Robin OBrien's Staging Area

This was my pick for my Wyoming race as I continue my quest to 50.
This is a super small race-at best 200 people between the 5k, 10k and half.
Pre-race-pick up is easy morning of. It’s a simple non tech shirt and bib.
This course is beautiful! It’s a hard course-do not expect a pr or even close. Between the elevation (I’m a sea level runner), hills and sideways winds, your pace will be a minute to 2 minutes slower than norm.
This is a cup-less course so need to bring your own bottles though there were full stations every 2 miles or so.
There was no spectators on the course and minimal course support. Roads are not closed so need to be careful and stick to the sides of the road.
The finish is so supportive. You can hear cheering a ways away. I was amazed to finish second in my age group as I had a tough run today. I got a pair of antlers in addition to my medal as my age group prize.
There is a finish party-however line for milkshakes was littered with 5k participants and their families and simple subway sandwiches. The band was good though.
I was happy to meet the race director at the end as she was the one handing out medals.
Overall good race, just be ready for a challenge!

Given this race starting line was walking distance from my house, though I have run Maryland, I chose to run this race as well. I was looking for a new long run route and was hoping this race would give me that.
This race was ok-it was pretty running through the park on well maintained paved trails. The course was not super hilly-though some rollers.
Race swag was simply a shirt you picked up at a sporting goods store the day before. The parking to pick up your packet was painful and packet pick up was about 8 miles from the start.
Race is very no frills-no gu on the course and aid stations as needed.
After the race, you needed to take the metro back to the starting line area which worked out for me as a local though the walk to the metro was a bit painful uphill.
They still use an actual chip for timing that you attach to your shoe and have to give back which I thought were non existent at this point. I was not a fan after I just ran of not being able to leave the finisher’s chute until I took my shoe off, unlaced it to give back the chip.
Medal was just ok and not too much in terms of food or an event afterwards.
This certainly does not have the calling or following of Frederick, Annapolis or Baltimore-but is a good race for locals.

This is my 42nd state on my quest for 50 states so it does take a bit to impress me now :).

This race was very well done.

Not too many communications until race week which I’m totally ok with. The expo is small and held right where the finish line is. You receive a long sleeve tech shirt and your bib. I received a sweatshirt-definitely didn’t remember ordering it at registration!

Race logistics were easy-arrived a bit early and parked in a lot across the street from the finish line. You do have to pay to park but I think it was like $2 an hour or less. I stayed at the Hampton Inn less than 2 miles from the race start/finish area.

The race wasn’t big, wasn’t small-really well sized. There were pacers but really no start corrals.

The course is beautiful-you spend a good amount of time with water on one side of you. There are some inclines and declines on the race-nothing too crazy but it definitely is not flat.

Each aid station was sponsored by a local business and all had water, electrolyte drink (not sure what it was but it was horrible), gu and gummies. Usually races only give out gu after mile 8 at one station but this had gu at every aid station.

Volunteers were overly friendly and encouraging. There was crowd support at the right places without being overwhelming.

Other than the electrolyte drink, the only other thing I wasn’t a fan of was how the 10k/5k were all finishing at the same time and place as the half marathon and marathon finishers. There is something special after you ran 13.1 miles to have your name announced and have that moment. Having so many people coming through at the same time kind of takes away from it.
When you finish you have to walk over to the medal table-all the same medal no matter which distance-just the ribbon is different and states what distance. Volunteers were not handing these out-you had to walk over and ask. Water was also set back and the finish area was not a corral so it was a bit hard to navigate the people to get water, your medal etc.

The after festivities looked great-food trucks and various other vendors. Admittedly, I did not stay too long-nor eat while there as I had a packed day of travel still.

A really great race, could not have picked a better race to check Idaho off!

I’m getting closer and closer to finishing my 50 state quest and knew I had to go big for 40. Hawaii it was!

