Medicine Bow Half Marathon
Laramie, Wyoming
Sunday, May 26, 2013

The Medicine Bow Half Marathon held near Laramie, Wyoming on Sunday, May 26, 2013 was a very challenging event. The temperature varied from 42 to 55 degrees with mostly cloudy skies and sporadic winds. The course was an out and back course on a gravel and dirt road that was not closed to traffic which fortunately was sparse. The start line was at 8700 feet elevation and the first 5.5 miles dropped to 8000 feet of elevation. From there the course climbed to an elevation of near 8600 feet. From there everyone returned on the same route to the finish line which was where the event started. There were almost no level spots on the course and about 60% of the hills were fairly steep. This made the course challenging. Each participant had to carry his own water bottle and there was a single aid station at mile 4 going out and mile 9 coming back. At this station the participant could resupply his water bottle and insert powdered Gatorade if desired. There were also a little bit of snacks. Nothing was allowed to be thrown on the ground. This was well explained in the events website. Also there was no age group or overall awards. There was; however, a nice finisher’s medal; thus, making everyone who finished a winner. The event has been held for over 30 years and this year’s addition featured a 50K, a marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K. The half marathon had less than 80 finishers. The other races were also small. The event was extremely well organized and let everyone know well in advance what was expected of them. I enjoyed this challenging, friendly event and am proud of myself and my wife, Gerda, for being able to complete this challenge.