WHERES THE FALLS???
This was the 20th Anniversary of the Mesa Falls Marathon, Half Marathon and 5k located in Ashton, ID, population of aprx 1,100. Ashton is located right off the Scenic Byway of Mesa Falls, an hour south of West Yellowstone and an hour and half west of Grand Teton National Park. What other perfect location can you ask for to make a beautiful week long vacation?
I have run my fair share if small town races (I usually prefer them over the larger over priced/underwhelming ones), and this one has got to be one of the smallest with a total field of about 500 runners. However, with the same race director all 20 years, the support is not lacking. This was proven as they convinced Olympian Ryan Hall and wife Sara to come run this course consistently ranked among the top 50 best races of America.
I have to say though, I believe most of the hype in the reviews are regarding the marathon course and not the half. I partially blame myself because (as usual) I did not analyze the course map. Needless to say I was quite disappointed when I did not see waterfalls, wild animals nor the promised Grand Teton range in the distance.
You see, the Marathon and Half Marathon run the same course, but the Marathon starts 13 more miles deeper into the Targhee National Forest (ie, more woods, more wildlife, more falls, more mountains). The marathoners start 2 hours before of the half marathoners, and meet up at the half marathon start, which is their half way point.
HALF MARATHON COURSE
From Targhee National Forest at approximately 6,000 ft, the course takes you on a gravel path next to the river and woods for about 3 miles, then onto an open road with an intense climb for the next couple miles. Once you've reached the top, the remainder of the course is on a 'flat,' open to traffic road with views of grain fields. (flat meaning rolling hills for us southern folk). You then run through downtown Ashton and finish at a park.
RESULTS
I really loved the first 3 miles along the river next to the woods. I scouted for wildlife, but was unsuccessful. I kept a slow and steady pace with a 30sec walk break at each mile. Once onto the road and approaching the killer hill, I just kept my head down and chugged along. I noticed a 50states shirt ahead of me, which made me keep a consistent pace so I could reach her and see what number state she was on. From then on, approximately M6, I started to fade. I made sure to run the flats and downhills, and took the walk breaks on the inclines. Although we started with long sleeves and gloves, the heat rose very quickly by this point with no shade. The entire race I was behind these 2 girls who looked strong and consistent, so I let them be my hares, until the last mile I pushed it on home to get it over with. The altitude did not affect me as much as running the hills, probably because I grew up traveling and skiing mountains. Unfortunately August is 'fire season' (who knew?) and there was a local fire and several in the distance in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. This distant haze unfortunately affected our views of the normal mountain range. I am not sure that it affected my breathing, as I never smelled smoked.
PACKET PICK UP/BREAKFAST/SHUTTLES
You had the option to pick up your packet (a potato sack) the night before (also with a pasta party and speech from Ryan and Sara Hall) or race morning. Because we were staying in Yellowstone, we waited for race morning. Because there is a shuttle to the start location, we had to wake up extra early. Fortunately, the half does not start until 8a, so it felt like normal time to wake for a race despite the 50minute drive. Picking up our packets at the Elementary School took less than a minute, and then we were offered breakfast with oatmeal, cereal, donuts, bagels, fruit, coffee, milk, etc. We waited for one of the later shuttles, since once you got up to the start location, there is nothing to do but wait in the cold. Thankfully when we did arrive, we were allowed to wait on the bus, which also had a bathroom.
START
There were 4 porta potties, 2 regular bathrooms, and the bus had a bathroom. There was a tent with water, gu, and other supplies. Other than that, it was just wait. It was a simple start, and unique 'run one lap around the parking lot to make up for the .1 distance.' Gear/bag drop basically was leave your bag on the bus and they will take it to the Finish
HYDRATION/FUEL STOPS
These were spaced out a little more than my liking, but they were full of all kinds of options. So much so, I even stopped a couple times to decide what exactly I wanted! Gatorade, water, bananas, grapes, gels, and bars. Clothing was also allowed to be dropped at these zones and they transported it back to the finish for you to claim.
