My Profile

@runningthekeystone

Pennsylvania Furnace, PA Raving since 2018 Running the Keystone State Active 7 months, 2 weeks ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):
  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:

    Boston Marathon

  • I run because:

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (10)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Biathlon Altoona, PA Jun 22, 2019 29:18
39.3 Challenge Kennebunk, ME May 15, 2016 6:14:40
Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 7, 2019 3:50:37
30K Allison Park, PA Mar 31, 2018 2:46:33
Half Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 4, 2021 1:43:57
10 Miler Baltimore, MD Jun 4, 2016 1:24:56
15K Altoona, PA 2021 1:16:48
9 Miler Tyrone, PA Oct 26, 2019 1:11:27
10K Bethlehem, PA Oct 17, 2015 50:53
5K State College, PA Sep 15, 2018 22:47

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (55)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon New Holland, PA Mar 25, 2023 1:54:21
Half Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 4, 2021 1:43:57
Half Marathon Richmond, VA Nov 13, 2021 1:46:27
Half Marathon Bird-in-Hand, PA Sep 11, 2021 1:52:22
15K Altoona, PA 2021 1:16:48
Half Marathon Chambersburg, PA Mar 14, 2020 1:48:07
Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 7, 2019 3:50:37
9 Miler Tyrone, PA Oct 26, 2019 1:11:27
5K Altoona, PA Jul 4, 2019 23:47
Biathlon Altoona, PA Jun 22, 2019 29:18
Half Marathon South Fork, PA May 25, 2019 1:52:13
Half Marathon Gettysburg, PA Apr 28, 2019 1:47:15
Half Marathon Chambersburg, PA Mar 9, 2019 1:50:15
Half Marathon Kiawah Island, SC Dec 8, 2018 1:49:52
Half Marathon Annapolis, MD Nov 10, 2018 1:46:13
Half Marathon Hershey, PA Oct 21, 2018 1:45:35
Marathon Bath, NY Sep 30, 2018 3:58:47
5K State College, PA Sep 15, 2018 22:47
15K Altoona, PA Jul 4, 2018 1:20:03
Half Marathon South Fork, PA May 26, 2018 1:47:19
Half Marathon Frederick, MD May 6, 2018 1:48:39
30K Allison Park, PA Mar 31, 2018 2:46:33
Half Marathon Richmond, VA Nov 11, 2017 1:46:01
Half Marathon Hershey, PA Oct 15, 2017 1:47:09
Marathon Bath, NY Oct 1, 2017 4:07:53
Half Marathon Pittsburgh, PA May 7, 2017 1:50:59
Half Marathon Charlottesville, VA Apr 1, 2017 1:54:36
Half Marathon Lewisburg, PA 2017 1:47:41
Half Marathon Annapolis, MD Nov 19, 2016 1:49:36
Marathon Arlington, VA Oct 30, 2016 4:31:22
Half Marathon Hershey, PA Oct 16, 2016 1:45:16
5K Altoona, PA Jul 4, 2016 23:06
10 Miler Baltimore, MD Jun 4, 2016 1:24:56
39.3 Challenge Kennebunk, ME May 15, 2016 6:14:40
Marathon Kennebunk, ME May 15, 2016 4:20:40
Half Marathon Kennebunk, ME May 14, 2016 1:54:00
Half Marathon Adamstown, PA Apr 16, 2016 1:46:28
Half Marathon New Holland, PA Apr 9, 2016 1:51:54
Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 5, 2015 4:10:25
Half Marathon Annapolis, MD Nov 21, 2015 1:49:26
Half Marathon Bethlehem, PA Oct 18, 2015 1:52:48
5K Bethlehem, PA Oct 17, 2015 25:07
10K Bethlehem, PA Oct 17, 2015 50:53
Half Marathon Hollidaysburg, PA Oct 3, 2015 1:49:40
Half Marathon Annapolis, MD May 30, 2015 1:58:28
Marathon Gettysburg, PA Apr 26, 2015 4:28:09
Marathon Arlington, VA Oct 26, 2014 4:48:24
Half Marathon Lewisburg, PA 2014 1:53:56
Marathon Cincinnati, OH 2014 4:51:59
Half Marathon State College, PA 2014 1:54:42
10K Hershey, PA 2013 52:59
Half Marathon Philadelphia, PA 2013 2:13:19
Half Marathon Annapolis, MD 2013 2:01:49
Half Marathon Allison Park, PA 2012 2:07:57
5K Pittsburgh, PA 2011 25:22

