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@kmerskine
Raving since 2021 50 States hopeful/finisher, Half Fanatics From Fourth Island Active 2 days, 14 hours agoAbout Me
My Races
Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.
50 States Map
Half Marathon
Marathon
Ultramarathon
(Marathon or Ultra) + Half
Marathon + Ultra
Other
Future Races
Personal Bests (15)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result |
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Spartan Trifecta Ohio | Beast | Chandlersville, OH | May 7, 2016 | 4:38:20 |
Finger Lakes Triathlon | Sprint | Canandaigua, NY | Sep 18, 2005 | 1:29:11 |
Trail Rail Run | 30K | St. Regis, MT | Jun 17, 2023 | 3:18:03 |
Hotter N Hell Trail Race | 18 Miler | Pelham, AL | Jul 22, 2023 | 4:32:37 |
Crazy Desert Trail Race | 25K | San Angelo, TX | Mar 4, 2023 | 2:52:42 |
Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half) | Half Marathon | Greenville, SC | Feb 26, 2022 | 1:50:57 |
River Gorge Trail Race | 10.2 Miler | Chattanooga, TN | Mar 26, 2016 | 2:23:06 |
OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series (Jan, Feb, Mar) | 10 Miler | Trabuco Canyon, CA | Mar 19, 2016 | 1:53:37 |
Chickamauga Chase | 15K | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | 2015 | 1:22:28 |
Chickamauga Chase | 8 Miler | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | Apr 16, 2016 | 1:19:37 |
Mountain Goat 12K | 12K | Mount Berry, GA | Feb 27, 2016 | 1:15:22 |
Terra Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & Half-Half | 6.5 Miler | McDonald, TN | Feb 10, 2018 | 1:13:09 |
Families on the Run | 10K | Chattanooga, TN | Dec 5, 2015 | 55:10 |
Sportsbarn Turkey Trot | 8K | East Ridge, TN | Nov 26, 2020 | 46:06 |
Nature Calls 5K & 15K Trail Race | 5K | Chattanooga, TN | Oct 30, 2016 | 37:20 |
Future Races (8)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
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Blue Ridge Ultra | 30K | Blue Ridge, GA | Oct 7, 2023 | ✓ |
Paris Mountain Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Greenville, SC | Oct 14, 2023 | ✓ |
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | Nov 11, 2023 | ✓ |
Natchez Trace Trail Run | Marathon | Franklin, TN | 2023 | ✓ |
Little River Canyon Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Fort Payne, AL | 2023 | ✓ |
Asheville Oktoberfest Half Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Asheville, NC | 2023 | ✓ |
Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race | 60 Miler | Chattanooga, TN | 2023 | ✓ |
Altamont Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Travelers Rest, SC | 2023 | ✓ |
Past Races (122)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
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Bluegrass Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Johnson City, TN | Sep 24, 2023 | 2:07:48 |
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Table Rock Ultras | 30K | Morgantown, NC | Sep 23, 2023 | 4:43:42 |
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Boston or Bust Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Sep 10, 2023 | |||
Asheville Half Marathon and 10K | Half Marathon | Asheville, NC | Aug 26, 2023 | 2:14:10 |
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Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Spencer, TN | Aug 20, 2023 | 2:05:01 |
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Still Hollow Trail Runs | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Aug 5, 2023 | 2:59:32 |
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Motus Panther Creek Trail Run | Half Marathon | Morristown, TN | Jul 29, 2023 | 3:26:46 |
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Hotter N Hell Trail Race | 18 Miler | Pelham, AL | Jul 22, 2023 | 4:32:37 |
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Black Hills 100 | 30K | Sturgis, SD | Jun 24, 2023 | 4:23:37 |
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Trail Rail Run | 30K | St. Regis, MT | Jun 17, 2023 | 3:18:03 |
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Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta Utah | Half Marathon | Laketown, UT | Jun 10, 2023 | |||
Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta Wyoming | Half Marathon | Cokeville, WY | Jun 9, 2023 | |||
Bear Lake Marathon Trifecta Idaho | Half Marathon | St Charles, ID | Jun 8, 2023 | |||
Newport Marathon & Half Marathon (OR) | Half Marathon | Newport, OR | Jun 3, 2023 | 2:07:56 |
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Zhongxing Xincun Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Nantou, Taiwan | May 28, 2023 | 2:21:45 |
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Zepro National Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Taoyuan City, Taiwan | May 7, 2023 | 2:34:03 |
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Tear Drop Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Chatsworth, GA | Apr 23, 2023 | |||
Fall Creek Falls 50K & Half Marathon Trail Runs | Half Marathon | Pikeville, TN | Apr 22, 2023 | |||
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 3 (MS) | Half Marathon | Hollandale, MS | Apr 19, 2023 | 2:27:05 |
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Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 2 (AR) | Half Marathon | Lake Village, AR | Apr 18, 2023 | 2:58:57 |
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Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 1 (LA) | Half Marathon | Winnsboro, LA | Apr 17, 2023 | 2:32:01 |
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Whiskey Run Huntsville | Half Marathon | Madison, AL | Apr 16, 2023 | 2:04:55 |
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Amerihealth NJ April Fools Half Marathon & 8K | Half Marathon | Atlantic City, NJ | Apr 2, 2023 | 3:34:46 |
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Crazies Trifecta | Half Marathon | Rainsville, AL | Mar 10, 2023 | 2:06:31 | ||
Crazies Trifecta | Half Marathon | Rainsville, AL | Mar 10, 2023 | 2:27:53 | ||
Crazies Trifecta | Half Marathon | Rainsville, AL | Mar 10, 2023 | 2:27:53 |
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Run the Alamo 26.2 Marathon & 13.1 Half | Half Marathon | San Antonio, TX | Mar 5, 2023 | 2:03:49 |
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Crazy Desert Trail Race | 25K | San Angelo, TX | Mar 4, 2023 | 2:52:42 |
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Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half) | Half Marathon | Greenville, SC | Feb 25, 2023 | 1:55:36 |
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Be Caffeinated Caffeine Run | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Feb 12, 2023 | 1:56:56 |
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Eagle Ridge | Half Marathon | Guntersville, AL | Feb 11, 2023 | 2:42:30 |
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Frozen Falls | Half Marathon | Spencer, TN | Feb 4, 2023 | 2:43:05 |
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Asheville Hot Chocolate Races | Half Marathon | Asheville, NC | Jan 21, 2023 | 2:02:22 |
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Daufuskie Island Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Daufuskie Island, SC | Jan 14, 2023 | 2:00:02 |
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Mobile Marathon (fka First Light Marathon) | Half Marathon | Mobile, AL | Jan 8, 2023 | 1:59:27 |
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Whiskey Run Chattanooga | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Jan 1, 2023 | 2:04:32 |
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Rocket City Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Dec 11, 2022 | 1:59:09 |
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Helen Holiday Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Helen, GA | Dec 10, 2022 | 2:36:57 |
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Santa Hustle Nashville | Half Marathon | Nashville, TN | Dec 4, 2022 | 2:09:41 |
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Chattanooga Hungry Turkey | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Nov 26, 2022 | 1:57:44 |
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Secret City Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Oak Ridge, TN | Nov 19, 2022 | 2:09:07 |
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Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | Nov 12, 2022 | 1:58:40 |
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Run Amok | Half Marathon | Harrison, TN | Nov 6, 2022 | 2:43:41 |
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Kooky Not Spooky (aka Hocus Pocus Half) | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Oct 29, 2022 | 1:59:41 |
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7 Bridges Marathon & 4 Bridges Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Oct 16, 2022 | 1:59:43 |
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Xinwu Land of Fish and Rice Half | Half Marathon | Taoyuan, Taiwan | Oct 2, 2022 | 2:17:56 |
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Tainan Autumn Marathon & Half | Half Marathon | Tainan, Taiwan | Sep 25, 2022 | 2:40:26 |
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Taipei Starry Night Marathon & Half | Half Marathon | Taipei, Taiwan | Sep 24, 2022 | 2:14:21 |
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Keelung Maling Witch’s Secret Marathon & Half | Half Marathon | Keelung, Taiwan | Sep 17, 2022 | 2:27:43 |
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Dundee Running Adventure Marathon (DRAM) & Half DRAM | Half Marathon | Dundee, United Kingdom | Jul 17, 2022 | 2:06:28 |
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Town and Country Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Newburyport, MA | Jun 12, 2022 | 2:03:42 |
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Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Portland, ME | Jun 11, 2022 | 2:02:36 |
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Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 5 (NH) | Half Marathon | Claremont, NH | Jun 10, 2022 | 2:13:59 |
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Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 2 (RI) | Half Marathon | Lincoln, RI | Jun 7, 2022 | 2:24:33 |
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Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 1 (CT) | Half Marathon | Simsbury, CT | Jun 6, 2022 | 1:56:30 |
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Covered Bridges Half Marathon | Half Marathon | South Pomfret, VT | Jun 5, 2022 | 1:54:14 |
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Jump Off Rock Half Marathon & 10K | Half Marathon | Laurel Park, NC | May 14, 2022 | 2:00:40 |
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Greenbrier Half Marathon, 10K and 5K | Half Marathon | White Sulphur Springs, WV | May 7, 2022 | 2:05:12 |
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Coastal Delaware Running Festival | Half Marathon | Rehoboth Beach, DE | Apr 24, 2022 | 1:55:50 |
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Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Apr 10, 2022 | 1:57:34 |
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Race to the Cave Half Marathon & 10K | Half Marathon | Woodville, AL | Mar 20, 2022 | 2:02:17 |
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Chattanooga Marathon | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Mar 6, 2022 | 2:11:00 |
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Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half) | Half Marathon | Greenville, SC | Feb 26, 2022 | 1:50:57 |
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Pettit Indoor Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Milwaukee, WI | Feb 12, 2022 | 1:57:38 |
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Freeze Your Half Off | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Jan 8, 2022 | 2:00:14 |
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Whiskey Run Chattanooga | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Jan 1, 2022 | 2:06:56 |
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River Monster Trail Run | Half Marathon | Rogersville, AL | Dec 4, 2021 | 2:30:58 |
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Chattanooga Hungry Turkey | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Nov 27, 2021 | 2:07:32 |
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Cleveland Half Marathon and 5K | Half Marathon | Cleveland, TN | Oct 23, 2021 | 2:09:07 |
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Chicago Half Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Chicago, IL | Sep 26, 2021 | 1:58:34 |
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Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Spencer, TN | Aug 22, 2021 | 2:22:53 |
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Dash Through the Dirt 5K, 10K and Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Potomac, MD | Jun 6, 2021 | 2:28:15 |
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Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Covington, VA | Jun 5, 2021 | 2:16:58 |
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Chase the Checkers Half Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Indianapolis, IN | May 8, 2021 | 2:03:32 |
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Gettysburg Festival of Races (North-South Marathon & Blue-Gray Half) | Half Marathon | Gettysburg, PA | Apr 25, 2021 | 2:15:58 |
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Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half) | Half Marathon | Greenville, SC | Feb 27, 2021 | 1:56:26 |
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Java Jog | 10K | Dawsonville, GA | Jan 23, 2021 | 56:23 |
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Helen Holiday Half Marathon | 10K | Helen, GA | Dec 12, 2020 | 1:01:44 |
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Sportsbarn Turkey Trot | 8K | East Ridge, TN | Nov 26, 2020 | 46:06 |
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Tear Drop Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Chatsworth, GA | Sep 13, 2020 | 2:07:46 |
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Berry Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Mount Berry, GA | Mar 7, 2020 | 2:17:51 |
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Chattanooga Marathon | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Mar 7, 2020 | 2:16:20 |
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Helen Holiday Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Helen, GA | Dec 14, 2019 | 2:23:50 | ||
Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Apr 7, 2019 | 2:26:57 |
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Run The Bluegrass | Half Marathon | Lexington, KY | Mar 30, 2019 | 2:24:27 |
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Helen Holiday Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Helen, GA | Dec 15, 2018 | 2:32:09 |
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Hills and Hollers Half Marathon and 5K | Half Marathon | Thompson\'s Station, TN | Nov 10, 2018 | 2:13:28 |
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Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Townsend, TN | Sep 7, 2018 | 2:12:25 |
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Sweet Southern Discomfort (GA) | Half Marathon | Calhoun, GA | May 26, 2018 | 2:11:08 |
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Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Apr 8, 2018 | 2:07:29 |
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Fall Creek Falls 50K & Half Marathon Trail Runs | Half Marathon | Pikeville, TN | Mar 11, 2018 | 2:32:43 |
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Terra Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & Half-Half | 6.5 Miler | McDonald, TN | Feb 10, 2018 | 1:13:09 |
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Helen Holiday Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Helen, GA | Dec 16, 2017 | 2:30:46 |
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7 Bridges Marathon & 4 Bridges Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Oct 15, 2017 | 2:24:23 | ||
Three Legged Goat Triathlon | Other triathlon distance | Lewisburg, TN | Oct 14, 2017 | |||
Spartan Trail Asheville | 10K | Black Mountain, NC | Aug 29, 2017 | 2:34:32 |
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Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Huntsville, AL | Apr 9, 2017 | 2:09:17 | ||
Hound Dog Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Elkmont, AL | Jan 21, 2017 | 2:20:48 |
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Nature Calls 5K & 15K Trail Race | 5K | Chattanooga, TN | Oct 30, 2016 | 37:20 | ||
Sunbelt Cohutta Springs Triathlon | Sprint | Crandall, GA | Oct 2, 2016 | 2:03:12 |
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Spartan Trifecta Ohio | Beast | Chandlersville, OH | May 7, 2016 | 4:38:20 | ||
Spartan Race Nashville | Sprint | Woodlawn, TN | Apr 20, 2016 | 2:10:36 | ||
Chickamauga Chase | 8 Miler | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | Apr 16, 2016 | 1:19:37 |
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River Gorge Trail Race | 10.2 Miler | Chattanooga, TN | Mar 26, 2016 | 2:23:06 | ||
OC Chili Winter Trail Run Series (Jan, Feb, Mar) | 10 Miler | Trabuco Canyon, CA | Mar 19, 2016 | 1:53:37 |
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Mountain Goat 12K | 12K | Mount Berry, GA | Feb 27, 2016 | 1:15:22 | ||
Lookout Mountain Trail Race | 10K | Chattanooga, TN | Dec 19, 2015 | 1:09:34 | ||
Families on the Run | 10K | Chattanooga, TN | Dec 5, 2015 | 55:10 |
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Still Hollow Trail Runs | Half Marathon | Chattanooga, TN | Aug 1, 2015 | 2:32:30 | ||
Run Michigan Cheap Muskegon | Half Marathon | Muskegon, MI | Jul 6, 2015 | 2:15:00 |
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Southern 6 Trail Race | 6K | Collegedale, TN | Feb 22, 2015 | |||
Chickamauga Chase | 15K | Fort Oglethorpe, GA | 2015 | 1:22:28 | ||
Families on the Run | 10K | Chattanooga, TN | 2014 | |||
Finger Lakes Triathlon | Sprint | Canandaigua, NY | Sep 18, 2005 | 1:29:11 | ||
Cayuga Lake Triathlon | Sprint | Trumansburg, NY | Aug 7, 2005 | 2:00:48 |
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Kueka Lake Triathlon | Sprint | Kueka Lake, NY | Jun 12, 2005 | 1:43:00 | ||
Cazenovia Triathlon | Sprint | Cazenovia, NY | Aug 15, 2004 | 1:39:21 | ||
Cayuga Lake Triathlon | Sprint | Trumansburg, NY | Aug 1, 2004 | 1:38:28 |
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Finger Lakes Triathlon | Sprint | Canandaigua, NY | 2004 | 1:32:22 | ||
IRONMAN 70.3 Musselman | Sprint | Geneva, NY | 2004 | 1:30:32 | ||
Sunbelt Cohutta Springs Triathlon | Sprint | Crandall, GA | 1990 | |||
Sunbelt Cohutta Springs Triathlon | Sprint | Crandall, GA | 1989 |
Bluegrass Half Marathon
Surprisingly good race!
