Race review: Gunsight Gallop

This morning I ran a race called the Gunsight Gallop. It has nothing to do with a gun, and everything to do with a gallop. It is a gentle 3 mile race in a little town called Clarkston, nestled against the hills of Cache Valley, Utah.  I have run this race several times before, and I am still drawn back, mostly because it makes me feel happy.  

This was the thirty-something year of the race, so it is even older than I am, but has built a wonderful tradition over the years.  It started in conjunction with the town celebration, originally called the pony express days.  The race was named after the local mountain peak (Gunsight Peak) which you can see the second half of the race. As far as I know, the course hasn't changed all that time either.  With an entry fee of five dollars, there is no good reason not to run.  And since winners walk away with a cash prize that is more than that, I'm pretty sure the race is barely self-sustaining. No teeshirt is offered, but the race is simply about giving people a chance to run. 

I give a lot if credit to the original race director, Dan Cooper.  He was a friendly guy with a passion for running and an ability to provide a good experience while keeping it simple.  He even offered to watch my kids so both my husband and I could run one race morning when my sitter was running late.  How many race directors make that offer?  I think we had maybe 30 people running this morning which was perfect. It felt like a family affair (and it probably was, mostly).

 It is not a pr course, as it is hilly and gravelly, but it is a race that reminds me why I run: it is fun, I feel good, competition makes me better, and mornings are beautiful.  So if you can make it to the Gunsight Gallop next June, I highly recommend it.  Tell your friends, just not too many of them.