1.
The Napa Valley Marathon is run in the first week of March. This race weaves through the wine country of northern California for the first 22 miles. The weather is usually beautiful and a very real change from March in Wyoming. The race starts in the little town of Calistoga, California and meanders through the grapevines along the Silverado trail until you reach Napa. Super early of the year marathon.2.
The Lincoln Marathon is usually run the first week in May. The weather is usually great in Nebraska that time of the year. The community support along with a very enthusiastic race team combined with a great free lunch makes this race a can't miss. The course is great for the first 13 miles and then loses some appeal.3.
The Deseret News Marathon in Salt Lake City is run on Pioneer Day (July 24th) in Utah. This course is beautiful but difficult for the first 10 miles and then it is downhill to the end while still remaining beautiful. The 5 A.M. start allows you to sleep the rest of the day as the downhill run destroys your quads. Great run.4.
The Mount Rushmore Marathon is run in early September. It starts in the Black Hills and continues downhill into Rapid City, South Dakota. The scenery is beautiful, the race committee has organized a very supportive marathon in usually great running conditions.All four of these runs are medium sized (300 - 800) participants. They are all well organized races. Other than the Salt Lake City race the weather is generally great for these runs. There are numerous big name races held in the spring and fall that get all the publicity. These four races are just as good and provide a fun and satisfying experience.