| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 69 | 75 | 68 | 72 | 74 |
| L (°F) | 56 | 58 | 46 | 50 | 46 |
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains MORE
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains
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Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and … MORE
Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and downs. Well-run, a water stop every mile. Friendly crowd and Helena is just a great town to visit in the summer. The lilac was in bloom and the food was fresh and healthy. Nothing like Big Sky country- the Governors Cup is worth the trip.
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-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor's Cup offers … MORE
-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor’s Cup offers a full and half marathon experience.
-The race format is a Point A to B, which is a fun format for making sure you get to see a lot of unique scenery.
-Most of the half marathon, leading up to Helena, is run on a highway service road–while this isn’t necessarily “scenic,” everything surrounding you is! So enjoy the clear sky and wooded mountain terrain.
-Since it’s a relatively small race, don’t count on purchasing last-minute items (like fueling options) at the expo/packet pickup.
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My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂 MORE
My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂
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Overall, it's a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid … MORE
Overall, it’s a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid stations, but great management, friendly volunteers, and good weather!
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Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again … MORE
Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again although for the marathon next time!
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Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half … MORE
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half marathon.
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Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the … MORE
Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the best competition and company ever.
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I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing … MORE
I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing takes you out to the start point of the Half. Running on the Interstate but the drivers had some courtesy. The best scenery was seeing the Old Man in the Mountain, probably would have had a better time if I didn’t stop for pictures and they are right about the “never-ending hill”
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Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill. Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run! MORE
Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill.
Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run!
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This was my 2nd year running the Governor's Cup 1/2 marathon and I though this year's production was better than last year's (and last year's was good overall!) Here is … MORE
This was my 2nd year running the Governor’s Cup 1/2 marathon and I though this year’s production was better than last year’s (and last year’s was good overall!)
Here is what set it apart this year:
— Race start time: Last year both the marathon and half marathon started at 6 am, so the 1/2 finishers started crossing the finish line around 7:15 am, before any spectators arrived. I remember thinking how anti-climatic the ending was due to this; this year, however, the 1/2 started at 7 am, the 10k started at 8 am, and the full stayed at 6 am, so all of the race finishers started finishing around the same time: approximately 8:30ish. There were substantially more people at the finish line this year than there was last year, and my times were within 2 minutes of each other.
— Race bags – they had them this year (instead of trash bags) and they had people managing them / helping you reunite. This is a small thing but it was a MUCH appreciated improvement!
— Volunteers: there were volunteers last year and they were great; however, this year there seemed to be WAY more volunteers with a lot of energy. It was great to see at each aid station!
— New course: though the previous course was, in my opinion, easier to run, this year’s course was more scenic and had quite a bit of shade as it winded along the bottom of a mountain. The new course was more aesthetic and made me feel more relaxed overall.
Great improvements made on an already solid run. Definitely worth running at least once!
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The good: The scenery! You start in the countryside looking at the Helena hillside and surrounding mountains. The first 9 miles are mostly downhill with the last 4 being a … MORE
The good: The scenery! You start in the countryside looking at the Helena hillside and surrounding mountains. The first 9 miles are mostly downhill with the last 4 being a steady yet easy uphill with the terrain varying from paved roads, gravel, roads, urban trails, and meandering old town streets. For me, I thoroughly enjoyed whisking through the park tunnel, running past the carousel, and meandering through the old town streets before funneling into the final stretch. That last stretch dashes past old, historic buildings while the streets are lined with cheer sections. You cross the finish line into a beautiful park where you can lay on the grass, soak up the sun, and watch others finish the race just feet away from you!
The medals, though small, were very nice and I liked the technical T-shirts as well.
There were SO many volunteers at every corner that you felt well-supported throughout the race.
Overall, the race was very well organized and just a few small changes would really turn this into a top-class race, in my opinion.
The bad: Post-race options were sparse being only water and orange/apple slices. The race bags were just thrown randomly under a tent for all to search and find their own. I searched for about 5 minutes before finding mine. A little organization would go a long ways in this department!
