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@clee11

Oklahoma City, OK Raving since 2017 Half Fanatics #15791 Active 5 years ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Landrunners, Red Coyote, and Ultramax Sports

  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:

    Any race that has good bling

  • I run because:

    I want to challenge myself but also want the bling.  I have been running in races since 2013 and have been hooked.  I am currently trying to complete 30 half marathons before I am 30 but also complete a half marathon in every state.  In 2018 I am tackling two marathon along with many half marathons.

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Half Marathon San Diego, CA 2013 2:19:46
10K Fort Worth, TX Feb 24, 2018 1:11:07

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (18)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Fort Worth, TX Feb 23, 2019
Half Marathon Tyler, TX Dec 2, 2018
Half Marathon Des Moines, IA Oct 21, 2018
Half Marathon Kansas City, MO Oct 20, 2018
Marathon Oklahoma City, OK Apr 29, 2018
Half Marathon New Orleans, LA Mar 4, 2018 2:31:20
10K Fort Worth, TX Feb 24, 2018 1:11:07
Half Marathon Fort Worth, TX Feb 24, 2018 2:42:36
Half Marathon Tulsa, OK Nov 19, 2017 2:52:13
Half Marathon Commerce, OK Oct 1, 2017 3:25:45
Half Marathon Chicago, IL Jul 16, 2017 2:48:35
Half Marathon Joplin, MO May 19, 2017 2:44:27
Half Marathon Ardmore, OK Mar 26, 2017 2:51:01
Half Marathon Little Rock, AR Mar 5, 2017
Half Marathon Fort Worth, TX Feb 26, 2017 2:43:53
Half Marathon Kissimmee, FL Nov 8, 2014 2:26:17
Half Marathon Denver, CO 2014 2:33:54
Half Marathon San Diego, CA 2013 2:19:46

My Raves

This was my third year running this event/Cowtown Challenge. I keep coming back for a reason. Cowtown does a great job running this event from when you get there for … MORE

This was my third year running this event/Cowtown Challenge. I keep coming back for a reason. Cowtown does a great job running this event from when you get there for the expo to when you finish. The expo is very large and has a ton of vendor, mainly other races and to purchase products. One suggestion is that Cowtown could do more with their race shop. I remember last year’s shop having a ton of awesome products. This year they did not have much and one of the race jackets I purchased ran out Friday afternoon. In addition, I heard that some people had issues with the shuttles from the hotels. I heard this multiple times.

In looking at the race from start to finish they do a great job. Sunday morning you are able to hang out in the building next to the start, which is nice so you do not freeze before the race. There is ample restrooms in the building and a ton of port a johns outside. The starting corrals are very organized and each corral has their own start. I will say since there are a ton of people who run this race the route does get a little crowded. The course showcases the city really well from the stockyards to downtown Fort Worth. The course can be very challenging, especially when you get to mile 9 which is on a hill. The finish is great as it joins up with the other races and you can see the marathon finishers running past if you are running the half. At the finish line you are greeted with volunteers and people from the med. tent to make sure you are okay. Then you are filter out to the open area (after collecting your medal, post food and finisher shirts). I really like the challenge and being able to push yourself over two days.

This year finished the three year challenge, which now my three medals from 2017-2019 fit together. I am excited to see what they bring for next year.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

First off this was the first year for the race, so I knew that it would have issues but I also had hopes because PEM is known for some of … MORE

First off this was the first year for the race, so I knew that it would have issues but I also had hopes because PEM is known for some of their other races that this potential could be an awesome race. The pricing started at $1 and then went up based on how many runners signed up. Here are the issues I had
1) course was slightly short (several runners had the same issues) and clocked 13.07
2) we didn’t receive a beanie that was stated in the registration
3) we received a sticker medal and I’m not joking
4) lack of communication before the race such as medals, shirts, questions, etc. We event sent messages and could see responses but nothing
5) runners were stopped by a train during the race
I will have to say that the course was very challenging but really enjoyed it. I knew going into the race that it would have hills so I made sure to prepare. The staff on site were great as they cheered us on and the volunteers were wonderful. If you want to run go ahead but these were the issues I had.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
1
SCENERY
4
SWAG
1