Bluegrass Half Marathon
This race was surprisingly nice! Although I've lived in WNC and Eastern TN for most of my life I don't recall spending any time in Johnson City, TN. It's a … MORE
This race was surprisingly nice! Although I’ve lived in WNC and Eastern TN for most of my life I don’t recall spending any time in Johnson City, TN. It’s a cute town and worth finding a place to eat at after the race. The race was organized well, parking was plentiful and close to the start line, and the course was very nice. The only part of the course I didn’t care for was maybe a mile or two along a divided four-lane, but the rest of the course was through nice old neighborhoods with folks sitting out on their porches cheering runners on, through the ETSU campus, and through the downtown area. A charming course in a charming town. It was a three hour drive for me but I’d definitely do this one again.
The post-race food came from Publix. It wasn’t fancy… basically your typical post-race snacks, and the aid stations had water and Powerade. Certainly adequate, with plenty of volunteers.
We drove in from Chattanooga so I’m not sure what the hotel situation is like near the start line but the course starts right downtown and so I’m certain there would be a few options within easy walking distance.
Table Rock Ultras
Decently hard course but doable
Table Rock Ultras
I ran the 33k, not the 50k. The course is advertised as being very difficult and the pictures on the website suggest a course with spectacular views. This is part … MORE
I ran the 33k, not the 50k. The course is advertised as being very difficult and the pictures on the website suggest a course with spectacular views. This is part of the reason I registered for this race (the views, not the difficulty). But the course was not nearly as difficult as I anticipated. It was plenty hard, but it was also manageable. But there were no views. None. It was either on a gravel or overgrown back road, or in the green tunnel. With that said, the course was still pretty. There were a LOT of water crossings, and none of them were the type you can cross by hopping rocks to keep your feet dry. After mile 3 or 4 you’ll have wet feet for the entire run. This didn’t bother me though and I think if you just wear the right socks and lace your shoes up tightly you’ll be fine.
The race organizers were great, parking was easy, aid stations were well appointed and the volunteers at these stations were super friendly and helpful. There could be a few more porta-johns… well, there could be a few. The only toilets I saw were the campground bathrooms, which had only two stalls in the mens restroom. So plan to arrive early if visiting the john is part of your pre-race ritual.
The post-race food was great, and they had homemade corn salsa, black beans, and pulled chicken on a tortilla. Plus some veggies at the end of the line to add to the tortilla. Plenty of sodas, water, beer, etc., was on hand as well.
Overall, I’d do this race again but probably not the 33k (they call it a 30k but they tell you it’s actually 33k). If I’m going to work that hard I’d probably just like to do the 50k and see the incredible views in the pictures on the registration website.
Worth the trip if you are looking for a well-organized race in a great location.
Asheville Half Marathon and 10K
AVL puts its best foot forward
Asheville Half Marathon and 10K
I'm from Asheville. Born there, but moved away when I got married at 26. I still have family that live here and visit regularly, BUT I generally do NOT go … MORE
I’m from Asheville. Born there, but moved away when I got married at 26. I still have family that live here and visit regularly, BUT I generally do NOT go downtown. The city has become overcrowded and overpriced in the last 30 years, unfortunately. I was visiting family and friends in AVL over this weekend and decided to run this race. I’m glad I did!
Although I generally avoid races that require you to come into town the day before the race for an early packet pickup, or that require you to pay extra for race day packet pickup, I was already coming to town so I went ahead and registered. The packet pickup location is at a brewery and the festival there for pickup was maybe the best race festival I’ve seen anywhere (and that’s over more than 100 races). It was really a cool thing going on at packet pickup at the Highland Brewery.
The race itself was also great. Parking was easy and I think I walked less than a block from where I parked to the start line. That’s unusual for an urban race in a town this size. Asheville is a beautiful small city. I love my city, but I’m biased. But this was a big race and I talked to a few people from out of town who came to town for the race and who loved AVL as well.
Because I spent 26 years in this town I didn’t expect to be awed by the course. But I’m telling you that Asheville put its best foot forward with this race. Parking was easy, plenty of toilets, a super pretty course through town, the river, and nice neighborhoods, and then a finish back into the downtown.
To the race organizers, I’d change two things. First, have the finish come in flat or down hill. That last two blocks running up hill through the finish line was not fun or appreciated. Second, and this is a bigger complaint, I saw two things to drink at the finish line… water handed to the runners as they crossed the finish line, and beer in the finish festival area. No sports drink? Not even a water table in the finish festival area??? And runners like to drink, but a lot of runners don’t drink at all… tell the breweries to bring NA beer, or get some Athletic Brewing Company NA brews. And if you add an actual meal, this would be one of my top 5 races. That is literally the only thing missing to make this a serious contender for a top 50 road race in the country. Despite the lack of a meal, or sports drink, this is a race that I’ll be doing again next year. Worth coming from out of town for the race and a visit to AVL.
Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Worth doing if you are local'ish.
Fall Creek Falls Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
This is a pretty park. When I got to the race I thought it was a trail run. That's just my bad for not paying enough attention to the race … MORE
This is a pretty park. When I got to the race I thought it was a trail run. That’s just my bad for not paying enough attention to the race info. But I was glad it was a road run once I was a couple of miles in. I’ve raced in this park probably four or five times, all of which were trail races, and doing trail races here is sublime. Well, maybe not sublime, but it’s worth a few hours drive. Doing the road course here means you don’t get to see waterfalls and have water crossings, but it is still a decent course. Few cars, a lakeside run for part of the course, and it’s not a huge race so you don’t have to fight through crowds (if you are slow’ish, like me) in the first mile or two.
Parking was easy. They had toilets. Post-race food was okay (but not vegetarian), and the SWAG was all pretty average. Average is not bad, I just mean that it checks most of the standard boxes that races need to check these days – a metal, t-shirt, a few post-race snacks, and that’s about it.
Worth doing if you are within a few hours drive, but certainly not a destination race.
Still Hollow Trail Runs
Nice park, okay race
Still Hollow Trail Runs
This is a great park for locals like me and I train here on a regular basis. I probably would not run this race if I wasn't local though. The … MORE
This is a great park for locals like me and I train here on a regular basis. I probably would not run this race if I wasn’t local though. The trails are only okay, there are no views, no water crossings or water at all, and plenty of hills. I’ve run this race three times I think, but only because it’s only ten minutes from my house.
With that said, if you are not local and haven’t been to Chattanooga, it’s worth a weekend to come do the race if you were already wanting to come to the area for a visit. It’s not a bad race at all, and the race org is fine… they check all the required boxes and not really any of the extra boxes. There are only a few aid stations and the food at the end is basically just bananas and granola bars. That’s not a complaint, really, but these days that’s a below average post-race snack menu for as expensive as races are these days.
Parking is fine and there are port-a-potties at the start (and you loop back to the start where you do a second loop on a different trail, so you see them twice in the half marathon). I wish they would do a road race in this park but the race org is called Wild Trails, not Wild Roads, so I doubt that’s likely from this group. 🙂
Motus Panther Creek Trail Run
Hard run, and very hot
Motus Panther Creek Trail Run
I don't know if this run was just really, really difficult or if I was out of running shape. Maybe both. I had done shorter runs in the few weeks … MORE
I don’t know if this run was just really, really difficult or if I was out of running shape. Maybe both. I had done shorter runs in the few weeks prior to this one but nothing that approached 18 miles. It was hot, so very hot and humid.
Did I say it was hot? Or humid? It was. The finish line is at the put-in for the lake and I basically just kept running through the finish line, to the pizza tent to grab a slice, and then straight into the water. I stayed in the water cooling off for probably 20 minutes, and I was not the only runner who was doing this. Clearly runners had been thinking about this during the last few miles of the race.
For a trail run it was so-so. That’s not a knock on the race organizers or the state park. I’m from the Southeast and currently live in Chattanooga. I generally find trail courses to be not a great ROI. You work really hard and don’t get a lot of payoff in terms of views or waterfalls, etc. Still, I do the trail runs here because… well, because I live here. I wuld say that the trail itself was decent. There were rocky and rooty places but there were also plenty of places that weren’t rooty and rocky.
There were port-a-potties on site, parking was easy enough, and although I didn’t camp in the park I do believe there was camping available, or lodging close to the park.
I’d recommend this one for runners who live within a couple hours drive, but probably not further than that. I am not itching to do it again but would if I were looking for a nearby race and this was the only one that fit my calendar.
Hotter N Hell Trail Race
Low ROI on this course
Hotter N Hell Trail Race
First the pros. - Really easy parking and packet pickup. - The absolute best aid station I've been to. Ever. In 100+ races. It wasn't the food that made this … MORE
First the pros.
– Really easy parking and packet pickup.
– The absolute best aid station I’ve been to. Ever. In 100+ races. It wasn’t the food that made this aid station great… the food was average. But the guys running the aid station dressed as prisoners – orange pants and a white tank top – and were absolutely excited when I rounded the corner by myself, but well below 50%th percentile in the race. They screamed, shouted, whooped, cussed a little, and did ALL of my water bottle filling for me and then whooped and hollered as I headed on down the course.
– The waterfall and creek crossings. Really pretty, and unexpected. It was nice to stop and wash the poison ivy off of my legs and then drench myself in the water.
The cons:
– The course was brutal. Brutal ups. Brutal downs. And it was very technical. I did the 18 miler and I think maybe only 6 miles was flat’ish and not super technical. It was a lot like what you’d expect to find at a Spartan race.
