§staticmap(13336,5,450,250)Hello, on September 14th 2013, you’ll be organizing the Big Cottonwood Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The race is held in the greater Salt Lake City, Utah area.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
This will be the second running of the Big Cottonwood Marathon and Half. The race was created to give runners the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Utah’s world-class canyons while also providing them with the opportunity to run very fast times.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The race descends the beautiful Big Cottonwood Canyon just when the leaves are changing colors in the fall. Runners enjoy a steady downhill course combined with picturesque canyon views, and leave the canyon to finish in the Salt Lake Valley.
We expect to have roughly 1,000 full marathon runners and 2,000 half marathon runners. The race is great for runners of all levels – from beginners looking to run an easy course to more serious runners wanting to PR or qualify for Boston.
Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances?
The event includes both a full and a half marathon.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
The weather is great for marathon running. Because of the time of year and elevation at the beginning, the weather will be cold. As the race progresses, temperatures can be expected to rise to anywhere between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, with a 6:45 AM start time, most runners will finish when the temperature is in the 50-60 degree range – perfect for distance running.
We do not have any planned activities, other than a possible expo and dinner the night before the race and our usual finish line festivities.
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Salt Lake City before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
The great thing about Salt Lake City is that everything is close. Historical Temple Square is only miles away from the finish, and tours are available daily. Salt Lake City also boasts a world-class zoo not far from the race course.
The Bonneville Salt Flats are also minutes away, and within driving distance are four major NCAA football teams (University of Utah, BYU, Weber State, Utah State) which may be hosting games the same day as the race. World-renowned ski town Park City is also only a short 30-minute drive up the canyon from the Salt Lake Valley, with sightseeing, shopping, dining, and more.
And if you have the weekend, Zion’s National Park is only a few hours to the south. Information regarding things to do when visiting Salt Lake City can be found at the Chamber of Commerce website.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the Big Cottonwood Marathon?
The combination of beauty and speed is unmatched on any race course anywhere – you’ll love the view and you’ll run fast!
Interview with Josh Rohatinsky, Race Director. Being an avid runner himself, his goal was to create a race that has and does all the things that none of the other races do: stunning views, fast times, free photos, great medals, and attention to detail.