I ran this marathon in 2017 as one of my 50 states. This was my 15th state and 30th marathon overall. I registered about 2 weeks before the race, which … MORE
I ran this marathon in 2017 as one of my 50 states. This was my 15th state and 30th marathon overall. I registered about 2 weeks before the race, which was a nice option that isn’t available at many bigger marathons.
Because the downtown hotels were full, I ended up staying at a Holiday Inn that was maybe a 10-15 minute drive from the start/finish/Expo. This was not a big deal at all and I think the hotel was only around $85 per night, offered a free shuttle to and from the race, as well as late checkout to all the runners.
This race starts and finishes at the Von Braun Center. It was also very cool (25 degrees at the start) the year I ran, so having an indoor waiting area was great. The course also loops back by the Von Braun Center at about 13 miles, which is nice for spectators. It had warmed up a few degrees by then and I was able to throw my top layer into the grass on the way by and pick it up after the race–also very convenient.
The course itself had a few more ups and downs than I was expecting, but nothing crazy. There are a ton of turns, especially in the first half. However, the course was extremely well marked and I think there was a course marshall at every single turn–impressive! The race gets pretty spread out the last 7-8 miles, but I never worried about getting lost. There were plenty of aid stations and I think they also had someone reading splits at every single mile–also impressive. There were probably more volunteers than spectators, but both groups were very enthusiastic. The course highlight is probably running through the Space Park and around the various rockets and space shuttle. The race takes a lot of photos there and you can download them for free, another nice perk!
Overall, this is a very well-organized race that really wants every runner to have a great experience. If you are looking for an Alabama marathon, I would highly recommend it.
Please login to reply to this review.
Very Nice Smaller Marathon
I ran this marathon in 2017 as one of my 50 states. This was my 15th state and 30th marathon overall. I registered about 2 weeks before the race, which … MORE
I ran this marathon in 2017 as one of my 50 states. This was my 15th state and 30th marathon overall. I registered about 2 weeks before the race, which was a nice option that isn’t available at many bigger marathons.
Because the downtown hotels were full, I ended up staying at a Holiday Inn that was maybe a 10-15 minute drive from the start/finish/Expo. This was not a big deal at all and I think the hotel was only around $85 per night, offered a free shuttle to and from the race, as well as late checkout to all the runners.
This race starts and finishes at the Von Braun Center. It was also very cool (25 degrees at the start) the year I ran, so having an indoor waiting area was great. The course also loops back by the Von Braun Center at about 13 miles, which is nice for spectators. It had warmed up a few degrees by then and I was able to throw my top layer into the grass on the way by and pick it up after the race–also very convenient.
The course itself had a few more ups and downs than I was expecting, but nothing crazy. There are a ton of turns, especially in the first half. However, the course was extremely well marked and I think there was a course marshall at every single turn–impressive! The race gets pretty spread out the last 7-8 miles, but I never worried about getting lost. There were plenty of aid stations and I think they also had someone reading splits at every single mile–also impressive. There were probably more volunteers than spectators, but both groups were very enthusiastic. The course highlight is probably running through the Space Park and around the various rockets and space shuttle. The race takes a lot of photos there and you can download them for free, another nice perk!
Overall, this is a very well-organized race that really wants every runner to have a great experience. If you are looking for an Alabama marathon, I would highly recommend it.
Sweet home, Alabama
I thoroughly enjoyed the Rocket City Marathon. I think the best part was it's just that...a marathon. There isn't a half or 10k at the same time which seems kind … MORE
I thoroughly enjoyed the Rocket City Marathon. I think the best part was it’s just that…a marathon. There isn’t a half or 10k at the same time which seems kind of rare. My understanding is the course changed a few years ago so I can’t compare, but this one was nice. The start/finish at the Von Braun Center was awesome. It was about 24 degrees race morning and having a place to stay warm was a great perk! Plus indoor bathrooms, always a benefit. The finish line is actually inside the arena which lets friends and family have a great (warm) place to watch their loved ones cross the line. The rest of the course wasn’t bad. You run through some very pretty neighborhoods and also some pretty typical city/suburban scenery. The highlight is the space and rocket center followed by the botanical gardens which is scenic and also near the end, so it’s something to look forward to. There are some rolling hills but I thought elevation-wise it was a nice course.
There weren’t a ton of people on the route, but that may have been partly due to the cold temps. There were a few bands and spirit teams, volunteers at 13 aid stations, and of course traffic control. All of those folks were great and supportive, standing out in the cold for us.
Post-race they actually printed out finisher certificates on the spot which I haven’t seen before but appreciated! The medal was great, a 40th anniversary celebration of the race. The shirt was short-sleeved tech and not bad. They had lots of finisher food, chocolate milk, bagels (with things to spread on them!), grapes, and several other items. The concession area was also open for friends and family (or if you craved jalapeño poppers yourself!).
Overall I thought it was great race. Huntsville is a nice town with several hotel and restaurant options, including some within easy walking distance of the start/finish (no rental car needed!). It was well organized and supported, and all of that showed during the race. It’s a great option for Alabama!
PS – free race photos!!
Great sized run in a city
-Sweet medal -It was really cold and windy to start, so just be aware -Ran through the space museum, so the scenery is definitely unique -Aid stations were plentiful and … MORE
-Sweet medal
-It was really cold and windy to start, so just be aware
-Ran through the space museum, so the scenery is definitely unique
-Aid stations were plentiful and well stocked
-Finish line had excellent flow and a large assortment of post race food
-Parking was a pain, but I’m a country boy so the whole city parking thing doesn’t really make sense to me anyway