The average:
– The swag. No metal, which is fine by me, but it’s not the norm.
– The post-race food was not what I expected it would be. My impression was that there would be some great post-race food. Unless I missed something there was just a lot of post-race snacks and drinks, the same stuff they had at the aid station. They did have some cake at the finish line.
– The post-race beer. First, bring some local craft beer. Second, get some non-alcoholic beer for those of us who don’t drink.
Overall, I’m glad I did this race but I wouldn’t do it again. If they could plot a course that had more good views and less brutal ups and downs then it would be good. I don’t mind the ups and downs but that is a lot of effort to really have the only payoff be a single pretty waterfall. Much of the rest of the time it is like you are running through a green tunnel that feels like it’s closing in on you. I heard repeat runners talking about this course, that they liked it, and so some will really like this sort of race. Run your own race, they say.
Even if you do want to do this race it’s not really a destination or bucket list race. I drove 3 hours to get to it. If you are driving to the race the night before, the hotels are very close by. The park is easy to get to. Parking is simple. There were indoor flush toilets close to the start line. This was not a bad race, just not a great race.
Black Hills 100
Beautiful course
Black Hills 100
This was only my second 30k run. I'm from Tennessee and so the Black Hills were a bucket list place to run. The course itself isn't through the most stunning … MORE
This was only my second 30k run. I’m from Tennessee and so the Black Hills were a bucket list place to run. The course itself isn’t through the most stunning part of the Black Hills, but it is a pretty course. I would do this course again.
A shuttle was required to get to the start line of this race. The shuttle was easy to catch and the race started on a dirt road where you got off the shuttle. There were some hills but for the most part the forest was open and you just have the most beautiful place to run for a few hours.
There were port-a-jons, parking by the shuttle was easy, and the post-race food was both good and plentiful. I’d love to do this race again.
I stayed in nearby Rapid City, so I’m not sure about hotels or camping near Sturgis, but if you stayed in Sturgis you could probably walk to the start line. It would probably be a 10-15 minute walk if you were staying on that side of the town. And Sturgis is a cute little town to walk through, although a lot of the shops seemed to be tattoo places, bars, or places catering to stuff bikers will want.
Trail Rail Run
Good 30k for a first-timer
Trail Rail Run
This was my first 30k and I chose this race because it would be an easy entry into the 30k distance. It was along a gravel road and was almost … MORE
This was my first 30k and I chose this race because it would be an easy entry into the 30k distance. It was along a gravel road and was almost completely a gentle downhill grade. The host town was St. Regis and the highlight of this town was the Travel Center at the gas station. I don’t like touristy stuff but the Travel Center was pretty cool. And get a mulberry shake!
The course was okay. Although it was down, and it was a pleasant course to run with regards to scenery, it felt more technical than a gravel road should feel. It was a shuttle ride to the top of the course and that was easy enough. And there were plenty of aid stations, and I believe there were toilets at all, or almost all, aid stations. The post-race food was great and the best post-race food I’ve had in a while. But… please start offering food that vegetarians can eat. After all, part of our race fee is going toward the post-race meal. And those veggie meats are where we are going to get protein replacement… that’s not coming from fruit salad or cole slaw. I don’t think I’ve been to more than one or two races, out of more than 100, where post-race food had anything for plant-based eaters. A minor complaint though and this was a decent race and if I were in that area next time the race was held I’d likely run it again. But it’s not a destination race or a bucket list race. Still it was a fun race and I am glad I did it.
Newport Marathon & Half Marathon (OR)
Beautiful course, worth the trip
Newport Marathon & Half Marathon (OR)
This course was just very pretty. It was hilly, but the views were constant and I didn't really think about the hills very much. It isn't a fast course, or … MORE
This course was just very pretty. It was hilly, but the views were constant and I didn’t really think about the hills very much. It isn’t a fast course, or at least it wasn’t for me.
The race org was good, with a great post-race party, plenty of food and drink. Or plenty of drink, anyway. I don’t actually remember the food, except that it wasn’t vegetarian (which I am). I think it was clam chowder, or something like that. I don’t know what the hotel situation is like; we camped the night before and the weather was perfect for camping… and running.
Overall, this was a great race. I live in TN and although I did not travel to OR solely for this race (we have family there), if I could pair this race with a couple of other pretty races in that region then it would have been worth the trip just for the running. It’s not a bucket list race and I probably wouldn’t make the trip across the country just for this race unless it were a runcation and I was going to be in this part of the PNW anyway. But I’m super glad this one found its way onto my race calendar.
I would highly recommend this one. Everything from the start line through the post-race party was just really well done.
Zhongxing Xincun Half Marathon
Pretty town, the race was okay.
Zhongxing Xincun Half Marathon
The draw for this race is where it is held, as in the nearby towns and Sun Moon Lake. The course was okay, nothing special. A good course, but not … MORE
The draw for this race is where it is held, as in the nearby towns and Sun Moon Lake. The course was okay, nothing special. A good course, but not a destination course except that it is near a very pretty part of Taiwan.
The SWAG was endless. All sorts of things in the goodie bag, including a frozen chicken filet (in another TW race the SWAG bag included a bag of rice). The toilet situation was good. If you do this race you’ll likely want to take a taxi from your hotel. As I recall the parking wasn’t good and that’s why I and two other racers at my hotel got a taxi. And we all took a taxi back as well.
Overall this was a good race. I was in Taipei at the time and I’m glad I took the train / bus down to Nantou for this race but it’s not a destination race and so I’d not likely do it again, unless already in the area.
Zepro National Half Marathon
Great production / Incredible course
Zepro National Half Marathon
Races in Taiwan are nothing like those in the US, except for the actual running, of course. They have pre-race group calisthenics. Lots of SWAG, lots of festival, and the … MORE
Races in Taiwan are nothing like those in the US, except for the actual running, of course. They have pre-race group calisthenics. Lots of SWAG, lots of festival, and the aid stations have massive amounts of every kind of food you can think of. Seriously. Each of the aid stations are like the church potluck, or like the Golden Corral buffet. If you’ve only raced in the US then you are in for a treat. This race, like all TW races, was no exception.
This is at a touristy area south of Taipei. There were a lot of mountains, but the views from the top were stunning. It was really a great course.
Parking for this race wasn’t the best and I’d recommend you stay at a nearby hotel, within walking distance. I did, but the hotel owner insisted that I not walk. Instead he wanted to loan me his car so I could drive down. I was hesitant but he insisted. This is how TW’ese people are, just very friendly. I arrived early’ish and had to sort of create my own parking space. So be aware of this if you plan to drive in for this race.
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 3 (MS)
Nice course, quiet and easy.
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 3 (MS)
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren't especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty … MORE
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren’t especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty and one aid station. The aid station is stocked with more food than you can possibly eat. I had to discipline myself to not eat too much each time around! You loop around and you see the same people and wave. It’s unlike any other race or race series I’ve done before.
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 2 (AR)
Great race company!
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 2 (AR)
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren't especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty … MORE
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren’t especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty and one aid station. The aid station is stocked with more food than you can possibly eat. I had to discipline myself to not eat too much each time around! You loop around and you see the same people and wave. It’s unlike any other race or race series I’ve done before.
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 1 (LA)
Fun race community, great aid station!
Mainly Marathons Riverboat Series Day 1 (LA)
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren't especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty … MORE
I enjoy these races because of the friendly people, and the race organizers. The courses aren’t especially pretty, but they are usually in a state park. There is one port-a-potty and one aid station. The aid station is stocked with more food than you can possibly eat. I had to discipline myself to not eat too much each time around! You loop around and you see the same people and wave. It’s unlike any other race or race series I’ve done before.
Whiskey Run Huntsville
Decent race. Good parking
Whiskey Run Huntsville
This was a small race and parking was easy. The race was organized fine. Pretty standard things and they checked the boxes. The course wasn't especially pretty but it was … MORE
This was a small race and parking was easy. The race was organized fine. Pretty standard things and they checked the boxes. The course wasn’t especially pretty but it was safe and no complaints about it. I probably wouldn’t run it again but only because I live two hours away from this race. If I was local I’d certainly consider doing this one again. But it’s not one you want to travel for unless you are just going around doing all of the Whiskey Runs.
Amerihealth NJ April Fools Half Marathon & 8K
Easy course, good aid stations.
Amerihealth NJ April Fools Half Marathon & 8K
I had a nose cautery on my nose three days before this race and so I walked it. The course was easy, the scenery along the ocean (for part of … MORE
I had a nose cautery on my nose three days before this race and so I walked it. The course was easy, the scenery along the ocean (for part of the way) was nice, and the post-race food was decent. At this time of the year there weren’t that many people in AC and so it was easy to find affordable accommodation near the start line. I do not appreciate needing to pay extra to pick up the packet on the day of the race, or to arrive a day early to pick up on site. This feels like a money grab to me and I generally don’t register for that type of race.
There were port-a-poddies at most of the aid stations, as I recall. I did not drive so I don’t know about parking. Overall, a decent run. It would be nice if it was in a different city though. AC is not a great place to hang out and wander around in. I was told by multiple people not to wander off of the boardwalk after dark. I didn’t want to anyway due to my nose cautery. I walked the entire race with gauze hanging out of my nose. 🙂
Crazies Trifecta
Super fun group to run with
Crazies Trifecta
So this is a race that seems to be primarily run by members of a running club near Fort Payne or Rainesville, AL. The production rating I gave it is … MORE
So this is a race that seems to be primarily run by members of a running club near Fort Payne or Rainesville, AL. The production rating I gave it is low, and that’s the way the race organizers like it. There are no chip timers, no start and finish line… you touch a mailbox at the end of a driveway on some back rural route, to start, and then finish whenever you feel like you are close enough to the mailbox to be done. I love it! This is an out and back course that has a single aid station at the turnaround point. The race organizer, Crazy Jerry, really is a personality and it’s easy to see how he gets his name. Super nice guy.
This is a race worth doing. In the last 15 years the races he has organized have donated $450k to local charities for abused or homeless women. I think there were less than 30 people running this race and I think I probably chatted with more people pre and post race at this race than at any other single race, even those with 5,000 runners.
The course is super rural and pretty. In the first 6.5 miles I think only five or six cars passed me. Someone asked about a port-a-potty and the answer was, “There are woods everywhere! You have 13.1 miles of port-a-potty!” That may turn some readers off but that gives you an idea how rural the course is. No turns at all. Just 6.6 miles out, and 6.6 back. It is pretty hilly though.
FYI, if you do this race in Mentone, stay at the Andiamo Lodge. This is the starting and finish point for the race. You have muffins at the lodge in the morning and the pre-race meeting is on the lodge back porch. After the race eat at Seabolt’s Taco Truck or Wildflower Cafe. And the cost is $100 for the trifecta of half marathons, three days in a row. Can’t beat that.
The course was actually 13.55 on my Garmin, but the other runners measured 13.74 or 13.75 almost to a person. Probably 1,000+ feet of ascent.
Absolutely zero frills at this race. Just friendly people which, imo, is the best frill of all. I had a nice conversation with a blind runner and her guide over the first three miles. We ran / walked together until I finally took off running because my wife was waiting for me at the finish line. You don’t get that sort of fun stuff at the much larger races, which I also love doing, but this was a special race.
Run the Alamo 26.2 Marathon & 13.1 Half
Ran the Alamo but, where was the Alamo?!
Run the Alamo 26.2 Marathon & 13.1 Half
Either I ran past the Alamo and didn't see it, or we didn't run by it. I think the latter. After the race I walked to the Alamo and there … MORE
Either I ran past the Alamo and didn’t see it, or we didn’t run by it. I think the latter. After the race I walked to the Alamo and there was construction in front of the building so I think we didn’t actually run by it. Understandable and I suppose the road works will be done by 2024.
This race is worth it for San Antonio (and the Riverwalk) and for the Alamo itself. Otherwise this would not be a race I’d have wanted to do. With that said, production was great, the post-race food was awesome, volunteers, aid stations, port-a-potty location, everything… the production was very good. Most races this size have good production but this was better than most others I’ve done.
The course itself was okay. The first several miles were through downtown areas that were really a joy to run through. There were a few middle miles that were on busier roads and the scenery was nothing special. The last few miles were nice. I’d probably do this race again if I lived within a few hours drive but I wouldn’t fly out to TX from TN to do it again, as I did this time. It was probably just below a bucket list race for me and I’m glad I did it, but in retrospect it probably didn’t deserve the “near bucket list” status.
