Candid Speaker's Staging Area

Plenty of volunteers make everything easy and fun. Course is nice and also certified. Local charity is very worthy and well run by Ms. Strong Will be back time and again.

We went as a group that included club runners, a ranked elite, a ranked masters elite, and a couple of professionally certified coaches. Some ran the 5K, 10K and the half. Some won their age groups. Two won Overall. And, their feedback:

The 5K had far too many turns. A slow, not well-marked and somewhat dangerous course that was complicated by bystanders standing on the course at some corners. If you like lots of turns and running in a parking lot, this might be for you. If not, consider Parkrun as it is better and free.

The 10K had a better course. Not much to see.

Half marathon course was okay. One section was a nice, shaded country road, BUT tons of potholes. Dangerous. Some tripped. Likely, some turned their ankles. Quick pass of the “Dallas” ranch which was under renovation and nothing to see. The ranch is center to the race brand, featured in the race picture. Yet, this fact was known and never publicized!

We asked the runners if they wanted to return based on the following: Would you like to return next year? All respondents said, “no”.
If entry was comp’d (free) would you go? All respondents said, “no”.

The Woodlands is a very well run and directed race in every way. Course is well-marked and mostly tree-lined which mitigates any wind. 10K runners are provided a non-congested course as they run separately from the half and marathon. Awards and swag are first rate. The VIP tent is right above the finish line and provides GREAT food and beverage! Worth the price.

By the time the elites and the rest hit the pavement, early start walkers are already on course with many walking 2, 3, 4 abreast or lost in their headphones. Heard the reason for the race was to make a place for many USA Fit run-walkers and walkers who are paying for training to complete a race (half and marathon) since Houston, Woodlands and others in the area provide the common 6 hrs. limit. After running this race, there is no doubt that in the future I’ll wait 4-6 weeks for The Woodlands.

The Skyway Bridge has history and personal significance. The race is for a fine charity. It still does not justify a half marathon/marathon price $135 (VIP $300!.

The race itself has issues. It is nice to have multiple waves as this provides convenient start times. The problem is that there are no corrals and worse…runners and walkers do not follow standard protocol AND there were no course Marshals to help, guide or correct issues such as walkers walking 4 across in the middle. as well as on the right and left. I was unable to make the first wave, thus, ran in a later wave. As an elite, was placed in the front. Shortly after reaching the Skyway, we caught the group in front. Walkers to the right, left and center. Cannot tell you how many times I called out “on your left” or “on your right”. Most chose to ignore. One or two that were in the middle told me to runaround them.

Post race party is a good one if you like the heavy food and beer.

One of the more inconsequential, yet, amusing items were Age Group Awards. Wonderful Red, White or Blue Medallions. Blue for first (correct), Red for second (incorrect), White for third (incorrect). Given most everyone has participated in a Science, County or other Fare where ribbons are given, one would think they would know the hierarchy: Blue, White and Red.

Heidi (Race Director) and her team have built one of the finest events in the world. Historic, scenic, very well run!

Starting corrals are organized and well-managed. Course is challenging and scenic as it winds through a myriad of neighborhoods, the famous Stockyards (beware of the cobbles), and some nice areas including TCU when running the marathon. There are two challenging grades. The Main St. bridge is .9 mile with a false flat before going uphill and around the beautiful courthouse. Then it’s downhill again. Fast until the final stretch when one turns slightly uphill towards the chute. Best to ignore anyone saying, “You’re almost there!” as there is a 1/2 mile to go.

Sadly, there is no awards ceremony for the Age Groupers. Shame for such a major and historic event. Of all the Podium Awards received, this was one of the least attractive. Candidly, I cared about this award because the event was memorable for me, the event is a major party of road race history in the US. Thus, the award should be memorable, stand-out as well, should it not?/! Yes, I come back as it is the best, the greatest race in the state of Texas.

Nice party. First 4 miles is a boring run down Congress and on the freeway access road before turning towards of the nice part of the course. uphill finish. Lots of food options. Dopers welcome including the hometown hero.