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@fotogmike
Raving since 2020 Boston Marathon finisher, 50 States hopeful/finisher, World Marathon Majors Six Star hopeful/finisher Active 2 weeks, 6 days agoAbout Me
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
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Future Races
Future Races (0)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
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Past Races (93)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
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Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon | Marathon | Cincinnati, OH | May 7, 2023 |
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St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville | Marathon | Nashville, TN | Apr 22, 2023 | |||
Boston Marathon | Marathon | Hopkinton, MA | Apr 17, 2023 | |||
Bakersfield Marathon | Marathon | Bakersfield, CA | Mar 26, 2023 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 5, 2023 | |||
Red Rock Canyon Marathon | Marathon | Las Vegas, NV | Jan 21, 2023 | |||
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Carlsbad, CA | Jan 15, 2023 | |||
REVEL Big Bear | Marathon | Big Bear, CA | Nov 12, 2022 | |||
RDC Marathon and Half Marathon | Marathon | Durham, NC | Oct 30, 2022 | |||
Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay | Marathon | Lexington, VA | Oct 29, 2022 |
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Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | Oct 9, 2022 | |||
Orange Curtain | Marathon | Cerritos, CA | Jun 25, 2022 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego | Marathon | San Diego, CA | Jun 5, 2022 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 1, 2022 | |||
Maui Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Lahaina, HI | Apr 24, 2022 |
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Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon | Marathon | Calistoga, CA | Mar 6, 2022 | |||
Ventura Marathon | Marathon | Ventura, CA | Feb 27, 2022 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 6, 2022 | |||
REVEL Big Bear | Marathon | Big Bear, CA | Nov 13, 2021 |
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Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | Oct 10, 2021 | |||
Ely Marathon and Boundary Waters Half | Marathon | Ely, MN | Sep 25, 2021 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Sep 11, 2021 | |||
Casper Marathon | Marathon | Casper, WY | Jun 6, 2021 | |||
Coeur d’Alene Marathon (CDA Marathon) | Marathon | Coeur d\'Alene, ID | May 30, 2021 | |||
Nebraska Half Marathon & 5K | Marathon | Omaha, NE | Oct 11, 2020 |
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Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Galveston, TX | Feb 9, 2020 |
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Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 2, 2020 | |||
Bakersfield Marathon | Marathon | Bakersfield, CA | Nov 17, 2019 |
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Mount Desert Island Marathon | Marathon | Bar Harbor, ME | Oct 20, 2019 |
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Marathon | Chicago, IL | Oct 13, 2019 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 5, 2019 | |||
Boston Marathon | Marathon | Hopkinton, MA | Apr 15, 2019 | |||
REVEL Kulia | Marathon | Waimea, HI | Mar 9, 2019 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 3, 2019 | |||
Lake Tahoe Marathon & Emerald Bay Half Marathon | Marathon | Homewood, CA | Oct 14, 2018 | |||
Lakeside Marathon & Nevada Half Marathon | Marathon | South Lake Tahoe, CA | Oct 13, 2018 | |||
Cal-Neva Marathon & Carnelian Bay Half Marathon | Marathon | Incline Village, NV | Oct 12, 2018 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | Oct 7, 2018 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 6, 2018 | |||
Eugene Marathon | Marathon | Eugene, OR | Apr 29, 2018 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas | Marathon | Las Vegas, NV | Nov 12, 2017 | |||
WhistleStop Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Iron River, WI | Oct 14, 2017 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | Oct 8, 2017 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego | Marathon | San Diego, CA | Jun 4, 2017 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 7, 2017 | |||
Salt Lake City Marathon | Marathon | Salt Lake City, UT | Apr 22, 2017 | |||
Boston Marathon | Marathon | Hopkinton, MA | Apr 17, 2017 | |||
Santa Clarita Marathon | Marathon | Santa Clarita, CA | Nov 6, 2016 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | Oct 9, 2016 | |||
Santa Rosa Marathon | Marathon | Santa Rosa, CA | Aug 28, 2016 | |||
Vancouver USA Marathon & Half | Marathon | Vancouver, WA | Jun 19, 2016 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll Seattle | Marathon | Seattle, WA | Jun 18, 2016 | |||
REVEL Mt Charleston | Marathon | Las Vegas, NV | May 7, 2016 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 1, 2016 | |||
Los Angeles Marathon (LA Marathon) | Marathon | Los Angeles, CA | Feb 14, 2016 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 7, 2016 | |||
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Carlsbad, CA | Jan 17, 2016 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | May 3, 2015 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | Feb 1, 2015 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2014 | |||
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Carlsbad, CA | 2014 | |||
Lake Tahoe Marathon & Emerald Bay Half Marathon | Marathon | Homewood, CA | 2013 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | 2013 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2013 | |||
Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon | Marathon | Calistoga, CA | 2013 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | 2013 | |||
Catalina Island Marathon | Marathon | Avalon, CA | Nov 10, 2012 | |||
Really Big Free Marathon & Half | Marathon | Boulder City, NV | Nov 3, 2012 | |||
Chevron Houston Marathon & Aramco Houston Half Marathon | Marathon | Houston, TX | 2012 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2012 | |||
