Fran Libasci's Staging Area

With the exception of heat and humidity and a n’er to be found family reunion area, this race was top notch. IRONMAN and Standard Chartered set out to build a better event and this year’s race certainly left a positive impression on me. Having run 5 of the 6 WMM, in my humble opinion, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon ranks right up there with the others. The course was a mix of downtown city scapes and the ‘burbs. With a few exceptions, the course is flat. It was so hot (feels like exceeded 100 degrees) that most races in the U.S. would have been black flagged but somehow Singapore managed by having misting tunnels and several “splash stations”. Hydration was plentiful and cool if not cold. Gels, some real food were also provided. There was some entertainment on the course. Was it a party every mile? No, but it did highlight some of the local talent. The race packet included a tank top and upon finishing you received a finisher’s tee. The medal is a keeper, with the iconic symbol of Singapore, the Merlion. Post race food wasn’t plentiful but it was adequate.

One of the changes made this year was to move the 5k and 10k to Saturday and hold the half and full on Sunday. I might suggest starting these races at slightly different times as the course was crowded in the first few miles. Starting a race of this size, in this heat, at 4:30am makes a lot of sense. The flow at the start was smooth as silk.

If I wanted to run another marathon in Asia, I would definitely consider doing this one again.

Northfield, Minnesota can be downright frigid in January, but race day temps at this indoor marathon at St. Olaf’s College is between 58 and 65 degrees.

The Race Director, Dick Daymont goes out of his way to insure all runners experience an atmosphere of fun and comaraderie at the pre-race events and on race day. Saturday’s packet pickup and pre-race meal are held in the Buntrock Commons building at St. Olaf’s College. Rob aka “the hat guy”, one of the veteran runners, cheerfully helps Dick with handing out front and back bibs and meal tickets. The back bibs are plain white bibs which each runner can personalize with their name and some creative artwork – on race day this allows passing runners to shout out support for those they are passing.

Most of the 44 runners come to the pre-race dinner so this gives everyone the opportunity to mingle, meet old friends and make new ones. Once directed to “go eat” the assembled masses rush into the St. Olaf’s Student Cafeteria for one of the most outstanding pre-race meals on this planet! Carnivore? No problem, Vegan? No problem. Gluten Free? No problem. Like your whole grains? No problem. Prefer Asian, Middle Eastern, Seafood, Burgers, Fries, Pizza, or just plain old pasta and salad? No problem. Want seconds? No problem. Did you say you want a dessert, or two or three? No Problem!

After the meal, Dick Daymont provides an introduction/history of the event, shares stories of some of the runners participating in the event, explains how the “reverse direction every 30 minutes” works, provides a run down on the timing for the next morning’s event, and conducts a fun raffle.

On race morning we meet at 5:45am at the Tostrud Center at St. Olaf’s College. Since this race DOES NOT USE CHIP TIMING, the first order of business is that each runner gets paired with a lap counter. Most of the lap counters are young woman who are on the St. Olaf’s Track Team. Runners are quick to bond with their counter, who doubles as a super cheerleader throughout the 150 laps. We joke that we are their pet hamsters running around in circles! But the counters do have a very important job, they actually log your time each and every one of those 150 laps! They will shout out encouragement to all runners and all the counters, regardless of who they are counting for, will chant your name as you take you final lap and run to the finish.

Tables are set up in each of the four “corners” of the track for runners to stock their own hydration and nutrition needs. Rest rooms are within 100 yards of the running track. There is enough space around the track for spectators (mostly family members of runners) to stand and cheer. And, very importantly a doctor is present throughout the entire event.

Music is played throughout the entire race using many songs that had previously been submitted by runners with the addition of some silly and appropriate tunes like “Dizzy”, “Turn, Turn, Turn”. Signs for each runner and for general encouragement are taped along the far wall. Every 30 minutes an orange traffic cone is placed at the Start/Finish/Turn spot and runners turn around it (it is very orderly) to reserve direction.

You might wonder why I rated the perfectly flat course on a smooth track surface a “2” and not a super easy “1”. I’ll offer two reasons. (1) running on a perfectly flat surface isn’t as easy as it seems, there is really no variation and therefore the same muscles are constantly being stressed. (2) given the nature of the track, there are 600 turns (150 * 4 corners) and even with the changing direction, these turns have a way of becoming uncomfortable on the hips.

