Chris Rivers's Staging Area

Race course was changed up last minute this year so as opposed to running around the park you run the sea wall out and back. Very flat easy paved course on walking/biking trail.

The course was easy to follow, with only 3 water stops and the start finish was placed stupidly on the steepest incline of the course. There were only 6 porta potties but also real bathrooms at the start. (People were going 1 and 2 behind the buildings) WTH Bib pickup only went to 3pm the day before. So if you come from out of town… race day pick up is needed. I got there an hour before the race … very slow and not well organized.

Maybe 20 spectators on the whole course all were cheering for their friend/relative. In this huge city no one came out. Volunteers were nice and cheered. First race where 5 runners shoved, cut me off or ran into me mid race.

Weather was crap. 40 and rain. Parking was not enough and gridlock was ensued with people trying to leave. I walked from my hotel 1 mile away. I suggest doing the same. Many parking garages in the same area.

Medal is blah and they give you a poncho, no shirt.

Race takes place 3 hours south of Halifax and an hour east of Yarmouth. 90%+ of runners are from Nova Scotia. I flew into Halifax and stayed at a lovely B&B in Sherburne about 30 minutes from the start line. Parking is ample as most people drop off runners. THE END IS 2 MILES FROM THE START. This was the worst part of the race, beyond starting late 8am for half, 7am for full. There was a ‘shuttle’ back to the start, but this was poorly thought out and executed. 1 van that fits 14 for hundreds of runners??

Course is on open paved road so cars going in both directions with no shoulder, most drivers were courteous many were not. Police drove by above a higher than ideal rate of speed and even a Town truck came within 1 foot of me. So locals were not all happy to see the runners. Course is flat to rolling hills, miles 10-12 seemed to be all up hill, but gradual. A few potties on the course and able ones at the start. Decent crown on the road and staying left for the whole time was a bit challenging on the left knee, but not bad.

Medal is amazing, shirt is one to mow the lawn in, no other swag minus a $0.15 string bag. Bib was also quite good looking too!

Water stops were great, volunteers also. I assumed there would be more water views running around an island, but almost none, jut the beginning and across the bridge. Mostly forested country roads. A few dozen spectators came to cheer from their front lawns.

Great race. 5000 people total between the 5,10,21 and 42K. Nice shirt and medal. Volunteers along the course were competent, friendly and plentiful. Well run race, packet pickup was easy.

PARKING WAS A NIGHTMARE. TOOK ME AND HOUR TO GO THE LAST HALF MILE. I gave myself 90 minutes to go the 2 miles from the hotel and needed all of it. Only one way in. Once you get in. Tons of parking. Getting out was the same.

You can stay within walking distance. Parking was ok. But many waited too late to go. There was also an issue with a draw bridge so they delayed the race 10 minutes. There were enough porta potties due to the staggered starts. Packet pickup was ok, parking was $4 at the hotel and the ‘expo’ was small.

Course is super flat and closed course making it easy. Volunteers and aid stations were smooth. Metal was nice, shirt ok and post race food adequate. Highly recommend.

Loved the low key friendly race atmosphere. 220 people, No fanfare. You get a beautiful medal made by the camp goers and your fee goes to support the camp. Race scenery was ok. A few glimpses of the water, mostly a wooded paved road with the half way point at a lovely lighthouse.
They did a great job managing the parking. Bathrooms at the start were a decent quantity, some real, some porta potties. 2 official bathroom stops along the route. Plenty of woods for unofficial. Water stops were about every 2 miles. (Just water nothing else). Volunteeres were great at every intersection to direct you the right way with lobster bouys as mile markers.
Brunch after was great. Full cooked breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, waffles and blueberry muffins.).
I stayed at the East Wind Inn… lovely place to stay 2 miles away and a delicious restaurant.

