Yakima River Canyon HM – Adela S

Race: Yakima River Canyon Half Marathon

Runner: Adela S

Date: 4/1/17

Location: Ellensburg, WA

Results – 1:59:58, 50th place

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

The people were nice, the weather, the scenery.

 

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The massive hill in the middle of it.

 

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

The shuttled us to the start and there were only 4 porta-potties for 200 1/2 marathoners.

 

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

I felt like i was actually racing, not just running to complete it.  That I could apply racing tactics because of my fitness level.

 

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Train for hills and dress in layers because it warms up fast.  Also that most of the cheering will come from other runners because there are not a lot of spectators on the course.

 

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Race the downhills as hard as you can because other’s are not.

 

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s not a flat race. There are a lot of uphills and downhills.  The road is off camber so one foot was always up-hill.

 

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It is beautiful.  There were bald eagles and jumping fish and big-horned sheep.

 

Difficulty – is it a tough course

It is a tough course because of the hills on the course.  Not a place to PR.

 

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

It was small but well organized. They even had “baby foot” stamps for the bibs for the first-time runners so you can cheer them on.

 

Competition – is there a strong field?

For me, being an average runner, yes.  But I was able to get 4th in my age group.

 

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

No, very simple.  My husband dropped me off at registration at the Selah Convention Center which was 15 miles from the start of the 1/2 marathon.  I was provided a guest pass in the race packet that allowed him to drive to the finish line to pick me up and cheer me on.

 

Aid Stations

Every 2 miles. Water and Poweraid

 

Weather and typical race conditions –

It was sunny, but started cold and warmed up quickly up to about 65°F.  The canyon was sheltered from the wind.

 

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

A hat and/or sunglasses

 

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

No.  Because it’s a narrow canyon road and it’s closed. It is hard for spectators to watch unless they plan in advance. But it was nice that friends and family were allowed in with the guest pass.

 

Awards –

I received a basic medal, nothing fancy.

 

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars.  I’d recommend it for people that like small races.

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