This event was the epitome of a small town race. Although the weather did not want to cooperate this year (rain, high wind gusts), you can't judge an event by … MORE
This event was the epitome of a small town race. Although the weather did not want to cooperate this year (rain, high wind gusts), you can’t judge an event by the one thing that is out of everyone’s control. That being said, it was a charming small race.
Packet Pick Up/Swag: Packet pick up was available the day before at the town Chamber of Commerce. It was easy to find, and I was in and out. They also had pick up available the morning of the race at the start/finish, and that would have been just as easy. Along with your race bib, participants received a reusable bag (the good kind that you can use for groceries and such), some local coupons/goodies and a high quality sweatshirt. The race shirt was a lot nicer that some of the race shirts offered by other, higher-priced events. I will definitely be adding this to my wardrobe rotation! All marathon finishers received a medal, and they had thoughtful and charming age group awards as well.
Start area/organization: the marathon was an out and back that started in the city park. Parking was absolutely not a problem. There were plenty of spaces available in/around the park, all within easy access to the start/finish line.
Course: This was a simple out and back course (the half marathoners were bused from the start to the marathon turn around point). The course started in the city park, so the first .3 or so miles was on asphalt until the runners hit the trail. Then it was a straight shoot on the trail the entire way: 13 miles up and 13 miles back. The trail surface was crushed granite and easy to run on. No trail shoes required. This course was about as flat as a course can be. Whether or not you like that kind of course is personal preference, but there are definitely no surprises along the way in this race.
Race Experience/Finish: Although the weather tried to be the star of the show (and not in a good way), I cannot say enough about the race volunteers/staff. Even in the middle of the pouring rain, these folks greeted us runners at each aid station with smiles and even some jokes! There were aid stations approximately every 2ish miles, and they were well stocked with water, gatorade, fruit, fig bars and I think some other snacks as well. Talk about friendly service!!
Finish: The finish area was next to an indoor park pavilion where runners could go inside to dry off/hang out. Again, for being such a small event, I was pleasantly surprised at what they had to offer. There were more post race snacks than I think the runners could eat (from memory: cheese sticks, kringle, granola bars, variety of fruit, fruit snacks and several other choices), coffee, water, beer for sale, and pizza. They had heaters going and were also offering stretching/massage tables. The race organizers really went all out to make sure participants were greeted warmly at the finish.
Overall: This is not your big city road race by any stretch of the imagination, but if you like a flat out and back course and/or if you are looking for a super-friendly, small town race, then I would check this race out. The cost of registration is nothing compared what is offered in this event. Thank you to all of the Medford volunteers who braved the weather to help us out!
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Thoughtful Small Town Event
This event was the epitome of a small town race. Although the weather did not want to cooperate this year (rain, high wind gusts), you can't judge an event by … MORE
This event was the epitome of a small town race. Although the weather did not want to cooperate this year (rain, high wind gusts), you can’t judge an event by the one thing that is out of everyone’s control. That being said, it was a charming small race.
Packet Pick Up/Swag: Packet pick up was available the day before at the town Chamber of Commerce. It was easy to find, and I was in and out. They also had pick up available the morning of the race at the start/finish, and that would have been just as easy. Along with your race bib, participants received a reusable bag (the good kind that you can use for groceries and such), some local coupons/goodies and a high quality sweatshirt. The race shirt was a lot nicer that some of the race shirts offered by other, higher-priced events. I will definitely be adding this to my wardrobe rotation! All marathon finishers received a medal, and they had thoughtful and charming age group awards as well.
Start area/organization: the marathon was an out and back that started in the city park. Parking was absolutely not a problem. There were plenty of spaces available in/around the park, all within easy access to the start/finish line.
Course: This was a simple out and back course (the half marathoners were bused from the start to the marathon turn around point). The course started in the city park, so the first .3 or so miles was on asphalt until the runners hit the trail. Then it was a straight shoot on the trail the entire way: 13 miles up and 13 miles back. The trail surface was crushed granite and easy to run on. No trail shoes required. This course was about as flat as a course can be. Whether or not you like that kind of course is personal preference, but there are definitely no surprises along the way in this race.
Race Experience/Finish: Although the weather tried to be the star of the show (and not in a good way), I cannot say enough about the race volunteers/staff. Even in the middle of the pouring rain, these folks greeted us runners at each aid station with smiles and even some jokes! There were aid stations approximately every 2ish miles, and they were well stocked with water, gatorade, fruit, fig bars and I think some other snacks as well. Talk about friendly service!!
Finish: The finish area was next to an indoor park pavilion where runners could go inside to dry off/hang out. Again, for being such a small event, I was pleasantly surprised at what they had to offer. There were more post race snacks than I think the runners could eat (from memory: cheese sticks, kringle, granola bars, variety of fruit, fruit snacks and several other choices), coffee, water, beer for sale, and pizza. They had heaters going and were also offering stretching/massage tables. The race organizers really went all out to make sure participants were greeted warmly at the finish.
Overall: This is not your big city road race by any stretch of the imagination, but if you like a flat out and back course and/or if you are looking for a super-friendly, small town race, then I would check this race out. The cost of registration is nothing compared what is offered in this event. Thank you to all of the Medford volunteers who braved the weather to help us out!
LITTLE TOWN BIG DEAL
You wanna run a small town with a BIG feel? This is a great race to do. I'm hoping the Chamber takes advantage of the exposure it received from being … MORE
You wanna run a small town with a BIG feel? This is a great race to do. I’m hoping the Chamber takes advantage of the exposure it received from being one of the few races taking place during the pandemic 2020.
The race begins at Medford Park and quickly moves off road onto the Pine line Trail. This out and back is in the midst of picturesque farmlands. If you’re looking to get away from the big city runs and spend some quiet time alone, with God and / or family and friends, there’s no better run. And I needed my run family during this run like no other time.
If you’re not familiar with my story of why I’m running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 weeks to celebrate my 50th Birthday Year, please click the link below to Dr. Loren Muirfield’s article about my plight. With this in mind, shortly after mile 9, we found ourselves in the midst of a shooting sporting event. With guns blazing, I began recording myself on my cell while looking at others reacting to the gunfire in an attempt to focus and manage my PTSD. I would learn later that a Vietnam War Veteran was affected by the gunfire. I honestly wasn’t expecting such a display of weaponry in the middle of Central Wisconsin. I thank God I made it through and past the situation.
Although I only completed the half, I made it to another milestone. This was the first time since the events of being shot at work that I was not affected with nightmares or night terrors. Running is very therapeutic. But when therapy is met with triggers of the trauma,I am only able to be extremely grateful to the LORD my God that it wasn’t worst then it could’ve been.
Well organized and supported.
The trail is slightly up hill to the turn around. A very smooth surface. I would advise thicker socks to keep the gravel out of your shoes or use gaiters. … MORE
The trail is slightly up hill to the turn around. A very smooth surface. I would advise thicker socks to keep the gravel out of your shoes or use gaiters.
Everyone I ran into or ran with had smiles on their faces. The course runs parallel to a gun range, but NO WORRIES… it’s just a big noisey.
Made me want to move to Medford.
Even in cold and rain, it's not a hard run. After the race, I sat by a crackling fire with a group of Medfor-ites for four hours, telling Ollie and … MORE
Even in cold and rain, it’s not a hard run.
After the race, I sat by a crackling fire with a group of Medfor-ites for four hours, telling Ollie and Sven jokes and meeting a bunch of my new best friends. Fun people!
I had forgotten people can be so kind and loving. Thank you, Medford. You restored this DC kid’s faith in humanity.