My Profile

@francste

Duluth, MN Raving since 2016 50 States hopeful/finisher, Marathon Maniacs #11266, Half Fanatics #4903 Active 1 year, 4 months ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):
  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

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 (2)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Cincinnati, OH May 6, 2018 4:28:00
Half Marathon Virgin, UT Mar 14, 2015 2:05:00

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (6)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Cincinnati, OH May 7, 2023
Double Half Marathon South Williamson, KY Jun 8, 2019
Marathon South Williamson, KY Jun 9, 2018
Marathon Cincinnati, OH May 6, 2018 4:28:00
Half Marathon Virgin, UT Mar 14, 2015 2:05:00
Half Marathon Estes Park, CO Aug 2, 2014 2:15:00

My Raves

I’ve run at least a half marathon in all fifty states so I’ve done the research for you! For road marathons, this is THE BEST. The expo is great, the … MORE

I’ve run at least a half marathon in all fifty states so I’ve done the research for you! For road marathons, this is THE BEST. The expo is great, the aid stations are ALWAYS there and plentiful, the food at the end is great and there until the marathoners are done, and spectators—- they rock the whole course and are they’re there literally rain or shine. Sign up in May and you can get the full with some other distances (4 way) for less than you’ll spend on just a half marathon with other races.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The RD (and race board) is a runner and passionate about people and that resonates through every step of the course. The aid stations are what you would find on … MORE

The RD (and race board) is a runner and passionate about people and that resonates through every step of the course. The aid stations are what you would find on a trail ultra (but better). The dual finish line concept is novel and fun. The history of the first half is engaging–even if you’re not a history buff. Walker (and sprinter) friendly. No cutoff time!! Members of communities that line the two- state course come out in droves to man the generous aid stations, many of which are themed. No need to carry anything on this course. There is one big hill about mile 7 and the heat can often zap you but most people aren’t running this one for a BQ or PR. But, pacers are provided, if you are. Food and fun remain until the very last finisher. Staying overnight at the fire station is another fun twist to the event. I rarely re-run races but the community people have, and will continue to, lured me back with their kindness and genuine hospitality. Race officials hang up “Welcome back” signs for every returning runner along the course. Expo, and swag, is very small. But, spaghetti dinner is included with race entry. And the medals are always cool.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3
My Media

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I arrived at the race registered to run the second half. I quickly and very easily upgraded to the full Marathon at packet pick-up. After packet pickup we visited a … MORE

I arrived at the race registered to run the second half. I quickly and very easily upgraded to the full Marathon at packet pick-up. After packet pickup we visited a very small Expo and then was treated to a free and very delicious spaghetti dinner.I ran this race with two other friends who drove from northern Minnesota to the race with me. We stayed in the fire station the night before the Race. The cots were very comfortable and the hospitality was top notch. All they ask for is a donation and that was a cause very worthy of giving to. We would stay there again. We stayed together throughout the entire full marathon and had an absolute blast. Each aid station was stocked like a typical trail run would be stocked with real foods, loads of fresh fruit and personal items that you do not find at any other Road Race I’ve been too. I’ve now run my 34th state with West Virginia being the most recent. This is quite possibly my favorite of all of the events I’ve ever done. The aid stations are quite frequent and next time I run I will not carry any liquid with me. Even though this race is historically known to be a hot one the aid stations provide ample support. In addition they are manned by wonderful local people who are excited to have you in their towns. Local law enforcement Patrol the route as needed and area medical professionals were at various points along the course. The event is clearly managed very well with all aspects being covered completely. Some Aid stations even went with the theme and it was fun to stop and take pictures and visit with the locals. One such aid station squirted us with squirt guns and then gave us the squirt guns to take with us as we left. There are photographers on the course and they charge a nominal fee it is not marathonfoto pricing 🙂 at the Finish you are greeted by Hatfield n McCoy and receive a medal and a mason jar with Hatfield and McCoy label which is really cute and suitable for your own moonshine 🙂 the final racer came in after 7 hours and was escorted by event directors, law enforcement and medical professionals. They were all walking in with her and very excited. The fun) support did not stop before the last finisher came through as you often find, unfortunately, with other marathons. My friends and I drove 16 hours to get to this event, one way. We will absolutely be back

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4
My Media

6 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Everything from expo to finish line party is done well! This was my first time running the full. Expo is amazing P&G always have great giveaways. Blanket, shirt, poster and … MORE