I arrived 5 days prior hoping to acclimate and relax as it was going to be 40 degrees warmer than my last 3 races and I haven’t ran in shorts and a tank since last summer.

Lots of communication leading up to the race. Expo was an easy walk from Waikiki beach.
A bit of everything at the expo.

The start line was about 1.5 miles from my hotel. Nice easy walk around 5am. Not going to lie-hated the 1.5 miles back afterwards.

This race was much larger than I expected-8k participants so challenging to line up. The “chase” aspect made for a bit of entertainment.

The course is relatively flat until you get to mile 9 then you start a long climb uphill. Mile 10 felt downhill to flat and back up for mile 11. Only one part of the course I didn’t really love-going through Chinatown-lots of rundown buildings and graffiti.

You will be warm running here but water stops were plentiful. There are tons of photographers on the course. The whole race has a fun vibe.

At the finish line, I lost my AirPod just as I was to cross so yup I’m the crazy looking for it before finishing.

At the finish, they had showers to cool off, food and omg fresh pineapple juice which was out if this world.

The medal is a cool spinning medal that is a bit small but do well earned.

I am so glad I picked Hawaii as my 40th. On to finishing this challenge out!

Ever since I started the goal of running a half in every state, I always knew Napa would be my California race.
I got a great deal on airfare so stars aligned and made this a reality.
At first, I was pretty unsure of this race. Arriving at packet pick up, there was no parking. Finally getting into the expo, there was really no clear direction where to go. You first got your bib then what…I had to find the bag and shirt. There was a wine tasting which is great, however, that left a lot of people standing around that you had to navigate through. They did have some vendors and other races there. I did leave quickly as it was quite chaotic without a natural flow or kind of anyone telling you the stations to stop at.
Race morning, opted to park at Justin Siena high school and take the shuttle to the start line. I stayed in Fairfield (about 20 mins away) versus staying in ultra expensive Napa. The parking lot was dark and littered with runners. It was super dark as it was rainy so had to be ultra careful. Again, a bit disorganized and chaotic.
Got on the shuttle which wanted to drop runners off 90 minutes before the race started. It was cold and downpouring. Thankfully, my bus driver was the only one to allow runners to stay on the bus.
When I finally got off the shuttle (10 minutes to start), waited in line for the port a potties starting the race late. There was not nearly enough for the amount of runners.
Once I got going, the course is absolutely stunning! It was amazing to run by so many vineyards that I recognized the names of. There was periods of sunshine but mostly rain and even hailed a good chunk of the race.
At the finish line, unfortunately, a man had gone into cardiac arrest so we were quickly rushed out of the finisher chute.
The race is not flat-more rolling hills. Miles 6-9 felt like a gentle incline. It is an easy course to run. I ran the entire thing and normally I am one to walk through the aid stations. There were aid stations about every 3 miles with water and noom. They also had foil blankets to keep you warm as we were all wet from the rain/hail.
The medal is very cute, the bag they give you is heavy duty canvas-probably the best I have ever received. The shirt is also cute with a long sleeved women’s style.
There was soup and some small snacks at the finish line.
Again, the shuttle situation was chaotic and it started to hail again. When you got back to the high school, chaotic again as now the school was having an event so parents and kids everywhere and people searching for parking spots.
Overall, if they can smooth out the expo and parking situation, this race would be close to perfection. The scenery makes up for every bit of chaos. Such a great pick for California!

I have been eyeing this race for a long time as I didn’t want to do Vegas as my Nevada race. Gosh I loved this race!

Leading up to the race there was minimal communication and only packet pick up was day of the race which made me a wee bit nervous this race would be poorly done but I was so so wrong!

Parking was super easy race morning. Packet pick up smooth-only thing in terms of swag was a shirt.

This course is gorgeous! You run on an old railroad trail so be prepared for gravel. You also run through tunnels and on the shore of lake mead. Stunning!

