TLDR: Go to Zion, stay far away from anything planned by these race coordinators…read more The "challenges" of this 2017 half were artificially induced by poor logistics, planning, and organization. The expectations were poorly set and then mismanaged. Communications were frantic, blameful, and condescending. Everything seemed blamed on rain and snow that occurred a week earlier. Post-race emails offering 15% discount on future races (ha!), noted failures due to "unexpected circumstances" and " surprises mother nature threw at them". Y'know, spring. From official Zion climate page: "Precipitation peaks in March." (https://www.nps.gov/zion/planyourvisit/weather-and-climate.htm) Things that were done well: aid stations appropriately manned and supplied. Gear check relatively quick and bags sorted for finishing. Staff for shuttles and aid stations were all cheerful and upbeat. Medal- classy, well above average. I don't run for the material thingees that will get tossed during my next move, but clearly the upbeat staff were coached to remind us how great they will be every bus transfer and aid station. If this course billed itself as a trail run or mud run, that's one thing. But a net-downhill, paved course within sights of Zion were the key points. That's what we prepared for. Basic planning & logistics for 3000 runners failed at several steps: the expo & bib pickup was in no place to support 3000 people in short notice. Total parking capacity (which reduced 2-way roads to 1-way) around 200? Somehow, the pre-race spaghetti feed still ran out of meatballs within the 30 min of opening. Despite the fact we were in the Zion area, with very limited cell reception and hiking on amazing remote trails, the race organizers insisted in their communications the day before the pick-up "Please Check Your Email Frequently This Weekend". 7 Texts and 3 emails later, we actually started running. I guess we were supposed to skip all our Zion hiking plans and stay glued to the screen to know what twist was next. The shuttles and parking locations were moved, because, well, spring occurred. The emails kept insisting that we get there very early and expect a walk, without any quantification. Like, a mile, with hills. (And we were among earliest parkers, if slower runners). We spent more time to- and from- our parking space than the race itself took. This also led to 2 miles of snaking parked cars along both sides of our run. Lovely The course was poorly chosen. The first mile was especially awful- a mile on unpaved mudbogs thru tacky, under-construction "family" campground and mini-golf course (astroturf too). Miles 7-9 occurred along the same snaking parking that earlier logistics fails created. Parking lot is not what I'd expect from a run touted in the National Park Series. Miles 9-11 followed a single-file mule train bounded by a mud to one side and barbed wire to the next. The portions which vaguely represented our expectations were miles 2-6 as bland yet inoffensive ranch land and the last 2 miles with distant views of a canyon. Less than half. We were happy that many runners found joy and satisfaction in this event. We also heavily discussed the sunken cost fallacy (https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/tools/lp/Bo/LogicalFallacies/173/Sunk-Cost-Fallacy) that would greater affect destination races than local events. This event is altering how we plan travel around races in the future. Essentially, our group will not use any future Vacation Race events. We're trying to inject humor into the honest representations of the actual event (as this is what kept us going.) Please see pictures and decide if only the endorphins failed us that day. Please still go to Zion and experience the amazing landscapes and scenery. Their roads & trails are jaw-dropping, buses run regularly. The weather went from perfect sunny, to rain, to blizzard in our four days, yet- unlike this event- the Nat'l park staff and logistics are pros and nothing hampered our enjoyment of this amazing park. We only wish to have skipped this event to spend more time there.

I ran the 2nd Zion Half Marathon. I've always wanted to run a destination race, especially in a…read moreNational Park (or more like near a National park). I loved the race because of the great views. I felt that the organizers were great. They sent a decent number of emails about the race. I felt prepared, considering that I was an out of towner. In addition, they offer fun challenges like the Angels Club and Trifecta. As the website states, "If you were ever looking for any excuse to visit Zion, I can't think of a better one." I love the fact that we got the chance to run near the Zion National Park from Virgin to the driveway of the Giant Screen Theatre at the entrance to Zion. My friends and I also did a couple of hikes in the Zion National Park after the half marathon. I totally recommend it! The race is relatively small, which comes with its own pros and cons. It is not as crowded as your typical race in the city. At the same time, do not expect a big expo. The race has a small expo at the Giant Screen Theatre with a few vendors. I also like how the race tried to be environmentally friendly. The organizers are dedicated to maintaining a clean, cup-free race and preserving the beauty of the area we ran in. They provided each one of us with hydrapouch in our race bag. I personally have mixed feelings about hydrapouch. I like the purpose of hydrapouch, but it is not very easy to use. It falls off easily and can get you messy wet. Half Marathon #7 Time: 2:49

Lake Powell, what a beautiful​ place! We'd never been before, but after seeing Yelpers' amazing…read morepictures of the Antelope Canyons, and especially after noting that Vacation Races has a Lake Powell Half Marathon, we made plans and headed out. Paired with Vacation Races' Grand Canyon Half Marathon, Lake Powell's Half--when both are run consecutively--offers a challenge medal, one that for me was a must: the Coyote Double! The Halfs' medals are awesome on their own, very different from the others I've garnered over the years, but the Coyote Double reigns! Running a Vacation Races run--whether it be Grand Canyon or Lake Powell, Yosemite or Grand Tetons, or even Joshua Tree or Zion--is a pleasure. These are the National Parks you've been wanting to visit, but as of yet, you haven't. And if you run, or even if you've thought about starting to you, getting out of town and visiting the majesty of these parks and having an opportunity to run within them is magical. Lake Powell is exceptionally beautiful! Not stopping here and there and here and there in order to snap a photo or two or a dozen or more would be a shame.

Beautiful venue in a lovely city. If you get a chance, take the time to see a Neil Simon Play at…read morethe Heritage Center Theater, you will not be disappointed.

From the owner: The Neil Simon Festival provides accessible, entertaining theatrical experiences that excite the…read moreimagination and nourish a lifelong passion for the theatre. We work to preserve and honor the works of playwright Neil Simon and his contemporaries as well as foster the development of new American plays that follow the Simon tradition of character-driven plots and comic introspection into the American experience.

Amazing facility but what made competing so special was the people!!! We took a chance and traveled…read moreover 800 miles to barrel race and introduce Hidez to Utah. It was very much worth it. Give yourselves props for making us feel super welcome! I was shocked at how generous and helpful the people were in Utah (and a couple in NV). This is the way people used to behave.... like they actually have hearts and concern for others! Or.... maybe I just need to spend more time outside CA. Hopefully for future generations Utah is more the norm than CA! Either way a great big sincere THANKS to everyone!!!

Incredible experience -- way more than we expected, super fun…read more Group was looking for something fun to do near Zion that wasn't just another hike, and this ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. The ropes course is pretty legit and challenging enough to be exciting but still doable for different skill levels. The safety system is in place the whole time and the staff was awesome at explaining everything and helping when needed. There is a ton to do onsite. It's not just the high ropes and ziplines, there are other activities where you can easily spend a few hours here without getting bored. We came as a group and it was perfect because everyone could jump in at their own level and still have a great time. If you're anywhere near Hurricane or St. George and want something different, this is 10/10 worth it. We'll definitely be back next time we're in Southern Utah.

No supervision, you sign the waiver and hope your kid does not die because no one is assisting…read morethem. Once they give a 15 min training, hopefully your kid retain the information. Never again. If I would of known I would not waste my money