Completed in 1958, Alabama State Route 210, aka Ross Clark Circle, was the first “ring road” in the United States, and it just happens to be the perfect distance to host a half marathon. Come “Run America’s First Circle” at the Dothan Running Festival and earn yourself a Golden Peanut …
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Completed in 1958, Alabama State Route 210, aka Ross Clark Circle, was the first “ring road” in the United States, and it just happens to be the perfect distance to host a half marathon. Come “Run America’s First Circle” at the Dothan Running Festival and earn yourself a Golden Peanut medal. Why a peanut medal? Because Dothan is the Peanut Capital of the World, and the Runner Peanut is the most popular peanut grown in the Wiregrass area.
Beginning in 2020, this race is growing into a Running Festival. Run the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon, or run both the 5K and the 10K (Dothan Double), or run all 3 races (Circle City Challenge). In addition on Saturday, we will have a HomeTown Lenders Half 4 Kids mini half marathon.
Due to the high traffic on Ross Clark Circle, the Half Marathon will have a HARD cutoff of 3 hours. Runners will be swept every 45 minutes at the 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 checkpoints. Runners need to be at mile 3.25 by 7:45 am, mile 6.5 by 8:30, mile 10 by 9:17 am, and finish by 10:00 am. There will be no exceptions. There will be a pacers for this race, including a 3 hour pacer.
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Nice half.
This is my 2nd time running this event as a pacer. The race is literally a circle with the start & finish about a 1/2 mile from each other. Adequate … MORE
This is my 2nd time running this event as a pacer. The race is literally a circle with the start & finish about a 1/2 mile from each other. Adequate water stations and the police and volunteers do a great job with traffic control. The only negative is that your right ankle may be more sore than your left, due to the cambered road in places and the constant slight right of the circle.
Otherwise, it’s rather enjoyable event. Nice medals and The RD does a great job and I hope to return to pace again next year!
Excellent production
I used to live in Dothan and have driven thousands of miles around the circle. Everything revolves around the circle. It was fun to actually run it. The weather this … MORE
I used to live in Dothan and have driven thousands of miles around the circle. Everything revolves around the circle. It was fun to actually run it.
The weather this day was extremely windy with overcast. South Alabama is usually warm and humid, and today was no exception. The circle is relatively flat with only about 240 feet of elevation gain.
The circle is a divided four lane. The outermost lane is cordoned off by a huge police presence. I was in between a couple of runners by a couple hundred yards and had my own personal escort for most of the course. 😂
There are about 200 runners. The race is run very efficiently and there were no hiccups. There were probably 7-8 water/Gatorade/pickle juice aid stations along the way. Professional Pacers were present. There is a hard cutoff of 3 hours, but this allows awards to commence promptly 3 hours after the event starts and everyone is present.
I really enjoyed running this race.
Inaugural Race!
Felt well organized. The only time I was antsy was getting parked and to the bus and then over to the race start. Some signs or direction would have been … MORE
Felt well organized. The only time I was antsy was getting parked and to the bus and then over to the race start. Some signs or direction would have been helpful. The Circle doesn’t have great scenery but it is fun to say I have run it! Dothan PD did a really great job making me feel safe. There were plenty of water stations and each had really great encouraging volunteers.
Not bad for an Inaugural Event.
I paced the 2:15 group for Beast Pacing at this event. Due to Hurricane Michael, several of the pacers (& other runner I imagine) lost their hotel reservations and had … MORE
I paced the 2:15 group for Beast Pacing at this event.
Due to Hurricane Michael, several of the pacers (& other runner I imagine) lost their hotel reservations and had to scramble at the last minute to make other arrangements. The RD was very helpful in finding us other options. I ended up booking a great AirBnb in Midland City (20 minute drive).
The race course was the Ross Clark Circle, a busy road with LOTs of businesses and big intersections. This race would NOT have happened if it weren’t for the participation of area police and city officials. The city gave us one lane (divided 4 lane road) which was enough, but I think starting the race maybe an hour earlier would have made runners feel a bit less nervous by all the cars whizzing by us. Another option would be to shut down the inside lanes completely. Logistically, this would be a lot of work, but would be beneficial if the race grows (and in order for the race to grow).
There was some confusion with packet pickup being at the finish line and not the start line. We were required to get on a bus from packet pickup to go to the start (this was great since we would have to cross the busy 4 lane road) But, logistically and for time management purposes, having packet pickup at the start line would be better for runners. (Once the race starts, pack up and move whatever is necessary to the finish.)
The race itself was not bad at all. The course has some lengthy slight inclines (it isn’t “hilly” but it is….). There were plenty of water stations and the shirt and medals were very nice.
Overall, this was a great race for it’s inaugural year. There are a few minor changes, but no complaints. I would definitely pace this event again.
Paced the 1st ever Dothan Circle Half
perfect wx conditions, small but fiesty crowd. The course was on the hiway loop around Dothan. (meh) Mostly flat, some inclines. Wouldn't call in hilly. Good crowd support, organization and … MORE
perfect wx conditions, small but fiesty crowd. The course was on the hiway loop around Dothan. (meh) Mostly flat, some inclines. Wouldn’t call in hilly. Good crowd support, organization and nice swag. Glad to have paced this race.