SPECTATORS
There were only a handful of spectators on the course, but the ones there were very friendly.
FINISH LINE
The finish was in a park across the street from the Elementary school where we parked. Pizza, fruit, and chocolate milk was provided. Massages were offered, but there was only 1 table which left the wait time too long for us to stay. There was no music nor adult beverages to celebrate. Once we caught our breath and grabbed our bags, we took off.
PERKS
A huge plus with this race is the motel next door, The Anglers Lodge provided showers for runners for $5. It basically was your own room to take your time and refresh. This was much appreciated before our hour and half drive to Grand Teton!
We were also given a ticket for a free huckleberry shake at the local diner 511 Main. Unfortunately, we went to have lunch as well, but were quickly scooted out after trying to get a table twice with two different people saying they were too full. We grabbed the shakes that were readily available at the door and headed out of town.
SHIRT
The shirt is a long sleeve gender specific tech shirt thankfully without sponsor logos splattered all over the back.
MEDAL
The medal is a great concept that was unfortunately poorly produced. I love the wood concept, and I don't even mind the plain ribbon, but the blurred image is not even recognizable. :(
OVERALL RACE THOUGHTS
This is a perfect 'mid point' race location if you are looking to do the National Parks and love small town, small field races.
TRAVEL ADVICE
We flew into Salt Lake City for the cheapest nonstop airfare.
From there, if you are visiting Grand Teton National Park first, make sure to take the scenic route 89 to Logan, Bear Lake, Afton. You will pass the beautiful Bear Lake as well as several Nationals Forests and small towns. (we actually did this for our return route back to SLC)
Since we were doing Yellowstone first, and I wanted to explore more of Idaho since that was where our race was, we took the 'nothing but grain fields' I-15N. We decided to cut up the long drive with a stop in Lava Hot Springs. Here you will find fun (and cold) white water tubing down the Portneuf River. (note, there is an area near the start where the hot springs run into the river and create a little pool you can sit in. This is your 'free' option of hot springs. Or you can pay to visit the Pools or a spa.)
We stayed at the small boutique, Harkness hotel, a historic bank, turn post office, turn hotel, about 10 minutes away. The gift shop still has the bank vault door and there are historic pictures of the building throughout. It was quite an experience as both of us woke in the middle of the night at different times feeling 'energy' in the room. When questioning the property if there had ever been reports of sightings, we came up empty, but who knows? Check it out for yourself!
We took the scenic route the next day and headed to Shoshone Falls (known to be larger than Niagara Falls) and Craters of the Moon National Preserve. (note, if your gps takes you down a gravel/lava road, turn around!) Shoshone Falls has a park and a couple trails if you want to stay and picnic. When leaving make sure to go over the Perrine Bridge and look for base jumpers leaping off the bridge! When you arrive to Craters of the Moon, pick up your cave permit from the Visitor Center and explore underground! (note, you can not have any clothing or equipment on you that you wore in another cave in the past 11 months). We explored the Indian Cave which let you enter at one point, scramble over boulders, and out another. Unfortunately we did not see any bats, but it was a unique experience to see the lava fields in the middle of nowhere.
We finally then arrived to Yellowstone Under Canvas, our glamping home for the next 3 nights. This is located very close to West Yellowstone entrance. This was our 2nd 'Under Canvas' experience, as we did Moab, UT while running the Thelma and Louise in 2015. This one was probably a notch higher in luxury in regards to it was on the same property as Bar n Ranch lodge which allowed us to utilize the common area (wifi) and restaurant. Yellowstone Under Canvas also had 2 areas with community bonfires (unfortunately we were under a fire ban during our stay) and a huge tent with indoor gas fireplace and sofas to mingle. The bathrooms were also nicer and larger. There are also 2 huge event tents if you are looking to bring a group.
