Abigail Godringer's Staging Area

For the book/film lover in your life, Greenwood MS is the shooting location of the movie the Help. I have not read or seen it yet and cannot comment. However, the distance from Memphis was just right and the timing was perfect. Signed up week before the race, and missed out on a space at the hotel (Alluvian) by the finish line. However, there are several other hotels within ~7 min so no big deal.

Day of packet pick up at the Alluvian was easy with shirt, bib, and little treats from sponsors around town. This is a small race (maybe 70-80 for the half, 70-80 for the 5K, and 30 for the 10K) but it had everything I needed. Support from Start2Finish out of Memphis kept the route clear for the 10K/half runners who started at the same time, and may have been confused during the back and forth turns on the beginning half of the course. They did a great job supporting, and while spectators were pretty minimal (outside of a few folks watching from their yard), it felt like we had plenty of crowd support for such a small race. You will get plenty of water (once a mile or so) but be prepared–there are about two port-a-pot stops at mile 6 and mile 7.5. Before/after, I wish you luck. Other than that, I was really pleased with the event management, local police and support, and road management. They even had an escort for the last runner to complete the half, it was really cool how engaged everyone was in the race.

While small, there is tons of food and drink after the finish line. This year, it was catfish and fries plus hushpuppies, tamales, and chicken wraps. There are also beers, soda, and water, along with the classic banana. Since this race is so small, don’t forget to check if you won an age group or overall award. I am not of the speed to make the cut normally, but still got a nice award (wooden spoon pressed with the event and year). Overall, great support, good race size, and everything I could ask for from a small town race.

As a new transplant to Memphis, this race was a non-negotiable. The expo and packet pick-up were easy, well-organized, and full of plenty of shopping and merch opportunities. Race day itself was well-organized, well-corralled and very busy (this is a big race). You pass through Beale Street, downtown, uptown and down the parkway before splitting from the full marathoners (they cover up to Overton Park, which is also pretty). Plenty of port-a-pots, aid stations, and beers, snacks and treats offered throughout by those who support the race in addition to other volunteers. St. Jude is core to Memphis, so you will also get to pass through the campus and see and wave to the patients supported by St. Jude’s hospital and research. My sister and I had a great time until we settled into the out-and-back portion of the race around ~mile 9 or so on the parkway. This road is problematically crowned, so stick to the center because it will really hurt ankles/joints. There are some hills near the end that I did not love, but once you cross the finish line there are snacks and treats hand over fist. The after-party is hosted in the red birds minor league stadium and offers tons of soups, snacks, beers and pizza so recovery is quick. If I can find the mental strength, the marathon next year may be my next mission.

I elected to do the EQT 10 miler as a virtual runner, as I had run most of the course on various group/solo city runs and was out of town for another race. I cannot speak to the race itself, but thought the swag was excellent. My favorite was the hoodie upgrade, it has a nice tracing of the city skyline and was honestly a good enough reason to race virtually and complete the Pittsburgh challenge (half/full, liberty mile and EQT 10 miler). I would highly recommend the in-person race to check out the city.

Ran this in 2022 and 2023. Runners start in Squirrel hill and *generally* go downhill until reaching point state park downtown. Bussing is available from downtown up to Squirrel Hill and back, and I would highly recommend using it as the bus routes will be diverted if you try to use the usual 61/71 bussing. I love the energy, enjoyed it both times (even with the Pittsburgh rains/clouds), and found the support, crowds, and finish to be excellent. Highly recommend it, and if you can lock in early its only $25 or so, definitely worth it for shirt, snacks, and so on

Well-run race in Portland, Maine. Packet pick-up is easy, and included a nice long sleeve and bag (I think). Race day has pacers for the half split every ten minutes by expected finish time. It is a busy race with good support, and provided a great tour through Portland around the bay and back through the city. Weather was good and can be expected to at least stay cool for this time of year given Maine’s northerly location. Aid stations were sufficient, and there was enough room on the course (expect for a few pinch points around the bay) for everyone to move at their preferred pace. Last three miles are tough, as the biggest hill on the course is around the 10 mile mark. Worthwhile for the downhill after and the beautiful views of the water. Photos are good and free (somewhat tough to get a solo photo given number of participants) and the after party with beer, ice cream (!!), pizza and other treats was great.

The Pittsburgh marathon weekend is a huge event for the city, and gives both visitors and locals a great tour around the various neighborhoods that make up the city’s core. The expo beforehand is huge and well-run, and provides runners a nice long-sleeve tech, shirt, bag, and bib. The race itself is well-coordinated. Runners are released in corrals, with the fastest corral released at 7am and later corrals going every ~5 minutes. Keep this in mind, as there will be a wait after queuing for the start. Do not fret, tons of port-a-pots, water, gatorade, and other supplies. Locals love this race, so you can count on volunteers and supporters sharing beer, candy, and other treats at tables set-up in different neighborhoods. Keep in mind, this is Pittsburgh, so there are going to be hills. They dial it back as much as possible, but the half is generally hilly, and you will continue with a big hill(s) if you continue through to the marathon length (did once during a training run and did not enjoy). Overall, it is one, if not my most, favorite half marathon to this point. I would love to race it again if we end up closer to Pittsburgh in the future.

Ah, Arizona. We were in town to enjoy the beautiful weather of the Southwest during January, and my sister and I raced the She Power Half. By my understanding, this is a female-only race, which was nicer than I imagined honestly. It was laid-back, supportive, and full of good energy. A good portion of the course ran by water canals feeding into local housing, so not the most exciting views, but the sun was out and the weather was cool. The race is also generally flat. You can purchase additional swag items, but the provided items (including nice running socks, a rose, cake, a HEFTY medal and other nice treats) were perfect for us. One thing to note–the course was about 1/10th of a mile short of the 13.1 distance, so if that upsets your Strava compunctions like me, take some wider turns or continue a bit after the finish line.

Missouri half and first half for sister! Packet pickup was easy at KC Running Store, getting to race was surprisingly challenging. Lots of slush, puddles, and snow at the start and on the last few miles winding through gravel trails. Arrive early, as there was a ton of traffic waiting to enter, and we took the long way around on foot and barely made it to the start on time. Aside from bad weather and starting complications, race was good. Hoodie was nice, lake is cool, and pictures are free. I am not sure what has changed since it has transformed to the Yeti Endurance weekend, but think it is a decent small town race.

Nice springtime race in Columbus OH. This hometown race gives a nice tour of the capital city with some mild hills and rises. Various neighborhoods are visited on the course, as well as Ohio State. Throughout the course, there were several bands and other attractions that added interest to the race. Good race support, gatorade, water, Gu etc. Afterparty near capital park is quite good, you get two beers, food, and other freebies. If schedules line up in the future I will run again.