The ugly: Race bags! We were handed white garbage bags (e.g., Kirkland signature bulk trash bags) and were given Sharpie markers on the bus to attempt to write our bib numbers on them. It was nearly impossible to write as the bags were so thin and there were no hard surfaces that the Sharpie would poke through the bag or would catch & stretch the bag. Next time, I would just use a race bag from a previous run.
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Adequate water stops for 5K Good challenging course with hills Pretty run alongside Capital Building Great finish line in walking mall For marathoners/half marathoners the recovery food was sparse (only … MORE
Adequate water stops for 5K
Good challenging course with hills
Pretty run alongside Capital Building
Great finish line in walking mall
For marathoners/half marathoners the recovery food was sparse (only water, gatorade, and oranges)
Excellent swag bag with $1 pints at Blackfoot
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First aid station was at 5 miles vs. 3 and only had ONE portapottY so try not to have to need one. Ugh. Beyond the first aid station the others … MORE
First aid station was at 5 miles vs. 3 and only had ONE portapottY so try not to have to need one. Ugh. Beyond the first aid station the others were great. Volunteers were expert and friendly. Announcer was clear and on the ball. Loved having the coffee available at the finish.
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Thanks to the Governor's Cup race directors for ordering up such perfect weather. I'm a local and have run the 10k several times and the half marathon three times now. … MORE
Thanks to the Governor’s Cup race directors for ordering up such perfect weather. I’m a local and have run the 10k several times and the half marathon three times now. This year was by far my favorite, not only because weather was postcard-perfect but because the organizers have smoothed out some rough spots and improved the overall experience quite a bit in recent years. It really helps to have staff who know running.
Previously I didn’t think of the half marathon as being one of my favorite courses, probably because I was never well trained enough to attack the last 5 slightly uphill miles. This year was better, and the post-race awards ceremony was great if not sparsely attended, even by some of the winners. I don’t know how that could be ‘advertised’ better to encourage people to check their results and find out if they should stick around! Lots of people missed the Competitive Timing tent, tucked back where it was (although I understand why it was situated there at the finish line).
I liked the new, earlier start time and if I had run the 10k I would have much preferred the 7 am start than the previous time (was it 8:30?). However, if the marathon should get more popular, I would worry about conflicts between mid-packers and 5k runners in the narrow finish area, given the large number of small children, strollers, etc. It seemed to work out okay this year but if either race has higher participation, that could be a bit of a challenge.
A couple of suggestions (not complaints!) for race directors:
1) A lot of people like to run both the 10k and the 5k (or even the half and 5k), but these options are not offered as a package. Other races promote those options, such as Riverbank Run in Missoula and IceBreaker in Great Falls. Here, those who want to run both and be timed in both have to sign up separately, which means two shirts and two bibs and standing in line twice at packet pickup. If other races have figured out smoother ways, then…
2) The drop bag setup for the half and full is sort of… well… silly. There is no reason to include a flimsy garbage bag and a pencil; this is extra expense and just confuses people. The white drawstring bag that you provided for packets is all you need! You could print a box on it and have people write their number in that box with a big marker, provided at packet pickup (like the Missoula Marathon does). I put the unnecessary garbage bag under my sink at home, the pencil in my husband’s golf bag, and used the BCBS bag for my drop bag because it’s better and sturdier. I didn’t want to chance having a hole ripped in the flimsy garbage bag during transfer from the bus. Several people asked me “What is the garbage bag for?” Save yourselves some hassle and eliminate those.
The medals were great this year! I liked my G-shaped medal for the half; some other races have gotten really carried away with heavy, obnoxious hardware. That one was neat and petite. And the gold pans! Genius! You are doing a good job of tying Helena’s history to the event. Thanks!
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Both an amazingly scenic and technical course with lots of change of pace. Presents a formidable challenge for those runners who like to test their willpower over the last 5 … MORE
Both an amazingly scenic and technical course with lots of change of pace. Presents a formidable challenge for those runners who like to test their willpower over the last 5 miles of gradual uphill. Event organizers put on a class-act race and the community truly embraces this iconic event in the state’s Capital city. Marathon champions receive, by far, the coolest winner’s trophy (awesome gold-pan to symbolize the discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch) of any race I’ve run. This race will be on my calendar many more years to come!