Crazy Desert Trail Race
Take my review with a grain of salt
Crazy Desert Trail Race
So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I've done … MORE
So this is my first 25k race, and only my second race west of the Mississippi. My time for this 25k was far better than any trail race I’ve done in the Appalachians, which are far more rocky and rooty than this race in San Angelo. I flew out to TX from TN for this race on Saturday, and for the Run the Alamo on Sunday. It was BY FAR the best trail run I’ve done, and that’s probably only about 20 races, but I just really enjoyed this and didn’t want it to end.
The pre-race dinner was typical (spaghetti, salad, bread, tea), and appreciated. Good food, it was hot, and there were picnic tables so you end up chatting with other runners while you eat. The dinner is at packet pickup, at the start line. Primitive camping surrounds the pavilion where you eat. I did see quite a few people camping but I didn’t want to deal with the tent stuff before a race and after. My phone told me the temp was 42 at start. My car told me it was 32. In either case, it was a little cool.
Although people from that part of the country might chuckle at my raving of the scenery in this state park, but we don’t have anything like this back east. It was stunning. What a great place to run, and I’d consider flying back out again just to do this race.
The aid stations were super. They had port-a-potties at most of them and they had plenty of food and drink. There is a 100k option for this race and the courses run concurrent in places, so the food needs to be stocked for them, I suppose.
Overall this was a super race. When I went to TX my primary goal was to go for the Run the Alamo. The San Angelo race was an afterthought. The Alamo race was very much so-so and I’m glad I found this desert trail race.
Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half)
Downhill, great city to finish in.
Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half)
You'll do this race because of the finish line in a great small city and because you expect to have a good time. The scenery is nothing special, but isn't … MORE
You’ll do this race because of the finish line in a great small city and because you expect to have a good time. The scenery is nothing special, but isn’t anything to complain about either. The first four miles are rolling along a road and sidewalk and the next nine miles are along a paved greenway. This has everything you could want in a race: easy packet pickup, port-a-potties at start and aid stations, plenty of aid stations, great post-race support, and the typical medal and t-shirt at finish.
The only two things that would make this race better are both possibly beyond expectation. The first is to have the packet pickup at the high school where everyone parks. That would avoid the 4-lane hwy crossing by 2,000 runners and it would provide an indoor place to wait, particularly in case of bad weather, which we narrowly avoided this year. It would also mean a lot less walking to packet pickup. Traffic up here for an hour before the race is jammed. Plan to arrive earlier than you think you need to arrive, just to get through traffic and parked. Heaviest traffic I’ve seen for a race, even for much larger races.
The second thing is to drop the cap of runners. 1,850 for the half was a bit crowded, although I’ve certainly run races that were more crowded, so that’s a minor issue, imo.
Another reviewer mentioned bag pickup. I didn’t use this so I have no observation. I also didn’t notice the food shortage, although that could have been after I finished.
If you are a runner who clocks a sub-9 minute mile but who doesn’t typically care where you start, or who likes to start in the back of the field, this is one race where you may want to reconsider. I’ve done that in previous years at this race and it’s not easy working your way up once the trail narrows down to a greenway after mile 4. I started near the pacer whose time I expected to match and things moved pretty much my preferred speed after the first quarter mile or so. So if you start with your pacer time then you should be fine.
I drove four hours to get to this race and this is my third time. And I’ll probably be back. It’s a really nice race and a great weekend destination. This is one that the non-runner wife is happy to return to each year.
Be Caffeinated Caffeine Run
Small race, great course
Be Caffeinated Caffeine Run
This course was not pancake flat like a beach course would be, but it was close to it. It's an out and back course, partially along the Chattanooga Riverpark and … MORE
This course was not pancake flat like a beach course would be, but it was close to it. It’s an out and back course, partially along the Chattanooga Riverpark and partially on the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway. A really nice run, and a nice change from the typical HM courses that follow the Riverpark for the entire course.
This was a small race. It was 39 degrees at start, and raining until about ten minutes before start and I suppose some of those who registered didn’t actually come out to run. The 19 runners who did show up didn’t have to fight through crowds in the first mile or two as is generally the case. I’m surprised it’s so small since the race organizer does several other races and has an emailing list that he can use to advertise this race. Plus, runners can sign up on one of several online race finder sites. So I was baffled at the small size. But it was okay by me since I ended up winning my age category, which was a first! 🙂
Parking was between packet pickup and the start line. And there is plenty of parking should the race grow in size; it’s at a community college with multiple lots. Packet pickup was inside one of the CC buildings, next to a Be Caffeinated coffee shop in what I guess was a student lounge area. There were plenty of bathrooms in the building although with only 19 people they weren’t busy. The coffee cup SWAG was a nice change from the medal, but the white long sleeve cotton shirt probably won’t see the light of day for too many. It’s a decidedly unattractive garment. That’s not why most people run these races – for the shirt – but it is a missed opportunity for the race organizers for free advertising for next years’ race.
Anyway, I would run this race again since it is my town. I’d probably not drive across the country to come to this race though. But the course is pretty enough, and if you have time to spend a night in Chattanooga, it’s worth driving a few hours to come out for this one.
Eagle Ridge
Great volunteers, hard course
Eagle Ridge
This course had the best volunteers of any race I've ever done, in probably 75 races. They were super helpful, asked what we needed when we got to the aid … MORE
This course had the best volunteers of any race I’ve ever done, in probably 75 races. They were super helpful, asked what we needed when we got to the aid station, helped fill bottles, etc. The aid stations were stocked. Plenty of junk food, sports drink (not diluted with water), water, bacon, quesadillas, and even Coke. Hands down the best aid stations and the best volunteers. Full stop. Weirdly, this is in contrast to the race I did last week that was put on by the same company. That race had great aid stations but zero volunteers. Zero. On the entire course, and I and others got lost due to one turn that had unclear trail markings, apparently. That was Frozen Falls. But this Eagle Ridge race was great, in that regard.
The start/finish line was close to the state park lodge and it’s a great lodge with an amazing view over the lake from the top of the mountain. Indoor bathrooms, a fire in the huge fireplace, plenty of space for runners to sit and relax before walking out to the start line 50m away. Parking was aplenty and located between the lodge entrance and the start line.
The course scenery was ho-hum. There were a few middle miles that ran along the lake and were quite nice. There were other miles that were super technical and it was basically walking. There as maybe a half a mile somewhere in there that was through a boulder or rock field and without markers everyone would have gotten lost as the trail itself wasn’t obvious. But the trail was marked really well and you know to keep the hanging orange ribbons to your right. At the end of the few miles on the lake you take a hard left and immediately start a climb up a very steep gravel road. I mean *very* steep. It was maybe three-quarters of a mile to a mile long but no one I could see in front or behind me was running. It was all I could do to walk fast without stopping. This was maybe around mile 10 (for the half marathoners) and so you are already tired. Once you reach the top you take a left and head down a trail again, hit an aid station and then run the last mile or two to the finish line. I was so beat by that time, and tired from the climb, I ate and drank too much (M&M, quesadilla, Coke, and sports drink). I know better! But that made the last mile or two slower and less pleasant with that sloshing around in my tummy. Not a smart move, but man, I was feeling a bit hungry!
This was a hard course. Maybe the hardest I’ve done. And the payoff in scenery was not a solid ROI for the output of effort. I’m glad I did this race, but for this reason I don’t think I’d do this course again. If I did do the race again I would take the wife to the lodge for the weekend and would run the race because of the aid stations and volunteer support. I recommend this race, at least once. But it’s not an easy course. And it is short of 13 miles. My GPS said 11.54, but I typically end up with a mile short on trail runs (Garmin Fenix 5). Not sure why, but whatever. But the trail organizers did indicate that the race was somewhere in the 12+ mile range. So if you are a purist looking for a certified course this probably wouldn’t be it.
The finish line was typical. They had chili and chicken noodle soup. I am generally a plant-based eater and always a vegetarian. Plant-based options are probably a bit much to ask for but it would be nice to see more races offer vegetarian options for post race food, other than the Saltine crackers I munched on at the end of this race. No complaints though. Most races don’t have soup at all and this was a solid race in terms of food, across the board.
Frozen Falls
Beautiful course, needs volunteers
Frozen Falls
In more than 60 HM's this is maybe the prettiest trail course I've done. It's just non-stop river or lake, with multiple river crossings over swinging bridges and other log … MORE
In more than 60 HM’s this is maybe the prettiest trail course I’ve done. It’s just non-stop river or lake, with multiple river crossings over swinging bridges and other log bridges. There are very technical and hilly parts, and there are places where you run on a smooth paved trail through the wooded area, and terrain that includes everything in between those two extremes. It’s a great course. There were multiple places that I and other runners stopped along the route to take photos. By the halfway point I stopped taking photos because I figured I already had photos of similar beauty. But it was non-stop.
There were four aid stations and they are unmanned. They all had water, sports drink, and plenty of snacks, including gel. At least one of them had small cans of Coke as well. I’m not a huge use of aid station food but I did stop for about five minutes at the final aid station and enjoy the beauty while munching on a bag of Doritos and drinking a can of Coke, around mile 10. I finished 3rd in my age / gender category, which I’ve never done, ever, and if I’d known I was going to place I wouldn’t have stopped for five minutes.
I also got lost at one point and wandered around for five minutes before myself and four other lost runners finally found the trail, by sheer guess. Even then, for another mile I wasn’t certain I was on the right path. I’m sure we weren’t the only ones, and one of the runners said that this same thing happened last year when he and about 20 other runners got lost. Luckily, it was at a road, where you can go straight, left, or right, so at least we were on a road and not stuck in the woods somewhere. The only thing this race can do better is to put volunteers at some of the less obvious turnoffs later in the race after the running field has thinned out. There were zero volunteers on the course and the pre-race email said to memorize the course. That’s not normal, I thought, and I’ve always been in races where the trail was marked well… and since I’m not last or first I usually just follow the crowd. It’s never failed. But if you are running this race, take the email seriously and memorize the course.
There were indoor bathrooms in the parking area and the course passed by one, and maybe two, indoor bathrooms in the park. And I saw at least one port-a-potty. So there were plenty of places to use the restroom if you needed it.
Parking was plenty but it was about a seven or eight minute walk to the packet pickup / start line. In 19 degree temps I was not keen to walk down to pick up my packet, walk back up to my car, and then walk back down to the race. It would be nice if they’d set up packet pickup inside the visitor center next to the bathrooms. It would, of course, require the visitor center to open a bit early, but it might also bring them a bit of additional business in selling shirts, hats, or whatever.
This race is about 1.5 hour drive from my house and I’d say it’s easily worth a two hour drive, although I might stay in the lodge next time, and there will be a next time for me. I loved this race. If not for the lack of volunteers and the all the cold weather walking required pre-race, this would easily be a five-star race.
The SWAG is typical. The shirt was long sleeve and not tech, which is fine by me. The finisher bling was wood, which is what this race company does. I do wish races would branch out of the typical shirt and start providing visors, race hats, beanie hats for cold weather, or decent runners gloves. The gloves would have been welcome among the runners. I chatted with one lady who said she couldn’t open her aid station gel because her hands were numb. I mean, that’s on her for not having gloves in 19 degree weather, but still, the gloves would have been a great addition. No complaints though. This is a solid race!
Asheville Hot Chocolate Races
Nice course, bring more hot chocolate
Asheville Hot Chocolate Races
This was a well-organized course. My hometown is Asheville and I wanted to go back to visit family, and so I stayed outside of town. But there is at least … MORE
This was a well-organized course. My hometown is Asheville and I wanted to go back to visit family, and so I stayed outside of town. But there is at least one hotel, maybe two, within easy walking distance of the start line. The parking was about a ten minute walk from the start but it was mapped out on the website clearly and so no issues parking.
The weather was cold, which is expected in January in WNC, but the staging area pre-start is at a school and it was nice, for a change, to be able to hang out in the warmth until a moment or two before the race started.
The course was pretty once it got to the river, and along River Rd., and you go by the old Asheville Speedway, and to the end of the riverwalk, then back. I’d do this course again, but only if I were in town visiting family over that weekend. It’s a good race, certainly worth doing, but maybe not one you’ll drive very far to get to unless you just want to visit AVL or were going to be there anyway.
Plenty of toilets along the route, aid stations were great, and the hot chocolate at the end was also nice. And good. Not cheap powder. But I’m puzzled why the French Broad Chocolate Co. would sponsor this race and provide the hot chocolate but serve it to runners in white (what looked like) hospital pill/med cups. Seems like a whole lot of free advertising to serve cups that are a bit larger – maybe espresso cups? – and marked with the FBHC Co. name. Not a gripe, just an observation.
Nothing negative about this race. Absolutely do it if you are local or regional and looking for a nice urban course and don’t mind the cold. I think it was 29 degrees when we started. 34 or 35 when we finished. Then head over to The Hole Donut Company about 1.5 miles away for some fresh handmade donuts. Top five donuts I’ve ever eaten.
