My Profile

@diverdude0075

Greeneville, TN Raving since 2018 50 States hopeful/finisher Active 2 weeks, 4 days ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    RunnersConnect, Tricities Trail Runners

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

    100 Mile Long Haul

  • I run because:

    I run for my sanity, and the scenery.

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 (13)

Race Distance Location Date Result
24 hr Morristown, TN Sep 23, 2023 50.03 mi
12 hr Morristown, TN Oct 1, 2022 46 mi
8 hr Canton, GA Jul 23, 2023 14.3 mi
100 Miler Land o' Lakes, FL Jan 14, 2023 31:30:00
50 Miler Waynesville, OH Jul 9, 2022 13:57:55
50K Ellerbe, NC Nov 26, 2022 6:57:11
Marathon Virginia Beach, VA 2000 3:34:39
Rival Run Challenge (19.3 Miles) Lake Buena Vista, FL Apr 7, 2019 2:31:08
Half Marathon Albuquerque, NM Oct 20, 2019 1:41:15
10 Miler Lake Buena Vista, FL Apr 3, 2022 1:32:05
Quarter Marathon Albuquerque, NM Dec 2, 2018 50:39
10K Albuquerque, NM Oct 21, 2018 50:39
5K Townsend, TN Sep 8, 2023 23:26

Future Races (2)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
5K Townsend, TN Sep 6, 2024
Half Marathon Townsend, TN Sep 7, 2024

Past Races (28)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
50K Alcoa, TN Mar 9, 2024 6:57:41
Half Marathon Townsend, TN Dec 10, 2023
12 hr Dacula, GA Oct 28, 2023 33 mi
10K Norton, VA Oct 7, 2023 1:13:41
24 hr Morristown, TN Sep 23, 2023 50.03 mi
Half Marathon Townsend, TN Sep 9, 2023 1:53:55
5K Townsend, TN Sep 8, 2023 23:26
8 hr Canton, GA Jul 23, 2023 14.3 mi
100 Miler Land o\' Lakes, FL Jan 14, 2023 31:30:00
50K Ellerbe, NC Nov 26, 2022 6:57:11
12 hr Morristown, TN Oct 1, 2022 46 mi
Half Marathon Townsend, TN Sep 10, 2022 1:55:51
50 Miler Waynesville, OH Jul 9, 2022 13:57:55
50K Bethera, SC Jun 4, 2022 7:42:11
50K Thurmond, WV May 22, 2022 6:58:17
10 Miler Lake Buena Vista, FL Apr 3, 2022 1:32:05
Marathon Abingdon, VA Mar 27, 2022 4:41:58
Half Marathon Sevierville, TN Dec 12, 2021 1:53:03
Half Marathon Albuquerque, NM Sep 25, 2021 1:50:28
50K Bryce Canyon, UT May 29, 2021 10:20:16
Marathon Las Vegas, NV Nov 17, 2019 4:57:05
Half Marathon Albuquerque, NM Oct 20, 2019 1:41:15
Half Marathon Cedar Crest, NM Sep 14, 2019 1:42:35
Rival Run Challenge (19.3 Miles) Lake Buena Vista, FL Apr 7, 2019 2:31:08
Quarter Marathon Albuquerque, NM Dec 2, 2018 50:39
10K Albuquerque, NM Oct 21, 2018 50:39
Half Marathon Cedar Crest, NM Sep 15, 2018 1:43:11
Marathon Virginia Beach, VA 2000 3:34:39

My Raves

This all pavement course was pretty fast. There is only 11-1200 feet of elevation gain on the 50k. Aid stations were great and it was a fun experience. I didn’t … MORE

This all pavement course was pretty fast. There is only 11-1200 feet of elevation gain on the 50k.

Aid stations were great and it was a fun experience. I didn’t have any issues despite only using a half training plan. Not recommended to skimp on training.

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5
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My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I decided to fit this in during a quick trip to GA with the wife since she planned to shop with her bestie all day. My goal was to do … MORE

I decided to fit this in during a quick trip to GA with the wife since she planned to shop with her bestie all day.

My goal was to do 50k which I easily did. I clocked 33 miles in 7:08 and called it a day. I could’ve done more but don’t want to derail my current schedule for an upcoming 100.

