David Nelson's Staging Area

It took a few years to qualify but it was worth every minute. Stayed downtown at the Marriott Copley. Right across the street from the Star Market (Full size grocery store). Hotel is walking distance to the busses and close to the finish to Boylston Street. Walked to all the major sites including a Red Sox game at Fenway Park. The Under Amour store a block away will engrave your medal for free after the race. The store had some unofficial merchandise as well.

The race is outstanding. Busses were a little chaotic in the morning, but I arrived with over 1 hour to spare. The men’s option for a restroom was interesting prerace. The crowd support was great including Wellesley College. My time suffered due to the hills in Newton. I thought I was prepared but I was not. The final 50 yards was the highlight.

This is a great race for a BQ. One hill at mile 25 up a highway ramp. Otherwise, it is a point-to-point race along the water. I had a constant headwind the entire race or it may have been a PR.

Stay at a host hotel and walk everywhere. You are bussed to the start line.

This was the race that gave me confidence to qualify for Boston. One hill at the beginning of the race. First prize in my age group got me a pumpkin pie. Parking was a nightmare.

This was one of my favorite half-marathons. I wish I would have run the full. Running over the bridge into Canada was great. Yes, I carried my passport just in case. You must have it to get your bib. Coming back to the US via the underground tunnel was eerie.

Downtown Detroit was great. Walked to all meals and a Lions game after the race.

This was a tough race. It was delayed several hours due to storms. I was impressed it didn’t get canceled. The downside was it got hot and humid after the storms. The hills at the park at the halfway point wiped me out. Running through Churchill Downs was a highlight. Good medal!

Stayed downtown and walked everywhere.

Marathon X – I ran this race 8 years ago so my memories are limited. It was a rainy cold race. Stayed downtown with no issues getting to Expo or the start line. They gave you a small medal at the finish because the actual medals hadn’t arrived. The box must have weighed 10+ pounds when it was sent to my house. Make this your race if you need to knock Arkansas off of your list.

Marathon VIII – This was my first sub 4 so this is a special one. Downtown Pittsburgh is underrated. Went to a Pirates game before the race and had a great time.

Loved running over the bridge. There was nice downhill mile at 20 that propelled me to the finish line. Awesome medal!

Marathon VI – It has been 10+ years since I ran OKC. I remember staying at a Hampton Inn downtown and walking to the start line. There is a church close to the beginning that serves free pancakes. I remember Hardee’s Cheeseburgers after finishing. Good race

Marathon V- World Major #1 – Flat race, great city. My only gripe was the organization of the Expo. It took a long time just to get in. Overall, this is a great race, great crowd support, and great pizza after the race is over.

My Uncle lives in Overland Park so this was an easy 4 drive from St. Louis. It has been over 10 years since I ran this race so I don’t remember too much. The shirt and medal are nice. This knocked out a half or full for Kansas and was inexpensive.

My biggest regret was not running the full. You start in darkness as the sun come up running along the ocean. Sponges with cold water were handed out later in the race due to the heat. Race ended outside of my hotel (Sheraton Black Rocks). Highly recommended.

This was Marathon #1. The race takes you by all the major St. Louis landmarks. Hills throughout the race including Forest Park. The race has now been discontinued by Rock and Roll