Los Angeles Marathon (LA Marathon) | Marathon | Los Angeles, CA | 2012 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | 2012 | |||
Catalina Island Marathon | Marathon | Avalon, CA | Nov 12, 2011 | |||
New York City Marathon | Marathon | Staten Island, NY | Nov 6, 2011 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2011 | |||
Big Sur International Marathon | Marathon | Big Sur, CA | Apr 25, 2010 | |||
Boston Marathon | Marathon | Hopkinton, MA | Apr 19, 2010 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2010 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | 2010 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego | Marathon | San Diego, CA | 2009 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2009 | |||
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona | Marathon | Phoenix, AZ | 2009 | |||
Pasadena Marathon | Marathon | Pasadena, CA | 2009 | |||
Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Long Beach, CA | 2009 | |||
OC Marathon Running Festival | Marathon | Newport Beach, CA | 2008 | |||
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Huntington Beach, CA | 2008 | |||
Big Sur International Marathon | Marathon | Big Sur, CA | 2008 | |||
San Francisco Marathon | Marathon | San Francisco, CA | 2008 | |||
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Carlsbad, CA | 2007 | |||
Los Angeles Marathon (LA Marathon) | Marathon | Los Angeles, CA | 2007 | |||
Carlsbad Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Carlsbad, CA | 2006 | |||
Los Angeles Marathon (LA Marathon) | Marathon | Los Angeles, CA | 2006 | |||
San Francisco Marathon | Marathon | San Francisco, CA | 2006 |
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
Pig Party
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon
This year's race got a lot of attention because of the weather, but the more important details are what runners can expect in other years. At the top of the … MORE
This year’s race got a lot of attention because of the weather, but the more important details are what runners can expect in other years. At the top of the list is the fantastic spectator support. They went well beyond cheering by decorating, being in costume, playing fun music, and setting up extra aid stations.
The course has some hills and all the tougher ones are in the early miles when your legs are still fresh. Keep your effort level from spiking and save some energy for later. I discovered the finish area was like a buffet line, with lots of items from the sponsors, especially Kroger and the local LaRosa’s Pizzeria. After you’ve gotten your medal and post-race goodies, you can relax in Riverfront Park, a beautiful place to rest, recover, and take photos.
Two more important details: The expo was bigger than most and shows great sponsor support. Access to the start corrals was very well-controlled. When I started running, there were no problems dealing with slower runners getting in the way or faster runners pushing through. Everyone around me was at the same pace.
Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay
Fun, Flat, Friendly, and Cows
Chessie Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & 26.2 Relay
While you're enjoying the great scenery, watch your step in the open range. Curious cows may leave some obstacles on the trail, but that's the only thing to worry about … MORE
While you’re enjoying the great scenery, watch your step in the open range. Curious cows may leave some obstacles on the trail, but that’s the only thing to worry about in this little race. It made me feel like a bunch of friends and neighbors organized a race and did a great job. It’s on a dirt trail in the woods that’s a little rough and rocky in a couple of sections, pretty smooth most of the way, and being on a retired railroad line next to a river, it’s flat. Really flat. I appreciated the great support from the race crew, spectators, and fellow runners. Parking was a little hectic because the race is on the verge of outgrowing the available space. In addition to the usual shirt and medal, I also got a very nice hat. Good snacks and pizza at the finish, too.
This race was a perfect fit for my preference to run smaller, lesser-known marathons on my 50-state journey. Put this one on your calendar.
Maui Marathon & Half Marathon
A Marathon in Paradise
Maui Marathon & Half Marathon
Running downhill with a tailwind is great, but it doesn't last forever. This course starts with a barely noticeable downhill, then gives you a little more push as you go. … MORE
Running downhill with a tailwind is great, but it doesn’t last forever. This course starts with a barely noticeable downhill, then gives you a little more push as you go. As you get close to the south coast, you get a moderate climb, then mixed uphill and downhill, then flat for the second half. The scenery is a variety of what’s on the island. Farms, lava fields, beaches, and then the tourist resorts. You get to run down Lahaina’s famous Front Street when it’s nearly deserted – a rare sight – and through the only tunnel on Maui. The 5 am start is to avoid the heat as much as possible, but it still gets uncomfortable before you’re done. At least the humidity is mild and the scenery is a beautiful distraction. Race production was excellent from packet pickup to post-race buses. Even though the highways are open to traffic and you run on a narrow shoulder at times, I found drivers to be careful, courteous, and many gave supportive horn honks and cheers as they passed.
REVEL Big Bear
Lots of downhill, but some uphill too
REVEL Big Bear
It's a Revel race, so you expect lots of downhill to give you a push and get a PR or a BQ. What you need to expect at this one … MORE
It’s a Revel race, so you expect lots of downhill to give you a push and get a PR or a BQ. What you need to expect at this one is the little uphill portions during the first 9 miles. You’re still at elevation there, so be ready for the challenge. Another good thing about Revel races is that they do an excellent job in so many ways. Little surprise extras with swag, great post-race food and drink, and a super-organized drop bag pickup with no waiting or searching.