My Raves

This is such a nicely run race. It benefits the benevolent fund at the Garden Spot Village community, ensuring no resident has to worry about having to leave their community … MORE

This is such a nicely run race. It benefits the benevolent fund at the Garden Spot Village community, ensuring no resident has to worry about having to leave their community if a medical emergency or other issues prevents them from paying for the care they need. Their race staff and volunteers are enthusiastic and supportive and organized. The course has gorgeous scenery with rolling hills, beautiful farmland views, and quiet roads. The medal and shirt are always nice. If you do this race and its sister race, Bird in Hand Half, in the same calendar year, you’re eligible to receive the coveted Road Apple Award, which is an added plus!

DIFFICULTY
3
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5
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5
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5

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This was my 4th time running Rehoboth, 3rd in person after doing the 2020 marathon virtually. The previous times before that I ran the full marathon. This year I did … MORE

This was my 4th time running Rehoboth, 3rd in person after doing the 2020 marathon virtually. The previous times before that I ran the full marathon. This year I did the half. They updated the beginning of the course where the marathon and half overlap for about 4 miles. I loved the change…added some lovely scenery and had us running the entire length of the boardwalk. Early on in the race I saw a bald eagle and around mile 7.5 where you begin the Breakwater/Junction Trail section there was a cornfield filled with snowgeese seemingly cheering us on.

Mary Beth does a great job each year as director. The medals are awesome every time, the shirts are nice (they do run small for women so order a size up), and there’s a post-race party. The weather has also been fantastic for the 3 times I’ve run the race in person. The courses for both races are flat, fast and scenic. The aid stations are organized with experienced helpers.

Highly recommend!

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This was my 2nd time running the Richmond Half Marathon. They do an outstanding job from start to finish. The expo was at the Richmond Raceway and getting there, parking, … MORE

This was my 2nd time running the Richmond Half Marathon. They do an outstanding job from start to finish. The expo was at the Richmond Raceway and getting there, parking, and getting in and out was very easy. Race morning there are tons of parking options in downtown Richmond. I had no issue getting in or out. The course is really nice, mostly flat but with minor rolling hills in a park about halfway. Aid stations are well-staffed. Plenty of porta-potties along the course if needed. They have designated spectator areas that are outstanding, but the city really comes out all along the half marathon course. The swag is excellent…hat, blanket, shirt and a medal. Medals this year got stuck in shipping but they were up front about that and they will be mailed. You still got the shirt, hat and blanket. The post-race party area is well done…you get a free beer and pizza, and there’s plenty of other food for runners. Weather has been perfect both times I’ve done this race. I will be back!

DIFFICULTY
2
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5
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4
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5

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I loved this race years ago when I ran it for the first time. I did the virtual run in 2020 and was glad to be able to attend in … MORE

I loved this race years ago when I ran it for the first time. I did the virtual run in 2020 and was glad to be able to attend in person this year. It was my first in-person half since March 2020 and only my 4th in-person race at that point. The event is well-run and this year we had outstanding weather. The community is amazing. Can’t wait to return!

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Being that this is on July 4 in PA, it's always hot. However, the YMCA does a great job ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for all distances and ages. … MORE

Being that this is on July 4 in PA, it’s always hot. However, the YMCA does a great job ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for all distances and ages. I look forward to it each year.