I’d love to give the race a “5” for course scenery, but I had to be realistic. As much fun as the event is, and I will come back again and again if I am lucky enough to make it in with the lottery), you do pass around the same 4 walls 150 times. I’d be lying to say the scenery is spectacular.

Scenery aside, this is such a great race put on by a running club “The Band of 10,000 Aches” for the love of running. They make you feel welcome and part of their community

A small race (less than 120 in the marathon) put on with love by the Gulf Coast Running Club. The entire race takes place on the grounds of the Stennis Space Center which is primarily FLAT.

This is my second running of the Mississippi Coast Marathon (previously ran it in 2012). Another low key race that provided a pleasant experience. You need to know that I don’t need bands and spirit stations nor a closed course, nor spectators or a bzillion other runners. I just need a certified course and a race put on “for the love of racing”. This marathon offers these simple things. Volunteers who say “thanks for coming to our race” and make me believe they really feel that way is all I need.

Packet pickup the day prior to the race is held at the Mississippi Welcome Center about 3 miles from the Stennis Space Center. It is easy to reach. Packet pickup is just that, your bib, shirt, a hearty “welcome, we’re glad you’re here” and that’s it. We stayed in Slidell, La. which is about 17 miles away.

Race morning we drove to the Stennis Space Center and as you might imagine there was a security checkpoint which required either a special driver’s license or passport. The guards had a list of every runner’s name. The process went slowly but since we arrived very early it didn’t create any issue for us. Others, who arrived closer to the race start time sat in long lines. In fact, the bottleneck at the security station held up the race by approximately 20 minutes. Those waiting at the start line were kept informed by simple and clear announcements.

Race morning temps were cool but as soon as we started temps began to warm up to a very comfortable level. It was partly sunny and the wind picked up especially in the later stages of the race making the last 6 miles or so quite the challenge. I would describe the course as a double loop with a few short out and backs. Aid stations were sufficient and volunteers were enthusiastic.

Since this race is so small (even with the 5k and half marathon), they do timing and scoring “the old fashioned way”. No chips to worry about, that’s for sure. You cross the finish line and they rip off the bottom tag on your bib. Then they give you a small rectangular tab with your finisher place on it and ask you to fill it out – name, age, finish time. Then you remove the backing and stick the tab on a tally sheet. For this spoiled girlie that was way too much work to do in the first 60 seconds of crossing the finish line. But actually it wasn’t a problem.

While there is a 6 hour time limit to this race, they really start tearing down things at about 5 hours. They also tend to run out of post race food. This isn’t an issue for me since I’m a vegetarian and the only food they offer has meat. Knowing this I planned to bring a snack.

We were disappointed to learn that the vendor the club used for their finishers medals actually shorted them about 200 medals, so it was decided that they would mail the medals to all marathoners. These things happen and they were upfront about it.

For a smaller race, they are very generous with their award structure, recognizing masters, grandmasters and then age group participants three deep.

If you are looking for a simple marathon in a unique venue, the Mississippi Coast Marathon just might be right for you.

There’s a lot to like about this event. The run takes you through Ft. Benning, up Drill Hill (with real Drill Sergeants “encouraging” you to the top) in and around Columbus, Georgia with a dip into Phenix City, Alabama, many miles along the Riverwalk and the Chattahoochie River and their Fallen Heros program. Lovely views, well stocked aid stations and great swag. I plan on returning.

There were two small issues which appeared to be the result of the rapid growth in participation. (1) you could only enter the start area from the front, so as we lined up to prepare to start, slower runners had to funnel up through the middle of the pack causing quite a jam. The fix is simple….they just need to allow access to the starting area from along the sides of the chute. (2) post race refreshments were limited for vegetarians and vegans.

I spoke to their very interested RD and I believe these issues will be addressed in the 2015 race.

