Sun Marathon Reviews

  Ideal for downhill runners who like it cold

By Travis about 2022

Review

This course is FAST if you like it cold. The historic race temps are not accurate because it is so much colder at the start than it is at the finish. It was below 20 F with wind chill at the start and we had a significant tail wind.

The course is a nice gradual downhill for most of it. However, there are several steep downhill sections but they aren’t exceptionally long. This isn’t the quad killer course that some of the Revel races are.

There are several uphill sections. None of them are exceptionally steep but you have to make sure not to push too hard on them and burn out.

Definitely prepare for the cold and wear layers. I was able to peel off my long sleeve shirt and wind breaker by mile 5 but it did get a little cooler when the mountains blocked the sun around the half way point.

If you want a small COLD downhill race to help you get into Boston then this is actually a perfect race. After 11 tries at the marathon I finally got a BQ(3:19:22) at this race in 2022. I will be back in 2023 to try to improve on my time.

Race Tips

The race isn't super well organized. It is small and you just have to go into it expecting to not have the support of a major marathon. They have aid stations and plenty of drinks. However, there aren't as many volunteers as the larger races.

You will encounter slow moving half marathon runners throughout the second half. That is just part of this race. If that bothers you then definitely skip this one. You will also encounter 5k and 10k runners running in the opposite direction on your side of the road near the finish if you are done about the 3:20:00 mark. Again, if that would bother you then skip this race.

If you are struggling to BQ and you need every advantage you can get then this is the COLD weather downhill course for you.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I didn't ride the buses to the start. I just got dropped off by car early. There was a great fire pit to keep you warm so that seemed like the best option for me.

  Beautiful and fast course!

By Michael Nash about 2019

Review

I really enjoyed this marathon. It was a fast course with a lot of downhill. The course had beautiful scenery. The marathon is well run and well supported.

Race Tips

There were a couple up hills. Know where there are and plan for them.