Lucy Olliff's Staging Area

This was my first half marathon after completing a few 10 milers. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience despite a challenging race course. For a race that has only been around for 2 years, the organizers have created a really fun event.

Pre Race: Packet pick up was at the local running shop. Super friendly volunteers. My favorite part were the very nice New Balance hoodies that every half participant received.

Race Day: I was told I needed to buy a $5 parking pass in advance only to find that the parking deck at the starting area was open and free. ??? The starting line was well placed at a brand new minor league baseball field. Cool place to take off. The course itself starts out beautiful. The first couple of miles take you through the North Augusta Greenway. The challenges come when you hit two hills around miles 5 & 6. First one is incredibly steep but over quick. The next one is about a 0.5 mile of slow ascent. Overall, it’s definitely a rolling hill course, so plan accordingly in your training. (I did not, so I was hurting afterwards).

Crowd wise, there aren’t a lot of spectators in the first couple of miles. It’s actually pretty quiet. You then run through downtown North Augusta, SC and Augusta, GA towards the end, so you have some good cheering spots in those locations.

Finish line was on the field at the local Minor league baseball team. That was a cool experience. All finishers received a beautifully designed medal and a free beer (you get to keep the nice glass cup too). Solid selections of free snacks and takeaways afterwards.

If you are in the Georgia-South Carolina area and would like to train for a fall half, I’d definitely suggest this race. It’s small, but the local running groups have organized a fun community running event that will hopefully continue to grow in the next few years. Great job Fleet Feet Augusta!