Forget the potatoes. Come experience the real Idaho.

On September 8, 2012 come run a scenic, certified point-to-point marathon in the small, beautiful mountain town of Salmon, Idaho.

The course follows the Old Lemhi Road as it winds along the Lemhi River west onto Main Street and into Salmon.

After crossing the Salmon River at the end of Main Street, runners will turn left into Island Park and the finish line.  

Approximately 21 miles of the course is dirt or gravel and dirt surface. The last five miles are on pavement. There are three short stretches along the dirt road that are paved.

There are two short hills on the course, the first hill after mile 7 and the second hill after the half marathon point. Runners are rewarded with nice downhills after both climbs.

The remainder of the course is gently rolling, but generally downhill. This is a fast course. Your legs won't feel it, but your time will reflect it.

Because of the high proportion of dirt and gravel surfacing on this course, it is HIGHLY recommended that wheelchair racers not participate. In the interest of runner safety, running buggies and pets are not allowed on the course.

The elevation at the start in Tendoy is 4881 feet and the elevation at the finish is 3931 feet.

Then, If you desire more adventure.

Float the famous "River of No Return" - the Salmon River. Whether you enjoy quietly drifting along pristine waters or a rough and tumble white water rollercoaster ride, the Salmon River offers it all.

Bring your binoculars and hiking boots and venture into the surrounding mountains inhabited by deer, elk, coyotes, bear and our infamous wolves. Check off scores of western birds both common and rare including giant sandhill cranes, chukars, grouse and the ubiquitous magpie.

Fish the blue-ribbon streams for cutthroat, rainbow and brook trout. Or sample the emerald and turquoise high-mountain lakes with fly or spinner.

Ride up into the mountains on sure-footed ranch horses for exquisite views of meadows, canyons and peaks.

Interested in history? Lemhi County is steeped in western history. The Marathon starts in Tendoy, Idaho, the birthplace of Sacajawea the Agaidika Shoshone woman, who with her infant child accompanied Lewis and Clark on their historic journey to the Pacific and back. The race course follows the Lewis and Clark trail into Salmon, where the Sacajawea Center offers an outdoor learning experience and a glimpse into cultures and history. Visit the Lemhi County Historical museum and discover the ranching and mining roots of the community that are still alive and well today.

Or, if you would prefer to relax with good friends, good food and a great beer, Salmon is home to a fine selection of restaurants and even a celebrated microbrewery.

So...Come for the race and stay for the fun.