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As part of the I-35 challenge this race is the second part of the challenge. Expo - I wished the expo was opened a little later as it was tough … MORE

As part of the I-35 challenge this race is the second part of the challenge.
Expo – I wished the expo was opened a little later as it was tough to run the half in KC then head to Des Moines to pick up our packet. I found out later that you could do same day pickup but I like checking out the vendors. Sadly some were packing up with two hours left of the expo. Unfortunately when I went to pick up my packet I ordered a smaller size jacket since I registered months and months ago. I asked to switched and the race committee member said he would like too but he didn’t want to run out for others. I was a little upset as I see many races have a spot to switch sizes. He did end up giving me a beanie as a way to say sorry so I was thankful that he tried to work with me. I really like how the race put all the participating on a big banner where you can take pictures and on a car. Scheel had some cool gear, I would have liked to see more marathon race gear (not sure if it’s because we got there later) but they did offer 40% off close to the end of the expo so I got a jacket.
Race – Free parking was available at the baseball park so that was nice. There was no set corrals so we all had the same start. At the beginning it was a little tough to run as there were a ton of people but after mile one it opened up. The race did a great job with signage, water stops and port a potties. I was very impressed. I was definitely not de hydrated and never had to wait to use the port a potties. The volunteers were amazing and super nice. Some would read your name on the bib and say good job “insert name” and cheer you on. That was a great feeling. The race does follow two running paths so sections were tough to run around people. It was cool to see the top marathoners run past you but the race used motorcycles to pace and certain parts got a little unsafe when they passed you. The course was mostly flat and took you to part of downtown which I liked. I wish I could see more of the town vs the lakes.
Post race – At first I thought they only had pizza and beer but went around the corner and saw more food for runners. I was very impressed on the amount of food they had. I didn’t leave hungry and even had some stuff for later. You will definitely be refueled by the time you leave. There were opportunities to take pictures once you left the finish line. I was dishearten that we couldn’t use our camera to take a picture at the I-35 challenge sign. Marathon photo had to take your picture. Last year at KC we could take pictures for free.
Swag – Jacket is amazing and even says 13.1 on the back. The medal is created by a local artist so it is unique. I like how different the medal were.
Overall – Definitely a race to check out. Just know that the race goes around two lakes so just looking at the runners going around the lake is a little tough. Swag and medal are great and you will feels well supported running.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my second time participating in this race. After last year’s terrible performance I was a little nervous but with the help of the 2:45 pacer it was so … MORE

This was my second time participating in this race. After last year’s terrible performance I was a little nervous but with the help of the 2:45 pacer it was so much fun even with all the hills.
Expo – KCM does a really good job with their expo. They bring a variety of vendors to help you with different items you may need for race day but also other local races. The expo is held at Union Station which is a great venue and offers free parking.
Race – Getting into the corals are a little difficult as everyone leaves at the same time (full, half and 10k). Would like to see wave starts. I do like the fireworks at the beginning of the race. Since your time doesn’t start until you pass the mats it doesn’t affect your time much. I would like to see a wave start as the first 1.5 miles are up hill so it’s hard to run around other runners that are walking. After several miles it starts to open up and easier to run. There are many hills so make sure you prepare. There are a lot of great volunteers and spectator to cheer you on. I would have liked to see more port a potties as I lost at least several minutes just waiting. In addition more water stops and more gel stops. One of the gel stops I passed didn’t have any left. The course showcase a lot of great parts of the city. I don’t like running continuously downhill but the last .75 miles to the finish is all down hills so it hurts a little but it’s nice to finish strong with a lot less effort. Makes for great pictures.
Post race – I like how KCM brings a lot of post race vendors offering drinks, food and other activities for the family. The line for post race food was very long so I ended up walking around for about 20 mins before getting my food. The race places their step and repeat in the post race area so you can take pictures, which is really nice.
Medal and swag – I was very impressed with this year’s medal as it showcased four different fountains in the area and we received a pull over light sweater, which both were better than last year.