Aid stations were perfectly placed with volunteers asking before you got there if you wanted water or Gatorade. Each aid station had energy gel as well.

The race is small, I believe only around 500 runners between the 4 events.

There were minimal spectators but it was so peaceful; you were just able to be in your running zone.

The course is hilly-this amazing downhill at mile 6 but the uphill on the way back a killer!

Only 2 minor complaints on this-seemed mile markers were off. I ended up logging 13.62 miles and others were saying the same thing. There is also a $25 fee to enter the park after 8am I believe but if you enter before it’s free. I arrived at 7:50 and didn’t have to pay. Race does start late at 8:30 (tough for east coasters like me who run at 5am east coast time)

The BAM race series does such a nice job with the production of the races.
I did not get to attend the expo as I got stuck in traffic driving down from Maryland, luckily, they offered race day pick up. The only swag was a race shirt. Again, not sure if there was more at the expo.

Parking was a breeze-it’s a field right next to the start line-literally yards from the start line. This also starts in the Lowe’s grocery store parking lot so if you want a real bathroom and to warm up-they open at 6am.

The weather was absolutely perfect! About 60 at start time with a breeze.

The whole race production was smooth-water stations perfectly placed and loved that the stations alternated Gatorade flavors. All volunteers were super friendly and pleasant.

On the course, it is pretty flat with the exception of the climb over the bridges. First time is before mile 1-great positioning. On the way back, you hit it around mile 10 which is a killer. You really don’t see the ocean all that much, you mainly run through neighborhoods. So much is under construction so construction port a potties were abundant. The other thing to note is around mile 4.5 you need to run through rocks for about a 1/3 or so of a mile-maybe a bit longer-certainly felt longer. They were deep rocks as well so you slide around versus gliding on top.

The race was not super huge but not super small either. The finish line production was smooth-you are also given a free beer and free food ticket. Not sure where the beer was but the bbq was pretty good.

Given that my parents live about an hour away from here, I will definitely participate in the BAM series again.

I ran the Black Bear double for this race (5k Friday night, half marathon Saturday morning). Boy could they not be any different!

To start, the communication up the event was clear without being overwhelming.

The race expo was held in a field in the back of the Tally Ho Inn. Was super convenient to pick up your bibs etc. then run the 5k. Upon arriving the tents are set up very smartly as you just go one to the next to the next. First one is your bib, then your reusable cup, then your race shirt then your black bear swag if you ran both. They did have a small amount of merchandise for sale as well.

To know, this course is cup free so you need to bring your own hydration. Still not sure how I feel about it but understand the trash situation.

The 5k was very warm (around 85 degrees or so) and sunny. Ran a killer first 2.5 miles but then the heat and lack of hydration caught up with me. The 5k and Half marathon finish in the same place on a rolling hill-just when you thought you didn’t have enough.

Half marathon morning was completely different. Heavy rain and only around 60 degrees-shuttles were quick and efficient bringing participants to the start line. Unfortunately, you had to wait outside for 45 minutes or so in the rain before getting going. There was plenty of port a potties, bananas, water, coffee etc. at the starting area. Parking was easy in the fields behind the Tally Ho Inn.

On the course, you will find pitched roads until about mile 9 or 10 or so. These are killers on your ankles and hips. I think this is a beautiful course however, with the rain, I really just wanted to finish as I was freezing and soaking wet. There were not a ton of volunteers on the course, however, the course is very well marked. The course is uphill however, you really didn’t feel it-only 1 mentionable steep hill right before mile 10. It’s quick-just steep to get off the trail and onto the road. This race was also perfect to what my app was showing ie my app was announcing the miles as I was approaching them. I have never seen a race be this dead on.

Course support was minimal-couldn’t see natural spots for spectators to watch. This is an open course so cars do pass you as you’re running.

The finish is uphill however, did love they actually mentioned when you were running across your “why” you typed in at registration.

