Wheeler Farm Loops

Hey Jake do you have any more info on why the Wildcat Half has been cancelled this year? That's one of the oldest running half's in the state.

All I heard is that they only had 8 people registered! And apparently in addition to that, there were some "logistical issues" (I don't know what those were). The folks at Striders sent an e-mail to the USATF office... that's all I know.

It seems like its becoming harder and harder to have a flat 1/2 in Utah. With Little and Big Cottonwood 1/2s around the same time, its hard to compete. I liked the Wildcat race a lot, but I don't get the sense the average person wants to run a course like that when they have other options. Even the Alta Peruvian Dash is shutting down after this year, and that's the most downhill course of all. They only had 40 runners there last year. Sad b/c that's also one of the oldest races around.

It is really sad how saturated races have become. Great run today and enjoy the ranch tomorrow.

Ben - one idea I'm going to propose is that we try to get more early season races on the circuit, when there is less saturation among races than in the summer (ie. maybe 2 races from the Striders WRC and 2 races from the SLC Winter Series). Then try to keep the summer classics - Murray, Draper, Des News (hopefully add the half/full back), and TOU. And if we could get STG so people had the option to choose b/w STG/TOU, I think that would be ideal.

Just some thoughts... I'm curious about whether people have other ideas. I'll probably post something next week outlining some ideas for 2014 and see what people think.

That's to bad! We actually had a conversation about this on our run the other morning. With all these new races coming out it seems like race directors are trying to make a quick buck and not considering or even thinking what they are doing to themselves. I mean look at the top of utah marathon last year. They were down numbers because the Huntsville Marathon is a week later. I love that there is a bunch of races around, but wish they would be considerate in other races. JUst think in a couple of years if it stays the way it is right now. There will be Des News, American Fork and the Morgan Marathon all the same day.

I know! Admittedly I don't understand the market dynamics, but I don't know how all these races even survive. I guess they don't... which is what we're starting to see.

I remember on a run a year or two ago, we were all joking that before you know it, there will be races down the Cottonwood Canyons... and a year later, there are already several, and they are driving the older races out. I'm glad people are participating in running races, I just wish there could be a balance.

i agree...more early season races, and more fall races as well...battle it out through all the seasons! although i do understand it's easier said than done to get races on board. another early season option would be the st. george half in jan. i think that used to be on the circuit when it was painters? i'm not sure.

and of course the woodlands.

if morgan or timp kill the des news marathon, i swear...

we need to start a "keep the classics" campaign.

Yeah, ideally 2 races from the STG series. It would be great to have both their January 1/2 and the marathon. Obviously adding Des News Marathon back on is one of the main goals as well.

Funny that we're already plotting a course for 2014. The thing w/ Wildcat only have 8 runners really made me realize that if we don't put a lot of effort in starting now, the circuit could crash.

Now that the Richardsons are managing the Layton Classic, I think that would be another great addition to replace the Alta 8K.

Yeah Classic would be good. There are no Davis County races on the circuit, and now only one Weber County. Striders does a Memorial Day half and 5k in Davis. And the Davis Rec Center puts on races throughout the year.

I think a race in Park City would be a good addition, though I don't know one specifically. Maybe add some of the local small town races. We have Draper Days, but almost every city in the state has a "days" race.

Canyonlands Half could be an early addition. And Allie's St George Half is a great recommendation. They also have the Spectrum 10k down there early.

Bear Lake has races on Labor Day, though there's no way they are certified courses.

Sojo could be a late season addition. Maybe Morgan, they have a 5k 10k half and full.

just throwing out some thoughts, sorry to ramble.

All good thoughts... the required prize money and sanctioning/certification is often the deterrent for a lot of the smaller town type races.

I've already talked to Striders about adding another one of their races in addition to the HM next year. They are on board. I'd like to get some more Utah Co. races in addition to Davis County too, split it up more geographically. This year, not many were interested.

Just a couple thoughts..

1. You have done a great job trying to revive the circuit this year.

2. Effort needs to be made to preserve Alta Peruvian. I would be willing to co-race direct with someone.

3. Classic races like the Des News Marathon need to be coaxed back on the circuit.

I know Morgan already pays cash prizes. They would likely need certification though. But the other problem with Morgan would be it's so close to Des News.

Do races have to pay USATF to get the courses certified?

Thank you Rob. I don't think most people realize how much behind the scenes work it is :-)

Long live the Alta 8K!

Yes, the races have to pay to be sanctioned USATF events, their courses need to be certified, they have to meet minimum prize money requirements, and they pay a participation fee (which is where the overall prize money for the end of the circuit comes from). So you can see why there are some challenges involved.

Rob, do you think Alta struggles to get participants because of the distance? Your average Joe loves a downhill race but doesn't do Alta despite a great dinner after! I think it may be the distance that keeps people away. No one looks for an 8k PR.

I know changing the distance would change the race a lot but if it saved it maybe it'd be worth it. Just a thought.

Only us more experienced runners even know how far an 8k is. I like the different distances but if you are looking for more runners I think you have to stick to distances they know.

Alta 5k or 10k may draw a bigger crowd.

Alta 5K would be in the 12:XX range! :-)

I don't know how big the race used to be in terms of numbers since I'm new to this, but I imagine they used to get a lot more than 40 people.

Riley - I'd say that the main reason they struggle to get a bigger field is because if you run it right it takes about the same amount of time to recover from as a marathon.

Rob, that's true but so do all these downhill half marathons and people still run those.

I think it's the distance and also lack of advertising. I Gotta think more people would do it if they knew they got a free meal (and for beer for those that drink). I just don't think people know about the race except for those of us that do the circuit and past participants.

I do think Riley is right... a more standard distance would probably attract a few more people

So what about just making it the Alta Mile? Everyone breaks 4 minutes, and the quads live another day. Heck, people might even feel good enough to wake up and do a long run up the Albion Basin the next day.

Jake, now that's a great idea! A mile.

And let's face it... the flat/loop mile is never happening in Utah. Might as well do it up at Alta and have a party afterwards.

another struggling race -- the layton marathon...

"In order to increase registrations for the Layton Syracuse Marathon we have decided to create a referral bonus system. If someone registers for the Full/Half/10K/5K and puts your name down as a referrer for them to register we will give you a bonus tech T-Shirt from either a past race or an extra cotton tee from this year. Pickup your bonus shirt at packet pickup at the table marked REFERENCE, and go get others to sign up."

An extra T SHIRT?!?!?

I pitched the Alta Mile idea. Haven't heard anything back yet.

Oh boy! An extra shirt from a past race?!! I better get referring right away!

With an offer like that, their registrations should skyrocket.

Referrals are an interesting concept that I'm surprised races don't use more often. I mean why not offer one percent off next year's registration for each referral you have sign up? It seems like you would get more participants this year and have an easier time retaining past participants.