are looking for a race in mid August.

Upcoming Races

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Alpine Days 5K Race Recap - Alpine, UT

Start line before the Alpine Days 5K

Official Time: 26:13
Placement: 9th in the 55 - 64 age division, 239 out of 531
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather: mid 50's no wind
Course Map / Garmin Route: Here
Previous Years: [2024] [2023]

Mile	Time	Comments
1	8:46	Congested start and slightly uphill first mile
2	8:29	Better. Rebounded after the climb
3	8:37	About mile 2.5 I was grinding away.  Still not a bad closing mile
3.05	0:20	Flying at the end
	Total Miles: 3.05 - 26:14

Going to have to try this one sometime

Introduction

Yet another race in the "Days" races I have all year long.  The Alpine Days one is a very competitive one and helps celebrates the city summer festival.

The local high school comes out for this one -- and they are some of the nation's best.  In addition, their parents (who are often times alumni) show up.  Suffice to say this race has a lot of talent -- even at the adult level.  To make things even more challenging -- the age groups after pretty wide, so you have to show up at your best level to have a shot of winning something.

The Race

I showed up at the race just after 6:15 AM for the 7: AM start.  I had had someone get my bib the day before so a quick walk and a few pins later I was doing my warm-up.  I actually felt half way decent.  Normally, after a week of running, I come in on tired legs, but today -- I have to admit, I felt good.

I did about a mile and a bunch of drills and I made it to the starting line with 5 minutes to spare.  I sort of felt like I needed another fifteen minutes though.

The weather was unusually cool and the air definitely felt very fall-like.  I lined up about 20% of the way back and the race started promptly at 7 AM.

The race is held at Burgess Park and you start about .12 miles from the park's entrance.  After crossing under the arches, you run down the park's service drive and quickly hang a left.  It was crowded but the runners (all 500+ of us) spread out a bit by the time we hit the streets.

I hadn't really studied my competition -- just too many people.  Although most of the runners are high school age or younger.  I just focused on giving it my all.

The first mile is mostly uphill and is often times runner's slowest mile.  I told myself to be patient -- faster miles lay ahead.

About .33 into the race.

After a series of S-curves, we reached the summit and were running on the parade route.  People had set up their stuff but the parade would not be in session for a bit.  The uphill had ended at this point but we had a few rollers.  Early onto this street, I hit my first mile in 8:46. I felt like I was running faster and I was disappointed with it.  Part of me wanted to give up.

Quite a field at the Alpine Days 5K

I reminded myself, though, that the first mile was the hardest.  While this wasn't going to be a barn burner of a day, I could still turn in a half way decent race if I pushed the final 2 miles.

To keep myself motivated I kept looking for the next left turn.  It would signify that I was half way through the race and I had vague memories that after the turn, it was largely downhill.  

Reverse view of the climb

Finally, I hit the turn and I turned on the jets.  I still had something left and I wound up picking up my pace.  There was a bit of a downhill (and in the distance an uphill). Here was my shot.

There was a bit of crowd support and I used it to motivate me to run a bit harder.  I hit mile 2 in 8:29.  Better!

One more mile to go.

I still had a lot left and I was pushing the pace as hard as I could.  At this point, I was running with a couple of women and father / daughter combos.  I think there  may have been one guy who was maybe in my age group.  None the less, I was giving it my all.

There was a nice downhill to kick off the final mile but it didn't last long.  Also, everyone else could sense the finish line.  

With about half a mile to go, I reached the elementary school. I had run to this point prior to the race so I knew exactly where I was and how much further I needed to go.  However, now I was running on the flat parts and I was struggling.  There was a bit of an incline here but I just didn't have a lot to give.

Finally, I pushed past the school and made a right hand turn.  In the distance, I could hear the finish line sounds and I knew I was almost done.  The finish line always come quicker than it seems on this one and I kept telling myself: just one more quarter mile.