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Smoothly run, beautiful views, great crowd support! The race starts out of town and runs through the west Helena valley and into town, through historic Last Chance Gulch. MORE
Smoothly run, beautiful views, great crowd support! The race starts out of town and runs through the west Helena valley and into town, through historic Last Chance Gulch.
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This was a big PR in my third marathon attempt and on my beautiful home course. It doesn't get much better than that and gave me a big boost of … MORE
This was a big PR in my third marathon attempt and on my beautiful home course. It doesn’t get much better than that and gave me a big boost of confidence for the Chicago Marathon the following fall.
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Coming back from hip surgery, I was pleased with this race. It wasn't as fast as I would have liked, but I regained some confidence and had a great time … MORE
Coming back from hip surgery, I was pleased with this race. It wasn’t as fast as I would have liked, but I regained some confidence and had a great time running with three training partners.
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I didn't run they time I had hoped for, but I still left the race satisfied and eager to do it again in 2013. The 10K course features a moderate … MORE
I didn’t run they time I had hoped for, but I still left the race satisfied and eager to do it again in 2013. The 10K course features a moderate hill at 3 miles that beat me up.
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Awesome homeTown race
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains MORE
This is a great race in an amazing small town! Highly recommend to all. Lots of great hills and smooth pavement winding around beautiful buildings and mountains
Scenic small town 10K
Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and … MORE
Start time race temperature 55 degrees and cloudy, light rain was predicted but held off. First 1/2 mile was a big hill but after that it was manageable ups and downs. Well-run, a water stop every mile. Friendly crowd and Helena is just a great town to visit in the summer. The lilac was in bloom and the food was fresh and healthy. Nothing like Big Sky country- the Governors Cup is worth the trip.
Beautiful scenery
-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor's Cup offers … MORE
-This local race gives you the chance to traverse some of the most beautiful, mountainous scenery that a road race can offer. Mostly appealing to local runners, Governor’s Cup offers a full and half marathon experience.
-The race format is a Point A to B, which is a fun format for making sure you get to see a lot of unique scenery.
-Most of the half marathon, leading up to Helena, is run on a highway service road–while this isn’t necessarily “scenic,” everything surrounding you is! So enjoy the clear sky and wooded mountain terrain.
-Since it’s a relatively small race, don’t count on purchasing last-minute items (like fueling options) at the expo/packet pickup.
Hills for days
My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂 MORE
My favorite half marathon, poised in my home town. Gorgeous view, and those hills!!! Rolling hills keep you focused forward the whole way, and Cardiac hill is no joke🙂
Great scenery!
Overall, it's a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid … MORE
Overall, it’s a great race! Prepare for hills, but the scenery is worth it! Could use a little more swag or expo opportunities, and an extra potty at the aid stations, but great management, friendly volunteers, and good weather!
Awesome race!
Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again … MORE
Awesome point to point race with beautiful scenery with a good amount of challenging hills. I was happy running through my state capital. I definitely plan to run it again although for the marathon next time!
Rolling hills 10k
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half … MORE
Thoroughly enjoyed this race. It was a well organized production. My favorite part was finishing with racers from the other races. Planning on returning this year to run the half marathon.
Great for 1st timers
Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the … MORE
Running through downtown has great views! This paired with the other runners makes this run for first timers awesome. There are so many people enjoying their runs making for the best competition and company ever.
Should have done the Full
I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing … MORE
I was quite disappointed with the Half Marathon medal. It is my least favourite medal and I should have done the Full Marathon instead. The course itself was ok, bussing takes you out to the start point of the Half. Running on the Interstate but the drivers had some courtesy. The best scenery was seeing the Old Man in the Mountain, probably would have had a better time if I didn’t stop for pictures and they are right about the “never-ending hill”
Hilly, beautiful course!
Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill. Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run! MORE
Nice course through downtown Helena, wrapping around the Capitol building. 1.4 mi uphill followed by 1.7 mi downhill.
Nice race T-shirts, lots of participants, great 5k run!
Overall, great race!