Recap – Definitely a race to do. It will push you to your limits but you feel great after. Sign up early for cheaper prices.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my four time participating but first time in the marathon. As my first marathon I wanted to do it at a race that means a lot and since … MORE

This was my four time participating but first time in the marathon. As my first marathon I wanted to do it at a race that means a lot and since moving to OKC I figured that this was the race to do it at. Also I know most of the course so I knew what I was getting myself into.

This is a must do race. No matter how much you know about the race or not you will be transformed. This race started to remember the people lost in the bombing and throughout the year it has grown to an incredible race. People from all over the country come to run to remember. Swag is always what people want to know, everyone gets the same participant shirt (which I don’t, as they should have different items for different races). The finishers of the half and full do receive a finisher shirt which is awesome. Full Marathon will receive green finisher shirts and Half marathon will receive yellow, these are the standard colors for those races. The medal has changed over the last ten years and the last couple of years has been a round medal with different designs on it. The expo is good but there could be some improvements to it such as more vendors. You can spend hours at the expo as there are opportunities to shop, register for races, listen to speakers and see the topography map.

Race Day
Weather is unpredictable so pack for any weather haha. One thing I have to warn you is that they do not offer wave starts. I have expressed my concern about it but did not receive a good response that was valid to my concern. Once the race starts everyone goes through the start line thus creates congestion on the course. Depending what corral you are in the more congestion you can get. If you are trying to qualify for Boston I hope you get in one of the first corrals to give you more room. I’m not a fast runner so when we are going up the hill around mile two it is hard to run around people as people are walking up the hill. I was a little annoyed about that. The route is great for the most part, some of the roads are not fully blocked so you have to be careful as some drivers are not paying attention. We had some random person biking on the same trail as we were using during the marathon. I’m glad nothing happened. The volunteers are amazing, they will stay out there for hours cheering you on.

Overall I would do it again. It was a great accomplishment and great support from the community even when crossing the finish line just after 6 hours.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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I was super excited to run this race and it was my first time in NOLA/LA. I have previous ran with this company before and so I kind of knew … MORE

I was super excited to run this race and it was my first time in NOLA/LA. I have previous ran with this company before and so I kind of knew what I was getting myself into. My friends and I got a great deal on registration so we went for it. The expo closed early on Friday so we had to go on Saturday. Luckily we scored a nice airbnb so we were able to walk to the expo.

The expo was small (as I kind of knew it was going to be like that), but they did have some awesome merchandise for the race. The issue was the 13.1 shirts that had everyone’s names on it ran two sizes too small so I didn’t get one. The expo had a variety of vendors from other races, to selling merchandise and to sampling. I would have liked to see more vendors selling stuff. Coming from another race the week prior this expo wasn’t so good.

Race day! Directions to the start line was easy the issue was that the corrals weren’t maintained so people with different numbers were going where ever they want. I did enjoy the wave start and getting pumped up before the race. The course was not the greatest as the first 8 miles were an out and back then the last three miles was a straight away. It was good not to have a lot of turns but would have liked to see more of the city. The roads were terrible so it was hard to run on as there were loose gravel and slanted streets. In addition there wasn’t enjoy toilets on the route, maybe one or two every medical stop and the water stops were struggling to assist runners with water. The first GU stop didn’t have anything…that was bad. Luckily I had my own.

Finish line was great, there were a lot of supporters and photographer. The concert after was great and saw a lot of runners hanging out.

Overall I wouldn’t do this again rather another race. I don’t like how small the medal was and the color of the shirt. That is my opinion and I would not be offended if you disagree. If you are local and got a good deal then do it but if you are paying anything over $70 don’t do it.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
2
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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As a runner you were given a race shirt, I wasn't much of a fan of it because it was white and the shoulders were tight for some odd reason. … MORE

