Erin Gale's Staging Area

I love the concept of the race, running with the marines in Washington DC, but there’s far too many logistical issues that will prevent me from running this again.

The expo was a nightmare. I picked up my race packet on Saturday morning. It was at a large convention center, and yet they still herded us into a line that snaked around hallways and dead ends just to get into the expo. I have run other large marathons like this and have not experienced anything like that.

Just getting to the starting area is a disaster. I would say most people take the metro, which means you will be packed into a car like sardines, and then herded like cattle shoulder to shoulder with other runners for about 20 minutes until you can finally exit the metro station. Then you have to walk over a mile through security just to get to the runners village. The start is another quarter mile at least away.

The start is a disaster. Wheelchairs and hand bikes only started 2 minutes before elites, and 5 minutes before the main start. The hills are in the beginning, so runners were passing the bikes, then bikes had to yell at people to move out of the way on the downhill, which was nearly impossible because it was so congested.

There are no corrals. People were walking within the first mile that started at the front. You need to start this race like it’s a 5k if you don’t want to be stuck in a pattern of stop and go traffic with shoulder to shoulder runners. This is not a race you should be expecting a PR in. There needs to be a staggered start and corral accountability for the this race to be successful.

The water stops were frequent enough, but I’d still carry water. It was very difficult to avoid bumping into other runners while getting water, so you lose a lot of time.

The pros: it is awesome to be able to run through DC and see the monuments. The blue mile at mile 12 is very moving.

Issues that will keep me from doing this again:
-travel to start: I had 6k steps by the time I got to the runners village. I was standing/ walking for 2.5 hours before the race started. If there were shuttles that went directly to the village that would alleviate the problem.
-mass start: wayyy too congested and no corral accountability. Should give the wheelchairs and bikes more time before the runners.

If you’re looking for a PR, this is the course for you! I loved this race and would definitely do it again.

The expo was medium sized and packet pickup went smooth. Race location is very convenient to downtown hotels. The start was literally right in front of the Courtyard Mariott. They had start waves which went very well. The scenery was nothing special, but there were lots of bands along the course which was great! It was awesome being able to run on the speedway too. This was the flattest course I have run on. Highly recommended!

I ran the half for my state #13 South Carolina. Packet pick-up went smooth. They had nice zip up sweatshirts as the race shirt. The race takes place on a small island, so you need to get a ferry ticket ($35 per person there and back) or arrange a private boat. Ferry tickets are purchased online.

I believe they needed more ferries to efficiently transport everyone to the island. They did a nice job of making sure runners got on the ferry in time for the start, but spectators were not allowed on the ferry until all the runners got on, even if they got there at 6:30. I arrived at 7 am for the 7:30 ferry. I did not get on a boat until 8:30 since I did not want to leave my spectator behind. I got on the island with about 20 minutes to spare. There were about 6 porta-potties off the boat, and only 2 had toilet paper… so bring your own!

The half was a small field and there was not much race support on course, but this did not bother me. There were enough other runners in the marathon and the ultra that it seemed like there were always people around. I would recommend bringing your own water/ fuel because it was sporadic on the course. I don’t remember seeing any porta-potties on course either. The course is pancake flat and is beautiful. The temperature was perfect (low to mid 50s). There were 4 stretches on the course that was packed sand instead of pavement. They only lasted about 2 miles at a time and I thought it was doable.

The medal was awesome and they offered free engraving at the end. All runners get a post race meal and free michelob ultra beer or seltzers. Spectators could purchase meal and beer tickets at a reasonable price.

I would recommend this race even with the few hiccups. As long as you’re prepared, this race will not disappoint. I would run this again.

This is my second Vacation Race and they continue to put on amazing races! Hopefully they bring this one back. The first nearly 8 miles are uphill, but the views make it worth it! I think the short hill at mile 11.5 was the worst, which wouldn’t even be considered a hill if it was at the beginning! Such a challenge and accomplishment for anyone that completes this race.