The third consecutive year I’ve done this race and with a jam packed marathon/ultra calendar, repeat races aren’t the norm. From the first time I stepped foot in the packet pickup location back in 2012 I knew there was something special about this event. RD and volunteers took a keen interest in my being there and they let me know it. The course is challenging yet interesting. Over hill and dale, across a dam, through a park and a cemetery, on a bike path, past cows, a “tunnel” of stately pine trees and past a golf course – loved the variety. Packet pickup is just that, no expo, just friendly volunteers. Several options for when the pickup can be done to meet traveling runners needs. Buses to the start are convenient. About a 1/4 mile walk to the starting line. Announcements are clear. Course support is more than adequate. Pre-race pasta dinner is a home cooked meal. Really, it’s delish. Post race refreshments are wonderful as well. Massages available. They try hard to recognize every runner as they cross the finish line too. And, if you are around for the last finishers to cross the finish line you will likely hear either the Rocky theme or the Olympic theme blasting from the speakers and a tunnel of volunteers cheering them on. Tech shirt, nice medal too. Keene, NH is a picturesque New England town with an incredible array of restaurants. Can you tell I really like this race?

Unusual and quirky fun marathon (or opt for the 51k, half marathon, or 10k) starting at midnight in the high desert of Nevada near the famed Area 51. While the Expo is at the Hard Rock in Vegas, the only lights you’ll see during this race with a midnight start is from the glowing, blinking and flashing of the lights the runners are wearing on their bodies to see and be seen as they run on the Extraterrestrial Highway. Runners meet in the parking lot of the Hard Rock to catch the race provided buses for their 2 1/2 hour ride to the “Black Mailbox” (which is now painted white) for the start of the race at the stroke of midnight on the Saturday in August closest to the full moon – thus the name of the race.

The first 13 miles is a gradual but unrelenting uphill (which you can’t see because it is dark). This is followed by an equally gradual downhill to mile 20 where you reach the Little A’le’Inn (Rachel, NV). From here you run an additional 3 gently rolling miles out and back returning to the Little A’le’Inn and the finish line. The reward for slower runners, like me, is that you get to see an amazing sunrise to your left as you are running the last three miles.

Water stops are well placed throughout the course. There are no bands, no spectators, the occasional cow mooing in the distance. The scenery, rated 3 above, is really lovely but you don’t see it during the race (since it’s dark), you do however see it on the 2 1/2 hour bus ride back into Vegas.

I’ve done this race 4 times and each shirt was technical material and a nice design. The theme on the shirt is carried onto the finishers medal which has in past years has had a “glow in the dark” element.

You really can’t go wrong with any race produced by Calico Racing.

I ran this race in 2008. It was a glorious day, bright blue sky, puffy white clouds, good temps. Unfortunately I was sick as a dog and I slogged through it. I knew I needed to return and did just that in 2011. This time the weather didn’t cooperate nearly as much, so we ran under damp and cool conditions. Nevertheless it was a great experience. This is a medium sized event with an expo and nice race swag (I’m writing this in 2015 and I still use the tote bag we received). Start and finish areas are very near each other making it convenient on race day. The course is scenic with lovely views across Lake Champlain. The toughest climb is on the stretch known as “Assault on Battery” at about mile 15, a short but steep climb. The last mile is along the lake.

A challenging but inspirational event steeped in the history of WWII and the Battle of Bataan. This event is run entirely on the White Sands Missile Range. In 2009 (the year I ran it) there were 15 survivors in attendance. The day prior to the race, after packet pickup the participants could wander through the education center and sit in one of the many classrooms to hear one of the survivors speak about their experience in the Battle of Bataan. I must have slept through this lesson in history class because I had no idea of the extreme torture our troops endured in the Philippines.

On the morning of the race as the runners are assembled there is a moving tribute to those who died. Just prior to the start is a military flyover which makes the ground shake. The survivors who are in attendance are seated near the starting line and make a point to shake everyone’s hand. They are also at the 15 mile mark and at the finish line to thank the runners for remembering them. As this event pays tribute to the challenges in the battle, the course itself is a challenge including hills and heat and sand. In fact, there is a two mile stretch at the 19 mile mark which is uphill in ankle deep sand! The race is well supported with adequate aid stations.

There are several categories of runners. Military light or heavy; civilian light or heavy; and as a team. The heavy designation requires you run with a 35 pound pack on your back. The military categories require full military dress including boots.

There is no time limit.

This is one of the most difficult races I have run but it is one of the most emotionally and intellectually rewarding experiences you will ever have.