This was my 2nd year running the Governor's Cup 1/2 marathon and I though this year's production was better than last year's (and last year's was good overall!) Here is … MORE
This was my 2nd year running the Governor’s Cup 1/2 marathon and I though this year’s production was better than last year’s (and last year’s was good overall!)
Here is what set it apart this year:
— Race start time: Last year both the marathon and half marathon started at 6 am, so the 1/2 finishers started crossing the finish line around 7:15 am, before any spectators arrived. I remember thinking how anti-climatic the ending was due to this; this year, however, the 1/2 started at 7 am, the 10k started at 8 am, and the full stayed at 6 am, so all of the race finishers started finishing around the same time: approximately 8:30ish. There were substantially more people at the finish line this year than there was last year, and my times were within 2 minutes of each other.
— Race bags – they had them this year (instead of trash bags) and they had people managing them / helping you reunite. This is a small thing but it was a MUCH appreciated improvement!
— Volunteers: there were volunteers last year and they were great; however, this year there seemed to be WAY more volunteers with a lot of energy. It was great to see at each aid station!
— New course: though the previous course was, in my opinion, easier to run, this year’s course was more scenic and had quite a bit of shade as it winded along the bottom of a mountain. The new course was more aesthetic and made me feel more relaxed overall.
Great improvements made on an already solid run. Definitely worth running at least once!
Beautiful, scenic, fast course!
The good: The scenery! You start in the countryside looking at the Helena hillside and surrounding mountains. The first 9 miles are mostly downhill with the last 4 being a … MORE
The good: The scenery! You start in the countryside looking at the Helena hillside and surrounding mountains. The first 9 miles are mostly downhill with the last 4 being a steady yet easy uphill with the terrain varying from paved roads, gravel, roads, urban trails, and meandering old town streets. For me, I thoroughly enjoyed whisking through the park tunnel, running past the carousel, and meandering through the old town streets before funneling into the final stretch. That last stretch dashes past old, historic buildings while the streets are lined with cheer sections. You cross the finish line into a beautiful park where you can lay on the grass, soak up the sun, and watch others finish the race just feet away from you!
The medals, though small, were very nice and I liked the technical T-shirts as well.
There were SO many volunteers at every corner that you felt well-supported throughout the race.
Overall, the race was very well organized and just a few small changes would really turn this into a top-class race, in my opinion.
The bad: Post-race options were sparse being only water and orange/apple slices. The race bags were just thrown randomly under a tent for all to search and find their own. I searched for about 5 minutes before finding mine. A little organization would go a long ways in this department!
The ugly: Race bags! We were handed white garbage bags (e.g., Kirkland signature bulk trash bags) and were given Sharpie markers on the bus to attempt to write our bib numbers on them. It was nearly impossible to write as the bags were so thin and there were no hard surfaces that the Sharpie would poke through the bag or would catch & stretch the bag. Next time, I would just use a race bag from a previous run.
Challenging 5K with gorgeous views
Adequate water stops for 5K Good challenging course with hills Pretty run alongside Capital Building Great finish line in walking mall For marathoners/half marathoners the recovery food was sparse (only … MORE
Adequate water stops for 5K
Good challenging course with hills
Pretty run alongside Capital Building
Great finish line in walking mall
For marathoners/half marathoners the recovery food was sparse (only water, gatorade, and oranges)
Excellent swag bag with $1 pints at Blackfoot
Love the beautiful course! ++Volunteers
First aid station was at 5 miles vs. 3 and only had ONE portapottY so try not to have to need one. Ugh. Beyond the first aid station the others … MORE
First aid station was at 5 miles vs. 3 and only had ONE portapottY so try not to have to need one. Ugh. Beyond the first aid station the others were great. Volunteers were expert and friendly. Announcer was clear and on the ball. Loved having the coffee available at the finish.
Event improves each year
Thanks to the Governor's Cup race directors for ordering up such perfect weather. I'm a local and have run the 10k several times and the half marathon three times now. … MORE
Thanks to the Governor’s Cup race directors for ordering up such perfect weather. I’m a local and have run the 10k several times and the half marathon three times now. This year was by far my favorite, not only because weather was postcard-perfect but because the organizers have smoothed out some rough spots and improved the overall experience quite a bit in recent years. It really helps to have staff who know running.
