Raleigh City of Oaks Marathon & Half Marathon
Raleigh, NC
- Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
See the City of Oaks on Foot! Each course has been designed to showcase many of the focal points of the City of Raleigh, including Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh, the State Capitol Building, the Glenwood South restaurant district, Meredith College, NC State University, and the NC State University Bell … MORE
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Crappy course, but mostly well organized
This is not a good course for a marathon. The start of the race is fine, running through downtown Raleigh is neat. But around ~8.5 miles in, you turn onto … MORE
This is not a good course for a marathon. The start of the race is fine, running through downtown Raleigh is neat. But around ~8.5 miles in, you turn onto a greenway, where you will spend the next 14-15 miles. It is not a good greenway for running. There are several sharp 90 or 180 degree turns, some sharp inclines, and the whole thing is narrow, especially considering it is an out and back (so you will be running past runners going the opposite way). And that doesn’t even cover the mile of SHARP uphill around mile 22-23 (I don’t know how the elevation graph on the website was made, but it is not accurate, that incline is much sharper than what is shown). It’s just not a good course design.
Other than that, it is a fine race. Plenty of water stations with porta-potties, and helpful volunteers on the course. The finish line area needed to be better organized, as I didn’t ever see any snacks, and had to hunt for the free beer (which was michelob ultra, ugh). But because of the poor course design, I wouldn’t run it again.
Good choice for a NC marathon
We heeded the warnings about parking and arrived early. We scoped out the parking situation beforehand so we did not have any difficulties. We parked at a school and had … MORE
We heeded the warnings about parking and arrived early. We scoped out the parking situation beforehand so we did not have any difficulties. We parked at a school and had a short walk to the start/finish area. Overall it was a good race and well supported. The bike path portion of the full marathon was average but got through it and back to the street portion of the race. The race shirt and medal were both of good quality. We enjoyed visiting the Raleigh area!
Great after party
I reviewed this race last year, so I'll just add some updates this year. The organizers apparently listened to the complaints about parking, as they arranged for parking at two … MORE
I reviewed this race last year, so I’ll just add some updates this year.
The organizers apparently listened to the complaints about parking, as they arranged for parking at two nearby schools this year. They also addressed the prior complaints about awards, as this year, all age group awards are to be mailed.
The half marathon course has rolling hills, with the biggest hill between miles 5-6.
The swag this year was again a long sleeve tech shirt and medal with a spinning acorn. The free gift was a travel mug.
I stayed for the after party this year, mainly for the free beer 🙂
Hated North Hills Dr. sidewalk part.
There was a lack of race monitors from Faircloth St. to the marathon turnaround at Shelley Lake. Awful statement about the race officials caring about that some 12 miles. MORE
There was a lack of race monitors from Faircloth St. to the marathon turnaround at Shelley Lake. Awful statement about the race officials caring about that some 12 miles.
Great course and weather
Hilly course but great scenery and see a good portion of downtown Raleigh. Well supported by the community. Weather is usually pretty nice this time of year. Expo is pretty … MORE
Hilly course but great scenery and see a good portion of downtown Raleigh. Well supported by the community. Weather is usually pretty nice this time of year. Expo is pretty small. Nice medal. Paved course.
So much potential
This is a rather large event and has several distances. There’s so much potential for it but a few things that could be tweaked to make it run so much … MORE
This is a rather large event and has several distances. There’s so much potential for it but a few things that could be tweaked to make it run so much smoother. There is no parking actually in place, it’s just a free-for-all on finding a place to park in a local neighborhood. I didn’t have a problem as I got there an hour early but understand that others definitely did. The Marathon course is hilly so definitely be prepared for that. They have Gu, junk food stations, water and electrolytes. They do have pace teams but do not offer anything slower than a 5:30 a while the course cut off is six hours, I think more teams would be beneficial. There is an after party which is probably over selling it. They had beer and some food but towards the end of the race, there really is not a whole lot left. I grabbed some stuff and then left shortly after.
Bad parking, TERRIBLE post-race admin
The technical shirt for participants and the participant medals were decent quality. Course was well marked and volunteers were great. Start and finish areas were way too crowded, and no … MORE
The technical shirt for participants and the participant medals were decent quality. Course was well marked and volunteers were great. Start and finish areas were way too crowded, and no live tracking was offered, so as a spectator you had to know the pace of your runner and just ballpark where thy might be crossing what part of the route and hope you were right. The parking was ridiculous (in a bad way), and road closures and times were listed in an unhelpful chart that made it difficult for you to know if you’d have to detour 30498045 times or not. But the absolute worst part: post-race planning. Considering the massive amounts of time, money, and effort it takes to both take part in and actually organize an event this large, I find it extremely disappointing that there was NO SUPPORT in place for winners who are unable to be at the awards ceremonies to pick up their well-earned awards! Of all the things that need to be considered when planning an event like this, are you telling me that there was NO contingency plan / extremely minimal budgeting saved for mailing awards or arranging for a local pick up spot within a designated time period after the race is over? When a participant works hard, trains, PAYS for your event, AND happens to win, but cannot stay after the race, and when the money has already been spent to have medals created for all of the category and overall winners, it seems like it would be a no brainer to make sure those few people who would be winners at this event be able to receive their award after the race is over. There are plenty of races that are MUCH better prepared.