Up the hill, down the hill, round the hill.. was shouted at me from the crowd as I ran past mile 3. (course is constand small hills) One minute later a woman announces, “you are almost there”, and her presumed husband said, no he is not… and we all laughed! I have never been to a more friendly, supportive, picturesque race. Literally there was 12.5 miles of people lining both sides of the roads. Only spot were there were no people were on the causeways that had no spots to stand. So 500 runners and thousands of spectators. 90-95% of the runners are from Bermuda and the race is run on “Bermuda Day” an island holiday where most people are off and gather to watch the race and parade and spend the day eating and drinking with friends and family. Almost constant shouts of encouragement from the crowd, I was amazed!

The race course is completely closed down, no cars, and water stops almost every mile. Real bathrooms at the start, not many potties along the route and no good options in the trees. There was no nutrition beyond orange slices, so bring your own. The race is almost completely designed to be a Bermuda resident race making the logistics a little challenging. Packet pick up is only on Wednesday, they offered to drop it off at my hotel tho (would not mail) and they dropped mine off with all the swag (shirt, socks, hat, totebag, snack-all good quality). However they did not drop off my daughters, and my emails were not responded too, one phone number on the website did not work, finally got a race person and they did deliver her number (but none of the swag). Long story short SHOW UP FOR PACKET PICKUP on wednesday. Next issue was getting to the start and getting back after. Getting there is not so hard, just taxi from your hotel early (no rental cars on the island) and point to point race. When the race ends you are at a park streets are closed and you have to walk to where the streets are not blocked off… and then you can use the Bermuda taxi app (kinda like Uber) to call a taxi. We lucked out and the guy we asked where should we walk to find a taxi, said not worry I will drive you. (20 minutes one way for free a $40 taxi) These people are ALL the nicest I have ever met.

Much better course than Hawaii and so much closer!

Plenty of hotels within 5-10 miles. Just book early as they will sell out due to runner demand. The expo was fairly big packet pick up was smooth. The parking lot is huge no issues parking but you may walk a mile just to get there! Note there is no pick up race day. There is also a 5k in the evening Friday sharing the parking lot, get there early or Thursday to avoid this minor crowd.

There are busses from there to race venue, from 3-5am…. Not sure why you would take the bus. Plenty of parking at the race location. Plenty!!! They use 3 entrances to get on base so things flowed. Remember where you park as it is dark. (Race starts at sunrise) and it’s over a mile to where it starts.

Lots of potties, food trucks (coffee), and unique things. Fireworks, paratroopers, and a great national anthem (even a jumbo screen so you can see from anywhere.

Race went off in 3 waves depending on pace. They also had pacers. Half and full start together. The 10k started 30 minutes before. You head up hill right away and run all around the base, not seeing the same thing twice. Many small hills all pavement through the woods, past buildings, golf course, and hangars. Not one vehicle on the road. Runners had free/safe passage the entire way. Water stops were great. Porta potties along the course were spartan… but there were portapotrees!

Shirt, medal, patch were all nice. Food at the end was plentiful with many options.

My dad is 75 and was in the Air Force. This was the 75th anniversary of the air force and he wanted to run the half… so we did it together!

Race is hard, but not bad. 1500′ elevation gain. Course is on gravel and rock road. Wear trail shoes, with rock plate to ease you comfort, and deeper tread. Water stops were great, food after was also. Shirt was nice, and optional. There is no medal. You can grab a tiny frog stuffed animal at check in with the race name on it.

There is a 5K that starts after the half so there is no mixing of people. Both races are related to the trail running camp that has been going on there the week before. So there are many runners that did the camp that are doing the race. Less than 100 people total for both races together and I may of been the only one from out of state. I met some nice people and enjoyed the challenge.

Not many bugs, only killed 2 deer flies. Course was mostly shaded and no spectators, except for the other runners families and the volunteers. No porta potties along the course, but lots of trees and only 1-2 cars on the road the whole time.

