Thomas Tatarian's Staging Area

I was surprised that this is a small field of runners for the full marathon,considering it is run in conjunction with the Nebraska State Fair. I very nice long sleeve tech shirt. 1 vendor at packet pickup with the essentials, in case you forgot to bring something. I do recommend you bring everything you need for a long run (gels, nutrition, etc), as it is a packet pickup and not a runners expo. The race director was so very nice and thanked my group for traveling so far to participate in her race. Hot weather became an issue (projected race day temps reaching 94°), and all registered participants were kept up to date with informative emails and given several options if they weren’t comfortable running in the heat. The course was well staffed with happy/cheering volunteers. Plenty of water/aid stations. Lots of local residents offering water and fruit along the route. I even had a couple of people on gator carts drive up to me and offer cold water. The course was well marked, plenty of Grand Island Police directing traffic and keeping the runners safe. I highly recommend this race if you want to do a Nebraska Marathon. Plus, you get free admission to the state Fair after the race.

There is a big hill at mile 13! But that said this was a fun, very well organized race. A small expo, but pretty much any last minute items you might need for the race. Race morning was very organized, getting us on our bus ride ot to the start in Frenchville. A really nice fireworks display at the race start. Plenty of water and electrolytes on the route. Gu energy gels were available, i bring my own. Not much of an afterparty, but there are plenty of good restaurants within walking distance of the finish, and a community farmers market in the adjoining parking lot. Huckleberry products everywhere!

This was my second Revel race, i ran Big Bear in 2023. The Revel company really knows how t run an event. The logistics of moving every one to the full start, went flawlessly. Plenty of water stops along the route, gels offered too. The race start temp at the top of Mt Charleston was 22 degrees, they had propane heaters to keep us warm as we waited to start. The Expo was fun, plenty of running related vendors. The finish festival had vendors offering massages, etc. This is an event you can truly PR, unfortunately for me i was nursing a sore hamstring that killed my time.

The City of Rehoboth Beach is like something you would see on a postcard. A beautiful beachfront area loaded with small shops and restaurants, and plenty of parklands which are used for the marathon. The running surfaces included paved roads, wooden boardwalk, gravel trail, and a aluminum diamond plate type surface thru one section of the parkland. All very safe and very scenic. At one point the marathon passes thru an old military base, with restored barracks and i am sure a lot of history. The weather was cooler (in the 50’s) but with torrential rain the night before, the humidity level was very high. Plenty of water and electrolyte stations, i saw volunteers handing out Gu gels, i bring my own. Plenty of volunteers to point out the correct turns along the course, lots of medical staff if needed. The finish had a very nice buffet, and plenty of Dogfish Head beer under a large tent. Music was great, and definitely one of the better after parties i have been to.

The scenery as you run two loops around Lake Monona was excellent! The weather did not cooperate at all, Temps went into the high 80’s forcing many full marathoners to drop at at the half. Full marathoners did their best to finish upright. I know many logistics are involved, but with those temps in the forecast, an earlier start would have helped tremendously. Plenty of beer and snacks at the finish, with a live band too. Maybe add in some food trucks for runners and friends to purchase some more substantial post race food.

This is more than jus a race. It is a weekend party. The city of nashville can best be described as party central. so may restaurants and bars to visit before and after the race. The event itself is very well organized. Plenty of water stations, gels, 2 biofreeze stations. Plus plenty of local residents giving water, beer, fruit, shots to runners as they pass bye. Route definitely had more hills than most runners anticipated. It was a nice challenge

Great post race party, the local band on saturday after the 5k was absolutely outstanding. Beer, Gumbo, and Jambalaya to all the runners. Even had local beer. The location downtown offers plenty to do during your free time.

Difficult race to PR. Very crowded, sometimes you get a “funnel” effect where streets narrow and may be forced to walk it is so crowded. That said, so much fun. 26.2 miles of people cheering and partying as you run by! Do it!

From the USAF parachuters carrying the American flag, to the Junior ROTC cadets cheering you on and manning the water station, this is a very patriotic event. Plenty of refreshments after you finish, water, electrolyte drinks bananas, fruit bars, etc. Only negatives for me was very little post race party, beer truck ran out, and no music. I never like it when a race does not give a dri-fit shirt in your swag bag. But still worth it!

Well organized, very scenic course. Plenty of well stocked aid stations. One of the best after parties i have ever been too. Shiner is a small Texas town with very few hotels, if you travel in for the race you may have to stay a town or two away and drive in on race morning. Worth it!