Deseret News Classic Marathon

I ran this marathon in July 2022 as part of my quest for 50 marathons in 50 states. Of the 10 marathons I've run thus far, this was my least favorite. As mentioned by others, one must take a bus ride from SLC up to Big Mountain (departing around 3:30am). Waiting for an hour in the dark atop the mountain for the race to start at the early hour is a bit of a drag. Lots of sleepy-eyed runners staring into the night. Much of this run is a descent. I began to feel the impact by mile 6. This was a bit of a surprise. I knew then that this was going to be a bigger challenge than I had expected. The route descending from Big Mountain is quite nice and provides many stunning views. However, once you hit SLC, it's a bit of a downer. The route follows a major arterial with rather heavy traffic for the early hour. There's a set of cones that provides one lane for runners, and local police direct traffic. However, it's a bit touch and go with traffic control and I had a near miss with a car. That was a first during a marathon. Again, as mentioned by others, there were far too few aid stations. The temperature was 90 by 8am and the lack of hydration stations was a bit dangerous. At one point, around mile 20, I contemplated a stop at a gas station for hydration. It was that bad. All in all, one of the more challenging marathons I've run (my slowest time during a marathon). The expo was small and easy (my preference). I estimate about 300 runners participated in the marathon. Minimal spectators at best. Nice medal and a shirt.

Quick note of thanks to organizers and volunteers for getting this great marathon back after the pandemic (let's hope its after!) Beautiful course as always.

This was my first year running this race and I actually came here to read reviews in case they were helpful. I did not find most comments helpful. I saw many people complain, about lack of support, poorly marked course, no spectators, very few port a pottys. I only have a few legitimate concerns - the first of which was the lack of discussion about the hills. This course is probably 3/4 downhill, but not only is the big hill misrepresented, it starts before mile 5 and goes up (with one break) till approx. almost mile 8. There is another incline in the out n back portion that I wouldn't have noticed if it wasn't clear we were running DOWN after the turn around. After that, there are at least two more, one longer one running up the street before you turn onto Foothill or University, and another steep one before you turn out of the neighborhood. I think both were prior to mile 21, so maybe 19 and 20. The other concern was almost complete lack of info on the DN site itself, no mention of these other 'bumps' and no photos of the current year medal and shirt. As far as other things? Great start area! People complained about that too! There was a nice tent, drop bag area, lighted, music, adequate port a potty, water. Decent footing on the road, field of runners was small enough (just over 300). Saw a lot of gripes about no spectators... 16 miles down a gorgeous canyon, why do you need spectators? Find a friend, sign them up and make them run with you. Solves problem. People complained about lack of aid, lack of volunteers, etc. Aid was great, great volunteers, security and course marshalls too. I easily get lost, no worries here. Everyone at the expo was friendly, helpful. The runners themselves were friendly. I did find it odd that my friend and I couldn't seem to find anybody at start who had ever run it before. Is this a one and done marathon? Most people were running the half. Great finish, announcer even said our names right, nice swag, XS shirts (this is a big deal) and even better, with early registration and a discount, it was only $54. Sad that we didn't get the BQ we were after but it was another trip and a new race. Thanks for the memories, DN!