Once you cross the mats, you get a rather large half marathon medal, a snack box, chocolate milk etc. The runners recovery area is small and was crowded. From there you found the tent with the Black Bear double medals-again nice sized medal with a spinning feature.

I think this race was well done with a couple unique elements. I’m super happy I picked this as my Tennessee race!

After everything I read, I knew when I was going to check Minnesota off the list, this was the race. I waited a long time to actually be able to get in as I kept missing the registration date and then it was always sold out. I chose to do the Great Grandmas challenge so ran the 5k on Friday night, the half marathon on Saturday.
This race starts super super early-need to be at the shuttle between 4:30-5am. I stayed by the mall so the shuttle stop there was super convenient. Book your hotel rooms early as everything sells out. The shuttle ride is quite long. Race morning was cold as well!
I ended up on one of the last shuttles so didn’t have to wait long to get going. The set up wasn’t super clear. They kept saying there was more port a potties-with 9000 runners, not the easiest to get up to the start line before the race gets going.
There isn’t much in terms of swag-a shirt for each race and a thin jacket if you do the grandmas challenge.
Getting to the expo was messy-tons of traffic and construction. Again, the expo was packed.
The course is gorgeous! A couple small inclines and 2 steep ones (one at mile 8 and between 11-12). Crowd support was amazing! Duluth really comes out for this race. The aid stations were plentiful and many residents set up their own aid stations. There are no energy gels but maple syrup on the course.
The finish area is blocked off for only runners but where you go isn’t super clear here either. You get your shirt at the finish not at the expo. Lines for everything were super long. I didn’t realize gear check was outside the runners gates and once you leave, they will not let you back into the runners only area.
I did like this race but thought it would have more of a small town feel and not as many runners as it did. It seems they had the logistics of transportation, placement of aid stations down. It is a great choice if you’re looking to run in Minnesota.

I was looking for a race to check Alabama off and picked this one. Overall it was just ok. Packet pick up was easy but nothing in terms of swag. Was confused as a half marathon running you received a regular short sleeve tshirt though they were selling long sleeve tech shirts afterwards. There was no other swag. The course was on some pretty beat up roads that were hard in your feet and back. There is a giant hill around mile 10. You did get to finish on a baseball field which was cool. The course does not go by the civil rights institute or 16th street Baptist church which I was surprised being so iconic. This is a course you do 2 laps of so the parts you like and don’t like you get to see again.
There was no much in terms of post race celebration or food-just some cheezits, cookies and a tap of beer.

Ever since I decided to run a half marathon in all 50 states, this race has been pegged as my Pennsylvania race. I did register last year but with Covid it was cancelled. Unlike most other races, these people offered refunds since the race was cancelled. I was still compelled to do this race so I signed up again this year.
This was my first race since Oct 2019. Packet pick up was smooth, not much in terms of swag (a race book, t shirt and whoopie pie). Race expo was also small but the volunteers were so friendly.
Race morning was chilly and the hot air balloon launch was cancelled due to it being in President Biden’s fly zone that morning. I agree with all the other racers in saying you will not PR on this race. The scenery is beautiful and serene but lots of slow incline hills! This race also had more water stations then I have ever seen-10 of them that got closer together the closer to the end you got. There was only water and power ade at each stations-nothing in terms of energy gu’s etc. There were a few very small pockets of spectators on the course, a bit larger of a group at the finish. Mile 10 you do have to run in gravel, mile 12 you run on grass through a corn field. While they host a family picnic afterwards, the lines were so long that I did not want to wait.
Overall, this is a really well done race with beautiful scenery. I’m so happy I picked this for my Pennsylvania race.

