Top Of Utah Half Marathon
Providence, Utah
Saturday, August 23, 2014

On Saturday, August 23, 2014 I race walked the Top Of Utah Half Marathon in Providence, Utah. The temperature at the start was 48 degrees and at the finish was 61 degrees. Despite a 60% predicted chance for significant rain during the event, I somehow lucked out again with only a slight drizzle between miles 2 and 5 and no breeze. The course was a point to point course on paved roads that started part of the way up Blacksmith Fork Canyon at an altitude of 5169 feet and finished in Providence, Utah at an altitude of 4544 feet. There was one gradual climb of 100+ feet between miles 10.5 and 11.7. The rest of the course was mostly a gradual descent with some very short gradual ascents thrown in. All the roadways were open to traffic which fortunately was very sparse for the 2500 participants entered in the half marathon. Between miles 9.5 and 10.5 the participants had a dedicated lane on a major highway. Police were stationed at a few of the intersections and motorcycle police patrolled the course. There were only 4 water/Gatorade stations located at miles 3, 6, 9, and 11. There were plenty on enthusiastic volunteers at the stations. Spectators were not allowed in the canyon and thus most spectators were only located near the finish line. The race was very well organized and a pleasure to do.