Heading into the finish

The entrance to the park appeared. I had measured from the 3 mile marker to the finish and it was about .1 of a mile. The course, at least according to my Garmin, always comes in a smidge short.  This year would be about the same (3.05).  Mile 3 rang up at 8:37.  Decent, I guess.

I flew by a couple of people and a guy half my age sprinted with me at the finish (and definitely beat me).  

I crossed under the finish line in 26:14.

Smiles at the finish

Conclusion

So I was pretty happy with my time -- all things considered. It is still about a minute slower than last year (this year hasn't gone to plan at all).  But this week's time is about a minute faster than the previous 2 or 3 5K races I've done.

The race is a scenic one and I actually enjoy running with the new generation of runners.  They bring a lot of dedication to the sport -- and joy.

Post race refreshments were bagels, chocolate milk, water, a peach and a cookie.  All things considered, not a bad spread for a budget-friendly 5K (I paid about $25).

There are no finishers medals on this one, but if you are fortunate to earn an age group award; I am told the medals were epic.  The t-shirt is a cotton one and fairly basic.  It has a nice design on the back though.  It'll be relegated to weekend wear.  

This race will appeal to the true 5K runner who enjoys a competitive, no frills race on a challenging course.  You'll be inspired by the new generation of runners and the Alpine area is really pretty. Definitely one to put on your list.

Upcoming Races

08/16: 2025 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

08/30: 2025 Swiss Days 10K -- Midway, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

2025 Runtastic Heber 5K Race Recap - Heber, UT

Official Time: 27:32
Placement: 1st in age group, 37th overall
Results: Here
Race Website: Here
Weather:  low 50's, no wind
Garmin Dump: Here
Previous Years:  First Year for Me

Mile	Time	Comments
1	9:26	Grind uphill.  Nothing huge, but it was a solid climb
2	9:05	Turned on the jets at 1.55.  Rebounded quite a bit.
3	8:19	Wish the whole race was like this. Strong final mile
3.10	0:41	Not much left but 6:45 pace. I'll take it.
	Total Miles: 3.10 - 27:32

Introduction

Well, this race sort of popped up on my schedule.  I wasn't planning on doing this race at all and I was offered a bib transfer from a friend who needed to pass it on.  It was a little longer drive than I'd normally want to take for a 5K, but it was a new race and I figured why not.

The race organizer, Runtastic Events, puts on a great show and you can count on them to have a high quality race.

The race is held on the other side of the Wasatch Range.  I normally don't cross over the mountains except for a handful of races.  It is a beautiful area that is growing up fast.  It used to be farm country when I moved here in 2012, but now, it is burgeoning section of the state, with lots of new development.  It still remains a beautiful area.

Almost start time!

The Race

I got up at 3:45 AM and was out the door by 4:30 AM to pick up another runner.  By 5:45 or so I was at the race site.  It was dark drive to the race as I had to traverse I-80 / Parley's Canyon.  It isn't lit, uphill, and involves a lot of S-curves to the summit.

I had a friend get my bib for the race, and she had stashed it near the entrance of a school.  The Runtastic website suggests that they have a $15 fee for day-of pickup.  Parking was a bit congested but overall, an easy experience to get settled in.

The 5K race only had a few hundred runners, so the 10 or so porta potties were enough.  I wound up doing about a half mile warm-up.  I noticed almost immediately the cooler air and the thinner air.  I was running at close to 5700 feet.  In Salt Lake, the average altitude is about 4300.

I ate about half a watermelon Gu to get fueled up.  We assembled about .10 of a mile from the finish line and took off at 6:30 AM.

The race is mostly a residential run.  The first quarter mile or so is through the entrance to the park / school system.  It is fairly flat.  However, upon exiting it, one must begin about a mile ascent to the top.  This is on a road that is closed to traffic and would appear to be a fairly main artery to Heber's outskirts traffic.  It was lined with ranch-style houses and at the loop, there was a lot of new construction.