Terrible parking situation
The course was a little hilly but it was well marked and had great support. The shirt was an awesome long-sleeve tech. The medal was cool, with a spinning middle. … MORE
The course was a little hilly but it was well marked and had great support. The shirt was an awesome long-sleeve tech. The medal was cool, with a spinning middle. There was an after party, but I didn’t attend due to another obligation. Overall, it was a well-run race with 4 distances to choose from. My only complaint was the parking. Parking was basically “find a local neighborhood to park in”, so with around 6000 runners, we had a nearly mile walk to the start/finish area.
nice city race
fun race through the city and some pretty neighborhoods. Wasn't quite prepared for all the hills. well supported race with sufficient aid stations and nice spin medal. swag included a … MORE
fun race through the city and some pretty neighborhoods. Wasn’t quite prepared for all the hills. well supported race with sufficient aid stations and nice spin medal. swag included a tshirt and knit hat.
First big race I ran multiple times
And I'll do it again. Great atmosphere. Great after party. I like the fact there are so many options (5K - Full Marathon) and that those I run with are … MORE
And I’ll do it again. Great atmosphere. Great after party. I like the fact there are so many options (5K – Full Marathon) and that those I run with are not resorted to doing a distance they are not comfortable with or don’t run at all.
POST PARTY WINNER!
This race is always a fantastic experience. They have the details nailed and this year...even better. They had a great new receipt printer that gave you your results on a … MORE
This race is always a fantastic experience. They have the details nailed and this year…even better. They had a great new receipt printer that gave you your results on a receipt like paper when you entered you bib number. I’ve never seen this before and I was quite impressed. The course is a bit rough, lots of hills but never boring. It highlights the cool parts of Raleigh short of Fayetteville Street. The post run food and drinks were AMAZING! The best part? THE BAND that played after the run. Great energy and fun and it was cold. They brought the HEAT. Great race. Well done, well put together. I love City of Oaks. Old Reliable is a great race.
Tour de Raleigh
This is a great race! You get a glimpse of NCSU, downtown and the greenway which is a nice treat. The course does have hills throughout (est. 1200 elevation). The … MORE
This is a great race! You get a glimpse of NCSU, downtown and the greenway which is a nice treat. The course does have hills throughout (est. 1200 elevation). The aid stations were well supplied at least when I ran through them. The expo was good with local vendors/stores. Crowd support was ok for a small hometown race. The post food and party was decent with a band. Swag was great. Overall I was very happy with everything it offered. I would run it again.
Great event!
This was my first race in several decades, and my first half marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. It was well done, and lots of fun. MORE
This was my first race in several decades, and my first half marathon. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event. It was well done, and lots of fun.
Great first half-marathon experience
This race was very well set-up. From the aid stations along the way, to having port-a-potty's all along the course, alleviating any fears of a sudden GI attack during the … MORE
This race was very well set-up. From the aid stations along the way, to having port-a-potty’s all along the course, alleviating any fears of a sudden GI attack during the race, to the amazing after party that was had. The best part about this race was the support staff along the course. Not only did the volunteers direct to where to go depending on the race you were in, but they also encouraged you as ran by. The long sleeve shirt was also probably the nicest I’ve ever received from a race. One thing I would warn people though, be ready for the hills. There are plenty from about mile three to mile nine or ten.
Amazing Experience!
The City of Oaks is a wonderful atmosphere; meeting runners from around the country and world who come together to take part of a challenging yet fun race. Suitable for … MORE
The City of Oaks is a wonderful atmosphere; meeting runners from around the country and world who come together to take part of a challenging yet fun race. Suitable for all fitness levels!
First time for my daughter
This is my daughter's first 5K.She is 8 years old.I paced her 4K.As she had enjoying this race very much.I am runner for marathon and ultra marathon.I should be going … MORE
This is my daughter’s first 5K.She is 8 years old.I paced her 4K.As she had enjoying this race very much.I am runner for marathon and ultra marathon.I should be going to this race 2020 together with my daughter.
Wow! One of my favorite races!
Where do I start? My husband & I flew in from IL to check another state off. We were blown away by every detail of the race. Expo was simple … MORE
Where do I start? My husband & I flew in from IL to check another state off. We were blown away by every detail of the race. Expo was simple but there were no lines. Shirt was nice (dry fit unisex long sleeve). I do wish they were different for each race… I don’t like wearing a shirt that boasts ‘marathon’ large in the middle when I only did the half. Race morning weather was perfect. Aid stations well stocked & super friendly volunteers. I was scared after reading previous reviews about the hills. I didn’t think they were that bad. (For the half course at least) Each hill was manageable and picking up speed on the downhill was fun. Don’t let that intimidate you from signing up for this stellar race.
Ps- the after party was fun, too! Tons of free beer from a local brewery, and a band that was so much fun. They had everyone dancing.
Hilly but a beautiful course
Hillier than expected but still managed a PR! Beautiful course running on the greenway. You start the race at the same time as the 10k and half, which can make … MORE
Hillier than expected but still managed a PR! Beautiful course running on the greenway. You start the race at the same time as the 10k and half, which can make it hard mentally when others are running fast and you know you have much longer to go. You split off from the other runners but the course is wellmarked. Around mile 19ish there was a table set up with some actual food options which I appreciate instead of just having gels on course. Afterwards there’s free beer and pizza and other things. Oh and weather was slightly chilly at the start but perfect running weather! Great race
Toughest one in my list
Better practice hill running before coming to this race. Keep your energy for last 6 miles because real fun starts after Mile 20. It was tough to run between Mile MORE
Better practice hill running before coming to this race. Keep your energy for last 6 miles because real fun starts after Mile 20. It was tough to run between Mile 20 to 24.
Fun Run but hilly
Be prepared for hills. Oh, and the first aid is directly on the street at end of race near finish line. The first mile is a great slow decent. So, … MORE
Be prepared for hills. Oh, and the first aid is directly on the street at end of race near finish line. The first mile is a great slow decent. So, make the most of a fast first mile!