As a runner you were given a race shirt, I wasn’t much of a fan of it because it was white and the shoulders were tight for some odd reason. The graphics were great and if they had a different color I would be slightly more happy. Anyways I will have to give props to the race organizers. We knew days in advance that there might be thunderstorms and rain. Fortunately they had a plan. We received four emails the night/day before the race talking about weather and the chance of race delay. In addition various posts on their event page and an announcer throughout the morning talking about the delay. Everyone knew it was delay and it was great communication. Well done cowtown. The weather cleared and we were ready to go. The course was the same as the year prior thus it was nice to know when the hills would come. The course is very scenic and you get to run on a cool trail for a little bit. Once we got back to the finish line there were thunderstorms coming in so we were told to go in. Unfortunately we weren’t able to party after the race outside with the other vendors but our safety was first. I would suggest doing the challenge if you are already coming for a race. You won’t be disappointed as the routes are mostly different.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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This was the second time participating in this race/the cowtown challenge. We were given a huge discount at last year's expo so we had to run this year. Apparently due … MORE

This was the second time participating in this race/the cowtown challenge. We were given a huge discount at last year’s expo so we had to run this year. Apparently due to this year being the 40th we only had to pay $60 bucks for the half. Unfortunately they didn’t continue it for 2019 so we have to pay regular pricing. The swag was pretty great. We received a blue tech shirt with die dye on the sides of it. The medal is a unique shape that fits into a series to make a bigger image. Then when you finished you received a purple finisher shirt. The finisher shirt itself is a good deal, most races don’t give you one. If you complete the challenge then you will receive another medal and a finisher item. This year we received a cowbell medal and a finisher towel. Cowtown does a great job bringing in all kinds of vendors for the expo and post race. The weather was kind of crazy, it was cold in the morning then heated up quickly then got cold again. I am thankful I didn’t wear much layering. The course was slightly adjusted from 2017 but you still got to see all the great things Ft. Worth had to offer. I do want to warn you that there are definitely hills that will give you nightmares…well not really but mile 9 is one of the toughest hills I have ever had to face. Thankfully I was with a great pacer and he let us walk most of it due to the incline. I loved seeing all the people cheering us on. This will be a challenge course but will definitely push you. I would do this race again in a heart beat.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I participated in the 5K last year so I definitely wanted to try out the half marathon. Overall it was a great race, I love the energy of all the … MORE

I participated in the 5K last year so I definitely wanted to try out the half marathon. Overall it was a great race, I love the energy of all the runners and the people who put the race on. The jackets were amazing (like always), great and challenging course, expo had a variety of vendors, great supporting during the race. There were a couple of things I would have liked to see improved. I wasn’t impressed with the size of the medals compared to years previous. The medals were a lot bigger and weighed a lot in 2016. In 2016 there was a table at the expo where you could get a lot of snacks, the table did not have any snacks this year. Lastly there was a medical tent (I believe mile 11), there was nobody there. I saw an ice chest, a table and maybe another box but nobody was there. So if someone got hurt they would have to run all the way to the finish line for any assistance. That was not right. Those are just some things I saw but overall great race. I would do it again in a heart beat but I know the race wanted us to write so that they can make the race better. If you haven’t done this race, do it.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I thought this was a pretty good race, especially for those that just want to focus and run a race without many turns. For me I need distractions so this … MORE

I thought this was a pretty good race, especially for those that just want to focus and run a race without many turns. For me I need distractions so this is a harder race for me. I knew that coming in so I’m not going to ding the race on that. I thought the communication from the event organizers were stellar and the medal was awesome. I thought the shirts could have been a lot better, the white did not show as well on the shirts so it didn’t look good. In addition the men’s XL looks like a dress on me so I think changing the type of shirts might be better. I noticed that the women’s shirts were super fitted and some had to go up a size. I would have like a little more food at the end but overall good race.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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I was a little hesitant about corporate races like this but you know I had a ton of fun. The course was nicely laid out and got to see a … MORE

I was a little hesitant about corporate races like this but you know I had a ton of fun. The course was nicely laid out and got to see a lot of the city. Some races state that they are in the city but in reality are on the outskirts. I was impressed with the course entertainment and the course support. One thing I really liked are the amounts of port of potties around thus helping with some lines. I really enjoyed the wave start to be able to give people room to get a good stride going. The medal was nice but it was way too small for a half marathon. I do like the design. I would do this again if I lived closer.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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In participating in races that are for a cause or for remembering an tragic event you have to go in it with a different expectation. I wanted to do this … MORE