DIFFICULTY
3
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5
My Report
SCENERY
3
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4

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This is a race local to family so it's a great excuse to go visit and get in a run. The race is small and used by locals as a … MORE

This is a race local to family so it’s a great excuse to go visit and get in a run. The race is small and used by locals as a Boston prep run. Course is scenic but very hilly. Definitely challenging, but even if I could I wouldn’t change it. Volunteers are supportive and kind and the medal is great. This was my last in-person race prior to COVID hitting.

DIFFICULTY
5
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5
My Report
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5
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4

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This race is top-notch from the pre-race expo to post-race. This was my second time running it and I plan to come back in 2020 for a 3rd running. I … MORE

This race is top-notch from the pre-race expo to post-race. This was my second time running it and I plan to come back in 2020 for a 3rd running. I love the course with its gorgeous scenery. It is mainly flat, but that is a challenge in a different way versus a hilly course. The volunteers are some of the best I’ve encountered. I highly recommend this race!

DIFFICULTY
2
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5
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5
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4

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I ran this for the first time and I'm glad I came out to support a local community organization. 9-miler was just shy at 8.8, which they acknowledged prior to … MORE

I ran this for the first time and I’m glad I came out to support a local community organization. 9-miler was just shy at 8.8, which they acknowledged prior to the start but getting exactly 9 where the start and finish is is challenging due to road constraints. Lots of great homemade goodies at the finish, plenty of water on course and post-race. Nice medals for age group finishers and large trophies for top overall male and female winners. Course is challenging with 2 large hills. First one starts out deceptively easy but you round a bend and it gets steep. Second one is one you run down early in the race. Not nearly as long as the first major hill. Both times you’re rewarded with a long downhill section right after, so that’s a plus.

I will definitely return to this in the future!

DIFFICULTY
4
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4
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SCENERY
3
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4

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I return year after year to this race because it's a great small town race. We have a race where I live, but it's crowded and lacking in post-race celebration. … MORE

I return year after year to this race because it’s a great small town race. We have a race where I live, but it’s crowded and lacking in post-race celebration. The Angie Gioiosa Memorial races boast a great post-race celebration with tons of food (hot dogs, watermelon, bananas, chips, donuts, gummies, bagels, etc), including popsicles (a must on a hot July day). They have a great awards ceremony and people cheer until the last runner comes in from the 15k. I love the small town feel of the race and supporting a local organization.

DIFFICULTY
2
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5
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3
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4

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Summer biathlon (running and target shooting) was something I came upon in 2017. I competed in my first in 2018 and was hooked. This year, I found one close to … MORE

Summer biathlon (running and target shooting) was something I came upon in 2017. I competed in my first in 2018 and was hooked. This year, I found one close to home. The events are small (30-40 people), but it makes for a great experience for experienced and rookie competitors alike. The biathlon includes a 5k (total) of running and target shooting. You run 1 mile, return to the range and shoot 5 targets from the prone position, run another mile, shoot 5 targets standing, and run a final mile. The goal is to run fast and shoot straight. Easier said than done. Penalty laps or penalty time is assessed for each missed target.

The PA events are very beginner friendly and open to all ages. They are run by people who love the sport and want to share it with others. With the events being so small, almost everyone comes out with a prize of some kind too. I’m sure these type of biathlon events exist in other states. If you have one near you, consider checking it out, or come to PA and join the fun!

The Altoona event was a lot of fun. The running route is a crosscountry type course including a gravel road and grass trail. While you get to run down a long hill to start each mile, you finish by running back up that same hill to the range or finish line. That adds additional challenge when it comes to controlling your breath to shoot well. Yes, you can blow off the shooting and just run fast, but the point is to do both well.

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4
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This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. … MORE

This race is such a positive event in a city that has seen better days. It continues to grow. They have everything organized like it has been around for decades. I will keep coming back to support this event. It is great they have a distance for every level and for walkers and runners alike. The course is nice, even on a hot sunny day with its plentiful shade and soft surface.

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2
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This is a well organized race with a great course. The scenery is lovely, parking is a breeze, volunteers are plentiful and knowledgeable, and the swag is nice. The field … MORE

This is a well organized race with a great course. The scenery is lovely, parking is a breeze, volunteers are plentiful and knowledgeable, and the swag is nice. The field is small enough that you’re not overwhelmed, but large enough to ensure you’re never alone on the course and includes plenty of talent from near and far. I will be back!

