First, I won entry to this race in a contest here on Race Raves, so thanks to the entire RR team for that! I've been underwhelmed by the Santa Hustle … MORE
First, I won entry to this race in a contest here on Race Raves, so thanks to the entire RR team for that!
I’ve been underwhelmed by the Santa Hustle races I’ve done. I’ve done two, both in TN, and both have had a lot of hype, and a lot less of a great course. This race was almost completely along a divided four-lane highway. I think it was divided anyway… maybe it wasn’t. In any case, the course took runners a few miles down one side of the highway, you turn around, and then cross under the highway to the other side, and then run back up the other side of the highway, turn around and come back. It is as if someone there wanted to have a race, course quality be damned. If I was local I *may* do this one again if I wanted to run that weekend and couldn’t find another run, but it wouldn’t be my first choice, and I’ll not drive two hours to that race again.
The organization was good, the volunteers were great, as is usual with volunteers, and the Christmas spirit was also nice. Parking was easy’ish, and there are hotels within about a 5 or 10 minute walk if you don’t want to park or drive.
Without a doubt, the best thing about doing this race is arriving the day before and driving out to Cades Cove, and having a drive through the park.
This was a benchmark race for me though. It was my 52nd half marathon in 52 weeks, in my 52nd year. So I was happy to have completed it.
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Only okay.
First, I won entry to this race in a contest here on Race Raves, so thanks to the entire RR team for that! I've been underwhelmed by the Santa Hustle … MORE
First, I won entry to this race in a contest here on Race Raves, so thanks to the entire RR team for that!
I’ve been underwhelmed by the Santa Hustle races I’ve done. I’ve done two, both in TN, and both have had a lot of hype, and a lot less of a great course. This race was almost completely along a divided four-lane highway. I think it was divided anyway… maybe it wasn’t. In any case, the course took runners a few miles down one side of the highway, you turn around, and then cross under the highway to the other side, and then run back up the other side of the highway, turn around and come back. It is as if someone there wanted to have a race, course quality be damned. If I was local I *may* do this one again if I wanted to run that weekend and couldn’t find another run, but it wouldn’t be my first choice, and I’ll not drive two hours to that race again.
The organization was good, the volunteers were great, as is usual with volunteers, and the Christmas spirit was also nice. Parking was easy’ish, and there are hotels within about a 5 or 10 minute walk if you don’t want to park or drive.
Without a doubt, the best thing about doing this race is arriving the day before and driving out to Cades Cove, and having a drive through the park.
This was a benchmark race for me though. It was my 52nd half marathon in 52 weeks, in my 52nd year. So I was happy to have completed it.
Fun Fun! Great Experience!
My first time running this and I had a blast! I didn't PR but that is ok since I didn't expect to based on recent training. I did have a … MORE
My first time running this and I had a blast! I didn’t PR but that is ok since I didn’t expect to based on recent training. I did have a good run and the course was relatively flat with some gently rolling hills. The staff/volunteers were super enthusiastic and friendly which made the event that much more enjoyable. There was a strong police force presence as well making me feel extremely safe from traffic, which was minimal starting out. It was also nice to be able to rent a room right at the starting line!