Todd McIntosh's Staging Area

As a Canadian attempting to run a half in all 50 states, this race is easily accessible from Vancouver airport.
Pre-race communication was excellent, providing detailed instructions, especially around parking onsite. The race director was thoughtful and caring, speaking at length prior to the start of the race. He had concerns about the route and directional markings and wanted each runner to be clear on the route. I found the route to be straightforward and since it was out and back, there was always another runner in sight. The race director was at the turnaround and as I was refueling at the aid station, he took the time to ask me whether the route was clear. There were three well stocked aid stations on the 13.1 mile course.
The course was mostly a well maintained, wide, hard packed gravel trail. There was a shorter section of single track. I ran using road running shoes, which was fine.
The race swag was underwhelming. I paid extra for a t-shirt, it’s average. The medal small and nothing special.
Overall, this was a decent, small trail race. 173 runners finished the half.

I’m working on completing 50 states (AND the ten provinces in Canada). I’m also doing a mix of road and trail races, depending on the season. While the Half Marathon is my preferred distance, this was a 25 km trail race.
The First State Trail races are a great option for those looking for a Deleware race. The race takes place at the north end of suburban Wilmington, an easy drive from PHL airport.
Detailed communication prior to the race was excellent and greatly appreciated! The course is beautiful, gently rolling hills, occasionally next to farming fields but mostly through forests. There was plenty of rain the day before the race, but the course was in good condition and not overly slippery. Kind volunteers offered water and Gatorade at numerous aid stations.
Swag was average – at race check-in I was told that extra T-shirts would be available first come, first finish! However, they were gone when I finished. The small cowbell is a unique souvenir!

First, this is a beautiful state park! I credit the race organizers for holding this event is such a great spot. Pre-race communication was excellent, and race kit pick-up was easy, the day before, closer to Wilmington. Parking was easy.
The course: The half marathon is two laps of the course. Each lap had at least one kilometer of pavement, and about a kilometer of soft sand. I would prefer that a trail race has no pavement. The sand was not easy! As someone unfamiliar with the area, I would prefer more detail prior to the race about the race course. I find that when organizers rely on runsignup etc. exclusively to describe a race, that the description lacks details and tends to be brief.
Swag: A decent medal and a colorful winter hat, or as we refer to it in Canada, a toque!

Pre-race communication was great, letting me know all the important details. Race kit pick-up was quick, easy, and organized.
The course is generally flat, with a few nice views toward the city’s river valley. However, it is not a particularly scenic course. I was surprised that the course didn’t cross the river, or even go into the river valley. This would make for a more scenic, and perhaps more challenging route. Support during the race, with aid stations was fine.
Following the race, it was extremely difficult due to the crowds, and construction in the area, to get back into the convention centre. The entire finish line area seemed disorganized and it was almost impossible to move along the sidewalks. Swag – the T-shirt was average, not one I’ll use to run with regularly.

I’m working on completing half marathons in 50 states (plus TEN provinces of Canada). I search out trail races when possible, love the scenery and natural beauty that trail races provide.
This race is twenty odd minutes from downtown Philly, which is a bonus for an out of towner since no rental car is required. Wissahickon Valley Park is a gem of a spot! The race organizers sent excellent pre-race information. The course route is a half marathon, full marathon runners do two loops. The course has wonderful variety, plenty of hills, but nothing too strenuous. Aid stations were well situated by kind volunteers.
A positive experience all round, I’d run it again!

Over two years has past since I ran this one, but I need to throw in my two cents! This was an excellent big city race! The expo was great, spent time chatting with other freaks, especially those 50 staters! They inspired me to get going on my own journey.
The half route was a tour through Indianapolis, exceptionally flat with frequent aid stations and decent spectator support.
The swag was okay. The t-shirt low quality and unattractive. The winter hat was decent!

I’m reviewing this race six years after completing it. That being said, this is my favourite half marathon! The setting is incredible, Grand Island National Recreation area, which is a island in Lake Superior.
Getting to the island requires a short trip on a water taxi over to the island. All of this was expertly arranged by the race organizers. Following the race, it was a very short wait for a water taxi back to the mainland.
Course scenery was awesome! This is undisturbed northern Michigan wilderness! You get frequent views of Lake Superior.
Swag was excellent – quality T-shirt, medal made from local wood. Thank you, Great Lakes Endurance, for putting on a spectacular race!