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I opted to participate in this race for the first time since it was near my parents and I was looking for an opportunity to get some enjoyable mileage in. … MORE

I opted to participate in this race for the first time since it was near my parents and I was looking for an opportunity to get some enjoyable mileage in. I knew it would be hilly. I also liked that it was a smaller race and had a long history.

The course was very challenging. “Rolling hills” is very accurate, maybe even a bit understated. The scenery was a lovely rural landscape and we lucked out with 40s and sunshine for the race. While it’s not a fancy race, they do a great job with the medal, volunteers and overall organization. I opted to not get a shirt, which is a nice perk that you can choose that. The race fee is very reasonable.

I’ll definitely be back year after year. It’s a great race when prepping for a spring marathon, to run competitively or just to enjoy yourself.

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5
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This was my first time running the Kiawah Island Half. It was a girls' weekend with two friends who ran the marathon. This is a great destination/racecation race. It's a … MORE

This was my first time running the Kiawah Island Half. It was a girls’ weekend with two friends who ran the marathon. This is a great destination/racecation race. It’s a nice size, well organized, and has great swag. I loved the shirt this year and the medal. They have a great Christmas craft market during the expo where you can browse local artisans. Post race food, while not right at the finish line is excellent. The course is scenic…the homes you run past are incredible. While it is quiet, I did find there were plenty of spectators riding bikes to meet people they were supporting at various locations. Another great spot is The Sanctuary, where you see the ocean and there’s a big party going on. It’s a fun spot to run through. While we stayed on the island allowing us to walk to and from the start/finish, they’re shuttle option for those off-island runs smoothly, as well. I can’t wait to do this race again!

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I've run this race several times and have always enjoyed it. Despite the issues this year, I opted to still give it 4/5 shoes because I know it can be … MORE

I’ve run this race several times and have always enjoyed it. Despite the issues this year, I opted to still give it 4/5 shoes because I know it can be better. The course is scenic and the weather has always been perfect. They have a great afterparty (if that’s important to you) and fantastic medal. This year the race had some challenges for a variety of reasons. It was a holiday weekend and they lost a substantial chunk of volunteers. As a result, a turn was missed removing more than a mile from the course. This meant many people finished a “half” with only 11.8 miles done. I realized the issue and ran around the finish area until I got 13.1 before I crossed the line. The race director and team apologized and owned the mistakes and I appreciate that. They’ve always put on a great event and I know they will learn from this for the future. I’d still recommend the race to runners who are looking for a beautiful and challenging course. I, myself, will be back.

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I ran the Hershey Half for the fourth time in 2018. The course is really neat and enjoyable. You get to go through the park early on, which is a … MORE

I ran the Hershey Half for the fourth time in 2018. The course is really neat and enjoyable. You get to go through the park early on, which is a nice bonus. The spectator support is pretty fantastic throughout. This year the shirts were really nice and I loved the KitKat medal. It’s a nice addition to my collection. As always, the aid stations had great volunteers. The shirt this year was really nice, plus you get 2 free tickets to the park, a coupon for additional admissions and a coupon for some cookies from the bakery. They were delicious!

The weather was sunny, but very windy this year adding a new challenge. The course is hilly, but scenic. I enjoyed getting a photo with a Hershey character…Reese’s Cup…at the finish!

Only thing I’d say that needs improvement are the food bags at the end. The bag itself was nice, but there was very little in it this year.

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This was my second year running the Wineglass Marathon and it didn't disappoint. I achieved all three of my goals. It rained, but the temperatures were perfect as a result. … MORE

This was my second year running the Wineglass Marathon and it didn’t disappoint. I achieved all three of my goals. It rained, but the temperatures were perfect as a result. I’m most definitely going to be back again in the future. Great organization, great course, great swag, just GREAT!

