FAQ

Is this an ultramarathon?

Yes and no; technically the marathon distance is over 26.2 miles, but just barely. However, both distances will feel significantly harder than any road or trail marathon given the amount of vertical ascent per lap.

What will be at the aid station?

General trail race/ultra fare including cookies, gels, pickles, electrolyte drink, water, Coke, and some other goodies. All aid station food will be plant-based/vegan. Additionally, this will be a cup-less race to minimize waste, so please bring a vessel to fill up. We ask that at aid stations you let volunteers assist you instead of reaching for things yourselves.

Note: this race is cup-less! Runners will be provided with a free reusable Hydrapak Speed Cup at check-in upon request.

Can I have a drop bag/crew/pacer?

Drop bag: yes. We will provide a spot next to the aid station for your bag. Please make sure it is weatherproof, and label it with your last name and bib number.

Crew: yes, you may have one person inside the corral to help you with your drop bag only, and they must leave the area once you are running again.

Pacers: no. No pacers are allowed for this race.

Are there time cut-offs?

Yes. Each distance (the half and full marathons) start at 8:00am and will finish at 4:00pm (8 hours total).

Your last lap must start by 3:15pm or you will not be allowed to continue. Runners who do not complete their chosen distance in the allotted time will not be given a finisher medal.

Can I “drop down” to the half if I cannot complete the full marathon?

No, runners cannot gain credit for a race they did not sign up for.

Can I walk the event?

Yes! The average pace needed to finish the half marathon in 8 hours is 36:21 min/mi (a reasonable hiking pace).

The average pace needed to finish the full marathon in 8 hours (and make the cut-off) is 17:58 min/mi. This may or may not be feasible for you given the total elevation gain.

Where can I park?

We encourage runners to park across the street in the large grassy lot on Old Logan Road SE. Parking inside the park will be extremely limited.

Who is putting on this race?

The Alley Trail Marathon is hosted by TINAR Race Series, with race director Samuel Hartman. Samuel has been running trail races and ultras for almost eight years. He loves all things vert, and enjoys seeing people push past their limits in challenging, hard events.