Jennifer Moore's Staging Area

This race is FREE, which is what first drew my attention. The town of Millinocket has been hit hard economically, so this free race encourages runners to come to town and spend money. There were numerous opportuties to do that, including buying your own race shirt and/or medal. I was happy to buy the shirt, and the very last thing I need is another medal, so I skipped that. Ten of us rented a VRBO and ran the half–a scenically beautiful, challenging, but runnable race. The town was welcoming, and there were lots of pop-up aid stations on the course with everything from Fireball to cookies. The weather in Maine in early December was daunting (ten degrees at race start), but with enough layers, it was a comfortable outing. For a unique experience in a lovely area of the country, Millinocket is great!

This is a pretty low-frills race typically, and it is a double loop (which I like but most dont’). In years past, the age group awards were printed certificates, but this year they were beautiful custom pottery mugs. The best part about this race is the opportunity to see the beautiful falls (after the race) and hike in this spectacular park. The sections that circle the lake are quite lovely.

This half comes at a good time of year–you’re starting to sense that winter is winding down, and staying trained up for this one might get you through the worst of the cold running season. The entire TN State Parks running series offers terrific courses, and this is the longest. I appreciate the 11:00 AM start time, which allows a person to drive from almost anywhere in the state in time for the gun. The race is almost entirely on paved park roads.

I’ve run over 40 half marathons, and this is my hands-down favorite. I ran it for the first time in 2011, and I remember thinking, at about mile 8–I will run this race for as long as I am able. I have returned every year since and have encouraged many fellow runners to give it a try. Here are just a few reasons that I love this race:
*Breathtaking scenery: just when you reach the part where you are about to begin running downhill, you see the beautiful sunrise over the mountains.
*Running through the Cherokee National Forest is exhilarating.
*There’s a part mid-race that is run on dirt. Some people don’t love this, but my legs enjoyed the break.
*The staff, volunteers, and fellow runners are friendly and helpful.
*It’s usually held in early June, a month when a good half is hard to find.
*If you stay at the Ridgecrest Conference Center (super affordable), you can look out the window of your room and see the start line–no parking and navigation hassles.
*Also if you stay at Ridgecrest, you will have your own bathroom to use right before the race, and the race finishes at a church, which of course has an indoor bathroom. Minimal interaction with portable toilets is a win in my book.
*The weather has been warm but manageable every year I have run it.
*It’s located near fantastic day trip options–Asheville, NC, Blue Ridge Parkway, etc.