This was my second Steamtown Marathon. The early October date, usually makes the weather ideal for running a solid pace! The expo is held at the local high school and is a small event with few vendors. However, if you need to stock up on last minute items you won't be let down by the local running stores represented.
The race is a point to point run with transportation provided in the morning. There are rolling times for busses to pick up runners and take you to start. The best part - you are greeted by another high school with cheerleaders, volunteers and a warm gym to relax in until the start.
The course is a beautiful scenic run. Although it is advertised as being "downhill" it is a net downhill race. I would say the first 8 miles are a "real" downhill and then it becomes net with a few rolling hills. And be prepared for a big uphill at mile 23/24 before a downhill finish.
What I enjoyed - as you went through each small town the community was out to support you! Students, bands, locals sitting on their porches! It was such a friendly vibe.
Last but not least - there was GREAT food at the finish. Don't forget to read the pre-event emails where the race director keeps you in the loop on ALL details!

Even though this was one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run, I'm not sure I could have prepared myself for this run!!!

Expo- This was a great expo with lots of vendors, merchandise and guest speakers. The best was the strategy/ course analysis talk to help prepare you for the canyon.

Morning of race - The course was point to point. Busses took you to the start and dropped you off at the top of the mountain. Be prepared - it's chilly!!! Don't get on the first bus!

The course was STUNNING!!! I drove it the day before so I had a better idea about the elevation. The course is a solid downhill for 18 miles. Although aid stations and volunteers were great, the course was challenging. Despite leg strengthen and running hills/declines during my training I was not prepared for that long haul. At least I could enjoy the canyon and amazing views to distract me from my screaming quads.

The After Party was fun with great music, ice pops, a print out of your time and good music. Bonus- free pictures along the course!

Overall this was a beautiful race for Utah, but I was not built or trained to run fast down a mountain!

Overall what a fun race for a December Getaway! Disclaimer this was a unique setting because it was during COVID!!!

Expo- the Expo was outside due to COVID, but everyone was helpful, lots of cool swag to purchase and information about the area.

Biloxi was a cool place to visit. There was a holiday market with local artists, lots of great places to eat and relaxing views of the Gulf! We stayed at a hotel off 90 and it was a perfect location.

Course - I loved the course! A bus picked us up and dropped us off at Pass Christian, the start of the race. It was a straight shot north along 90. We hung around and watched the sunrise over the water and then the race began! The crowds were sporadic, but fun when you saw them. Every so often a house or car would blast music for those on the course, but honestly you can't beat catching the great views of the water along this course. Gulfport was at midpoint and a big area for crowds. It also was when the wind picked up. I'm not sure if there is always a strong wind, but for the next ten miles I was heading straight into the wind. The last part of the course was tricky. Once you reach Biloxi you hit the highway ramp, a huge hill, for the last few miles. Check the race course map! Then you have what seems like the largest incline as you head up the closed off highway. Eventually you turnaround and come back, but it feels like forever. Those last few miles are tough and there are no crowds cheering you on, but as you come off the highway exit you are hit with crowds that help you make your way to the finish. Because the stadium was being redone I did not finish at the regular finish line. We curved behind and finished outside. It was still a great finish and crowd.

Overall it was a small race, but fun getaway. Sometimes the smaller races are nice because of who you meet during your run. This allows you to get to know who you were running with.

Bonus- this has become a great get away race for elites! So you might be able to catch some of your favorite athletes!

I really enjoyed this race. It is not a big race, but booasts beautiful views and a friendly group of runners/race director/locals.

Logistics- I'm from out of state, so I stayed at the race hotel. Easy shuttle to the start, nice clean hotel and good location. Shuttle back from the race was not marked well and there were less shuttles for marathoners. BUT the race director ended up driving about 5 of us back in his mini van after the shuttle was not showing up!
The race- I'm from the east coast, so I thought this was a beautiful course. We ran through a small town on our way through fields and quiet neighborhoods with mountains in the background. Eventually we came back into town for the finish. The start was near a park with bathrooms! No corrals just a jump up and go. Most of the race was quiet with well manned aid stations and a few spectators that were capable of moving around the course to cheer a runner with ease. I liked the flat route and the temperature was ideal for a great run. The after party was small but nice! Good food, music and people cheering others on at the finish. Overall the race director was very friendly and encouraging. Even leading up to the race there were multiple emails and directions to keep you prepared.

Dislike, I'm pretty sure the course was longer than 26.2. One of the pacers agreed, but the director listened and reaffirmed it was correct.

Overall I really enjoyed this run. The sun rising over the distant mountains, fast/flat course and supportive community made this race one of my favorites.