Oh, and about that BQ…yes, I got it. Fastest I’ve run in almost 4 years.
Nebraska Half Marathon & 5K
Much More Than Cornfields
Nebraska Half Marathon & 5K
The 2020 course was different from the one in previous years, so I'll just say that they should use it again, despite the uphill finish. Most of the miles were … MORE
The 2020 course was different from the one in previous years, so I’ll just say that they should use it again, despite the uphill finish. Most of the miles were on paved trails along two creeks in Papillion, southwest of Omaha. Construction in downtown Omaha forced the course change and the Covid pandemic forced other changes, but the race went on and the organizers showed that it can be done. Face coverings were required until you got to the start line, three runners started every ten seconds, and water stations had 10 ounce bottles of water or Gatorade instead of cups.
The course markings were the best I’ve ever seen. Every turn or trail intersection had multiple signs with big arrows to make it nearly impossible to go the wrong way. Most of these locations also had a volunteer stationed there. Not many spectators, but all were enthusiastic and supportive. Same energy from the volunteers. Nom-nom bag at the finish had some tasty goodies inside, but no protein bar or other source of good post-race protein, so bring your own. Maybe they can get a sponsor for that in the future.
Everything from packet pick-up to the finish line was very well-organized. This group does a great job.
Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon
Flattest course I've ever run
Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon
If you like running at or near the ocean, you'll like this one. The ocean here is actually the Gulf of Mexico, but it has the same effect. Nice breeze … MORE
If you like running at or near the ocean, you’ll like this one. The ocean here is actually the Gulf of Mexico, but it has the same effect. Nice breeze and relaxing scenery. The marathon is two loops of the course, so once you get halfway done, you know the rest. You also run through a couple of beachfront communities with their unique houses, a small nature preserve, and down to the pier with its rides and attractions. The course does have a couple of small uphill sections and a couple of small downhill sections. The elevation change at each is about 7 or 8 feet. Yeah, that’s all. It’s a flat course. Since it’s a small race, they give you the option of picking up your bib and stuff race morning, but expect to stand in line for a while. Parking is on a big beach with hard-packed sand, it’s free, and it’s right next to the start/finish area. Post-race food was great because a couple of local restaurants provided it. Yummm, keep those sponsors. Aid stations had the basics and volunteers were friendly, welcoming, and supportive. Top-notch announcer, too.
Bakersfield Marathon
Exceeded my expectations
Bakersfield Marathon
If you think Bakersfield sounds boring, think again. The course runs through a variety of different neighborhoods and sections of the city while offering a few surprises along the way. … MORE
If you think Bakersfield sounds boring, think again. The course runs through a variety of different neighborhoods and sections of the city while offering a few surprises along the way. The start and finish are at the Cal State Bakersfield campus with plenty of free parking. Going through different sections of the downtown area, even the seedy part with its dive bars seems strangely scenic when it’s quiet and deserted in the early morning hours. My favorite part was running through the grounds of the Kern County Museum. If you enjoy learning about local history, go here after the race. Many people envision Bakersfield as being flat, but there’s a hill you’ll climb in the second half of the marathon that will challenge you a bit. The half marathon is totally flat, but the marathon’s climb to Bakersfield College lasts for 3 miles. It’s gradual, so nothing too difficult, but you need to be ready for it. Once you run through the campus, you’re rewarded with a great view of the the valley and a huge oil field. From there, the last 10 miles are downhill on a paved trail that follows the Kern River. Spectator support in the residential areas was great. Even the police doing traffic control cheered for the runners and were very friendly. In addition to the usual shirt and medal, runners got a very nice hat suitable for running. Although the race has been cancelled for 2020 because of the annoying little virus issue, 2021 should be a great time to go.
Mount Desert Island Marathon
Wow. Lots of wow.
Mount Desert Island Marathon
Known for the great scenery, this race never disappoints. Mount Desert Island is one of many islands along Maine's coast, but also home to Acadia National Park. Part of the … MORE
Known for the great scenery, this race never disappoints. Mount Desert Island is one of many islands along Maine’s coast, but also home to Acadia National Park. Part of the course goes through the park, but even the other sections, especially along the coast, will keep you wide-eyed and smiling at the beauty of the area. Plus, the fall colors will impress, the cheering from some very small towns along the way will lift your mood, and the enthusiastic aid station volunteers give your energy level a little boost. The course is fairly hilly, but the hills are small. Lots of them, but lots of downhill parts as well. Finish line food was excellent, the announcer does a great job of calling out first-time marathoners (you get a different bib), and the medal is uniquely Maine.
One drawback to the race is the shortage of port-a-potties on the course. Very few and far between. You can’t always hide behind a tree or bush.
This is one of few races that I recommend running at least once in your lifetime.