Race to Robie Creek
Link to Web Site: www.robiecreek.com
Rating: 
Date of Run: 24 Apr 2004
Reviewed By: Foo
Comments: Billed as the toughest half marathon in the west, I would not disagree. This race starts in NE Boise at a park and heads immediately into the foothills, getting off pavement within 2 or 3 miles. The first 8.5 miles head up from 2500 to over 4500ft. You'd think you could train on the Spiral hiway for that, but it's a lot tougher than the Spiral. The altitude, and the heat are both a problem. Also, the grade starts out shallow and continues to increase, right up to the last half mile, which you might as well just walk. As a funny side note, half a mile from the top is the "temptation station, where a line of recliners sit next to a table full of twinkies, cigars, and shots. It is very tempting. I had a shot and regretted it. The downhill on the other side is almost worse. It drops nearly the same elevation in 5 miles. The top is steepest, and if you get going too fast (remember, you blew your quads on the front half) you can actually fly of one of the corners, which are very sharp.
There is a barbeque w/ lots of beer and bands at the finish, and the race always has unique themes and awards. But since it's a tight road in, they don't allow anybody to drive in to pick up runners. You have to wait in line for something like a half hour (in the sunny, hot, dusty parking lot) to catch a bus-ride back to the start.
Forgot to mention that it's quite a popular race, with a 2500 runner limit. The registration is via their web site, first come first served. Last year it sold out in an hour.