Yakima River Canyon Marathon - Run

The weather at the start was perfect. 50 degrees, sunny, calm. First 4.5 miles on flat farmland before climbing a small hill and then dropping into the canyon. These miles always click off quickly. I wanted to break four hours so settled into a very comfortable 8:50 pace. I was concerned about the big two mile long hill at mile 21 and I found myself at times even running a little slower as I kept thinking about conserving as much as possible for the climb and not bonking.

I took about a 15 second walk break at the aid stations which were about three miles apart. Just enough to make sure I drank and ate enough. I carried a few gel flasks for my nutrition. I think I hit hydration/nutrition right on as I felt pretty good throughout the latter miles.

The course has many long sweeping turns which I kept myself mentaly occupied by trying to cut them as close as I could. I think about half the people I saw were just running along right fog line which I think added quite a bit of distance overall.

The course has a lot of long mild descents which I practiced for but when we got to flat stretches I noticed I was much more comfortable and faster. Some of the steeper descents on the flip side of the climbs were actually quite painful and I'd gladly trade a flat course over the descents and long climbs.

The first half of the race was uneventful. The miles seem to click off rapidly as I took in the scenery. I hit the hallway mark at 1:56:30 which was a little slower than I had planned but I was really trying to stay comfortable maybe too much so. The first climb at 14 miles went really well. It was longer and steeper than I recalled. Slowed to about 9:40 pace going up it so felt like I didn't lose much time there. It is about here that the winds started getting really crazy. I wanted to run from this point to the next hill at 21 miles cautiously but ran into a very strong headwind. One of those winds where you feel like you are running in place. The wind would last about a mile and then die down to nothing and then you'd round a corner and get smacked by it again. I kept my effort level constant but it cost me some time.

And then THE HILL. It is such a cruel place in a marathon to have to deal with. It is almost two miles long as it rises up the side of cliffs. What is cruel is that there are only a few turns and you see a mile ahead of all up and up. The full magnitude of the climb just hits you and it can be demoralizing. All the trail running I've been doing paid off though as I ran steadily up it. Most people were walking so even though I'd slowed to about a 12:00 pace I was still turning my legs over and pumping my arms.

I lost enough time on the climb that my time goal was pretty much out the window. Given that, I decided to enjoy the last three miles and not wreck myself. Had I put in more miles training for this I probably would have run harder leading up to the climb but it was pretty clear to me that while I was having a good run my training had not adequately prepared me for a late surge. I bent a little but didn't break and that was the win for me. It's 48 hours post-race now and I'm ready and able to resume normal training so that is also a big win for me.


Nothing. Maybe push just a tad harder earlier in the race. I think I held back too much knowing I'd have to summon up a big effort to tackle the hill at mile 21 and have enough after that to finish strong.

Walked around for about five minutes before getting in the car and heading home. Stopped at my brother's about halfway home and enjoyed bbq and beers.


To really run this race or any marathon well I need to focus not only on more miles but increase the duration of my long runs. I'm currently following an HIM plan which with the swim/bike commitments doesn't leave me enough time for the extra miles.


The course is one of the most beautiful anywhere. With the road being closed one can fully appreciate the peaceful of the surroundings. The event is very well organized and is an annual event for many MarathonManiacs from around the country. Lots of interesting people to chat with.