The course is all on paved pathway with little elevation gain. I ran 4 minutes and walked 2 throughout since the terrain wasn’t steep enough to dictate run/walk cycles.

The RD was cool and had jokes! The volunteers were super nice. I asked for chocolate early on thinking they would since this race had a Halloween vibe, but they had ZERO chocolate. One of the volunteers tracked down a Reece cup when I was deep in and gave it to me!! So nice of her!! Of course it motivated me.

They had all the typical food and tailwind, which I love. They also has decor, skeletons, scary things, which was fun.

This would be good for a first timer. I also opted for the 12 hour since I’ma huge fan of the 10am start. It did get hot up into the low 80’s I believe. Keep eating and pushing fluids. I had no issues as far as that goes. They provided hot quesadillas, soups, etc. that were great!

If I were local I’d probably do this one again. The lake is beautiful along with the forested scenery.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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This was a super fun race and my first time doing it. Competition was fierce! I also met several nice folks. The climb requires me to do run/walk intervals which … MORE

This was a super fun race and my first time doing it. Competition was fierce! I also met several nice folks.

The climb requires me to do run/walk intervals which uses different muscles and allowed me to have enough gas in the tank to finish strong.

I may have to do this one again! Oh, and the race was smoothly managed with quite a few EMS on standby so that I felt really safe.

Norton is a cool little town and there’sa great coffee shop across the street from the start that was open.

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
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5

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This is my second time running this one. Last year I did the 12 hour option and this year opted for the 24 hour. I didn’t do as well as … MORE

This is my second time running this one. Last year I did the 12 hour option and this year opted for the 24 hour.

I didn’t do as well as expected, stopping at 50 miles but that is my fault.

A new team ran it this year and did great. The food spread was top notch, the music was loud, and the team was very friendly and motivating. They are active ultras runners too.

The course itself is moderately difficult. In my 50 miles I saw around 4500 feet in elevation gain. Some rocks and roots were present, enough to make the feet get a little beat up but no major issues.

All in all not a bad course. I live nearby so will probably be doing it again. Oh, the food spread deserves mentioning. It was great!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
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5

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This is my second time doing the half in the Smokey Mountains. Vacation Races always does a great job. The scenery here is amazing and at the same time gives … MORE

This is my second time doing the half in the Smokey Mountains. Vacation Races always does a great job. The scenery here is amazing and at the same time gives me a sense of calm while running asking the river and unique houses.

I took 5-6 minutes off last years time which was nice. This course has some small but steep climbs but I didn’t find them to be too bad. The weather was foggy most of the run. It did burn off after a few hours.

I may do this every year if the wife is up for it. We don’t live too far away.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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Townsend is so pretty! My wife and I ran the 5k Friday and the half on Saturday. Beautiful area but I think the half marathon shows more of the beauty. … MORE

Townsend is so pretty!

My wife and I ran the 5k Friday and the half on Saturday. Beautiful area but I think the half marathon shows more of the beauty.

This is the fastest 5k I’ve done in a few years so I’m happy with that considering the couple of hills to get through.

Vacation Races always puts on a great race. This year it rained most of the time and conditions were really wet. Still has a great time!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This was a fantastic event put on by great, caring runners and human beings. I found the volunteers and other runners to be incredibly enthusiastic and encouraging. It was also … MORE

This was a fantastic event put on by great, caring runners and human beings. I found the volunteers and other runners to be incredibly enthusiastic and encouraging. It was also a lot of fun! This is a relatively fast course too with the winner coming in under 16 hours.

This year the overnight low was around 32 degrees F. It caused many to suffer including crews. Florida weather can be anything!

I did not finish this one, my 1st attempt at 100 miles, only completing 97. I know what I need to work on and plan to try again!

This year the course was mostly dry with a few avoidable mud holes. It is a flat course with some roots in a few areas, but not bad.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This is a 1.1 mile loop course, very flat. If you like seeing people who are outgoing and friendly then this is the race for you. It is indeed hot. … MORE

This is a 1.1 mile loop course, very flat. If you like seeing people who are outgoing and friendly then this is the race for you. It is indeed hot.

My performance wasn’t great for my first attempt at the 8 hour. I think I got food poisoning (from dinner the previous night, not at the race). I’ve finished much longer races.

