I had hoped for a slightly faster time, but I was pulled into the trap of running the first five miles a bit too fast. This caused me to fade in the remaining couple of miles. I hadn't felt out of my aerobic threshold, but by the time I realized my pacing error, I began to slow down. I knew my time was going to suffer when my goal pace felt more labored than it should have. On a positive note, my time did improve from last year by..........a whopping 13 seconds!
I enjoyed this event for the most part, but there are definitely some growing pains it's experiencing. The inaugural race was in 2009 and had just over 700 runners. Now only two years later, there were over 3,300. I really think a cap needs to be established as it seemed a bit overkill for the capabilities of those in charge. I can only imagine how overwhelming it was for the volunteers. I actually became a volunteer as I searched for my drop bag. I went over to the Penske truck, and saw a few bags on the grass beside it, but found it to no avail. There were people pulling bags out and making an effort to methodically arrange them. I quickly saw the need for assistance, and became a link in a chain of 'bag throwers' in the process. I think I spent around an hour tossing bags until mine finally surfaced. By this point, the truck was nearly empty. I didn't mind helping out, but could definitely vouch for this being a problem amid some other chaotic moments in the event.
Rarely do I express criticism in those who put forth the effort to host a running event. I realize that there is a ton of behind the scenes blood, sweat, and tears that goes on. There is always room for improvement, and not all participants will leave satisfied. The biggest challenge for this race is that it has become a little too large, too fast, for what can be handled. This is not to say however that events cannot grow quickly and efficiently. I believe the Utah Valley Marathon is a premier example of a first-class event that is still in its infancy.
This race has a lot of positive things going for it. It has a fun theme, a scenic and fast course, and is at the tail end of the running events season. It was nice to relax in a relatively warm tent while doing some people watching. The costumes were really creative and some were none I'd attempt to run a mile, let alone a half marathon in! I enjoy the Provo River Trail, and it is nice to see the change in seasons with the leaves off the trees on covering the pathway. It's quite a contrast to running it in June & August. | 