I had studied the course prior to my arrival so I knew what I was in for.  I had surveyed my competition and there were many Runtastic regulars there.  I wasn't sure who I was competing against, but I was just giving the race a good go.

I was working hard in the first mile, and I felt like my breathing was in control.  I didn't glance at my watch at all but was just working off of feel.  I had settled into a groove and some of the slower starters had passed me.  I was working with a hodge podge group.

First turn onto the main road

Mile 1 rang up at nearly exactly at the spot of the first mile marker.  I will say this, the mile markers on this race were spot on -- every single time.

It showed 9:30.  I wasn't running that slow, was I?  I was running in thin air, my legs were still kind of dead not entirely fresh but 9:30?  

The start of mile 2 was still a climb.  I kept looking into the rising sun to see how much further I had to run before we made a right hand turn where we'd do a loop around a block. The turn occurred at about mile 1.25 and another quarter mile, and another turn, I was greeted with a downhill.  Finally!

Runners heading into the finish

Instantly, I went into race mode.  While this was not going to be any sort of PR day for me, I could at least salvage this race with a nice negative split.  I was actually feeling pretty good and I went into attack mode.  Let's see how many people I could pick off.

I probably passed about half a dozen people and I let gravity do some of the work.  I was running what I would argue was a solid 5K pace finally.

Mile 2 wasn't a huge improvement over 1 but half of mile 1 to 2 had been uphill.  

At this point, the entire race, to me was, how fast could I run the final mile?

I dug deep and pushed.  I had a few people who had the same idea around me and we worked together.  

Mentally, I was bothered -- it felt like the course was going to come up long.  And I was trying to decide how much extra energy I would need to hold back to sprint the last extra distance.  The mile markers (which were now matching the half marathon) were still spot on.  but I just didn't trust the situation.

Finally, another right hand turn and back into the entrance road to the finish line.  I had measured this point on the way out and it was about .4 of a mile.  With the starting line behind the finish line the course was indeed going to measure up.

I was working with another woman and I wasn't really sure if anyone was behind me.  That last quarter mile or so, seemed to take an eternity. Again, the mile 3 marker rang up perfectly on my watch.

I made a gallant effort to finish strong and heard my name shouted as a I sped under the Runtastic Finish arches.  Pretty funny: Here comes Edward Gaul -- pretty good finish for a 25 year-old.  I had a good laugh about that (I am 55).

Smiles at the finish

Conclusion

So, part of me was disappointed with my time. But I had to take this one with a grain of salt.  

• I was running at higher elevation
• The course was uphill (at least half of it) and I was unfamiliar with the course
• I have been pushing the "race boundaries" for a while.

On the plus side, I raced strategically and I (easily) negative splitted.  I didn't give up, even though at times I wanted to and I did win my age group.  My overall time, isn't anything to write home about, but it was another race experience.

The course wasn't anything to write home about -- but it was honest, perfectly marked and the distance as spot on.  It was challenging though and I would argue it isn't a fast one.

Podium!

Post race refreshments included bananas, oranges, sports drink, and chocolate milk.  There were some 3rd party vendors there as well giving out product samples.  Awards were given out very quickly (I almost missed them).

The race is on the smaller side (the half marathon is the main feature).  Due to the lighter field, I wound up winning my age group (always a plus).  The medals were nice and the t-shirt is a solid design, but I am not a fan of the polyester / cotton blend.  

Overall, I came home with a positive vibe from the race.  I won something. I ran according to my race plan, and it was a pretty drive (coming and going).  It was also something new.  I'd love to come back and do the half marathon on this one.

Upcoming Races

08/09: 2025 Alpine Days 5K - Alpine, UT (Confirmed)

08/16: 2025 PC2PG 10K - Lindon, UT (Confirmed)

08/23: 2025 Path to Opioid Prevention Half Marathon - Riverdale, UT (Confirmed)

02/22: 2026 Las Vegas Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)

03/26: 2026 Mount Charleston Half Marathon - Las Vegas, NV (Confirmed)