Daufuskie Island Marathon & Half Marathon
Great race, but 2023 was COLD.
Daufuskie Island Marathon & Half Marathon
So I've run a lot of races in cold weather, and this race was not particularly cold. It was in the mid-30s I believe. But... the organizers need to plan … MORE
So I’ve run a lot of races in cold weather, and this race was not particularly cold. It was in the mid-30s I believe. But… the organizers need to plan a bit better for the cold weather. You’ve got runners taking the ferry from the mainland as early as 6:30, and the half marathon (which I ran) didn’t start until 9:30. I appreciate the late start on a cold morning, actually, but runners were super cold. I stood around for well over an hour in the 38 degree weather, doing nothing. There were heaters but more than half of them were out of fuel by 8:15am. The others had limited space around them and other runners were understandably crowding in around, but there just wasn’t enough space.
Suggestions? Bring in more heaters. Make sure all have plenty of gas. Don’t just enclose the back wall of the tent, enclose the sides and part of the front, at least. And finally, have packet pickup open until the last race starts; be sure your website has the correct times for packet pickup. My race started at 9:30 but packet pickup ended – according to the website – at 7:40. Unless I clicked on another page, where it said it ended at 8:30. We stayed on the island overnight and drove a golf cart for 20 minutes to the race, so that 20 minutes at 20 mph on a cart didn’t help keep me warm.
BUT, these things above are the only complaints about this very cool (no pun intended) race! This race was awesome and I’d go back and run it again. And to be fair, this was unusually cold weather for Daufuskie… but still, there is a weather forecast to help planning.
The course was beautiful. The last two miles were so pretty, but also brutal. They were on the ocean and a biting cold strong headwind made running hard. I ran two 1:30 slower per mile in the last two miles than my average for the other miles. It was demoralizing, tbh. But that was no fault of the race orgs, it just is what it is, and I loved it. You run through a golf community, the historic area, the beach, down packed sand roads with hanging Spanish Moss, and I’ve run only a few courses that were more pretty. Out of maybe 75 races I’ve done this course was top 10.
I appreciated the pre-race cinnamon rolls, but the post-race food was ho-hum. I’m a plant-based eater and this is the ONLY race I’ve ever seen veggie burgers at the post-race meal, so kudos for that! But it was a burger on a bun, and that’s it. No tomatoes, no lettuce, onion… but maybe I expect too much? 🙂 They had chips, plenty of drinks, beer, and live music. If it had not been colder I would have stayed longer. Honestly, not much more you can ask for here.
The SWAG was decent. The duffle bag I thought I wouldn’t use was put into immediate use and is now my race bag. And it’s nice to get something other than a t-shirt. The medal was fine.
Plenty of toilets, plenty of aid stations, and the spectators were super friendly. I’d love to do this race again but I live six hours away, by car. Such a pretty place, and race. I would highly recommend this.
Mobile Marathon (fka First Light Marathon)
Great course, small group of runners.
Mobile Marathon (fka First Light Marathon)
I don't know why this race doesn't have more participation. Actually, it's probably because there isn't a great website for this race and you can't register until just a couple … MORE
I don’t know why this race doesn’t have more participation. Actually, it’s probably because there isn’t a great website for this race and you can’t register until just a couple of months prior to the race. I was worried it was going to be a flop. But it wasn’t…
This was one fun race! The course is through a lot of older neighborhoods and it is completely flat. The only complaint I would have about the course is that some of the roads were in desperate need of repair and there were a few places where I felt like I was on a trail run. But that’s a minor ding to an otherwise really wonderful race.
The race venue was downtown Mobile, where there are plenty of hotels to stay within easy walking distance to the start and finish line (not the same place), and Dauphin St. has plenty of great restaurants. Roosters, Mo’ Bay Beignets, Spot of Tea, Ruby Slippers, and more. Not a lot for plant-based eaters, but we did find options that would fit our diet.
There were porta-johns, the aid stations were aplenty – including one stop with kids handing out donut holes, and the spectators were better than most races. A lot of folks came out from their houses to wave and cheer, even the course volunteers did some cheering.
The post-race gala had a jazz band, ice cream, beer, the typical post-race food, and breakfast catered by a local restaurant. The one request I’d make of this race, and all of them, is to include some sort of plant-based protein for plant-based eaters. Find a restaurant that will do that sort of thing. A lot of runners are vegetarian or plant-based. Include chocolate milk, and soy milk. But these are requests, not complaints.
I live six hours away and won’t be driving down for this race again, but if I were within an hour or two of Mobile I’d absolutely do this race again. Worth it!
Whiskey Run Chattanooga
Pretty course / Lots of post-race food!
Whiskey Run Chattanooga
Races are all so very standard these days. You get a shirt, some bling at the finish, aid stations, and chip timing. This course has all of that (including gel … MORE
Races are all so very standard these days. You get a shirt, some bling at the finish, aid stations, and chip timing. This course has all of that (including gel and bananas at most aid stations) but where it really stands apart is the food after-party. Pizza buffet, all the donuts you can eat, and drinks.
The course itself is the riverpark, which seems to be the default course for a lot of Chattanooga races. No complaints, it’s a pretty course. But this course starts at the Wheland Foundary, which is NOT where most of the riverpark races start. This is the first time I’ve run from this end of the park. There were plenty of bathrooms, plenty of parking spots, and an easy in/out race venue for drivers.
This is one course I’ll be doing again next year.
Rocket City Marathon
Great race. May not do again!
Rocket City Marathon
I've never been a race or event organizer. I'm sure it's a heck of an undertaking, especially a race like this where you have a few thousand runners across multiple … MORE
I’ve never been a race or event organizer. I’m sure it’s a heck of an undertaking, especially a race like this where you have a few thousand runners across multiple races of different distances. This race was superbly organized, any comment about this race must be prefaced by giving credit where credit is due.
Parking. There is ample parking all around the VBC, although it was either a $5 or $10 to park. More on that later. You should have no issue parking in one of the multiple lots that surround the venue.
The event location. The Von Braun Center is a great location for a race. There are multiple bathrooms, there is plenty of room to host thousands of runners as they wait for the race to start, and if the December weather is cold, it’s nice being indoors. The Back Half course is a point-to-point race and you have to shuttle to the start line. Park at the VBC since you’ll finish here. I did not have to wait at all for the shuttle up to Univ of AL at Huntsville (UAH) and once at UAH there is an indoor student union building, or something like that, where the 800 runners can wait, use the bathroom, sit and relax, or hang outside and stretch. Kudos to the organizers for both the use of VBC and UAH for start locations. Over the 55+ half marathons I’ve run, I’ve never seen one that has such runner friendly or indoor start lines. Even the finish line at this race is inside the VBC. At the finish the volunteers handed out the medals and an emergency blanket. Most winters that would be useful. In 2022 the weather was probably in the mid-50s at finish, so most probably didn’t need them, but many took them anyway.
The course. The course is decent (I did the Back Half Marathon) and it was rolling but a net downhill, and it’s a fast course. You run through the Paul Marshall Space Center and it is here that you see runners, including me, stop to take a few pictures. That was the highlight of the course. It didn’t run through any attractive downtown space, nor was it particularly scenic otherwise. And although rolling, it was basically a downhill course. Very fast course, actually.
The aid stations. There were more aid stations on this course than I’ve ever seen on a course. They had Powerade and water at all stations. They had Gu gel at most stations, and one station had chips and M&Ms.
The post-race food. This was great. I’d like to see something other than pizza, or pizza that is vegan friendly, but pizza was only one of the several options. They had chocolate milk (but no soy chocolate milk), soda, water, bagels, oranges, bananas, PBJ sandwiches, pizza, and a few other things. Top 5 for post race food in the races I’ve done. I’m sure offering a beer ticket would please many, although I’d like to see Athletic Brewing Company set up a non-alcoholic beer table. Overall, the food was great.
The bad? Not much, to be honest. The volunteers were super. The race organizer answered my facebook message about shuttle service (they sent an email, but apparently some runners never received it) within a few hours, and there was just so much to like. The one complaint I have is cost. I get that races are expensive. I know it takes a lot to put on a good race, but the race registration was $95, which is on the high end for races in this region. Then runners had to pay an additional $20 to do race-day packet pickup. Then it was $10 to park. I can deal with the parking and the race fee, but same-day packet pickup is a money grab, imo. For that reason it’s unlikely that I’ll do this race again. But if you don’t mind the extra $20 then you should absolutely do this race. It’s not a bucket list race, but if you live in within a couple of hours drive, it’s worth the drive.
Helen Holiday Half Marathon
Great race, I go back every year
Helen Holiday Half Marathon
This is a fun race, for me anyway. Helen is a little obnoxious and I wish the town were a little less filled with tourists like me. Traffic is bad … MORE
This is a fun race, for me anyway. Helen is a little obnoxious and I wish the town were a little less filled with tourists like me. Traffic is bad and you always have to wait in line for a place to eat. But the race is held on the first weekend Helen has Christmas lights, so that’s to be expected.
The race course is always different, and always enjoyable. The climb up to Anna Ruby Falls is brutal, but SO totally worth it. I don’t know how any runner can reach the top and not stop and take pictures of the falls. It really is just stunning. Part of the run is around a lake and ine year they had an electric guitarist – Metallica style – jamming solo on the sandy beach. Another year they had a bagpiper playing on the dock of the lack. You run right by them. This year there was no surprise on the lake. They also didn’t have the post-race beer, if that’s something you’ve enjoyed in the past.
This is a fun race and it’s intended to be low competition and Sean wants everyone to enjoy themselves. It would be nice if there were more than one aid station but there are a couple of places where you pass state park bathrooms and you can pop into one of those and refill your water bottle in the sink, if needed.
The weather for this race seems to always be bad. I think I’ve run this race five times now and the first year the weather was just damn cold. Maybe in the mid-20s at start, and finish. The other years it’s either been raining and a little warmer, or not raining but cold. This year it was in high 40s and misty, drizzly, but no rain.
The course is always challenging, even though it changes every year. One thing that would be nice is if the course would go through a bit more of downtown Helen so the locals could get a sense of the race and encourage them to come out and support. Or not… it is a bit early. In previous years the course did skirt the side of Helen downtown, but this year it did not.
In any case, Sean always puts on a great race here. I’ll be back again next year. That will be my sixth red beanie hat. I guess I need to start gifting these to family at this point!
Santa Hustle Nashville
Great swag, ok course, terrible cookies
Santa Hustle Nashville
So I registered for this course because of the Christmas-y website and description. I'd have Christmas cookies at the aid stations and everyone would be dressed like Santa, or so … MORE
So I registered for this course because of the Christmas-y website and description. I’d have Christmas cookies at the aid stations and everyone would be dressed like Santa, or so I thought. The course was decent and was along a greenway the entire time, which was nice. I think this course would be nice for a spring or fall race since it is tree-lined much of the time. It was a bit more out-and-back, and then out-and-back again than I’d have preferred. Sort of like a Y-shaped course, where you start at the bottom of the Y, then run the left side of the Y, then back to the down, and then up the right side of the Y, then down again, and then back up the left side of the Y again, then finally back to the the bottom of the Y. A minor complaint, tbh. It seems the course is this way because they simply ran out of greenway at the top end of the Y segments.
The volunteers and race organizers were also friendly and helpful, which has always been my experience at the races I’ve done. When it’s 30 degrees outside and you stand there behind a table for two or three hours to hand out water or gel, you deserve a “thanks” from the runners.
The Santa hat and tech sweatshirt were also fun. Loved seeing everyone wearing the red shirt and Santa hat.
But… I would not run this race again. This is a Christmas race and is advertised as having Christmas cookies. But there were not actually any Christmas cookies. There were multiple aid stations, but only the first two had anything sweet to eat. The first station had packaged cookies. Oreos, Famous Amos, that sort of thing. The second station had M&Ms, Snickers, and other similar candy. Maybe bring in Little Debbie holiday cakes? They are more moist and I won’t choke on the crumbs. All other aid stations had only water, or water and sports drink, and I think a few had gel. My beef is, if you advertise Christmas cookies, then perhaps put actual Christmas cookies at the aid stations. The finish line food was water and more of the packaged cookies. There were bananas and trail mix as well, but no hot chocolate, or candy canes? Hey, it might be a minor thing, but these days with so many half marathons if you want to stand out as a race better than the rest, then do what it takes to stand out. And also, advertise the race accurately. I think this race has a lot of potential, and it already has a good course and great volunteers, but it does need to up its game a bit so that the actual race matches the advertising. Or keep the same race and change the way it’s advertised.
