This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. … MORE
This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. I will keep coming back to support this event. It is great they have a distance for every level and for walkers and runners alike. The course is nice, even on a hot sunny day with its plentiful shade and soft surface.
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Another good year
This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. … MORE
This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. I will keep coming back to support this event. It is great they have a distance for every level and for walkers and runners alike. The course is nice, even on a hot sunny day with its plentiful shade and soft surface.
Smalltown Race
This was my first time participating in this race. I signed up on the recommendation of 2 friends who ran it in 2017. It's a small town race, but offers … MORE
This was my first time participating in this race. I signed up on the recommendation of 2 friends who ran it in 2017. It’s a small town race, but offers 3 distances to suit any runner. The race is in its 5th year and this was the biggest yet. The half marathon boasts a course that is almost entirely downhill. There are a few small climbs, but nothing major. About 8 miles of the race is on a gravel rail trail surface and offers excellent shade. Despite a hot day, it was less intense. The last 3 miles are unshaded city streets, so that was tough but you were almost done. A neat aspect of the course is the old rail tunnel you run through. They line it with paperbag lanterns and it creates a neat experience. The tunnel is also 20-30 degrees cooler than outside temperatures so it’s a nice break.
The shuttle service was well-run before the race, parking is easy and the after party was nice with music and a free beer.
It was also neat to learn a bit of history. The course follows the path from South Fork to Johnstown of the 1889 Flood that killed more than 2,200 people. There’s a national memorial in South Fork, I’d recommend visiting to learn more.
With Johnstown being a city in poor a economic state, this was a feel good race in that you knew you were benefiting a community in need of economic activity. The race officials are very humble and thankful for the support of their race and community. I will definitely go back.