Madison Marathon (MT)

Despite the course being insanely beautiful, I will never ever run another race organized by this group. I have run 35 marathons or longer including many trail marathons and ultras; this was the worst organized race I have ever run. The race advertised that there would be limited support but "some food" at aid stations. There was zero food at any of the aid stations. Zero. This advertises as a road race, I guess technically this is true, but it is on an extremely poorly maintained gravel road. Lots of cars drove by very quickly on the narrow road with no respect for runners. At the turn around spot I asked the volunteer where the turn around was and he said "right here" at this point *I* had to yell to the woman who he had let pass the spot by about 50 yards. Then he joked with her that she actually did have to keep going so she turned back around again. I don't know how he thought that funny or acceptable. Finally, none of the aid stations had first aid kits!! This is so incredibly unacceptable and dangerous.

Great people, great views, little air, lots of long hills. A challenge that brings a lot of interesting and passionate people together. Race kicked my butt- however it was my first win. My time was about 1 hour slower then my most recent marathon. Save some energy for the hills at the end.

2015 was my 4th year in a row to run Madison. I spent 9 days in Leadville, running above 10,000 feet before heading up to Ennis this year. I beat my previous best time by 30 minutes. The weather was cooler than in past years, too. I ran a good bit of the marathon, including the difficult last 6.5 miles with a young guy named Dillon doing his first marathon. Had the best time I've ever had here. Felt the best. Hiked 11 miles in Yellowstone the next day. What can I say? This is still my favorite marathon!!