Sandee Pendergrass's Staging Area

I drove over 5 hours to run in the cold, cold rain in higher elevation than I’m accustomed to as a first-timer to both Huntsville and the Rocket City Back Half Marathon and was already planning for next year’s event before I finished my bowl of hot chicken soup at the finish line party!!

My hotel was right next to the Von Braun Center so I got to watch the Marathon and Front Half Runners take off before enjoying a leisurely breakfast and wandering over to load the bus to take us over to our starting line since we had a lovely 9:00am start time for the Back Half. We got to hang out inside with indoor plumbing until the race began. Even wet and gloomy, the course was fabulous – not flat but not too hilly and zero opportunities to get lost! There was ample police presence to keep us safe as well as so many incredible volunteers and spectators out there cheering us on and keeping us hydrated inside as well as the clouds were hydrating us outside. Getting to run through the space center was extra cool as someone who had never been there before so I had to take a minute and stop to grab a selfie or two. The “shout-out board” was a unique touch I’ve never seen at another event too.

The finish line was indoors and led straight into the after-party. There were more volunteers wrapping runners in space blankets while handing out the stunning and HUGE finisher medals but I have to admit that nothing topped the AMAZING “Finisher” towels we were given at the end!! Not only did they help us get dry but they made for the best finisher photos with the RCM backdrops.

There were so many great food and drink options at the after-party including the above-mentioned chicken soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, chocolate milk, pretzels, snacks and even grilled PB&J. The food line moved quickly so there was almost no wait even with hundreds of people pouring in looking for nourishment. There were physical therapy rehab stations and goodies all around. The store swag options were plentiful and wonderful. The long-sleeve race tee included with our race fee is just perfect too!!

I was not as trained as I should have been and I am not a fan of cold temps or squishy shoes so I just went into it with a goal of finishing vs finishing with a certain time. This allowed me to focus on enjoying the journey instead of worrying about my pace so while my time wasn’t anything to brag about, this was one of the most fun races I’ve attended over my 10 years of running. Next year I hope to arrive sooner, stay longer and maybe even pull off a Hat Trick. I will definitely be recommending this race to everyone that will listen too!!

The Hattiesburg Half Marathon, 10K & 5K event (formerly the Rise & Shine Half) literally gets bigger and better every single year. This was my 5th year to run the Half and I can’t wait for 2020. April usually offers good weather conditions and the course isn’t too hilly or high in traffic so there is nothing stopping runners from achieving a new PR. It’s a well mapped and safe route with tons of cheering supporters along the way so you never feel alone even if you aren’t with a pack of runners.

Multiple charitable organizations benefit from the proceeds on this very organized event and participants can choose the specific charity they want to support as well. Those charity organizations are involved with the race and sponsor areas along the route. I fully admit I am partial to the Southern Pines Animal Shelter because you can get PUPPY KISSES with your cup of Powerade!!!

There are plenty of hydration stations with a variety of drink and snack choices long before you reach the after party downtown – and you don’t want to miss the after party! At the party, you get plenty of food and drinks plus photo ops and the chance to relax your aching muscles with the help of the best physical therapists in town. Participants get a beautiful medal and a great shirt plus winners are treated to really nice unique awards they can’t get everywhere else. Whether running, walking or something in between and no matter the distance, every finisher really gets to feel like a winner.