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Mesa Falls Marathon Runs from Forest to Ashton
Runners descend from Targhee National Forest toward Ashton on a scenic point-to-point course surrounded by waterfalls, rivers, and mountain country.
Event details
Targhee National Forest supplies the cool morning air for the Mesa Falls Marathon, a point-to-point course that begins among tall pines shortly after 5:30 a.m. and descends gradually toward the farm town of Ashton. Both the full marathon and half-marathon trade flat pavement for a genuine downhill journey through forest and open country, finishing well before the midday sun takes hold.
The descending profile is the course’s signature: rather than fighting elevation, runners spend the morning losing it gradually, with broad valley views opening up as the trees thin on the approach to town. A predawn start and shuttle to the remote trailhead reflect just how far from Ashton the course actually begins.
Because the start sits well outside town, an Ashton-area stay the night before is the practical choice for runners and their support crews alike. The payoff extends well past the finish line: Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are a short drive from the course, Harriman State Park offers wildlife viewing and quiet trails, and Henry’s Fork rewards anglers and waders looking to cool off after race morning.
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