I ended up making this my 25th state on my 50 state mission. I literally watched the countdown delaying a business dinner so I could register for this race as I’ve heard it’s a do not miss race.
Leading up to the race, it’s pretty quiet but about the month before you receive constant updates.
In the morning, you need to take a shuttle to the race location. Seemed to be a rather long ride to the start however, Vermont is just so beautiful, you don’t mind.
Packet pick up is the morning of the race. When you arrive at the start, they provide your race bib, shirts at the end.
It was warm and sunny on race day-finally as my last 3 races, it has rained!
The race course is just stunning. A lot of spectators at certain spots though you only go through one covered bridge and run by another. I thought there would be more!
There is a really tough hill at mile 8 but the rest of the course is rolling hills with lush green scenery.
The finishers shoot is very long where you receive water, your shirt (choice of 2 colors) and your medal. The after party had food trucks, a free beer and a band in a large field.
Overall, I really loved this race. I am so happy it was my 25th!

I have been waiting to do a race in Moab for over a year so this was the perfect fit!
Packet pick up was smooth but minimal swag. I did love that they gave you a choice of shirt colors-3 colors in both mens and womens styles. The only other swag was socks.
Race morning, you needed to load shuttles to get to the race site. It was so windy and cold race morning! The start line wasn’t set up so it led to quite a bit of confusion.
The course cannot be beat-it runs through the canyon along the Colorado river-it was stunning! It is at high altitude so I suggest arriving 3 days prior if you live close to sea level like I do.
I struggled in this race-I was just getting over an Upper Respiratory infection so my lung capacity was already diminished and running at high altitude made it extremely challenging and one of my worst performances.
The after party was huge in a great park-there was a beer tent, bands, snacks and all kinds of beverages.
The scenery on this one can’t be beat-I highly recommend it!

This was my first race of 2018-maybe my review is a bit harsher than others however, I had really high expectations for this race based on their communications, website etc.
Stopped on Friday to pick up my packet-did love the race bibs were significantly smaller than normal, however I was given a white shirt when I should have received a blue one….no big deal however it’s a cotton white shirt versus a long sleeve blue tech shirt….runners you get me here….
Happy I chose to stay at Hotel Tybee-the hotel was just ok but the location was ideal. The start and finish line were literally on the side of the hotel. The start time of 8:30 was amazing. Not sure I have ever had a race start that late-it was refreshing!
Being on Tybee Island, I expected to see alot more beach on the run but instead you ran through more neighborhoods. You did get to run past the famous Tybee Island Lighthouse.
There are a ton of turns on this course-some marked, some not. Volunteers tended to be at the corners where it was evident to turn but not at the ones they really needed to be at. I saw many people go the wrong way probably either shortening or lengthening their run.
In addition, roads aren’t closed and I found residents to be slightly rude. They would ride up right behind you as you are running in their car or back out of their driveway when you’re approaching so you have to stop and wait. Very few came out to cheer on runners.
The course was pretty flat-a few minor minor hiccups of inclines-figuring out where to go was the most challenging part of this race.
Race day was a bit chilly with the wind whipping. Wind whipping when it’s helping you move quicker is great-cold ocean wind whipping against you makes it challenging.
The finish line party wasn’t as I expected either. They had 2 restaurants there one with soup and one with pastries. The pastries were pretty much gone by the time I got there. When they kept advertising a great after party, I expected much more. Thankfully they did think to put it in a huge tent to get you out of the wind.
I loved the Savannah and Tybee Island area-well worth coming however don’t expect a race up to the standards of other really well done races.

