Race: Pengelly Double Dip Half Marathon
Runner: Jeff Matranga
Race Date: 06/03/2023
Location: Missoula, Montana
Results: Towards the back of the pack
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/routes/2964603220500385350
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Spectacular scenery on the route, going up one side of Mt. Sentinel, then up to University Peak and “the Beacons.”
- Great camaraderie.
- Well organized.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
For me, the cutoffs were a bit close, e.g., the first cutoff was for 90 minutes to go 6.1 miles and up about 2,000 vertical feet.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Being offered a margarita at the aid station at the highest altitude of the race – but no complaints! 🙂
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I made the cutoffs, which I was not sure I could do.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
See above. If the cutoffs seem close for you, make up time on the relatively level portions.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Prep that much more for the cutoffs.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Making the cutoffs.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! Spectacular!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes, but worth it.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized, done by the same folks who bring you the Missoula Marathon, which has been designated best marathon a couple different years, partly if not largely because of it being so well run.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes.
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.
This year (2023), it did not fill up. Missoula is an amazing town to visit, very fun. Also home to Adam Peterman.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They were absolutely fine.
Weather and typical race conditions
Weather was fine, starting in the mid-50s, threatening to rain but it did not. Getting up above the clouds added to the beauty, the atmospherics.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Cupless event, but there were 3 aid stations, which was plenty.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
If friends want to climb up Mt. Sentinel or parts of it, great. If not, the start and finish line is at a nice athletic-type field next to the University stadium, alongside the Clark Fork River.
How’s the Swag?
A little different – instead of a T-shirt, they gave Sayso sunglasses with the name of the race on the temple.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 out of 5 stars, but I would encourage the directors to extend the cutoffs a little to be that much more inclusive – though I am aware it is a balancing act, balancing inclusiveness with safety and volunteer logistics.