Small race along a beautiful stream for 80% of the time. One mile on a two lane road and about the same going through town. Course had lots of rolling terrain, no real hills. The road had a decent amount of camber adn crown, but you alternated sides of the road and also had 1 or 2 lanes blocked off just for runners most of the time so you could find a level spot. Production was best I seen, safe course and everything you needed just to enjoy the run. There was plenty of parking, with no issues even if you did not get there early. The regular lot was about a half mile away from the start, and VIP parking ($20) was right at the start/finish. Pre-race information and website had all the details, packet pickup the day before was easy, and many picked up packets the morning of the race.
Porta-potties and water stops were plentiful, they even added some additional due to the higher than normal temperatures. With a very welcome icy towel at the end. You can also take a dip in the stream!
Medal was nice and shirt was too. Good design, color and fabric.
I came from out of town and stayed the night before in Manchester, about a 30 minute drive to New Boston.

So many hotels within walking distance and an easy metro from the airport so so many things to do in the city.

Race starts a little late in the morning, 8:30, course is flat with one medium sized hill. The police had EVERYTHING locked down and the course was super safe and easy to follow. Volunteers and water stops were perfect. Enough porta potties and the 5k race starts in a different spot, so the runners stay separate.
Decent amount of people came out to cheer the runners on and there were several bands throughout the course. Shirt and medal were nice!

Stay in St Michaels lots of places within walking distance of the start line and many great restaurants and shops. If you drive to the finish to catch the bus, get there before 645 there is not a lot enough parking.

There are real bathrooms at the start and finish. And the inn at the start let us sit inside until the race began. Which was great as it was 38 degrees. The course is 12+ miles running in the left shoulder of a 2 lane road with 50 MPH traffic. Lots of farms and trees to watch as you run with only a couple glimpses of the water. Aid stations were well manned and ample. My left pinky toe was not pleased after running on the left angled crown of the road, all in all an easy course. Almost no spectators and no police presence except the beginning and end.

Sweatshirt was nice. Medal was mediocre. Race instruction and communication was great before and during. The post race “snack” was my favorite so far. Simple stuff that was all natural. 250 runners all doing a half.

Race takes place on 2 to 6 lane roads with 1500′ feet down and 500′ up. The course is mostly in a lane separated from other traffic by cones. There were friendly police and most of the main intersections, but towards the end there were a lot of cars crossing in front of runners and going in the lane where only runners were supposed to be. Weather was great and water stops were well manned and plentiful. Almost no spectators.
I stayed at the host hotel and took the bus to the start from there. Do not do this, as there is no bus back from the finish. I had to Uber, which was no big deal, just not convenient. They say you cannot drop off runner for the half but you can, there are no issues. The start to the race was anticlimactic, with no music, anthem, or start banner.. just 3-2-1 go.
The shirt and medal were nice, and the volunteers were all very friendly and helpful.

Well run, small, nature filled race with easy logistics and great course.

Many hotels to choose from and the bus hits almost all. If you stay at the Holiday Inn you can walk to the ferry 0.5 Mile. “Ferry” takes 30 people at a time and they were on point. Busses were also. Most of the races is on packed gravel road, last 3 miles is a true double track trail. Everything was graded, a few puddles but easy running comparatively. (EXECPT FOR THE MILE YOU RUN ON THE BEACH) Aid stations were good, staffed with competent nice people. Nice shirt, nice medal. Loved doing this race!

Stay at the Greenbrier is a must. Even for one night. The place is amazing and has so many things to do, see, eat, drink..

The race starts about a quarter mile from the hotel. There are real bathroom by the start. The people that work here are so nice and accommodating. You run through the golf course mainly and it’s a splendid view the entire time with perfect temps. A few ups and downs but no real hills.

Shirt, metal, glass are all nice. But the after party was the best I have been too. Mimosas. And wonderful brunch served inside at tables (or you can sit out too).

My only complaint was that I never got any emails from the organizers with updates…, but the website was very detailed and had everything.

Mostly flat out and back on packed pea gravel. Easiest trail race as you can’t get lost, and there is very little to trip on or sprain and ankle. Even the ties that stick up a little have been painted green so you can see the trip hazards. Close to a lot of historic sites.

Wow… this race had everything you “want” in a trail race. Altitude, elevation gain, every size rock to run on, over, between, even Jeep’s going on the same route with phenomenal views and weather. You run in a stream, a road, next to a 300 drop off, etc
Plenty of hotels 5 minutes away and a great excuse to see Utah. Bring your own water, first aid stop is mile 6. Nice shirt and metal (or mug) if you don’t care about metals.

