The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He's … MORE
The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He’s done nearly 700 in total. Met another guy who had run 2,000 marathons. These people are nuts and super fun to chat with each day, even if briefly. And even those you don’t really chat with, you see them and they are inspirational to watch. It’s not the young elite runners, it’s the 60yo+ runners who aren’t fast but just plod along, or the mom’s pushing their kids along in the stroller day after day, or the random person whose pace just about matches yours and you keep an eye on them as they fall behind or pull ahead of you each day. These are fun races because of the people.
And of course the aid station. Singular. You hit it with each lap and it is full of more food and drink than you could possibly want.
These are usually at state parks and have pretty courses. I’m not a huge fan of the lap course half marathon, but I’ll certainly be doing more of the MM races… because of the people you meet, and the great aid station, and the race organizers are super friendly and always smile. Highly recommend, but only if you want to have fun. If you are looking for prizes or are highly competitive, this ain’t your race.
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Inspirational
The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He's … MORE
The great thing about the Mainly Marathon series is not the courses, but the people. I met one guy who was doing 150 ultras or marathon races in 2022. He’s done nearly 700 in total. Met another guy who had run 2,000 marathons. These people are nuts and super fun to chat with each day, even if briefly. And even those you don’t really chat with, you see them and they are inspirational to watch. It’s not the young elite runners, it’s the 60yo+ runners who aren’t fast but just plod along, or the mom’s pushing their kids along in the stroller day after day, or the random person whose pace just about matches yours and you keep an eye on them as they fall behind or pull ahead of you each day. These are fun races because of the people.
And of course the aid station. Singular. You hit it with each lap and it is full of more food and drink than you could possibly want.
These are usually at state parks and have pretty courses. I’m not a huge fan of the lap course half marathon, but I’ll certainly be doing more of the MM races… because of the people you meet, and the great aid station, and the race organizers are super friendly and always smile. Highly recommend, but only if you want to have fun. If you are looking for prizes or are highly competitive, this ain’t your race.
Scenic course, fantastic support
Course was an 8 loop course of just under 1 mile from point to point. Half on pavement, half on trail, including a bridge. A 20 foot hill adds a … MORE
Course was an 8 loop course of just under 1 mile from point to point. Half on pavement, half on trail, including a bridge. A 20 foot hill adds a little challenge to each lap.
As usual, the aid station support is fantastic, and there is always some hot food at the aid station in addition to various drinks and snacks.
race medal is in the shape of New Hampshire, with nice details, and is part of the series chain of medals.
Part of the appeal of Mainly Marathons is the people you run with, and become friends with after repeated days together on the course.
So for a fun, yet challenging way to complete your states, sign up for a multi-day series!
Day 10/11 Running Ragged Independence/NE
Mainly offers runners course that are easy for beginners and great for walkers. The general plan is an out and back that continues the number of laps necessary to finish … MORE
Mainly offers runners course that are easy for beginners and great for walkers. The general plan is an out and back that continues the number of laps necessary to finish a marathon or half generally 12 for full and 6 for half. One aid station is available every lap which means every 2 or so miles. Hot food, every kind of runner or ultra fare is there. The other really nice thing that happens is every lap you see every person. So if you want to run the race but your buddy is slow then they go slow and see you once or twice a lap. That means everyone does their own pace. It is really a social time to meet lots of new people. Come out I am usually there just ask someone who is Michael. Cheers and see you soon. Keep moving and #GetYourKicksOnRoute66
Great Out & Back + Great Food
This was my first time doing a Mainly Marathon series. I completed all 8 days of the New England series. Due to the out and back nature of this race … MORE
This was my first time doing a Mainly Marathon series. I completed all 8 days of the New England series.
Due to the out and back nature of this race series there is one giant aid station. You’re allowed to leave a few personal items and a bottle. The volunteers will keep your bottled filled with water or whatever electrolite drink they have that day. There are usually 2 hot items that are cooked on site each day and they were always super yumie! 🙂 I would totally recommend this race series.
First Half
This was a good race for a first-timer; there was no "pressure" and it was much more relaxed than a larger event. Other runners were very friendly, and the organizers … MORE
This was a good race for a first-timer; there was no “pressure” and it was much more relaxed than a larger event. Other runners were very friendly, and the organizers were amazing!