We spent 2 days inside Yellowstone National Park and were easily able to see just about all of it driving and getting out to do small hikes. The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone is a must see with the beautiful canyon and waterfalls. Of course Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic geysers are must dos as well, but if you want to avoid crowds, go earlier in the day. Grand Prismatics colors only really pop when the sun is hitting it perfectly. While waiting for Old Faithful to start, grab snacks and a drink and prop yourself into one of the rocking chairs at the Museum that face directly to Old Faithful. It was advised to go to Hayden and Lamar valleys early to see the wildlife, but to be honest, we saw most of the wildlife all day and even in the middle of the street throughout the rest of the park! Bison literally own this park and we easily spotted them everywhere. Elk and deer were the next popular.
After the half marathon, we tried another glamping experience at Moose Creek Ranch in Victor ID. We fell in love as soon as we arrived! The setup here was more cabin like with wooden walls, but still the canvas tent and wood fire stove inside and your own bonfire pit at your porch. It is situated right on a creek which is a wonderful sound as you drift to sleep. There is a community lodge with wifi, tv, pool table, fireplace, and couches to lounge. Outside you have horse stables and the most manicured lawn to sit in a swing and enjoy! Weddings are very popular here so make sure you book well in advance!
This small town of Victor surprised us with all its offerings! Driving in, we stopped at Grand Teton Distillery and tasted several potato vodkas and moonshine! Once the sun goes down, pop into the drive in theater called Spud. You cant miss it with the large potato sitting roadside! Also you don't want to miss Big Hole BBQ where you will have the most mouth watering bbq. Enjoy it upstairs on their patio! Scratch has 'wicked good' breakfast and a nice outdoor patio as well.
Our last 2 nights we stayed in Teton Village at Hotel Terra and toured Grand Teton National park and the town of Jackson. Hotel Terra is located right next to 2 gondolas to take you up 3,000+ft to fantastic views of Jackson Hole. (if you are on a budget take the free one, Bridger, which takes you to Piste restaurant and bar which has happy hour.) End your night at Hotel Terras large rooftop hot tub under the stars! There is also an infinity pool overlooking the village. Check the community website for local events in Teton Village. The night we arrived, there was a free concert happening!
We spent 2 days inside Grand Teton National Park. Grand Teton is completely different than Yellowstone. You wont see nearly as much wildlife roaming the streets like Yellowstone, but you will see moose in the waters along the road. You will definitely want to plan a hike, otherwise you can drive it in just a couple hours (or less). We chose to take the boat across Jenny Lake to the Inspiration Point hike and beyond to Cascade Canyon. Even though we had seen the mountain range from the road, getting into it is a whole other moving experience!
The town of Jackson is where you will find all the touristy shops and restaurants, as well as the four huge antler arches!
TIPS-Make sure to purchase bear spray (you never know). They also do rent it inside the park, if that is easier for you. Make a cooler with lunch and make it an entire day in the park. The restaurants inside Yellowstone are not spectacular and over priced. Grand Teton does not have any. Make sure you smell proof your items with double ziplock bags, including trash.
Bring your binoculars as well. Although a lot of animals are up close, you can scout even more from a distance.
OVERALL NATIONAL PARKS THOUGHTS
Yellowstone and Grand Teton are so close to each other, you might as well do them in the same trip. Two days in both parks was plenty of time for us. Extend it if you are planning more extensive, long hikes. Yellowstone is much larger and can take hours to get from one side to the other, unlike Grand Teton you pretty much have the same mountain view at any point of the park. Yellowstone was definitely an awesome and vastly unique experience in each corner of the park so if you were to stay at one park longer than the other, I would chose Yellowstone.
13.1 -2:39
State #29
HM #65
I am currently running a half marathon a month and also running a half marathon in each state all to show support and raise awareness for breast cancer via The Donna. Please consider showing your support by making a donation today! DONATE