Mell Riley's Staging Area

This race was so well organized. Everyone was warm & friendly, the entire day had the perfect atmosphere to make a runner feel like all those miles were worth it for the memories being made. The course was wonderfully flat, ideal for a recovery ultra to reset myself after a year full of higher elevation challenges.

This race is my all time favorite. This was my 6th year running it. Packet pickup has gotten more organized over the years. The 50k organization was flawless considering it was the inaugural year. The patriotic energy from the other participants and the Marines on course is out of this world. This year was torrential rain but there were just as many spectators cheering us on as any other year. The views in D.C. on course are great. It is great to stay at a hotel in Crystal City as there are lots of hotels within walking distance of the shuttles to the start line in the morning and when you finish you are already on your hotel side, makes things a little easier. The course is congested so don’t consider this is the one to easily PR, just enjoy yourself!

This race has a great flat course for a PR. Race support is sparse on the base but the families and spectators that do come out are wonderful. The race has a patriotic atmosphere. There is a blue mile with photos of fallen heroes, it is a beautiful way to reflect on all we have to be grateful for. The post race food and refreshments (beer, etc.) are great. Packet pickup, race day parking and all logistics of the race are simple and well organized. This is a great race to add to your list if you love the military races!

This is a fun race that is well organized. Packet pickup and parking at Mitchie Stadium is a breeze. It is often cold for this race, especially being up against the river for half of the course but it is worth it for the history and scenery of the base. Course support is sparse but the families and spectators that are out are full of encouragement! The course elevation is substantial but perfect if that is what you enjoy, like I do.

This race is difficult. I have run 40 marathons (6 ultras) and this one still takes the cake. The last 10 miles of elevation and terrain of this race are the hardest. If you like a challenge this is the race to sign up for. The aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers/ local first responders were great. The year I ran it rained the whole time and it was around 37 degrees. It was rough but I prefer that to the stories of the mosquitos on course in the warmer years. There are many sections of the course that are not clearly trails, more like rock scrambles and some guesswork until you spot a course marker – so pay close attention as you go along and the tired runner’s brain sets in. Study the course map and elevation, know what you’re getting into and give it your all!

I ran the 51k and it was neat but we runners could have gotten more for our money. The volunteers and local law enforcement were great. You are definitely paying for the unique location and that’s all – the quality of things like the post race breakfast was so cheap it was inedible (pretty bad because I’m never picky and a hungry monster after 31 miles…). Running at midnight and on into the sunrise was fun. This is a quirky race experience, I ran it because I happened to be in the area. If the staff spent a little more time on the quality of the experience for runners it has the potential to be something really great.

This race is one of my favorites. It is well organized and the locals are the kindest people. The course is well monitored, the volunteers and race organizers take great care of you. The elevation is no joke, charge in and stay strong. The year I ran was July 4th, they kindly wished the American runners a Happy Independence Day before we took off. There are many great hotels to choose from to stay in at Zermatt, transportation to packet pickup and to the race start is flawless. Finishing at the high elevation is unreal, looking down into the valley to see where you came up from is an amazing feeling. This is one of the very best races!!

This was a fun experience, well organized and post race refreshments were great. The course was nice running through some historic parts of the city. There was a substantial stretch later in the race with cobblestones that felt pretty rough after a few miles but it was worth it. Finishing in the stadium was awesome, of all the races I have run the last .2 of this one really stands out in my memory.