This was my first road race, so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to run more races. The bib … MORE
This was my first road race, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to run more races.
The bib pick-up and expo was well organized with tons of vendors and free swag. I definitely felt like my registration fee was well-spent. The post-race snack bags and vendors with giveaways were also nice.
There were tons of supporters on the sidelines. Overall, nice scenery through the neighborhoods of Charlotte + NC is always so nice and sunny so the weather was great! Having “warm” bathrooms in Truist Field pre-event was a huge plus. There were plenty of aid stations, but I didn’t stop at them due to the flow. I did feel like my corral was too slow – I’m not sure if that was an error on my end because of what I put as my starting pace or if the organizers messed something up. Regardless, I had a blast and it made me want to run more races!
First Half Marathon & Road Race!
This was my first road race, so I don't have anything to compare it to. However, I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to run more races. The bib … MORE
This was my first road race, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. However, I really enjoyed it and it inspired me to run more races.
The bib pick-up and expo was well organized with tons of vendors and free swag. I definitely felt like my registration fee was well-spent. The post-race snack bags and vendors with giveaways were also nice.
There were tons of supporters on the sidelines. Overall, nice scenery through the neighborhoods of Charlotte + NC is always so nice and sunny so the weather was great! Having “warm” bathrooms in Truist Field pre-event was a huge plus. There were plenty of aid stations, but I didn’t stop at them due to the flow. I did feel like my corral was too slow – I’m not sure if that was an error on my end because of what I put as my starting pace or if the organizers messed something up. Regardless, I had a blast and it made me want to run more races!
Much Better Than I Thought!
I'm surprised the Charlotte Marathon isn't as popular as the other North Carolina marathons. I felt like tons of people came out to support us, the course scenery was nice, … MORE
I’m surprised the Charlotte Marathon isn’t as popular as the other North Carolina marathons. I felt like tons of people came out to support us, the course scenery was nice, and I had a great time at the expo.
The first half we run through the suburbs, which were also the hilliest part of the course. The second half has us run through a park for a brief period of time, to get to another section of the city + suburbs. I felt like this part was flatter. The most memorable thing for me was around mile 18 when someone in a Batman costume gave out beer!
The finishers received BBQ sandwiches, bananas, snacks, and beer! I would honestly say my least favorite part was that it was in the 30s when the race started, so it was cold.
Ehhh
Pros: Pacers, food at the finish line, free finish photos Cons: 6 hour cut off, very hilly, not clearly marked (I got turned around), police and some volunteers clearly not … MORE
Pros: Pacers, food at the finish line, free finish photos
Cons: 6 hour cut off, very hilly, not clearly marked (I got turned around), police and some volunteers clearly not interested in helping or even knowing the route
Where were the spectators?
This was my 29th Marathon and 19th State. We ran through some pretty nice neighborhoods and I’m shocked no one was out watching. Seemed like a great relay, half, full … MORE
This was my 29th Marathon and 19th State. We ran through some pretty nice neighborhoods and I’m shocked no one was out watching. Seemed like a great relay, half, full participation but lacking crowd support.
Race with a lot of potential
Charlotte is a great place to run. I’ve done this race 5 times now and I enjoy it every time. The city of Charlotte is growing and I can only … MORE
Charlotte is a great place to run. I’ve done this race 5 times now and I enjoy it every time.
The city of Charlotte is growing and I can only imagine this race will too. It has a lot of potential to be the next big thing on everyone’s running list.
More uphill than downhill
I wouldn’t recommend this race for a first timer. I trained running hills in the PNW for months and still found it difficult to maintain stamina throughout for all the … MORE
I wouldn’t recommend this race for a first timer. I trained running hills in the PNW for months and still found it difficult to maintain stamina throughout for all the hills. As if there weren’t enough, they added an extra one in mile 25. I started my watch just as I crossed the starting line and my garmin read 26.6 when I crossed the finish line. There were areas in the back half of the course that weren’t clearly marked. Can’t say I’d run this marathon again.
Bigger Challenge Than Expected
The course was more difficult than I anticipated with a lot of slow climbs that may go unnoticed if not running a marathon. The first 8-9 miles were through attractive … MORE
The course was more difficult than I anticipated with a lot of slow climbs that may go unnoticed if not running a marathon. The first 8-9 miles were through attractive residential areas, but following these initial miles I do not recall any scenery of note.
The race was well organized and easy to navigate the expo, start line, and finish line.
Great race, great town!
Charlotte is a great town. The race is well organized and the city comes out to watch runners. Hilly! and this year it was chilly and really windy! MORE
Charlotte is a great town. The race is well organized and the city comes out to watch runners. Hilly! and this year it was chilly and really windy!
Fun race
Charlotte is my hometown so I'm biased but this race was fun and had awesome fan participation all over the course! Although, mile 25 was tough!! it was a gradual … MORE
Charlotte is my hometown so I’m biased but this race was fun and had awesome fan participation all over the course! Although, mile 25 was tough!! it was a gradual up hill, so beware.
First Race in my life
AS this is my first race struggled and disappointed when all the half marthons left me... MORE
AS this is my first race struggled and disappointed when all the half marthons left me…
Charlotte is a great place to visit/run
While there weren't a ton of crowds, the entire course went through beautiful areas - no industrial parts. Smallish race (less than 1,000 runners) which is nice. MORE
While there weren’t a ton of crowds, the entire course went through beautiful areas – no industrial parts. Smallish race (less than 1,000 runners) which is nice.