The annual Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half Marathon & 5K, brought to you via Ironclad Races Inc. and title sponsor Mother Earth Brewing. Ironclad Races Inc. is a Kinston based non-profit corporation with a mission to produce sporting events in Kinston and donate all proceeds to local non-profit organizations and …
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The annual Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half Marathon & 5K, brought to you via Ironclad Races Inc. and title sponsor Mother Earth Brewing. Ironclad Races Inc. is a Kinston based non-profit corporation with a mission to produce sporting events in Kinston and donate all proceeds to local non-profit organizations and charities benefiting our community.
The half marathon course is certified with USA Track & Field (NC15015BW) and features a single loop starting outside historic Grainger Baseball Stadium, home of the Down East Wood Ducks. It will take you on a very flat, fast loop through parts of Downtown Kinston, past the CSS Neuse II Ironclad through North Kinston and finish on the first-base line inside the baseball stadium after you round home plate.
The 5K route is also certified, also finishing inside Grainger Baseball Stadium and runnng past the CSS Neuse Ironclad.
Ironclad Races in partnership with the Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half Marathon event board, local business and volunteers aim to bring runners to our community and highlight the historic and cultural beauty of Kinston. While you’re here spend time in the local shops, restaurants or pubs while you enjoy a weekend in our historic southern town.
We’re certain you’ll agree, the Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half Marathon is the most welcoming half marathon in Eastern North Carolina!
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Love this race
This race is my favorite. It is so well organized, everyone is so supportive and welcoming. The community is so engaged and the race planning team is amazing. It is … MORE
This race is my favorite. It is so well organized, everyone is so supportive and welcoming. The community is so engaged and the race planning team is amazing. It is awesome to have an opportunity like this in Eastern North Carolina.
Fantastic First Half
This was my first experience running a half marathon. Super smooth course, lots of water stops along the way, two sets of porta John's (1 around 4 miles and 1 … MORE
This was my first experience running a half marathon. Super smooth course, lots of water stops along the way, two sets of porta John’s (1 around 4 miles and 1 around 8 miles). The community really pulled together to make this event something special. People were standing in their front yards cheering us on and letting us know how much farther we had to go. There wasn’t even a chance to get lost as there were cop cars at every turn and arrows on the road to make sure we went the right way. At the end you recieve a wonderful applause (even if you didn’t bring anyone to applaud for you), a GIANT medal (seems appropriate for a giant accomplishment), and loads of free food. 10 out of 10 would recommend for any first timer or anyone who loves half marathons. I left with the best runners high!
Super fun!
Great swag, good food everyone was smiling! I ran my best 5k so far. Super fun race and I will do it again next year. Hopefully the half marathon. MORE
Great swag, good food everyone was smiling!
I ran my best 5k so far. Super fun race and I will do it again next year. Hopefully the half marathon.
Great Race Experience
This race never disappoints. They seem to have the weather perfect every year (how do they do that?) The medals and shirts are always big and loud and the after … MORE
This race never disappoints. They seem to have the weather perfect every year (how do they do that?) The medals and shirts are always big and loud and the after party is awesome with music and great food! Come join us next year as we start with a cannon and end the race on first base line of the historic Grainger Stadium!!
Worth every penny!
This year I ran the half marathon but rucked it with a 20lb weighted vest. We started at 5:30, a bit earlier than the official start time of 7:30am. I … MORE
This year I ran the half marathon but rucked it with a 20lb weighted vest. We started at 5:30, a bit earlier than the official start time of 7:30am. I was worried I would not get off course without the volunteers, but the roads were clearly and PERFECTLY marked, the arrows even showed when to turn and when to go through intersections! It was wonderful and the most beautiful way to watch the sun and sky wake up! I will definitely run again next year, not ruck it though, because I love to high five all the volunteers who graciously donate their time to this race and give wonderful encouragement to all runners!
Awesome race!
I've run a lot races from 5ks to marathons (and one ultra) and this was one of the most organized and friendliest I've ever done. I traveled with a 2 … MORE
I’ve run a lot races from 5ks to marathons (and one ultra) and this was one of the most organized and friendliest I’ve ever done. I traveled with a 2 year old, my husband, and two energetic dogs and everything went smoothly. That’s saying a LOT for the organizers 😉 easy course, great swag, party race vibe and all around cool people! I like switching up my yearly half or I’d definitely be doing this one again! I highly recommend it for anyone from first timers just looking to have fun to serious racers. I’m sure you could get a nice PR here if you trained well. I also think this would be a great race to travel to with running friends! It seemed like there was a lot to do surrounding the race, I was just somewhat limited with my travel companions haha! But HUGE THANK YOU to all of the organizers and supporters. You all did an absolutely incredible job!
Always on my Race calendar
I have a few race's that I always try to run every year, and this is one of them. I have participated in both the half marathon and 5K at … MORE
I have a few race’s that I always try to run every year, and this is one of them. I have participated in both the half marathon and 5K at this event, and have never been disappointed. It is well organized from start to finish with a fun finish inside the historic baseball stadium.