Parking was ample, and easy, and very close to the start line. There were port-a-poddies at the start line, and packet pickup was easy. This was a small race… maybe only 300 people running all distances? Anyway, there is lots to like here, but in future years please bring out the cookies and hot chocolate, or cider, or coffee, or candy canes! 🙂
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey
Love the donuts!
Chattanooga Hungry Turkey
I live in Chattanooga and initially registered for this race because it was the closest thing to a Thanksgiving Day half marathon I could run without traveling far. 2022 was … MORE
I live in Chattanooga and initially registered for this race because it was the closest thing to a Thanksgiving Day half marathon I could run without traveling far. 2022 was my second year doing this race and I enjoy this course. A lot of Chattanooga races build the riverfront park into the course, and for good reason. It’s pretty, it’s wide, and it’s car free. The aid stations were standard, the parking was plenty, and the race has everything a race should have these days. I loved the donuts at the end of the race, although it would have been nice if they’d had something hot to drink at the end as well. It is, after all, a late November race and the temps are on the cool side.
I’ll be running this one again next year. It’s really a hidden gem. There aren’t a lot of people who run it – maybe 350? – and so it’s a hassle free experience. But the race production itself is what you see at races with two or three times that number of runners. It’s not a travel-across-the-country race, but it’s certainly worthy of an hour or two drive if you are local’ish.
Secret City Half Marathon
Not a PR, not pretty, unsafe, don't run.
Secret City Half Marathon
I've run more than 50 half marathons and I don't often give a negative review. But this is perhaps the worst race I have run, and it is solely because … MORE
I’ve run more than 50 half marathons and I don’t often give a negative review. But this is perhaps the worst race I have run, and it is solely because of a) the course, and b) how the race is marketed on their website. From the website:
“The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula. Considered a great PR course! Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge. Finish your race along the water’s edge right back to the peninsula.”
I registered for this race after reading this description. I knew I wouldn’t PR because I’m not in PR running condition at the moment, but was looking forward to at least an easy and scenic course, and it was only 90 minutes drive from where I live, so not a terrible drive.
It wasn’t fast. It’s a slow course. The only people who will PR on this course are those whose first race is this race. There is no way people are getting a PR here. Here is some context: Of my 30 half marathons this year, 10 of them have been sub-two hour times. My best time this year was 1:50. My worst time this year was on a trail and I finished at 2:40. Across 30 races I have averaged 2:08, and that includes a handful of slow trail races. My time for the Secret City race was 2:09. Not a PR course. Nineteen minutes slower than my PR from earlier this year. It’s got a couple of lengthy hills, one of which is about three-quarters of a mile.
It’s not scenic. Like… except for the first two miles and the last half mile. The course itself was promising for the first couple of miles, but then turned onto a separated four lane highway, and it continued on busy roads until maybe the last half mile to mile. While the police presence was pretty good in most places, the orange cones keeping the speeding cars from hitting the runners were spaced at probably a quarter mile apart in some places. At one point on the four lane highway I crossed an exit ramp and there was no cone and no police to slow or stop traffic. The runners just had to turn around and make sure no speeding cars were going to run us down while taking the exit ramp.
I would absolutely not recommend running this race. If the entire course could be like the first few miles and the last half mile it would be great. But as is it is both unsafe and not a fast course. It is not an enjoyable course. Unless you are local and just absolutely must get a race out of the way, then look elsewhere.
The race organization itself, at the start/finish, was fine. Easy packet pickup, port-a-potties, water and snacks at the finish line, pint glasses with the swag (if you pay extra), and all the standard things. It was the course that was the problem, the rest of the race production was up to snuff.
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon
Must run
Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon
Despite having lived in the area for years, and running on the Chickamauga Battlefield a couple of times a week most months of the year, I've never run this race. … MORE
Despite having lived in the area for years, and running on the Chickamauga Battlefield a couple of times a week most months of the year, I’ve never run this race. But I finally ran it this year. The race production is good, the post-race food is great, and the course is even better. Such a pretty race and put together production. I’ll be back next year.
Run Amok
Love Awesome Sauce!
Run Amok
I love the races this race company puts on. They are local, or at least have a lot of local races. But the races are also low production and very … MORE
I love the races this race company puts on. They are local, or at least have a lot of local races. But the races are also low production and very small. This was a race weekend and all meals from Friday evening through Sunday morning were included in the race fee.
The course was pretty but the leaves on the ground made it hard to see the roots and rocks and I tripped and fell hard three times. Not the fault of the race organizers, just be aware of the hazards of this fall trail race.
I’m local to Chattanooga so it’s only a 20 minute drive for me to the race. If I lived more than an hour away I probably wouldn’t drive to this race. But it’s def a great race for locals who want a relaxed race. Oh, and the single aid station – which you pass with each loop – is probably the best aid station you’ve ever seen at a race.
Kooky Not Spooky (aka Hocus Pocus Half)
Awesome Sauce!
Kooky Not Spooky (aka Hocus Pocus Half)
AwesomeSauce is the race company. They do a lot of races that are low production but have a great aid station. Their races consist of multiple loops with a single … MORE
AwesomeSauce is the race company. They do a lot of races that are low production but have a great aid station. Their races consist of multiple loops with a single all you can eat / drink aid station that you pass multiple times. I’ve only done three or four of their races and all of them were on water. On the river in Chattanooga, or on a lake in Guntersville, Alabama. It’s just a beautiful riverpark in Chattanooga and the section of the park they use is very nice. This race is in the fall, the trees are turning and the weather was perfect. Cold’ish, but not cold. Just the right temp.
It’s a small race and people are supportive. Your name is written on the bottom of your bib and people say “Good job, Kris!” as they pass you going the other direction. There are bathrooms along the course. Heated bathrooms with flush toilets and proper sinks. If you aren’t looking for a huge race with high production, and you don’t mind running with folks who don’t care too much about winning but want to compete against themselves, this is the sort of relaxed race you will enjoy. I’m not even sure this race is timed. It might be, but I don’t know. I didn’t see a clock and there is no chip on the bib. I actually started about six or seven minutes late and timed myself. Maybe 75 or 100 people ran this race, but you have no idea who is running the 5k, the 10k, or the HM. They have a full marathon and a 100k and a 100m, I believe, but I don’t think anyone registered for those; I only saw directional markers for the 5, 10, and half.
Highly recommend if you live within an hour or so drive and like a really, really relaxed race with a great aid station and good fan support. If not, you probably have similar races near where you live, so run those instead of this one. But Awesome Sauce has a lot of races in the eastern half of the country, although many of them are in or not far from Chattanooga, TN.
7 Bridges Marathon & 4 Bridges Half Marathon
Great race, as usual.
7 Bridges Marathon & 4 Bridges Half Marathon
This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control … MORE
This is a good race. Well organized, lots of fans, great course, and plenty of aid stations. The one thing that could be better, but which is outside the control of the race directors, is parking.
I live in Chattanooga, but even if I didn’t live here this race would be one of my favorite half marathons. It’s just such a pretty place to run. Bridges, rivers, through downtown, and a start and finish in Coolidge Park. Nothing about this race to no like, and lots to like.
And what a view! The picture I uploaded is the view from the start line.
Xinwu Land of Fish and Rice Half
Beautiful course
Xinwu Land of Fish and Rice Half
This is a beautiful course, with a lot of swag at the end (at least for a runner who mostly runs in the US). I'd run this course again, but … MORE
This is a beautiful course, with a lot of swag at the end (at least for a runner who mostly runs in the US). I’d run this course again, but it was a little warm. Great aid stations with chicken, tofu, all sorts of other snacks, lots of drinks, and they had these every two miles. Lots of port-a-potties along the route as well. Just an overall great experience.
Would absolutely do this race again.
Tainan Autumn Marathon & Half
Through the countryside we go!
Tainan Autumn Marathon & Half
This course was quite pretty, and you go through rural fields with farmers out working, through parks with monuments along the way, past lakes, along rural roads, and it while … MORE
This course was quite pretty, and you go through rural fields with farmers out working, through parks with monuments along the way, past lakes, along rural roads, and it while not completely flat it is not a hard course.
I ran this race six hours after running another race in Taipei and I was really just beat and didn’t want to run. Despite my slower time, I soon forgot my tired legs because the scenery was so nice. The weather was decent as well, although by the end of the race I think it was approaching 90 degrees.
Taipei Starry Night Marathon & Half
Pretty course, along the river
Taipei Starry Night Marathon & Half
This course is entirely along the river. Beautiful course, and it was my first night race. The only downside is that it was so humid and still the hot season … MORE
This course is entirely along the river. Beautiful course, and it was my first night race. The only downside is that it was so humid and still the hot season in Taipei.
Keelung Maling Witch’s Secret Marathon & Half
One of the most beautiful courses!
Keelung Maling Witch’s Secret Marathon & Half
I've run maybe 50 half marathons and a few dozen other races. This is maybe the most beautiful courses I've ever run. To be fair, I've only run a few … MORE
I’ve run maybe 50 half marathons and a few dozen other races. This is maybe the most beautiful courses I’ve ever run. To be fair, I’ve only run a few other races outside of the US and so it is possible that the change of scenery influenced my feelings about this course. Pretty, yes, but it wasn’t easy. The first two miles were up hill. Then there were hills throughout, and it is an out and back course.
There are aid stations all along the way and this was a fun race because it is small and outside of the big city. I would absolutely recommend this race.
Dundee Running Adventure Marathon (DRAM) & Half DRAM
Okay, but fun to race in another country
Dundee Running Adventure Marathon (DRAM) & Half DRAM
This was my first non-US race and 13 miles is still 13 miles. The upside was that the weather was cooler than a July race in the US, and that … MORE
This was my first non-US race and 13 miles is still 13 miles. The upside was that the weather was cooler than a July race in the US, and that it was a HECK of a lot cheaper. Only 25 bucks. The downside (for those that care) was that there was no shirt. I have about 50 half marathon shirts in my drawer and wasn’t bothered by not having one, although if I am honest I was looking forward to sporting a Scotland half marathon race shirt. But not an issue, especially if the race is cheaper.
Parking was easy. There were a few port-a-potties, and check in was easy. About 750 people ran and it was a wider road course for the first mile or so, at which point it narrowed down to a single-track trail. It was probably a bit too soon to narrow down after only a mile with 750 runners. I’d recommend they run us around the property a bit to spread us out before sending us to the single-track.
The trail part of the course was nice, not technical. Maybe halfway into the race we started running on what I might call “technical sidewalks.” That is, not flat and smooth like a road course, but up the steps at road crossings, and down them, and the sidewalks weren’t in good condition. Pothole-y and uneven. It wasn’t on rural roads so unless they raced earlier (it was a 9:00am start) it wouldn’t be practical to close roads for the race. I don’t know the culture in the UK for closing road courses, but it would have helped.
The course profile has a significant net altitude decline. Going into the race I thought maybe it will be a fast course. My last 10 or 15 races have averaged a sub-2 hour time. My time on a course with a similar elevation profile was about 15 minutes faster, so that gives you an idea about the speed of this course. This is NOT a fast course, despite its being mostly downhill. Lots of sharp turns, technical sidewalk, and trail. I’d just come off hiking 84 miles on Hadrian’s Wall Path, so my legs could have been out of gas… but if so, I didn’t feel like it. I felt pretty normal. So if you run this, expect a slower race than the elevation profile would suggest.
The finish came in just under 13 miles according to my Garmin, so if you are a purist who cares about getting exactly 13.1, double-check the elevation profile to confirm whatever it is that you need to confirm. There was no real post-race party. There were bottles of water and that was about it. There was actually a bag with a few dry snacks, which were not something I was interested in eating right after running.
In something I’ve not seen in the US, there were a few people along the route who seemed to be operating independently of the race organizers. They had bowls of gummies; just grab while you run by. That was fun! Although it did occur to me that I’m eating opened snacks from people who could be giving me bad food. But I loved seeing these people. There were some spectators along the way who cheered, about like what a US race would have.
The bus back up to the finish line was easy enough. I think I waited only about 10 minutes for the shuttle. Although it was probably a 30 minute ride back up to the start line.
Overall, I’m glad I ran this race. I only ran this particular race because it fit into my travel schedule in the UK. I’d not likely run this race again though, but that’s not a knock against the race. The organizers communicated well, they provided a solid, no frills race. And it was cheap. And it was a nice finish line along the River Tay, just at the mouth out to the North Sea. But only the last mile was flat like this, and pretty.
Town and Country Half Marathon
Good local race
Town and Country Half Marathon
If I were local, I'd run this race again. It's a great race. Not outstanding, largely because the course itself doesn't have the kind of scenery that a 5-star race … MORE
If I were local, I’d run this race again. It’s a great race. Not outstanding, largely because the course itself doesn’t have the kind of scenery that a 5-star race would require, but it’s still a pretty course in places, and the start/finish line is a great staging area. There was food and beer at the end with plenty of other snacks.