I was traveling to Virginia for work, so who doesn’t sign up to do a half marathon while there especially when you are an aspiring 50 stater and haven’t run in Virginia yet?
Registering for the race was smooth and was actually pretty excited to run this based on their facebook page, website and also the article in Runners World.
Starting with packet pick up-disorganized-while I love kids, they had kids handing out shirts & bibs-yes that’s all you got so it took a bit of time.
Due to the smaller number of participants, shuttle buses were not offered after the fact. I purposely booked my hotel near the shuttle site and then had to drive to park on a side street near the race.
Race starting line was not well marked nor was I directed where to park. I saw alot of other people parking and assumed at 5:45 in the morning, they must be fellow runners.
It was so cold on race morning!
The race finally got started-learned you run 4.5 miles out only to turn around and run back where you came from. No aid stations on the entire course offered sports drinks or energy gu.
No spectators though the police were on top of it. Felt super safe as roads were all closed off.
At the finish line, no medals were handed out! They had posted renderings online and boasted about them yet they were not at the finish line! I have never finished a half marathon without a medal!
Emailed, facebook messaged etc-any form of communication possible to understand how I get my medal. Finally, the race coordinators responded that medals were delayed and they were working through the logistics of getting the medals to participants. It has now been 3 days and still no news.
I paid a lot of money to run in this race and their token mascot (a large Woodrow Wilson) did not even make an appearance. I have no medal still either.
Overall, super disappointed. I would not participate in this race until they figure out how to properly host.

I chose to run the international half marathon.
The communication leading up to the event was fantastic.
The packet pickup had a pretty straight forward flow but due to the mass amount of people picking up-kind of felt like you were herded cattle.
Race morning was stressful as I had reserved a spot in a garage through the race only to get there at 530am and all roads to the garage were blocked. Ended up paying $20 to park in a seedy lot instead of the garage I prepaid for
This race is huge! Three different streets to start on-each packed with participants. I have never seen so many people at a race!
Unfortunately, so many people made running and getting a good time a challenge as you just couldn’t get around people to do so.
Course was beautiful. Crossing the bridge stunning! Weather was unexpectedly warm and humid. Who would have thought 75 and muggy mid October in Michigan? The warm temperatures made the part through the tunnel hot!
Overall good race, not one for a p.r. But well worth doing!

This was my first run literally after fracturing my foot 6 weeks ago so my performance was lacking as I had to listen to doctors orders about slowing my pace and taking walk breaks.
Packet pick up and the morning was a bit confusing trying to figure out where to go. The race was much larger than what I thought!
Unbelievable to start in the stadium and loop through downtown and all the parks in Sioux Falls. There are some hills on the course-seemed they were all uphill with no downhill on the backside. The parks make you want to slow down and admire their beauty.
Swag was the average though you do receive a quarter zip long sleeve shirt versus the traditional shirt. You do get a bag filled with coupons but not being from South Dakota-they were not of use to me.
There were tons of people on the race course cheering you on. Finishing at the stadium you are given a beef sandwich, chocolate milk, gatorades etc-tons of food and beverages.
Overall, really great race-highly recommend it!!!

Race has a beautiful location! Most of the course has water on one side of you. Hills are a bit tough as you go up and then turn to keep going up!

Race swag is non existent. Shirt might be the ugliest one I have (you have to pay extra for a shirt).

Packet pick up was quick and smooth.

Minimal locations for cheering squads.

Great after race fair-food trucks, beer, etc all on the water!

Though this race says it’s downhill, that’s more for the marathon than the half marathon.
The half was mostly flat.
Participants should note there is no cell phone reception at the start so I was not able to sync my fitbit so I was unable to get my mile splits.
Race course was pretty, not outstanding-roads were not closed so instead of letting runners go, at times you had to dodge or wait for cars to pass.
Hotel shuttle going to the race was smooth and fantastic (used several coach buses) Way back, was really delayed and there was confusion on where to get it. In addition, they sent a van which could only hold 6 people at a time.

This race was probably one of the most expensive I have done and was not really worth it. T-shirt was not a tech shirt but more a Hanes T-shirt with an applique-there was no other swag.
At the aid stations, they handed out full size bottles of water which I can appreciate, however no covers so if you didn’t drink it all right away, water splashed all over you so you ended up tossing full bottles of water.
The medal was also pretty cheaply made.
The race course was ok-the part along the river was nice, everything else just average. There was only 1 memorable hill.
I registered early and paid $105 but there was nothing special about this race.