Karen Conrad's Staging Area

There are not enough ways to say what a fantastic event this is. My only previous longish race was the LA Marathon, and this event opened up an entirely new world of running to me. Our hotel was in the next town over (Shelbyville TN) was comfortable and cheap. Packet pick up was organized, relaxed, and set a perfect tone for the race itself. Following packet pick up there is a guided parade type tour of the course with stops along the way to learn more about the history and landmarks. The tour was helpful to me as a runner, and also to my family to help them stake out spots that would be most accessible to meet along the way. The spaghetti dinner was again relaxed, delicious, and everyone working seemed genuinely happy to be there. Going into race day I knew exactly what to expect as far as food and fluid offerings that would be available along the way, the course was well marked (and laid out in the printed booklet received at packet pick up) and was grateful for the volunteers that put so much energy and time into the day. Being new to the 40 mile distance I had way overshot what I needed to carry as far as nutrition (carried all the sporty type gus, gels, chews) and fluid, and I finished the race knowing I could have carried nothing and gotten by just on the kindness of other spectators there for their own runners. You couldn’t run more than a few minutes without someone calling out to see if you needed anything. I finished with tears of joy, had a great meal steps from the finish line, and am so thankful for the chance to have been introduced to this wonderful race. I can’t say enough positive things about everyone involved and will be back for the second time 5/4/19. I plan to stick with primarily ultra distances, and will continue to register for races hosted by Durbin.