The town of Newburyport is cute and it would have been great if the course had run through a few more of the streets here, although I realize making a course come out to 13.1 means you have some limits on where you can run. Not a bucket list race, but if you are in the region, it’s worth driving an hour or two to run this one.
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
Great urban course
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
This race was on my to-do list. Not quite rising to bucket list level, but I def wanted to do this one, and I was up in NE for some … MORE
This race was on my to-do list. Not quite rising to bucket list level, but I def wanted to do this one, and I was up in NE for some other races and planned to be in Portland for this race. It did not disappoint. The course is pretty, it’s rolling but not too hard, and the scenery is just very nice. The one part of the course that I did not like was around the lake, which seems to have had a new sidewalk under construction, or something like that. There was a lot of clogging on this part of the course, which was probably in mile 2 or so, if memory serves. So the pack was not yet spread out. If they’d reconfigure the course so this was in mile 8 or 10, then it wouldn’t have been an issue, but anyone trying to have consistent splits, or do a PR on this course, would need to start in the front of the pack or would need to start well after everyone else starts. But hopefully this construction will be finished by 2023’s race.
The packet pickup, port-a-potties, post-race food, finish line, etc., everything was just superbly done. I’ve done probably 80+ races and this in easily in the top 10. Highly recommend, especially if you can stay downtown and explore a bit, and then walk to the start line in the morning. Hotels are expensive in this part of town, but it’s worth a weekend away, and bring the spouse! 🙂
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 5 (NH)
Inspirational
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 5 (NH)
The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He's … MORE
The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He’s done nearly 700 in total. Met another guy who had run 2,000 marathons. These people are nuts and super fun to chat with each day, even if briefly. And even those you don’t really chat with, you see them and they are inspirational to watch. It’s not the young elite runners, it’s the 60yo+ runners who aren’t fast but just plod along, or the mom’s pushing their kids along in the stroller day after day, or the random person whose pace just about matches yours and you keep an eye on them as they fall behind or pull ahead of you each day. These are fun races because of the people.
And of course the aid station. Singular. You hit it with each lap and it is full of more food and drink than you could possibly want.
These are usually at state parks and have pretty courses. I’m not a huge fan of the lap course half marathon, but I’ll certainly be doing more of the MM races… because of the people you meet, and the great aid station, and the race organizers are super friendly and always smile. Highly recommend, but only if you want to have fun. If you are looking for prizes or are highly competitive, this ain’t your race.
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 2 (RI)
Pretty course, weird start location.
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 2 (RI)
The best thing about this race and the race series are the people. You see the same people on multiple days, the race organizers are super friendly, and the courses … MORE
The best thing about this race and the race series are the people. You see the same people on multiple days, the race organizers are super friendly, and the courses are not hard. And, of course, it’s great for people who want to run multiple states in consecutive days. There is nothing negative about these races at all. It’s all good. The aid station is well-stocked, the port-a-potties are there for you on every loop, and you get a state medal for each race in the series you complete. The ONLY thing I can think of that would improve this race is to offer some plant-based food options. I am plant-based and so that rules out the tater tots with eggs in a cup, and the pork BBQ sliders on the aid station table. But that’s a small complaint.
This specific course is NOT flat. Another reviewer said it was “pancake flat,” or something like that. It’s not. It’s not really hilly either. It’s like running into the bottom of a bowl in the first half of the “out” leg, and then running up out of the bowl in the second half of the “out” leg. Then turn around and run back down, and back up. For eight laps (for the half marathon distance). It wasn’t steep, but it’s enough to make you slow down and walk a bit if you are an average runner like me who has run two half marathons in the previous two consecutive days. My time for the course the day immediately before this race was 30 minutes faster than on this course. And my race two days before this course was 31 minutes faster. So, day 1 = 1:54. Day 2 = 1:55. Day 3 (this course) = 2:24.
Another reviewer also mentioned that they’d had a hard time finding the start location. Mainly Marathons must have updated their website because the GPS map location there took me to exactly the right place when I was using Google Maps on my Android phone. But it is at the back of a highway rest area, which seemed a bit odd, but it wasn’t odd at all once you get there. It’s at the turnaround point of a state park greenway.
Those looking for beautiful courses with lakes and covered bridges or Kentucky blue grass, or the Rehobeth ocean front won’t be satisfied here. You have to come into this series knowing you’ll be doing loops. And I’m not an enthusiastic loop runner, but I loved this course. You are in trees for the entire course although you can see the Blackstone River off to one side on part of the loop.
If you are an aspiring 50 races in 50 states person, then this is a great series. And they have 5k, 10k, half, full, and ultra. They’ve got it all.
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 1 (CT)
Great race for an out-n-back loop
Mainly Marathons New England Series Day 1 (CT)
The best thing about this race and the race series are the people. You see the same people on multiple days, the race organizers are super friendly, and the courses … MORE
The best thing about this race and the race series are the people. You see the same people on multiple days, the race organizers are super friendly, and the courses are not hard. And, of course, it’s great for people who want to run multiple states in consecutive days. There is nothing negative about these races at all. It’s all good. The aid station is well-stocked, the port-a-potties are there for you on every loop, and you get a state medal for each race in the series you complete. The ONLY thing I can think of that would improve this race is to offer some plant-based food options. I am plant-based and so that rules out the tater tots with eggs in a cup, and the pork BBQ sliders on the aid station table. But that’s a small complaint.
This specific course is flat. There may be a noticeable three to five foot elevation drop / rise on the out / back course around the half way point. Those looking for beautiful courses with lakes and covered bridges or Kentucky blue grass, or the Rehobeth ocean front won’t be satisfied here. You have to come into this series knowing you’ll be doing loops. And I’m not an enthusiastic loop runner, but I loved this course.
If you are an aspiring 50 races in 50 states person, then this is a great series. And they have 5k, 10k, half, full, and ultra. They’ve got it all.
Covered Bridges Half Marathon
Lives up to the hype
Covered Bridges Half Marathon
This race has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. You have to register within a few minutes of the registration opening or you won't get … MORE
This race has been on my bucket list for a couple of years now. You have to register within a few minutes of the registration opening or you won’t get a spot. I didn’t, and had to go through one of the charities (which requires raising $500). Rarely do races I find on “must do” or “best of…” lists live up to the hype. This one does. It’s a pretty course, the race organization is superb, the post-race recovery snacks and drinks are varied and plentiful, and the aid stations were also good. The only thing I didn’t like about this race – and it’s something that simply cannot be changed due to the location of the start line – is having to take a shuttle up to the start. This means you have to get up an hour or two earlier than you normally would (or at least earlier than I normally would) to get to the race on time.
The course itself is very pretty. I think we only ran on one covered bridge, and maybe saw or passed two or three more. But that doesn’t take away from the quality of this race. I’ve done 40+ half marathons and this was the best one so far and it wasn’t even close.
Perhaps the best part for me personally was that I ran my second best time ever. I’d read about the beauty of this course, but don’t recall reading that it’s a PR course. There are a few rolling hills, and one short and steep hill on mile 8 (that I walked), but other than that it’s a very fast course. Although I’ve had a single race time that is faster, by four minutes, this is the only race where all of my miles were under 9 minutes. And it’s also the only race I’ve ever done where my fastest mile was my final mile.
The swag. The typical t-shirt of course, finishers medal, and also a snapback mesh trucker’s hat. Highly recommend this race. I’ll be going back.
Jump Off Rock Half Marathon & 10K
Not downhill but still a nice course
Jump Off Rock Half Marathon & 10K
First of all, the course: This race bills itself as a good PR race as "one of the fastest half marathon races in the south" and runs “downhill to downtown.” … MORE
First of all, the course: This race bills itself as a good PR race as “one of the fastest half marathon races in the south” and runs “downhill to downtown.” It says it is “sure to bring PRs.” It even provides a course elevation profile. Don’t be fooled. I went into this race expecting to run six miles “gently downhill,” as described on the website, followed by seven miles of perfectly flat course. What I actually ran was six or seven early miles that were a mix of steep but short uphills, mixed with steep downhills. This is NOT a fast race. Nor is it a slow race. You’ll likely finish in the top half of your race times, or maybe top third, but you will not PR unless it’s your only race or if all of your other courses were uphill. This was my 39h half marathon and all of my flat courses in the last 12 months have been faster than this one. And I’ve done a true gently downhill course that was much faster. My race time at a pancake-flat beach course in Delaware two weeks ago was five minutes faster than this downhill course at Jump Off rock. So if you are looking for a PR, this ain’t your race. My splits for my first two miles in the beach race in Delaware were 8:06 and 8:10. For Jump Off Rock they were 9:51 and 9:26. And those were supposedly downhill miles at Jump Off Rock. That’s a huge difference. I’m sure the elevation profile provided online is correct, but you just can’t see all the hills in a 13 mile course on a 13 inch screen. I’d give them a D+ for race course description.
With that said, I’d do this race again. It was a pretty course. I stopped to take a few pictures of the views and I rarely do that. It winds down the mountain with a lot of sharp hairpin turns, and there are places where the downhill is steep enough you are spending more energy to keep from falling down the mountain than on going fast. The second half of the course is a mix of up and down and around a lake. The second half was actually easier than the first half.
Other than Greenville, SC’s half marathon finishing in downtown Falls Park, this is maybe the best course finish that I’ve seen. This was great, and it finishes right in downtown Hendersonville, with lots of little shops around, and lots of seating for family to wait, or runners to sit and enjoy the town. They get an A- for the finish, overall. Why? The post-race food was minimal. Cereal bars and apples was all that I saw. There was a beer ticket on the bib but I didn’t see the beer tent anywhere. I’m guessing you had to actually drive over to the brewery and claim your pint at the tap room? But still, basically no complaints on this, just change how you communicate this a bit.
Parking and shuttle were simple, and I LOVED the rolling start. More races should do this and I’m not sure why more aren’t already doing it. It makes so much sense. No more fighting through the crowd at the start line to work through slow runners or get passed by faster runners. Kudos to the organizers for this. A+ on this, for sure.
The one thing that this race needs to improve on is communication and packet logistics. More and more races are moving to a no-race-day-packet-pickup, and I’m now at the point where I will not do a race that adopts this. I’m not going to stay in a hotel the night before and take extra time off of work to pick up a packet, and I don’t want to pay $10 or $30 more to have it mailed. Set up a table and let people pick up their packets on race morning. It’s not hard, just do it. Races are already expensive enough. So I got to the start line without a bib and was assigned one at the start line. I was actually prepare to just run the race without an official time since I drove 4.5 hours to come to the race.
The thing is that I didn’t even remember that the bib was not available for pickup on race day. I registered a couple of months ago and must have missed this in the registration. I think I got a total of two emails from the race organizers, one confirming registration and one in race week with some race info. I’ve run enough of these to know what to look for, but also enough to probably be more careless in taking time to look through the packet thoroughly. So I did miss this, but race communication could have been more frequent, so I’d give the organizers a C- or D+ on communication. And an F on having no race day packet pickup.
They had port-a-potties on the course, and at the shuttle. They had water and gatorade at all aid stations.
Overall, having run this race once, I’d run it again as long as they had race day packet pickup. If not, I won’t run it again. I am not coming in a day early and don’t want to pay the extra $10 to have it mailed. It’s not the money for me, but for some it is about the money. It’s a position of principal to support those who want to run organized races but cannot afford the ever increasing cost that these things cost. And I’m going to continue to complain about it. But if you don’t mind that, then this is a pretty course, has a good finish, is well-supported, and you’ll enjoy it.
Final thought. If you are a purist, looking for a course that is exactly 13.1 miles, then do some research before registering for this. I’m not a purist and I don’t care if it’s a bit short or long, so I don’t know if it’s a certified course, but my Garmin Fenix registered 12.75 miles.
Greenbrier Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
Great post race food? No!
Greenbrier Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
This was my 38th half marathon and I had high expectations going to this race. It's at the Greenbrier, which I'd never been to but had wanted to visit for … MORE
This was my 38th half marathon and I had high expectations going to this race. It’s at the Greenbrier, which I’d never been to but had wanted to visit for years. I wanted to like it, and I expected to like it. But unless you have that same childhood dream and a lot of money to burn, don’t stay at the Greenbrier Hotel. This is a 5-star resort with a 3-star hotel sitting on the resort grounds. I won’t detail all of that, except to suggest you save your money and stay somewhere else. Maybe in Lewisburg, 10 minutes down the road. Although I will admit that the convenience of walking from my room to the start line was nice. That comment is not a reflection on the race at all. Just a suggestion to save your money if you do the race.