Previously I didn’t think of the half marathon as being one of my favorite courses, probably because I was never well trained enough to attack the last 5 slightly uphill miles. This year was better, and the post-race awards ceremony was great if not sparsely attended, even by some of the winners. I don’t know how that could be ‘advertised’ better to encourage people to check their results and find out if they should stick around! Lots of people missed the Competitive Timing tent, tucked back where it was (although I understand why it was situated there at the finish line).
I liked the new, earlier start time and if I had run the 10k I would have much preferred the 7 am start than the previous time (was it 8:30?). However, if the marathon should get more popular, I would worry about conflicts between mid-packers and 5k runners in the narrow finish area, given the large number of small children, strollers, etc. It seemed to work out okay this year but if either race has higher participation, that could be a bit of a challenge.
A couple of suggestions (not complaints!) for race directors:
1) A lot of people like to run both the 10k and the 5k (or even the half and 5k), but these options are not offered as a package. Other races promote those options, such as Riverbank Run in Missoula and IceBreaker in Great Falls. Here, those who want to run both and be timed in both have to sign up separately, which means two shirts and two bibs and standing in line twice at packet pickup. If other races have figured out smoother ways, then…
2) The drop bag setup for the half and full is sort of… well… silly. There is no reason to include a flimsy garbage bag and a pencil; this is extra expense and just confuses people. The white drawstring bag that you provided for packets is all you need! You could print a box on it and have people write their number in that box with a big marker, provided at packet pickup (like the Missoula Marathon does). I put the unnecessary garbage bag under my sink at home, the pencil in my husband’s golf bag, and used the BCBS bag for my drop bag because it’s better and sturdier. I didn’t want to chance having a hole ripped in the flimsy garbage bag during transfer from the bus. Several people asked me “What is the garbage bag for?” Save yourselves some hassle and eliminate those.
The medals were great this year! I liked my G-shaped medal for the half; some other races have gotten really carried away with heavy, obnoxious hardware. That one was neat and petite. And the gold pans! Genius! You are doing a good job of tying Helena’s history to the event. Thanks!
Challenging course, great event!
Both an amazingly scenic and technical course with lots of change of pace. Presents a formidable challenge for those runners who like to test their willpower over the last 5 … MORE
Both an amazingly scenic and technical course with lots of change of pace. Presents a formidable challenge for those runners who like to test their willpower over the last 5 miles of gradual uphill. Event organizers put on a class-act race and the community truly embraces this iconic event in the state’s Capital city. Marathon champions receive, by far, the coolest winner’s trophy (awesome gold-pan to symbolize the discovery of gold in Last Chance Gulch) of any race I’ve run. This race will be on my calendar many more years to come!
Gorgeous views!
Smoothly run, beautiful views, great crowd support! The race starts out of town and runs through the west Helena valley and into town, through historic Last Chance Gulch. MORE
Smoothly run, beautiful views, great crowd support! The race starts out of town and runs through the west Helena valley and into town, through historic Last Chance Gulch.
Great day in Montana
This was a big PR in my third marathon attempt and on my beautiful home course. It doesn't get much better than that and gave me a big boost of … MORE
This was a big PR in my third marathon attempt and on my beautiful home course. It doesn’t get much better than that and gave me a big boost of confidence for the Chicago Marathon the following fall.
Good under the circumstances
Coming back from hip surgery, I was pleased with this race. It wasn't as fast as I would have liked, but I regained some confidence and had a great time … MORE
Coming back from hip surgery, I was pleased with this race. It wasn’t as fast as I would have liked, but I regained some confidence and had a great time running with three training partners.
Tough but fun
I didn't run they time I had hoped for, but I still left the race satisfied and eager to do it again in 2013. The 10K course features a moderate … MORE
I didn’t run they time I had hoped for, but I still left the race satisfied and eager to do it again in 2013. The 10K course features a moderate hill at 3 miles that beat me up.