A half marathon fit in my training cycle, this seemed like a good one, and actually it turned out to be a great one. The local running club put it … MORE
A half marathon fit in my training cycle, this seemed like a good one, and actually it turned out to be a great one. The local running club put it on and had a well produced and supported distance for almost everyone – 5k, 10k, and half.
Pikeville KY is a scenic mountain town but since the race went along the river, it was a flat course, my watch had 259 ft for the half. The course was a 10k out and back, with the half marathon doing it twice and the 5k halfway. I was happy to view the scenery twice and talk with the aid station folks twice. The weather cooperated, it was a clear cooler day, gorgeous. The packet picket was smooth, indoor restrooms were available since the race started at an event center in the old downtown. Covid wave starts worked well. There were sidewalks and generous road shoulders (with light Saturday morning traffic) the whole way. Free and numerous photos. A nice medal and great quality hooded sweatshirts for the half, a nice long sleeve tshirt for the 5 and 10k’s. Beer at the end, 2 well placed and stocked water and gatoraide stations along the course, with the far one having gels. Hard to think of a nicer way to spend a Saturday morning. Pikeville is a nice place to visit, with plenty of motel and restaurant offerings even though it is tucked away in the mountains. Being the county seat and having a small college probably helped. Definitely a recommendable event and one I would not mind at all repeating. The town is also a good example of the distance between first and second place – a sign at the scenic overlook above town says that it is home to one of the world’s largest engineering feats, second only to the Panama Canal. Most people know of the Panama Canal, how many have heard of Pikeville KY? I would love it if this race changed that.
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A Hidden Gem
A half marathon fit in my training cycle, this seemed like a good one, and actually it turned out to be a great one. The local running club put it … MORE
A half marathon fit in my training cycle, this seemed like a good one, and actually it turned out to be a great one. The local running club put it on and had a well produced and supported distance for almost everyone – 5k, 10k, and half.
Pikeville KY is a scenic mountain town but since the race went along the river, it was a flat course, my watch had 259 ft for the half. The course was a 10k out and back, with the half marathon doing it twice and the 5k halfway. I was happy to view the scenery twice and talk with the aid station folks twice. The weather cooperated, it was a clear cooler day, gorgeous. The packet picket was smooth, indoor restrooms were available since the race started at an event center in the old downtown. Covid wave starts worked well. There were sidewalks and generous road shoulders (with light Saturday morning traffic) the whole way. Free and numerous photos. A nice medal and great quality hooded sweatshirts for the half, a nice long sleeve tshirt for the 5 and 10k’s. Beer at the end, 2 well placed and stocked water and gatoraide stations along the course, with the far one having gels. Hard to think of a nicer way to spend a Saturday morning. Pikeville is a nice place to visit, with plenty of motel and restaurant offerings even though it is tucked away in the mountains. Being the county seat and having a small college probably helped. Definitely a recommendable event and one I would not mind at all repeating. The town is also a good example of the distance between first and second place – a sign at the scenic overlook above town says that it is home to one of the world’s largest engineering feats, second only to the Panama Canal. Most people know of the Panama Canal, how many have heard of Pikeville KY? I would love it if this race changed that.