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I joined a friend to participate in this race for the first time. It benefited a local organization and is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. This year … MORE

I joined a friend to participate in this race for the first time. It benefited a local organization and is one of their biggest fundraisers of the year. This year they surpassed their fundraising goal. I hadn’t raced a 5k in a long time and was looking forward to seeing how I’d do. The course incorporates both bike path and neighborhood streets and is very hilly. They make it a family event with face painting, a bike tour, a bounce house and plenty of food. It was a fun morning!

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The YMCA does a great job organizing this race. The volunteers are wonderful. The post-race food is plentiful and full of variety. The best part are definitely the popsicles! For … MORE

The YMCA does a great job organizing this race. The volunteers are wonderful. The post-race food is plentiful and full of variety. The best part are definitely the popsicles! For age group finishers, there is a nice medal. The three race distances is also a nice plus!

With this being a July race, more than likely it’s going to be hot. This year was no exception. The community and fire departments come out along the course to provide extra water and hoses to run through. The course is challenging with long gradual climbs and short downhills.

This was my third year and I still like this race better than the one where I live. It’s worth the 45 minute drive.

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4
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This was my first time participating in this race. I signed up on the recommendation of 2 friends who ran it in 2017. It's a small town race, but offers … MORE

This was my first time participating in this race. I signed up on the recommendation of 2 friends who ran it in 2017. It’s a small town race, but offers 3 distances to suit any runner. The race is in its 5th year and this was the biggest yet. The half marathon boasts a course that is almost entirely downhill. There are a few small climbs, but nothing major. About 8 miles of the race is on a gravel rail trail surface and offers excellent shade. Despite a hot day, it was less intense. The last 3 miles are unshaded city streets, so that was tough but you were almost done. A neat aspect of the course is the old rail tunnel you run through. They line it with paperbag lanterns and it creates a neat experience. The tunnel is also 20-30 degrees cooler than outside temperatures so it’s a nice break.

The shuttle service was well-run before the race, parking is easy and the after party was nice with music and a free beer.

It was also neat to learn a bit of history. The course follows the path from South Fork to Johnstown of the 1889 Flood that killed more than 2,200 people. There’s a national memorial in South Fork, I’d recommend visiting to learn more.

With Johnstown being a city in poor a economic state, this was a feel good race in that you knew you were benefiting a community in need of economic activity. The race officials are very humble and thankful for the support of their race and community. I will definitely go back.

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I think this race was outstanding! Frederick didn't try to overdo it with gimmicks, crazy innovation, etc. It truly was a classic running festival with various distances, strong support, great … MORE

I think this race was outstanding! Frederick didn’t try to overdo it with gimmicks, crazy innovation, etc. It truly was a classic running festival with various distances, strong support, great medals and premiums, and a lovely course. If you’re looking for a nice midsize race with a small town feel, this is a great option. I am looking forward to returning for another go at it in the future!

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This is a great race to prep for a spring marathon. A lot of people use it in prep for Pittsburgh's Marathon in May. This was actually my very first … MORE

This is a great race to prep for a spring marathon. A lot of people use it in prep for Pittsburgh’s Marathon in May. This was actually my very first half back in 2012 and I did the 30K in 2018. It’s a small race, but the park you run around is lovely. You loop a lake and see lots of wildlife, including waterfowl and deer. The only drawback is it’s a looped course so for the 30k you see everything three times. However, I found it enjoyable. They have a great pace team, a nice and large medal, and it’s well organized!

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I really enjoyed this race. I ended up going down solo, but had a good time. The expo was nice and organized. There are a good number of hotels with … MORE

I really enjoyed this race. I ended up going down solo, but had a good time. The expo was nice and organized. There are a good number of hotels with convenient access to stores, downtown, and the race. I thought the course was organized and very nice, volunteers were upbeat and did a good job, and the swag was excellent.

Note to participants, have cash for the parking garages near the start/finish. Traffic is a nightmare getting to them and most of them do not take cards.

DIFFICULTY
3
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5
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4
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5

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