Great Race for Second Year
It's a relatively flat course. The last mile is the most challenging. Finishing inside of Grainger Stadium is unique. It's a good course for setting a PR. It's a race … MORE
It’s a relatively flat course. The last mile is the most challenging. Finishing inside of Grainger Stadium is unique. It’s a good course for setting a PR. It’s a race that I plan on continuing to race in for years to come.
OUTSTANDING ORGANIZATION
- Well marked,-the course has some sneaky little hills, mostly flat but some rolling. - Outstanding swag - The best post race food! - Nice size race. 344 Half Marathon … MORE
– Well marked,-the course has some sneaky little hills, mostly flat but some rolling.
– Outstanding swag
– The best post race food!
– Nice size race. 344 Half Marathon Finishers, but not too small.
Great Community!
From before the race until the after party, the community support is unmatched. This review is for my son who is 19 and ran the half for the third year … MORE
From before the race until the after party, the community support is unmatched. This review is for my son who is 19 and ran the half for the third year in a row. I love the support he receives as he runs from the community! It’s such a fun race and he loves it!
Top Quality Race
This was best arranged running event in eastern NC. I have done quite a few races around here and no one is close 2nd. It puts into perspective the time … MORE
This was best arranged running event in eastern NC. I have done quite a few races around here and no one is close 2nd. It puts into perspective the time and effort it takes to arrange this race. Everything from race timing, to medals, to shirts, awards, food, presentation the whole package.
Great run and community
Awesome shirt and medal, great food and beer, good communication and awesome community. I enjoyed the course and the aid stations were placed well. MORE
Awesome shirt and medal, great food and beer, good communication and awesome community. I enjoyed the course and the aid stations were placed well.
Half Marathon
The swag and atmosphere was great. Course was fun with a few hills. It was also well marked. I didn’t utilize the hydration stations, but they were spaced out well. … MORE
The swag and atmosphere was great. Course was fun with a few hills. It was also well marked. I didn’t utilize the hydration stations, but they were spaced out well. The finisher medal was huge & probably my new favorite. This was my first time running this race & all I heard was about from people who had ran before was the post race food. A few of our group are slower, back of the pack runners and a lot of the food was gone by the time we finished. Having more for next year would be my only recommendation. However, I still give the overall 5 stars and will definitely be back next year.
First Half Marathon!
Packet pick-up/pre-race party was super fun. Motor Lodge was the perfect stay. Race day was well organized and beautifully timed. Aid stations were top notch. Lots of bathrooms along the … MORE
Packet pick-up/pre-race party was super fun. Motor Lodge was the perfect stay. Race day was well organized and beautifully timed. Aid stations were top notch. Lots of bathrooms along the route. Not much elevation. Great swag! Will do this one again!!!
My first 5k and it was AWESOME!
Well organized! Great for first time experience! I was nervous about missing the turn to stsy on the 5k course but everything was well marked and no problems. Such a … MORE
Well organized! Great for first time experience! I was nervous about missing the turn to stsy on the 5k course but everything was well marked and no problems. Such a rush! Thank you!
Super fun, Kinda cold, Lots of food!
Kinston, wow! The race was great, but running through this town of once-refined, now-dilapidated properties left me wondering WTF happened here? It's an old town with A LOT of character! … MORE
Kinston, wow! The race was great, but running through this town of once-refined, now-dilapidated properties left me wondering WTF happened here? It’s an old town with A LOT of character! I’ll be back next year <3
Amazing first half marathon
I love everything about this race. It’s obvious that they spend a ton of time preparing and organizing every aspect. The volunteers were top tier. Very encouraging and motivating. The … MORE
I love everything about this race. It’s obvious that they spend a ton of time preparing and organizing every aspect. The volunteers were top tier. Very encouraging and motivating. The race atmosphere was amazing and the medal was the best I’ve received. The after race spread was the best around. The whole community buys into this race and it showed.
This is how running events should be one
This was 2nd consecutive year of running the half and it's nothing short of phenomenal. So well organized, lots of energy, so much food, awesome volunteers and uplifting. I can't … MORE
This was 2nd consecutive year of running the half and it’s nothing short of phenomenal. So well organized, lots of energy, so much food, awesome volunteers and uplifting. I can’t say enough good things about this event
Amazing Race Experience!
This race experience is a highlight for me every year. I love the small town atmosphere and how the community is involved in making this event so welcoming and friendly. … MORE
This race experience is a highlight for me every year. I love the small town atmosphere and how the community is involved in making this event so welcoming and friendly. The finish in historic Grainger Stadium is epic! As you finish in the stadium, your name is announced, everyone receives a finisher medal and have an opportunity to take photos on the field. I have done both the half marathon and 5k events and I love to see people cheering for the runners along the route. 10/10 highly recommend!
Best race I've ever done!!
Great race! Well planned! Wonderful people! Layout for the race, AWESOME! Join me, I do this one every year! FUN,FUN! I've been participating every year since the beginning & team … MORE
Great race! Well planned! Wonderful people! Layout for the race, AWESOME!
Join me, I do this one every year! FUN,FUN! I’ve been participating every year since the beginning & team gets better and better.
Great food to put the electrolytes back in your body. Staff was over the top with courtesy. Ready to answer questions & land a hand if need be
EMT was on site in needed. Plenty of water stations. Well marked run. Volunteers were in place to stop traffic.