Flat, simple, easy, nice race. I read the reviews and was worried this race would suck. There was one big issue I take at least half the blame for… I ran past the half point turn around. The sign was small and the guy that was supposed to tell you to turn around was standing infront of it. So I got a few extra miles for free. I asked the cops and the people at the next water station and none knew where the turnaround was. I went from 4th to ?
Plenty of hotels within walking distance. A charming old town. The course was flat through neighborhoods with many people in their front yards cheering. Weather was perfect too. 55-65. Sweet medal and nice shirt. And everyone was so nice.

The race was rolling hills mostly on single track clay with 3 small stream/mud crossings, first and last mile are paved roads/trails. The web site for the race has almost all you need to know. I only got one email from the race director 3 days before the race. The race went off smooth and i had no issues. Shirt and metal were nice.

Race begins a little late 8am, sun is up at 5:30am and you have to wait for over an hour at the start line after they drop you off; which is at a campground, with a good amount of pit toilets, a pavilion, and a drinking water spigot.

Bring your own hydration pack or bottle, water stations were at mile 5 and 10 and there are no human spectators to cheer you on, cows and horses tho! Pay attention and ask questions on how to open the numerous cattle gates you must pass through.. I assumed i knew…took about 30 seconds at the first one. Race is also a little longer than a half marathon (14M).

I stayed in Medora, and walked to the shuttle (less than a mile). I highly recommend staying there, great history, places to stay and restaurant choices, not to mention the entrance to Roosevelt National Park!

Since they did not have the actual race due to Corona fears, my opinions will be of what my virtual race entailed.

Communication before the race was good. Packet pickup was easy and the fleet feet people were real nice. They gave out the swag (minus bibs) incase you want to come back and run the race at the rescheduled time. I did not so i ran most of the course on my own and put my results in as a virtual race.
Swag included a decent themed medal, long sleeve 1/4 zip and a pint glass.
I also added in the “kiss me i’m a runner” green t-shirt as you know it was St Patrick’s Day. Many hotels near the start/finish line and the city is easy to navigate especially on a weekend.

The course is very flat and mostly along the river on ‘bike trails”. It was cold (28-35) and a little windy (15MPH), but the river and city scenery was pleasant. Had a great meal at a local restaurant and met many nice people from there and also those who showed up to run.

The course was decent and well marked. You see a little of the town and some of the university. (Mississippi State). Small race so you can park close to the start on the street and I was able to keep warm in a coffee shop before the race began. I walked from my hotel about a mile away.
The traffic was a bit of an issue as there were many cars on the course and people running in both lanes. The police did a good job at major intersections. They used styrofoam cups and had no trash can at water stops so that was odd. Race director asked me how it went after the race no provided feedback and he said he would address the issues for next year.

Shirt and medal were nice. They gave out a gear bag, cup and head band also.

Easy packet pickup, there is a 0.5-1+ mile walk from hotels to start/finish. Show up early as security was not well orchestrated. There were no volunteers to tell you what line to get into (bag or no bag) I was in line an hour before i got to a volunteer who provided directions, make it to my corral with <5 minutes to spare. Course was scenic, mostly flat and no traffic to deal with. My GPS showed 13.54 miles… looked at others, they were 13.4+ miles… so that was odd. Great city to spend a weekend in,

Very well managed, lots of water stops, nicest cops, many hotels you can walk to the start from , or free parking at the start. Many people came out of their houses to cheer everyone along the course. No shade on the course, and a light ocean breeze occasionally

The race was simple and straight forward. EVERYONE was nice and you even get a hug at the end! There were 2 medium hills and lots of rolling ones, road was half paved and half gravel, with very few cars to deal with. Water/aid stations were more than enough and volunteers were on their game. Scenery was nice; farm fields, woods and views of mountains.

The course was fun and easy, with some good local scenery and some just plain running down a street. I was able to walk from my hotel and the race race production made things smooth.