I'd first like everyone to throw out the notion that a downhill race is easy. This was by far the HARDEST race of my life. While I had a great … MORE
I’d first like everyone to throw out the notion that a downhill race is easy. This was by far the HARDEST race of my life. While I had a great first half and PR for a half marathon time, the 2nd half was excruciating. I did train and did incorporate downhill running into my training plan, but the amount of pounding this course does to your legs is painful.
The course was beautiful and running in the mountains felt majestic and peaceful. Getting to the start was easy on the bus and it wasn’t as cold as I expected at the top. The gloves and the mylar blanket in the bag with your bib were an excellent touch. I LOVED getting a race tank, especially that it wasn’t cotton! Also getting a pair of Goodr glasses was an excellent touch! (They are my preferred glasses).
Typically after a marathon or long run I have some general soreness for a day or so and am able to recoup and run after a day or two. This race left me so sore and miserable. I think if you are used to flat and downhill racing, this may hold better for some, but I’d much rather take a flat or course with hills than a downhill one.
More harm than good
I'd first like everyone to throw out the notion that a downhill race is easy. This was by far the HARDEST race of my life. While I had a great … MORE
I’d first like everyone to throw out the notion that a downhill race is easy. This was by far the HARDEST race of my life. While I had a great first half and PR for a half marathon time, the 2nd half was excruciating. I did train and did incorporate downhill running into my training plan, but the amount of pounding this course does to your legs is painful.
The course was beautiful and running in the mountains felt majestic and peaceful. Getting to the start was easy on the bus and it wasn’t as cold as I expected at the top. The gloves and the mylar blanket in the bag with your bib were an excellent touch. I LOVED getting a race tank, especially that it wasn’t cotton! Also getting a pair of Goodr glasses was an excellent touch! (They are my preferred glasses).
Typically after a marathon or long run I have some general soreness for a day or so and am able to recoup and run after a day or two. This race left me so sore and miserable. I think if you are used to flat and downhill racing, this may hold better for some, but I’d much rather take a flat or course with hills than a downhill one.
Spectacular Scenery
This is my new favorite half marathon race. Downhill road race that is incredibly fast. Definitely glad for the downhill training advice. Looking forward to running other Revel races. MORE
This is my new favorite half marathon race. Downhill road race that is incredibly fast. Definitely glad for the downhill training advice. Looking forward to running other Revel races.
Great race, beautiful
It's a beautiful downhill race! The start is a little chilly, bring a blanket or extra clothes. Course support was good, bathroom lines were a little long on the course … MORE
It’s a beautiful downhill race! The start is a little chilly, bring a blanket or extra clothes. Course support was good, bathroom lines were a little long on the course but I found one off the road and empty. The medals and printed result card are a nice touch, as were the socks and performance shirt (still a favorite but I’m wearing it out).
There were bus issues in 2015, no fault of Revel, and they have definitely redeemed themselves.
Favorite
Love love love this race. Don't let it fool you though. It is definitely the most beautiful race I have done but the downhill takes a toll on your legs … MORE
Love love love this race. Don’t let it fool you though. It is definitely the most beautiful race I have done but the downhill takes a toll on your legs after a while. There are a few uphills near the halfway point that will have you saying a few not-so-nice words. 🙂 However, I PR’d the first year I ran this race by over 27 minutes!
Great downhill race!
Well organized race with lots of nice swag like gloves and beanies to wear for the cool early morning start. Great course down Bear Creek Canyon! MORE
Well organized race with lots of nice swag like gloves and beanies to wear for the cool early morning start. Great course down Bear Creek Canyon!
Not as easy as it sounds!
Let me start by saying I had VERY high expectations for this race - both of the race itself and of myself and my performance. I trained for months, specifically … MORE
Let me start by saying I had VERY high expectations for this race – both of the race itself and of myself and my performance. I trained for months, specifically doing downhill runs to prep myself and hopefully run this as my “A” race of the year and try to qualify for Boston. Spoiler: it didn’t happen. The course is absolutely beautiful and can definitely be fast – but it can also hinder you. I really thought I was prepared – I ran multiple long runs on downhill routes and everything. BUT 26 miles of downhill is tough on you – after 17 miles of beautiful fast running where I felt great – I started getting serious stomach issues and ended up on the side of the road vomiting at 22.5 – I think the downhill and too much water did me in. That being said though, had that not happened, I truly think it would’ve gone great. Be prepared for some BIG hills from miles 11.5 through 16 (it’s rolling – but the ups are significant), but after that it goes back to downhill all the way to finish – with the exception of the actual finish chute being uphill. Absolutely gorgeous scenery the ENTIRE race which is awesome (although that 11.5-16 section you’re right on the shoulder of a busy highway that IS open – your lane is blocked off – but just detracts from the scenery for a bit). So overall, I give myself a bad review, but this race gets a good review. Note: This was also the year the half marathon got cancelled due to not enough buses – I know that was a huge problem – however running the full, I wasn’t even aware of it until after the race and from my end of the spectrum everything seemed fine. I truly think it was all on the busing company – and I’m pretty sure Revel will NOT be using that company again next year after the debacle (and I’m sure loss of money!) that caused!