Additional race information can be found at https://www.ymcatvidaho.org/runs/famous-idaho-potato-marathon/.
YMCA Famous Idaho Potato Marathon presented by the Idaho Potato Commission
Saturday, May 13, 2023
We have a distance that will work for everyone! Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. This race showcases the Boise River and all of its beauty. Run on tree-lined shaded paths with the sound of the river encouraging you along.
Start Times:
Marathon & Half Marathon: 7:00am
10K & 5K: 10:00am
Packet pick up will be held at Albertsons Headquarters (250 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise)
Fri, May 12, 3-7 pm
You will receive your bib number, packet, and race shirt and have the opportunity to look at course maps and ask any questions. You will have the opportunity to visit with some vendors.
I want to change my distance?
Before race day – you can change your distance by logging onto RUNSIGNUP.COM. Learn how to change your event/distance here: How to change my distance>>
Courses:
Our courses are flat and fast. The marathon is a Boston Qualifier course and is USATF certified. You run along the Boise River and greenbelt through historical Warm Springs Ave in East Boise. Water stations are about every two miles along the course. All courses come together at Parkcenter Blvd before breaking into their own courses.
5K & 10K start and finish at Albertson's Headquarters (250 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise)
Full and Half Marathon start at Lucky Peak State Park Sandy Point (9723 ID-21, Boise, Id 83716) and finishes at Albertson's Headquarters.
Water Stations will be approximately every 2 miles up until mile 20, and then the stations will be approximately 1.5 apart. All stations will have water. Stations on the full and half will have Gatorade and water.
Restrooms are located at the start and finish areas and near miles: 2.5, 6, 8, 10 14, 17, 19.5, 21 & 23.
Host Hotel Information:
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boise-Parkcenter. Located just a few blocks from the marathon and half marathon shuttle bus pick-up and the event's finish line.
Address: 424 E Parkcenter Blvd, Boise, ID 83706
Phone: (208) 324-1044
Booking Link: Click Here for FIP Room Rate>>
Room rates are $125 for a single king room and $135 for a double queen room. Overnight parking is complimentary, and complimentary breakfast is served daily. Check-in is 3 pm, and check-out is at noon.
For Half & Full Marathoners – please park in the East Lot of Albertson’s HQ. You can grab the shuttle to the start line from there.
For 5K & 10K Runners –please park in the West Lot of Albertson’s HQ lot.
All distances finish in this area so you will be close to your car.
Park near the finish line, and we’ll take you to the start of the race! Buses will pick up at the Finish line, Albertsons HQ on Parkcenter Blvd. Parking is limited at the starting line for the full and half marathons. Be aware the road into the full, and half Marathon closes starting 6:45 am to all traffic other than buses. Also, remember no dogs or strollers on the buses. Please be respectful of our bus drivers and other participants.
5:00 am-6:30 am (Buses do fill up so, don’t wait for the last bus)
Catch the shuttle at Albertsons Headquarters at 250 E Parkcenter Blvd. Boise.
*No Transportation will be available back to the start area at Lucky Peak.
Full & Half Runners:
Warm-up clothes will be transported from the Full & Half starting line to the finish at Albertsons Headquarters. Please have your belongings inside a duffel bag or plastic bag well marked with your race number. Please do not leave valuables inside your bag. Belongings can be picked up at the finish line area. All warm-up clothes from the marathon & Half start will be available by approximately 8:30 am
5K/10K Runners:
It might be chilly while you wait to start your race. You can check your warm-up clothes too. Please have your belongings inside a bag and marked with your race number. Please do not leave valuables inside your bag.
Be prepared - have a bag and your number on it when you arrive at the race. There will be bags and markers available at the Gear Check Area. All athletes will be asked to show their bib/race number when picking up gear. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Can I change my distance?
Before race day – you can change your distance by logging onto RUNSIGNUP.COM. Learn how to change your event/distance here: How to change my distance/event>>
At Packet Pick Up – please tell the volunteer that you want to change. We will note and set you up with the new distance. Depending on bib supplies, you may still receive your original bib, which will not affect your results.
On Race Day – if you decide to change distances, please inform a race official at the packet pick-up table. We need to make an adjustment in our system to help us manage the course and know where our runners are.
Where do I get my shirt?
Shirts are available at Packet Pick-Up. Take your bib number over to the t-shirt table, your size is on the back of your bib. You must have a bib number to pick up a shirt.
Why is my bib a different color?
The bibs are different colors to help race officials know who entering the finish area and for what distance. If you change distances, your bib might change to collate with the new distance. That will not affect your results.
Here is the breakdown: new 2023 colors are coming soon.
Where is the timing chip? I don’t need/want to be timed.
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib. Do not bind your bib/timing chip. Everyone is timed. Results will be available after the race for you to check or not. Your bib must be on the front of your body.
What time does the race start and where? What distance?
