10/3/2013
Marathons scheduled on highways in eastern Idaho Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 5-6)
RIGBY - For the second year in a row, a pair of long-distance marathons are scheduled on highways in eastern Idaho this weekend, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Motorists should watch for runners and aid personnel.
The 100-mile race begins in West Yellowstone, Mont., at 6 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 5), and proceeds on westbound U.S. 20 to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and then south to Idaho 47, Idaho 32 and Idaho 33, terminating in Driggs. The 50-mile race begins at upper Mesa Falls at 9 a.m. Saturday and follows the same course to the finish line in Driggs.
Forty-two contestants are scheduled to participate in the first race and 22 in the second one. Contestants are from around the world. Runners Grant Maughn from Australia, Oswaldo Lopez, from Madera, Calif., and Connie Gardner, from Medina, Ohio, are expected to be top contenders in the 100-mile race.
Ultramarathoner Connie Gardner set an American record last year by running 149.368 miles in 24 hours at the World Championship in Katowice, Poland, earning herself the silver medal and leading the women's team to gold.
Last year’s top contender Jhorge Pacheo, from Los Angeles, who won the 100-mile race in 16 hours, 28 minutes and 3 seconds, couldn’t participate this year.
Known as the Yellowstone-Teton Endurance Races, both events are coed competitions. Entrance fees are $185 and $85, respectively. Contact Jay Batchen (208-787-2077), of sponsor Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure Club, LLC, of Driggs, for further information. Dreamchasers advertises its races online.
Top runners in the 100-mile race are expected to reach the Driggs area within 16 hours, and runners in the 50-mile race are expected to begin arriving in town in 6.5 hours. Between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., runners and pacers are required to wear a reflective vest with a flashing red light on the front and back of the vest.
Support crews will assist runners as needed. Aid stations and time checkpoints will be located every few miles. Motorists should watch for runners and support personnel throughout the full length of the course. Health-care professionals patrolling the route will include an emergency medical technician and a nurse.
Per Idaho law, contestants will run on or along the left side of the road facing traffic.
The transportation department requires organizers of large running and cycling events on Idaho highways to obtain a special event permit from the District 6 office in Rigby through their county. This is to help ensure that the events receive driver notification and signage.
The transportation department allows organizations to use state highways in safe ways to further business/agency objectives. The department’s mission is safety, mobility and economic opportunity for Idaho residents and visitors.
Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (@IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety for drivers and workers is our highest priority.