Salt Lake City, UT was marathon number 7 overall and state number 6 on the 50 state journey. We decided on this race several months ago when planning our 2016 calendar and took advantage of the early registration pricing. This was another racecation opportunity for us with my wife running the half.

Whenever possible we like to stay in the downtown areas of the city, and for this event, we elected to go with the Marriott City Center which was the host hotel for the event. After a (very bumpy) descent on the flight during which we were certain we were all going to die, thus sparing us the pain of running 26.2 miles, the incredible light-rail system took us from the airport right to the Gallivan Plaza, the location of our hotel.

We headed out for our traditional “48 hours before race day sampling of the local fine eating and drinking establishments” walking a couple of the massive downtown city blocks of Salt Lake City to Squatters, also known as the Salt Lake Brewing Company. We had a great evening, a couple of awesome burgers and brews and headed back to the room by 9 or so.

Friday, I headed out for a 2 mile shakeout run around the downtown area and despite the cold was really glad I did. The first thing that hit me (other than we left 70 degree Seattle to 32 degree Salt Lake City) was the effect of the altitude…just an easy couple miles seemed to elevate my heart rate far more than would be expected.

The expo was light to say the least. For the premier marathon event of the city, and I assume the state, the expo was almost a non-event. Packet pickup and a handful of vendors located out at the fairgrounds, which was also a bit odd for this type of event. I thought the Salt Palace convention center would have been the logical choice. Despite the rather low-key expo, the shirts were really nice. I also found a fabulous deal on a Camelback trail hydration system that I could not pass up.

With bagels and peanut butter cups on hand courtesy of the wonderful Beans and Brew coffee shop located right next to our hotel, the morning race day on the road routine was completed and we headed out for the 2 block walk to the light-rail train stop that would take us up to the University of Utah Hospital and the start of the race. The train ride was free to all participants and everything went as planned. Of course, there are never enough portables – why oh why can’t race directors recognize that this is always one of the biggest complaints among race participants, especially when there was ample room to have at least double the 24 blue cabins that were provided (for about 4,000 runners).

Portables done and we headed to our corrals – I squeezed my way into ‘D’ on the marathon side and Wifey took her spot in the half-marathon stalls. There was a great rendition of the national anthem as dawn transitioned to daylight, and we were off, straight into a steep hill as we exited the hospital campus…but the hill ended quickly and after a couple of rollers we enjoyed almost 5 miles of downhill and straight sections through a very scenic canyon as we made our way into the city.

I was hoping that maybe I had a shot at only my second sub-4 marathon, which would almost certainly be a PR given that my best time is 3:59:55, and it was relatively easy to stay at, or just below, the required 9 minute pace. Although I did notice the altitude, my splits while not super consistent, were right on track and overall I was feeling great as we reached the point of the race where the marathoners split from the half-marathon runners. This had a bit of a psychological impact as I gazed at the right side of the fence where the half course continued straight through mile 9 and into the final third. We took a sharp left and straight into a big hill.

This course had turned suddenly very hard and the extra effort of the altitude was starting to have an effect. Training at sea level and racing at almost a mile high (roughly 4,500-4,800 feet) was adding to the difficulty – not making excuses at all. I knew the challenge going in but there was nothing I could really do to prepare for it so went with it and adjusted. By mile 16, while still technically being on track for a PR (I was right around a 9:00 average) I was doubting my ability to hold the pace with 10 miles still to go.

At mile 17 or 18 I continued to feel the fatigue and despite running 8:56 at mile 18, I just accepted that this was most likely not going to be a PR race but I was going to finish and enjoy the event. If that meant my pace diminishing then I was ok with that. My fueling and hydration had been spot-on, I hadn’t hit the wall and at no time did I think I ever would. I slowed, I was passed, I passed others. I ran with a young man for 1/2 mile or so who was really struggling at mile 21 in his first ever marathon and assured him he would finish…he did. I ran by a pacer who had cramped up and was in bad shape and had to leave his group, I slowed to check on him but he insisted I continue and finish strong – the spirit of distance runners is undeniable.

The 4:15 pace group ran by me but after a nice downhill around mile 22 I caught them back up and managed to hang onto their tail for the next couple miles – this was huge for me. I was hurting and in the toughest part of the race.

I honestly don’t remember too much about the final couple miles. The crowds picked up and a few Seahawks fans high-fived me on the way in. The wonderful aid station crews were even more vocal and supportive. The volunteers at this race were amazing. From the cheer squad that greeted us as we entered a beautiful park around mile 19 or so, to the student sections, the police directing traffic, and the aid stations, everyone was cheering and supplies were plenty. I took a small sip of Gatorade at every station and chased it with water. I also consumed 5 gels and 5 S-Caps. The stations were well placed at about 1.3-1.7 miles apart, just perfect.

Wifey was waiting on the home stretch with high fives and kisses as I made the final turn into the longest city block I have ever seen…omg, the city blocks in SLC are insane – this was so long, I could see the blue banner of the finish line but it looked like it was a mile away (it wasn’t) and it seemed forever before I hit the finish chute. Having lost the 4:15 pacers a mile and half before the end, I was very happy when I clocked in at 4:15:43. Overall, a great race and my third best marathon time. Pretty respectable given the tough course – SLC is a challenging marathon with those brutal hills located in the mid to second part of the course – kinda like another race that same weekend, ‘cept at a mile high :)

Final thoughts:

* I loved this event. We had been looking forward to this racecation and it lived up to expectations. We had a great visit, loved the downtown Salt Lake area. We found great restaurants and breweries, the hotel was very nice and we enjoyed our stay.
* This is a tough course – the mid level hills are seemingly endless.
* The beginning of the course is wonderful – seriously the first 5-6 miles flew by, I felt I could run forever and the scenery in this section is breathtaking.
* Altitude – this was a pretty big factor for me but it goes with the territory. The effect was more than I anticipated but not sure there is much I could have done to prepare.
* We enjoyed the location of the host hotel - plenty of dining options.
* Transportation throughout Salt Lake is super easy thanks to the Traks light rail system.
* Full race recap with more pictures is available on my web site at http://www.50in50marathonquest.com/salt-lake-city-marathon-recap/

I recommend this race for locals, racecationers, and 50 state runners. Just beware of the altitude and prepare for the rollers through the mid-section.