Marathon & Half Marathon – 7 am – Sandy Point State Park (Lucky Peak) Take the shuttle!
The Sandy Point State Park entrance will be closed to traffic at 6:45 am!!
10K & 5K - 10 am - Albertson’s Headquarters off Parkcenter Blvd.
How do I get to the start of the Half & Full Marathon?
Full and Half Marathon - Shuttle Buses will pick up at the finish line at Albertsons HQ on Parkcenter Blvd. in front of the corporate building.
Shuttle Pick Up times:
Marathon & Half Marathon: 5:15 am – 6:30 am (the last bus leaves at 6:30 am)
There is no transportation back to the starting line from the finish.
Where do we finish?
All race distances finish at Albertsons HQ on Parkcenter Blvd in the West parking Lot.
Where can we park?
At Albertson’s Corporate Office at 250 E Parkcenter Blvd. Boise
For Half & Full Marathoners – please park in the East Lot of Albertson’s HQ. You can grab the shuttle to the start line from there.
For 5K & 10K Runners –please park in the West Lot of Albertson’s HQ lot.
All distances finish in this area so you will be close to your car.
What if I park at the Starting line of the half & full marathon?
We do not provide transportation back to the starting line from the finish for the half and full marathon.
Is there a gear check? Look for the George’s Cycle Truck!
Half & Full Runners - Yes, we’ll transport your clothes/gear from the start line at Lucky Peak to the finish. Please clearly marked with your name and race # on your bag. We will have supplies if you need a bag, tape, or markers. You can always use the Potato Bag for your gear. Gear will be available after 8:30 in the finish area. Look for the George’s Cycle Truck at the starting line!
10K & 5K –Gear check will be available after 9:00 am for the 5K/10K. Please clearly mark your name and bib number on your bag. Supplies will be available after 9 am for you to check your gear.
Do not check anything valuable in the gear check. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen gear or broken gear.
Course & Aid Station Information
Where are the Water/Aid Stations & bathrooms on the course? Water/Aid Stations: These will be located along the full marathon course approximately every two miles through mile 20 and once every mile and a half thereafter. Half marathon, 10k, and 5k runners will have aid stations approximately once every two miles. Bathrooms are about every 2 to 3 miles on the course and at the start and finish areas.
Is the course well-marked?
Yes, you can pick up a map to review the course. More written instructions are available online under the course info tab. Make sure to follow the course and not the runners in front of you. There are four courses and lots of people. There are arrows posted along the course, chalk in some spots, and A-frame signs. Please ask for help at aid stations or other volunteers along the course. It is your responsibility to understand the course.
I want to change distances mid-race.
If you decide to change distances mid-race, it’s okay. Please tell a volunteer at an aid station to share your bib number and what distance you will finish. Then when you arrive at the finish line, please find a race official and tell them which distance you changed to so we can update our profile in our system. This helps us know who is on the course and when we have all the runners in.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the course. They are not encouraged as we have a large crowd for this event. All dogs must be leashed at all times on the course in and in the footprint of the event area. Dogs are not allowed on shuttle buses.
Where is the timing chip? I don’t need/want to be timed.
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib. Do not bind your bib/timing chip. Everyone is timed. Results will be available after the race for you to check or not. Your bib must be on the front of your body.
Is there a time limit on the course?
The Full marathon course is open for 8 hours, and it will close at 3 pm. The 5K & 10K will be closed after 3 hours.
Is there food & recovery available?
All participants will have access to an Idaho Baked Potato Bar at the finish line with all the fix’ns to dress up your potato. There will also be GoGo SqueeZ fruit pouches, bagels, and whole fruit. Additional water and Gatorade will be available in the finish area.
Who gets a medal?
All finishers get a medal! 5K & 10K get the same medal, and the half marathoners and full marathoners get a custom medal with the distance on the neck ribbon. We will have Road Runner Club of America State Championship medals for male and female finishers for the Full and Half Marathon.
Where do I find the results?
Results will be available in the Finish line celebration area look for the results banner. All results will be posted and available online here: Link coming soon.
Where do I pick up my award?
Awards will be available at the Announcer’s tent in the Finish Line celebration area. We start announcing as soon as results are available. We do age groups awards and overall awards. We encourage everyone to stay for the music and more at the finish line celebration. If you leave before you receive your award, we will contact you, or feel free to email us at racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org We will also have Road Runners Club of America Awards for the Half Marathon.
If you have other questions or need more information, please email us at racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made less than 15 days prior to the race/event will receive no refund. Cancellations made more than 15 days prior will receive a 50% refund either as a check or a system credit. The system credit may only be applied to another YMCA race/event within the current calendar year. Entries, once purchased, may not be transferred, resold, exchanged, or given to another person. We hope very much that you can join us on race day. We value your participation and want to provide you with a memorable and quality race day. Please contact the Race Director at racedirector@ymcatvidaho.org with any questions.
Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook.
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
Thank you! Your message was posted to Facebook.