Everything from expo to finish line party is done well! This was my first time running the full. Expo is amazing P&G always have great giveaways. Blanket, shirt, poster and jacket for running the full—nice swag to go along with the finisher medal. It is hilly but I was surprised by the amount of downhill. I enjoy hills during a marathon but if you don’t it might not be your thing. Aid station every mile and on course entertainment, too. Some aid stations offered “real food” like bacon and cookies and chips and fruit. Neighborhoods come out for this in epic proportion (see picture). I had music and didn’t turn it on once. Sometimes I tend to run intervals and I didn’t turn those on, either—I just ran from aid station to aid station. At mile 21 I actually thought to myself, “rats, I only have about an hour left of running”—It was just that enjoyable. I train in MN so it was a little warm but I expected that. 50% off merchandise at the finish line. And, guess what?! I finished the marathon and there was still lots of food and celebration going on. Don’t you hate it when marathons are hosted but the party and food runs out during the half finishers? Not here!! I’ll be running it again, for sure!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I started running at 40 and I'm trying to visit as many different states and FUN races as possible. This, however, would be one that I would run again and … MORE

I started running at 40 and I’m trying to visit as many different states and FUN races as possible. This, however, would be one that I would run again and again! Vacation Races offers exceptionally fun races in BEAUTIFUL places! I had never visited Zion NP before so I was so excited when the race date fell during my spring break. My husband and I planned a trip to Vegas (first visit there, too) and I worked the race into our itinerary! Frankly, it was my favorite part of the trip! Entering Zion after being in Vegas a couple of days is LITERALLY a breath of fresh air!! This would be my first race of 2015 and I had been training in the FREEZING winter of MN for the previous 3 months. So, I followed the AMAZING training plan that is sent out from Vacation Races partners. I ran the race very prepared because of that plan which was specific to the course and FREE!!!! Packet pickup is a breeze and since it’s a cupless race they provide “cups” if you need. I love that they make the effort to keep the parks and the region around the parks clean! We were able to explore a wonderful area of the country before and after the race. My husband and I volunteered the night before the race because each person that volunteers for a Vacation Races event can get 50% off the next race—and they even let you transfer that to someone else if you’re not a runner and you choose to volunteer!! How cool is that!? They give honor to military members with discounts, too. At the end of the race, you are handed a medal as big as your face! Then, you can participate in extra challenges which can earn you extra swag and bragging rights. These challenges take you into the park where you can see natural wonders while getting in an additional hike! Another friend, from MN, joined me on this race and we both look forward to running another Vacation Races event together in the future. Hope to see you out there while we Run America!!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

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I started running at 40 and I'm trying to visit as many different states and FUN races as possible. This, however, would be one that I would run again and … MORE

I started running at 40 and I’m trying to visit as many different states and FUN races as possible. This, however, would be one that I would run again and again! Vacation Races offers exceptionally fun races in BEAUTIFUL places! The RM Half was my first with this organization. Initially I had purchased a Yellowstone entry and needed to transfer as the date of that race didn’t end up working for me. Transfer was given with just a simple email request and at no additional charge for me! This would be my first race at higher elevation so I followed the AMAZING training plan that is sent out from Vacation Races partners. I ran the race very prepared because of that plan which was specific to the course and FREE!!!! Packet pickup is a breeze and since it’s a cupless race they provide “cups” if you need. I love that they make the effort to keep the parks and the region around the parks clean! My family of six planned our summer vacation around this race and we are glad we did. We were able to camp and explore a wonderful area of the country before and after the race. In fact, my entire family volunteered at the race and had a TERRIFIC time. Each person that volunteers for a Vacation Races event can get 50% off the next race—and they even let you transfer that to someone else if you’re not a runner and you choose to volunteer!! How cool is that!? They give honor to military members with discounts, too. At the end of the race, you are handed a medal as big as your face! Then, you can participate in extra challenges which can earn you extra swag and bragging rights. These challenges take you into the park where you can see natural wonders while getting in an additional hike! People who run these races, I found, are fun—they are there for a good time and to see the great scenery. I made a friend on the course who chatted with me and encouraged me (and pushed me in the end). We stay connected even today (even though we live in 2 different states) and are looking forward to running another Vacation Races event together in the future. Hope to see you out there while we Run America!!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

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