In participating in races that are for a cause or for remembering an tragic event you have to go in it with a different expectation. I wanted to do this race for the people that lost their lives from the tornado. I didn’t have much of an expectation other than doing my best. The course is tough as Joplin is a smaller town and you run through side streets and business areas. The start and finish you see flags that have names of the people who lost their lives during the tornado. It makes you want to run for them. Joplin Memorial Run does a great job with their swag and awesome finisher party. I will be doing this race again in 2018.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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One of the cheaper races I have done. I was disappointed in the expo, race website, race swag, the notion of it being a fast half, and the medal. First … MORE

One of the cheaper races I have done. I was disappointed in the expo, race website, race swag, the notion of it being a fast half, and the medal. First off their was only one vendor at the race expo. Secondly their website was not user friendly and hard to find any race policies. Third they changed the race jacket to a long sleeve tee which was disappointing. Fourth there were a lot of hills in this race. Lastly the medal was okay, they could have done a better design for this race. There are a lot of runners who run for the bling. I was also disappointed for the winners for the races because they didn’t get a plaque rather a headband and a cup. I have seen 5Ks that do a really good job for their elite runners. I will say if you like a race that is very straight and not many turns, along with running in the country then this would probably be your race. This does go to a good cause so I’m not upset but thought they could have done a slightly better job.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
2
SWAG
1

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I was convinced to run this race by a former racer. She talked highly about this race and so I signed up and was really excited. I will say the … MORE

I was convinced to run this race by a former racer. She talked highly about this race and so I signed up and was really excited. I will say the southern hospitality and the medal was pretty awesome. I was disappointed in the expo and the post race fun. You would think every aspect of the race including the expo and post race fun would be top notch when your race is sold out but also that it was their 15th anniversary. In addition, for being sold out they ran out of runners shirts so two of my friends have to wait for the organizations to send them some. All of this is very disappointing when you spend a lot of money traveling from another state to run in this race. From a business stand point they did really well with the medal and that’s what people will cherish but if I was running the show everything about the weekend should be excellent to create a great environment for the runners that are spending their hard earn money for this race.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Overall I thought the race was pretty good, it is hard to compare because I have done several Disney races and they are amazing. First off I was a little … MORE

Overall I thought the race was pretty good, it is hard to compare because I have done several Disney races and they are amazing. First off I was a little disappointed that the Expo was only open until about 6pm on Friday, thus for people coming out of state the only other option is to pick up the day off. I hate this option but driving from Oklahoma to Texas is not a short drive, especially when you get off of work at 5pm. We were sent several emails about packet pickup and that you should have someone pick up your bib due to the large amount of runners. They state that the expo doors open at 6am and that you should have your bib 45 min prior to race start which would put you at 6:15am at the latest to have your bib. I got to the expo on Saturday morning for the 10K race at 6am. I was able to pick my 10K bib quickly and decided to get my half marathon during the same time. I’m already there and going to go back to my car to drop the items off so might as well. When I went over to the table that had my specific bib there was nobody to help me with my half marathon bib. I was a little disappointed because there should have been someone there to help, especially if this is a large race and this was their 39th year holding this event. Granted the half marathon race wasn’t until Sunday but most people will pick up both bibs at the same time. I really enjoyed the half marathon course, you got to see a lot of different parts of Fort Worth and some of the iconic sites, such as the stock yards. This race was challenging in that there was large hill during mile 4 and during mile 10. It was definitely challenging to get up both of those hills. The free parking was a nightmare to get to so I ended up paying for both days for convenience. If you want free parking get there earlier. I was a little disappointed in the race snacks after the half marathon because it was not as good as the 5K/10K snacks. When I finished the 10K, there were a ton of snacks for racers and better directions. It felt like we had all the left overs snacks from the day before and less organized. I will definitely be back next year as they had a deal to registered for 2018 at the expo. I would suggest doing the challenge if you are going here because the medal is pretty cool. By the way the 5K medal is super small and the 10K is decent sized.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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