The race was all along the Greenbrier golf courses and on a few roads behind houses that faced the golf courses. It was a really pretty run. Because it was on the golf course there were bathrooms at some of the holes, either at the tee-off or at the greens. This was a nice feature; most races I’ve done don’t have bathrooms along the course. And there were plenty of aid stations, stocked with water and sports drink. I don’t recall seeing any energy gel or other snacks. That’s not a complaint, but it is becoming less common these days to see aid stations without some sort of gel. I had my own and that’s not a complaint, but you should bring your own if you need it.
This race was not super crowded – 222 runners according to results page – but the paved path we were on was only wide enough for a golf cart, so maybe four to five feet wide? Not really wide enough for a few hundred runners to get off on a running start and not be running in the grass trying to pass other runners. I would *highly* recommend starting this race in waves set a minute apart, or even 30 seconds. I actually got to the start line about three minutes late and caught up with the tail end of the pack within about half a mile and had to run in the grass to get by some of them. I wasn’t running to win (I finished in 2:05.12, or 63rd out of 222, for context), but I also like to get my pace set early in the race and keep it, when possible. This wasn’t possible with this course, both because of the narrow course and because of the hills. And, if you are looking for a PR course, this isn’t going to be it; there are a lot of switchbacks, sharp turns, u-turns, etc., that prevent you from really knocking out these miles in record times. Most people are doing this race for fun though and I don’t think I saw any elite level runners.
The course was hilly although not excessively so. Most miles had a couple of hills, and this was especially true in the second half of the course. The last mile was mostly uphill until maybe .25 of a mile to the finish line, at which point if was either flat or downhill. And it was a downhill finish which was nice.
Now to the post-race party. Sigh… a great disappointment. I kept hearing about the post-race party and food. I read reviews that said it was the best food they’d eaten, it was epic, etc. It might have been in prior years but in 2022 it was NOT. Each runner has a post-race party ticket automatically, but if you want to bring a spouse or SO, the cost is sixty bucks a ticket, or $64.95 after online processing fees, taxes, or whatever. For that cost I was expecting a darn good brunch. I did question the champagne and beer part of it though. First, I don’t know (or see) too many (any?) runners who are ready to pound down pint after pint of beer (or glass after glass of champagne) after running 13 miles. Second, who wants to drink a bunch of alcohol at 8:45 or 9:00 in the morning?!
The food itself? The food, quite honestly, was horrible. I bought my wife a brunch ticket for the brunch based partially on the description on the race website of what would be on the menu, and partially based on my own expectations of what a hotel like the Greenbrier should offer. What I got was a fruit platter, mediocre bread pudding, watery scrambled eggs, store-bought croissants and cinnamon rolls (that were honestly not worth a second bite), orange juice out of a jug from the store down the road. They also had Oikos Greek yogurt, which was fine. But for $65 bucks I’d like to have that yogurt hand churned on site! They did have coffee and alcohol, neither of which I had so I cannot comment on either. This was not a brunch I would have paid $10 for if I’d known what it was before I bought it. Honestly, I do not understand how the Greenbrier can serve – with a straight face when they take your 65 bucks – a brunch that is not even on par with what I’d get from a school cafeteria or a sack lunch for a school trip.
With that said, if I’d not bought my wife the $65 brunch ticket I would have felt like it was an okay (but not great) post-race meal. It was low in quality, but high in quantity. The variety of food was only so-so. I think they had only two hot foods, plus the fruit, plus the croissants and cinnamon rolls. There was no meat or protein – other than the yogurt, and there was nothing for vegans. So basically, you’d be happy with this if you are vegetarian, but not vegan. I am vegetarian, so I’ve no complaints about the no-meat selection, but for $60 at least have some veggie meats, have some hash browns, some grits, have some actual food. So unless you have money to burn, don’t buy an extra ticket. Oh, and they had self-serve take-away containers, so I could have taken my wife a full breakfast buffet for free, and we could have eaten together poolside, just a few steps from where the food was served, and where she didn’t need a ticket.
I really only dwell on this brunch so much because there is SO much in the reviews about how great it is, and because the race website really pushes it. It’s not worth it. Period. Maybe in years before 2022, but not in 2022. Perhaps they’ll make improvements next year.
I drove six hours to get to this race and the drive up from Chattanooga was so pretty. If you explore the area there are a few local breweries, places that make local maple syrup and hard cider, and some great local diners. Absolutely worth some exploring if you have time. And the Greenbrier grounds are stunning, actually. Worth walking around here for a few hours as well. Before we arrived at Greenbrier we were thinking that this could be an annual race. It still could be, but if it was we would A) not stay at the Greenbrier, B) not get the extra brunch ticket, and C) would want to start at the very front of the race pack, or (as I did this time) a few minutes after everyone else has started.
Coastal Delaware Running Festival
Best race ever!
Coastal Delaware Running Festival
I've raced in maybe 40+ half marathons and this is by far the best race I've done. I did this because it fit my calendar and I needed to knock … MORE
I’ve raced in maybe 40+ half marathons and this is by far the best race I’ve done. I did this because it fit my calendar and I needed to knock Delaware out on my state list.
Parking is easy and there is plenty of it. Port-a-potties are plentiful both at the start line and on the course. I didn’t stay locally but it looked like there were hotels within easy walking distance of the start line.
The swag is sweet. The standard metal and shirt, of course, but also a pint glass and a cool hat. Great stuff, all around.
The course itself was great. There are a few minor hills, if they can be called that. After all, you are on the beach. You start and finish on the boardwalk right next to the sand / beach. It’s a beautiful course, with marsh or beach views for most of it. You do run through a few neighborhoods in the early miles, but these are nicer old homes and it’s quite a nice run.
The post-race party was far better than I’ve seen anywhere except for a race in Huntsville, AL (Bridge Street Town Center Half). You have four (four!) tickets for beer after the race. Lol, I suppose they could put ten tickets on there and be safe because most runners are not too interested in drinking like a fish after a race. But there is also a pizza / salad / pasta buffet after the race. Right next to the finish line. The race start/finish is right in the middle of Rehobeth Beach shopping and food / touristy area, so you can walk around and shop or eat ice cream, or whatever, all right where you started and finished, and where you parked. I cannot imagine a better race, honestly. This is the race I never knew I needed to do.
If you like destination races, this is one to travel to. I flew in from Tennessee and I’m glad I did. It’s a race that should be appearing on online bucket lists, but which I’d not heard of until I just randomly found that it fit my free weekend schedule.
I have only two things about this race that I’d change. Shoes and price. Maybe half of the race is on packed gravel. And the paved part was on a road that could have used re-paving. This is not a complaint, but I would have worn different shoes. The website accurately describes the surface, but perhaps it could emphasize that runners should consider wearing trail shoes. I would have, and I will next time.
The second thing I’d change would be the price. It’s the most expensive race I’ve ever done. And an extra $30 for race day pickup? That may be common north of the South, but here in the South I’ve never had to pay for for same day pickup. And $30?! I understand that to run an event like this one it needs to be an expensive race, but it did seem to be a bit too much. And maybe mail the packets for a bit cheaper than $30? I drove in from north of DC, 2.5 hours away, on race morning so I couldn’t have picked up the packet any other day than race day.
Would I do this race again? Yes, but I would arrive the night before and stay at a hotel. I would wear different shoes, and I’d not forget my sunglasses and handheld collapsible water bottle. 🙂
Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon
Great race, good course, great post-race
Bridge Street Town Centre Half Marathon
2022 is my fourth time running this race and I love almost everything about this race. Parking is easy, the course is pretty flat, aid stations have Powerade, water, and … MORE
2022 is my fourth time running this race and I love almost everything about this race. Parking is easy, the course is pretty flat, aid stations have Powerade, water, and gel, LOTS of port-a-poddies, packet pickup is easy, and the post-race food is better than at any race I’ve ever been in, and I’ve done 60+ races, and 30+ half marathons. The 2022 post-race party was not as solid as in the three prior years I’ve run though, and I’m not sure why. But even at its reduced vender attendance it was still better than anything else I’ve been to. Maybe add a local brewery with a free pint (with a good non-alcoholic beer option?) as well?
The course is mostly flat but with a few small’ish hills. Nothing to really slow you down. I’m not a fast runner, and was averaging 8:30 a mile in the first 10 miles, including the two miles that had the small’ish hills. Nothing to be worried about. For context, I placed 225 out of 874, so not anywhere close to the front.
This race production is above average. The swag is average… a shirt and a finisher’s medal. No complaints at all, but it’s the standard fair (I’d like to see running gloves, running socks, a race belt, maybe a beanie, or a pint glass?). I’ve got so many shirts that my wife sent them off to the quilt maker to have a quilt made of them, and others went to the Goodwill. Runners need gear other than shirts. But again, no complaints, it’s a pretty average swag bag.
Would I do this race again? Absolutely. I’ve run it four times now and it’s a two hour drive from where I live. I love this race. With that said, it’s not a race that should be on your bucket list and I wouldn’t be doing this race if I lived in Kansas, or Michigan, or any further than a couple of hours. But it’s a super well-done local race.
Race to the Cave Half Marathon & 10K
That cave is dark!
Race to the Cave Half Marathon & 10K
This is a great course with a 1.2 mile cave finish. It probably won't be a PR due to a few hills in the second half of the course, one … MORE
This is a great course with a 1.2 mile cave finish. It probably won’t be a PR due to a few hills in the second half of the course, one of which is short but steep. This short, steep hill is at about mile 11.5, just before you head into the cavern. But boy, after running in the bright sunshine for 12 miles going into that cave is dark. And it is wet. And it’s hilly. And curvy. And there is two-way runner traffic, and it’s not super wide. But it’s all good, although the cavern part of the run is likely to be your slowest mile by a couple of minutes. Or it was for me anyway.
So there is a lot to like about this race. The aid stations are well-stocked and spaced. The course is rural, pretty, and not too hilly. The one thing they could have more of is port-a-potties at the registration area. There was a long line waiting for the six or seven jons at about five minutes before the start time. That’s really about the only thing I can suggest to make this better.
The post-race was good, maybe the coolest post-race location I’ve seen for a race – right outside the entrance to the cavern. It would have been nice to have a vegetarian option for the health-aware runner, instead of the pulled pork sandwich. And a few more food trucks offering food for sale would have been welcome. I would have bought a veggie meal if one had been on offer.
Lastly, there wasn’t much in the way of post-race gatorade or other snacks or beverages. Chocolate milk would have been great, or some orange slices or granola bars, bananas, etc.
I’d give this race four shoes out of five. I’ll be back next year, with or without chocolate milk and veggie food options.
Chattanooga Marathon
Fun race in a great town!
Chattanooga Marathon
First, if you do this race you really must come for the weekend. Find a place to stay downtown and explore the city. See a show, or a movie, just … MORE
First, if you do this race you really must come for the weekend. Find a place to stay downtown and explore the city. See a show, or a movie, just walk and find a great place to eat. Chattanooga is hard to beat for a small city.
The race itself is nice. There are a few short but steep hills but this isn’t billed as a flat and fast race so a few hills are to be expected. Aid stations are every couple of miles, the route is pretty (with the exception of a few segments), and the spectators are also great. It’s an easy race to watch as a spectator because a lot of it is downtown, so people stand on sidewalks or corners and cheer the runners on.
I love this race and I’ll be back. No real downsides to this race, and a lot of upsides.
Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half)
A great PR race
Greenville Half Marathon & 5K (fka Primsa Health Half)
This course is great. The first four miles are rolling. The next six are on a slight decline. And the remaining three are a mix of down and flat. If … MORE
This course is great. The first four miles are rolling. The next six are on a slight decline. And the remaining three are a mix of down and flat. If you don’t get a PR here then your PR is already on some other downhill race. This isn’t the sort of downhill that leaves you with sore quads for a week or two after either. It’s a very gentle, almost imperceptible, downhill. Quite a nice run, actually.
My only complaint is that this year the packet pick up and port-a-potties were about a quarter mile from the start line and there were no clear markings or signs. I understand that there would be complications with moving the packet pick up to the start line, but why not move the start line to the packet pickup, and then just have runners cross the road (after the race begins) a quarter mile sooner?
But this is a great race and that’s my only gripe. And even then, if they had sent a few emails out about this, or had signs posting where things were, it would have been okay. It probably did not help that I arrived to the start line, sans packet, only about 15 minutes before the race started. Traffic was clogged with all the runners and there were a lot of us who arrived in the nick of time because of the bad traffic. And there was even a shuttle bus that arrived at the same time as we did; presumably some of them needed packet pick up as well? Bottom line, that bit needs work. But the rest is great. I’d absolutely recommend a weekend in Greenville if you come out for this race. You’ll love it and you’ll be back.
Pettit Indoor Marathon & Half Marathon