Brandon Thompson's Staging Area

This was my first time trip to Vermont and it did not disappoint. The Mad Half is a challenging course with a total of 1,300 feet of elevation gain but gorgeous views of countryside and two covered bridges. A small race field but still a good amount of spectators to cheer you up the hills. There were lots of water stations on the course, pacers for the marathon, and bike riders checking on runners. The 2023 run was humid and foggy which covered some of the views through mile 6. Once the fog lifted, the run was really peaceful and scenic. The pre-race events were fun in the town of Waitsfield. My family ate at Lawson’s Finest Liquids which was an awesome restaurant. Parking was easy on race morning although I usually arrive an hour early. We stayed at an Airbnb in Barre, visited Montpelier, Bragg Farm, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, and the shops in Waitsfield. Great vacation destination for a race. The T-shirt is super comfortable and the medal is large. Post race food was good for a small race. Overall, I highly recommend the Mad Half Marathon and visit to Vermont.

Incredibly well supported run, chance to run with members of the military community, and great (flat) course route through the National Capital Region. This was my first time running the Army Ten-miler after 21 years of military service. It was a great opportunity to run with fellow service members, veterans, and families. Received a long sleeve technical shirt and pentagon shaped medal. Post race snacks and tents sponsored by military organizations. Overall, a fun atmosphere and great way to run remembering our fallen comrades.

Fun race with a good size, fast, field. Two miles of paved roads transitioning to a paved railroad trail. The trail was extremely clean and there was plenty of room for runners. Lots of people cheering at intersections and a great finish along the Hudson River. Park at the finish and bus transportation to the start at a municipal park. Finish directly across for the the parking garage. The race production was very well done with multiple emails sent prior to the race, plenty of amenities at the start, and food and merchandise at the finish. I picked up my bib on race day at the start and picked up my sweatshirt after finishing (separate purchase option for shirt/sweatshirt). Very nice, folding magnetic finisher medal. Overall, i highly recommend this race if you are looking for a fast, downhill course with great race support and quality swag.

The 2021 race was located in Lackawaxen, PA. Due to COVID precautions the race allowed runners to start at any time which spread out the runners. Ina addition the race production was kept to a minimum to prevent large groups of runners from clustering. However, this was a great race and awesome medals, a technical shirt and running jacket if you sign up during early registration. The entire course is run on the road, out and back Half Marathon (two laps for the Marathon) that follows the Lackawaxen River. I highly recommend the Two Rivers race!

Cold start but great support by Central Park staff and NYRR staff to clear the roads for the race. The Fred Lebow Half Marathon course is two laps around Central Park on roads. Race day packet pickup was convenient. The race was busy but not too crowded. Race medal is shaped like a stopwatch and has a spinning second hand. After race snacks were minimal (bagel, pretzels and an apple) but plenty of water and gatorade stations during the run. Overall, great race in a awesome venue…just hope for warm weather!

The 2019 race took place the day after a snow storm dropped 4 inches of snow on the course. Needless to say this made the single track trail very icy and slowed down the pace quite a bit. However, this race was well worth it. Great technical trail climbs and downhills, 2 miles at the beginning and end of the race along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and amazing views along the entire route. Awesome shirt and medal. My only complaint is that the 50 miler, 50K, and 25K all started at the same time. Due to the icy conditions this created a long line of runners (walkers) on the first 4 miles of single track trail.

The Hokie Half Marathon is one of my favorite races. This was my third time running and the race has gotten better every year. The race starts just south of the Virginia Tech campus in the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center and runs down 460/Main Street to the Mall in Christiansburg (3 miles). Miles 3-8 are along the Huckleberry Trail, a paved running trail that includes several wooden bridges over streams and railroad tracks. There are two challenging hills at mile 9 just south of VT Lane Stadium and at mile 12. Awesome race swag includes a long sleeve technical shirt, short sleeve technical finisher shirt, big Hokie Bird finisher medal, and 13.1 car magnet. Great selection of snacks and drinks to refuel after the run. Several live music spots along the route and lots of spectators cheering you on. My only wish is that the run route would go through the VT campus (around the drill field or through Lane Stadium).

Extremely challenging course that includes over 7000 feet of elevation change including three mountains. The race runs up Mill Mountain, Roanoke Mountain, and Peakwood Mountain in addition to several neighborhoods in Roanoke, VA. The race is supported extremely well with over 20 water/aid stations and a huge finish festival that is great for the entire family.