I want to try this one again when I’m feeling 100%. The RD was great and answered all emails timely. GPS was wonky getting me there so I had to stop and ask for directions. It’s past Cherokee HS and then you take a right turn on a small road right before the bridge (and after the HS).

There was a good turnout too for this one. Lot’s of abilities of all ages. I think the local high school cross country team came out, or maybe they were from the local college. Anyhow, they were FAST and fun to watch. There were also those who walked most of it.

Snacks were plentiful and varied. They had water and tailwind. Good event overall! Oh, and there is some shade throughout the day due to all the beautiful mature trees!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This race in North Carolina was well put together. It was 90% pavement with gravel road. Fast course with winner coming in under four hours! Weather was perfect starting in … MORE

This race in North Carolina was well put together. It was 90% pavement with gravel road. Fast course with winner coming in under four hours! Weather was perfect starting in the 40’s and climbing into the low 60’s. Beautiful area too!

I made the rookie mistake of running the first loop (10.5 miles) way too fast. I ended up running with a really fun group and wasn’t paying attention to pace. This resulted in much suffering the second half. I still finished and took a minute off my fastest previous time. With the amount of training I’ve been doing though I think I could have done much better. Sometimes we need the reminder I suppose even though we know better.

No injuries at least. Got a bit of gut bomb on the second loop due to some incredibly strongly mixed Gatorade.

This was hosted at a small church who put on a great post run spaghetti dinner! Then drove four hours home.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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This race was a great experience! The scenery was gorgeous with most of the trail in forest with mature growth. Luckily the effects of Hurricane Ian missed us, so the … MORE

This race was a great experience!

The scenery was gorgeous with most of the trail in forest with mature growth. Luckily the effects of Hurricane Ian missed us, so the conditions remained dry.

The race volunteers and RD were cool and laid back. Too bad this is the last year of this ultra (unless another RD steps up).

I was shooting for 50 miles but am happy with how I did considering the elevation. I gained over 4200 feet which was a lot for me.

Race swag including a cool medal. Food was great with typical fair, freshly grilled hot dogs and pizza included.

I met some really cool ultra runners!!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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This was my first time doing the SM half but my second VR race. This race was put on very well and the whole experience was seamless. The course itself … MORE

This was my first time doing the SM half but my second VR race. This race was put on very well and the whole experience was seamless.

The course itself was beautiful and the light rain this year didn’t bother me at all. Although there is a small net gain in elevation I don’t feel it was enough to impede my race.

There were plenty of supportive observers and volunteers who add a lot of enjoyment! I moved to East TN last year and will make this an annual tradition! My wife wants to do the bear challenge.

The shirts and medals are top notch.

Can’t wait to run this again next year!

Townsend is a cool little town too. I think I want to try staying at Tally Ho next year.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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Cranked out my longest race distance yesterday. It was brutal. It rained for 3 of the 4 12.5 mile loops. Standing water on top of mud gave way to a … MORE

Cranked out my longest race distance yesterday. It was brutal. It rained for 3 of the 4 12.5 mile loops. Standing water on top of mud gave way to a slippery snotty mud. There was much slipping around. Waynesville OH is pretty and this run is called Dawg Gone Long Run. I met some really cool and friendly people.

I was beat and in survival mode by mile 45 until some petite woman tried to pass me. Then it was on! I kicked her butt!

Considering my feet were wet continuously after the first mile I think I did great! I have a few blisters, I am extremely sore, but remain injury free!

Great race!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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2022 is my first time doing their nighttime 50k. It was a bit brutal. Flat, so I wasn’t expecting it to be so challenging. There were lots of riots to … MORE

2022 is my first time doing their nighttime 50k. It was a bit brutal. Flat, so I wasn’t expecting it to be so challenging. There were lots of riots to trip over and a good amount of heat and humidity starting out. The heat did dissipate but that 1000% humidity was there to stay.

Volunteers and other runners were super nice and helpful. I live kinda far away so probably won’t do it again. However, it was exactly what I wanted. Good training for future challenges!

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4
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This was both my first time doing this race and my first time visiting WV. The state and race are beautiful! So many trees! I enjoyed the run overall and … MORE

This was both my first time doing this race and my first time visiting WV. The state and race are beautiful! So many trees!

