3rd Sunday in November, Moab Utah

App and info: click on Moab Half above

Julie Miller recounts her experience in 2010:
I ran the Other Half Marathon in Moab, Utah on Sunday, October 15, 2010. The spectacular course borders the Colorado river, cutting through red rock cliffs adjacent to the edge of Arches, National Park, in Utah.

The race hotel, the Moab Valley Inn, is conveniently across the street from the Moab Brewing Company, an award-winning microbrewery that brews its own handcrafted beer on the premises. It's also near Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Bryce National parks.

This race is on Highway 128, along the Colorado River. The road is closed for the race. Runners take a bus from the Moab Valley Inn and other locations to about 26 miles out to the start at the Dewey Bridge -- a drop of point for white water rafters. Elevation is at 4100 feet, and the course is net level, but there a few hills, with one of 200 feet hills around mile 8 and another at 11. A nice downhill finish into the Sorrell Ranch. This is the only race I know that rewards runner with fresh beer, a custom glass, and a friendly guy who will refill it for you. All courtesy of the Moab Brewery.

The Moab Brewery is located across the street from the Moab Valley Inn, and has excellent, hand crafted beers, brewed right on the premises. We brought home some of the Dead Horse Ale. The food it great too. It's a mountain biker favorite.

This half reminded me of St. George, except it's a half. Like St. George, the race features a bus ride to the start, bonfires to keep the runners warm, free coffee and hot chocolate. The bling gets a ten. There's a cool, detachable Kokopelli figure, as a race medal, and unique draw-string reusable drop bag. The tee-shirt is long-sleeved and tech.

Run this race. Or its sister, the Canyonlands Half, which is run in March. Canyonlands has a lottery which opens on Novermber 24.