I enjoyed the run overall and am very happy with my performance, despite sweltering conditions. I kept up on electrolytes, fuel, and water which was key. Aide stations were adequately stocked though I would have like salt for the watermelon.

Conditions were somewhat muddy and wet although not too bad. What was super annoying were all the darned horse flies. Persistent little buggers. My arms and shoulders got the better workout from all the swatting !! haha.

The other runners were cool and the RD obviously cared a great deal about putting on a great event! Also, his mom handled end of run food and her pancakes were outstanding!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3

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Disney always put in a great race! The Ten Mile Tower of Terror was no except! Great fun course through Epcot and other places. The medal is awesome AND I … MORE

Disney always put in a great race! The Ten Mile Tower of Terror was no except! Great fun course through Epcot and other places. The medal is awesome AND I got some cool pics while finishing well. I usually don’t try to PR at Disney though due to all the turns and crowds. Great experience though every time!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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I ran for the first time the Virginia Creeper Marathon this year. It was a true pleasure!! I haven't done a small event like this in probably two decades and … MORE

I ran for the first time the Virginia Creeper Marathon this year. It was a true pleasure!! I haven’t done a small event like this in probably two decades and had forgotten how much fun they can be. It’s low key but ran by a great, friendly group of folks! Other participants were super friendly as well. No t-shirt or medal is given out; however, I love the paper weight that I received. It was done really nicely.

The course itself is on the easier side, especially as far as trail running goes. It is easier than many road marathons providing a clear, unobstructed running surface and lacking any major hills.

If my schedule allows, I would like to participate again next year!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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My first time running this and I had a blast! I didn't PR but that is ok since I didn't expect to based on recent training. I did have a … MORE

My first time running this and I had a blast! I didn’t PR but that is ok since I didn’t expect to based on recent training. I did have a good run and the course was relatively flat with some gently rolling hills. The staff/volunteers were super enthusiastic and friendly which made the event that much more enjoyable. There was a strong police force presence as well making me feel extremely safe from traffic, which was minimal starting out. It was also nice to be able to rent a room right at the starting line!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
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3
SWAG
5

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My wife and I love Sandia Mountain and have run the half every year that this run has happened. 2021 will be our last one though since we are moving … MORE

My wife and I love Sandia Mountain and have run the half every year that this run has happened. 2021 will be our last one though since we are moving back east.
This year was a good production. There were ample aide stations with porta johns every few miles. They provided Body Armor drink which we both enjoy and feel helps.
I didn’t PR this year but had a strong, injury free run. I’m writing this the following day with extremely sore quads, haha. That is the price to pay for a downhill race!
We did the VIP option this year to be able to stay in a warm bus until it was nearly time to start. I would not pay for this option in the future. Many non-VIP runners were allowed on the bus since they showed up late. The same food was available to all.
One other note worthy observation was that there was a strong police force directing traffic and many volunteers parked along the way. I feel this was a very safe race for my wife and I.
I would continue to participate if we were staying local.

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This was my first ultra marathon. With more than 5,000 feet in elevation change ranging from 6-9k feet, it was tough. I’m glad I did it. It was the most … MORE

This was my first ultra marathon. With more than 5,000 feet in elevation change ranging from 6-9k feet, it was tough.

I’m glad I did it. It was the most difficult run I’ve ever done! The scenery and aid stations were amazing!

What set this race apart though were the other runners and volunteers! Everyone was positive, encouraging and helpful! I can’t wait to do another Vacation Races event!

I loved that there was an option to camp at the start/finish line!

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My Report
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My Media

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The organizers put on a great show! The swag was average and although the medal was a little small for both the half and full marathons they were nicely designed … MORE

The organizers put on a great show! The swag was average and although the medal was a little small for both the half and full marathons they were nicely designed and very blingy! There was an army of police and volunteers covering the full marathon. I never felt unsafe nor worried about my wife’s safety. Plenty of nutrition was provided along the course as well. The terrain itself was all pavement and concrete with just a very small section of smooth gravel/dirt. The concrete and pavement though changed slightly at many interfaces. It made for sore knees for my wife and my ankles and feet ached. No tripping hazards just felt hard on the joints. This could also be due to thus being my first marathon in 20 years! The bands were all awesome! They really motivated me and sounded good and loud! My wife’s only complaint other than knees for her half marathon was waiting and trying to get through the water stops, due to congestion. I didn’t have this problem on the full. Overall it was a fun town to race in but I probably wouldn’t try to PR here. The full had a lot of turn-arounds a too.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
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4
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3

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Last year My wife and I ran Duke City 10k, and this year opted for the half. I PR’d this time and felt great doing it. Swag was a little … MORE

Last year My wife and I ran Duke City 10k, and this year opted for the half. I PR’d this time and felt great doing it. Swag was a little light this year. Nutrition at the end included water, Gatorade, fruit and healthy looking bread. They didn’t have us in the system nor our names on the bibs even though we registered way early. Save your email receipts. Some of the folks handing out bibs and shirts seemed as though they would have rather been somewhere else… My medal was really small compared to other half marathon medals I have.

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This is my second time running the Sandia Half. Last year was good but this year it was even better considering production, safety, swag, and finish nutrition! I thoroughly enjoyed … MORE

This is my second time running the Sandia Half. Last year was good but this year it was even better considering production, safety, swag, and finish nutrition! I thoroughly enjoyed the downhill race and the challenge of pacing. This one is a little tricky to pace due to the rolling hills with a few bigger hills from miles 5.5-11 (half). In my opinion this is not a course you would shoot for negative splits but instead try to bank some early fast pacing through the steeper downhill sections which I did.

DIFFICULTY
4
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5

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Disney puts on a great show with fantastic swag! If you’re a Disney fan you’ll love this experience. Getting a PR on the course can be challenging since you run … MORE

Disney puts on a great show with fantastic swag! If you’re a Disney fan you’ll love this experience. Getting a PR on the course can be challenging since you run through some tight areas in the parks. I was able to PR on the 10k and came close on the half, but also have been training hard. I would run Disney again but may opt to just do a comfortable pace and have fun. Lots of opportunities for pics with the characters!

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This is an out and back course, for the 1/4 marathon anyway. It wasn't overly populated, but the logistics in the parking lot (start and finish) felt a little cramped. … MORE

This is an out and back course, for the 1/4 marathon anyway. It wasn’t overly populated, but the logistics in the parking lot (start and finish) felt a little cramped. They did offer hot cocoa at the end, which was nice! My wife was rather enamored of the Rudolph socks you get in your swag bag!

DIFFICULTY
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This was an ok race. They have several walking events ongoing so that if you are trying to run the 10K you had to dodge a lot of people. I … MORE

This was an ok race. They have several walking events ongoing so that if you are trying to run the 10K you had to dodge a lot of people. I probably won’t run this one again…

DIFFICULTY
3
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3
SCENERY
2
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3

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I ran the half marathon which basically starts at the halfway point for the full. This is my first half marathon in 8-10 years with nothing longer than a 10k … MORE

I ran the half marathon which basically starts at the halfway point for the full. This is my first half marathon in 8-10 years with nothing longer than a 10k in that time. I thought the course was easy and fast! There was only one significant hill at about the ten mile mark of the half course. I didn’t think it was bad at all but I do frequent hill training in my day to day running.
The food at the end could have been more varied, the swag was ok but I would prefer synthetic shirts, and a line did develop 10-15 minutes before the start. I think for an inaugural race that things were ok though overall, and plan to give it another go next year with doing the full marathon.
The temp was around 50 degrees and since my wife and I took the first bus up we froze for over an hour. Should have brought the free blankets that came in the swag bag.
It will be colder at the full marathon starting point.
I live in Albuquerque and am thankful to have this opportunity so close! My finish time was blistering fast! This is a fast course with an overall 1400 foot elevation drop in just the half!!

DIFFICULTY
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So I ran this in year 2000 after training for four months. I am writing this review 18 years later since I’m getting back into running and found my official … MORE

So I ran this in year 2000 after training for four months. I am writing this review 18 years later since I’m getting back into running and found my official time from so long ago. The things that stand out are that there were no significant hills, the rock bands were a lot of fun to run by, and I hit the wall at mile 22-23, otherwise would have finished ten minutes faster. May do this marathon again in celebration of youth slipping away…

DIFFICULTY
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