Emily Tuttle's Staging Area

This was a great race! Not one glitch that I noticed (marathon 71 for me).

Shuttles ran on time; two stayed for sitting in warmth. I had arranged with race staff to pick up my bib at the start, which was kind of them. Plenty of water a port a potties while waiting.

Started in time; nice point to point course. This is the second race where there were permanent mile markers put up by the city (other race where I saw this was Little Rock Arkansas marathon). People on their lawns with bonus aid stations (water, shots (the usual) but also gu, sport beans, fruit snacks). A couple miles on a busy road but mostly neighborhoods then the CNU campus and brief water views at the end. Two stations with chia gels (caffeinated) and a couple of golf carts with band aids, body glide, etc.)

Weather was a bit sunny and high of 60 but it felt warm after our cold February training. Really nice medal and volunteers at the end. Plenty of police directing traffic over a long course. Finish stretch (last half mile) aimed at a giant American flag then a quick turn and you could see the finish arch right there. Race photos the next day available.

Well done, Newport News! I was so jazzed at the end—got my medal photo, bananas, water and Gatorade and jumped in my car to drive to DC. Realized I forgot to get my shirt (my bad). If I do it again I’ll go to the expo the day before!! The shirt was a pretty medium blue and nice logo—long sleeve, I believe, but I don’t know about the fabric. The medal is nice—nice size, weight, shine 😊

I’m the weather this year was dismal (35 and sleet/rain). The race started at 8, rain came at 9:30…

The loop course made it easy to adjust outfits and gear for the cold wet day. The relay runners had ankle bracelets so it was slightly less depressing when they passed. The relay runners all brought tents for the weather and we’re having what looked like a lot of fun as we ran by them every loop.

My garmin says 450 feet of elevation gain per lap. If it were not raining it would have been better (obviously) but the hills did seem to get bigger each loop. The loop was very runnable—lots of smooth parts, but then a very rooty section (and muddy!) slowed things down and became more challenging each loop.

The swag this year was a running hat with brim (many people wore it on the course) and socks (I declined—I’m just too fussy about my socks). Food and drink were typical ultra fare—bonus for the hot soup on a cold day.

This race course is accurately described on the web site—1.5 mile loop, 198 feet of elevation gain, not too technical but still have to pay attention, mostly shade.

I likes the shirt, array of snacks and drinks at the aid station, and layout of the course. Each lap ended with uphill section followed by a chute with flags; they called your number and gave compliments. The uphill allowed for planning what to get at the aid station (or to take off water pack and prepare to fill it). Then nice down hill and past your car —and another porta potty—then up into woods . I personally like short loops like this because the aid station is a fun place and you get to see it a lot!

Like other loop events there was a nice range of abilities out on the course—old guys talking about their urologist , middle aged moms training for fifty milers, people reminiscing about their 100 miler, walkers, people with trekking poles, and the fast young dudes sprinting up the hills. Good positive energy!!

The race director made sure to start on time, take photos of each runner!

I enjoyed this race. Drove up from northern VA the morning of (paid $20 for bib mailing). Easy drive there (a bit trafficky on the way home) and easy parking in a garage with lots of port-a-potties.

The biggest question mark/challenge was the weather. 70% chance of showers, scattered thunderstorms in the forecast. I hung around the parking area/my car/ the port a potties until 6:30 and then walked over to the start. Decided I would not take my hydration vest because it would get heavy/annoying in the rain (just my preference–saw lots of folks with theirs), also decided not to run with my phone because of the rain/scarcity of pockets in my outfit. I did have my fancy new Garmin that could play music, so this was its maiden voyage.

The course was good–relatively flat (Garmin says 1000 feet gained) and lots of straight-a-ways. The highest energy was around mile 9/10 going through campus, where there was an event, and the crowds cheered for us, too. Not a double loop or out and back. 🙂

Good mid-sized field, lots of NAVY RUNNERs, pacers, GUs at every aid station. The volunteers and police were real troopers in the weather we had. There was thunder and lightening on the course, but I used my one-mississippi counting to determine that it was not close and I was a little worried they would shut it down mid-race, but luckily the storm just moved on by and then we got drizzled on for the entire second half. (First half the big challenge was periodic gusts of wind.) It was a day where you feel accomplished for being out there, doing it!

The finish had pizza, unripe bananas (sob), bottles of Gatorade/water and rice krispie treats. The finish was (surprise for me–didn’t study the map) one block from the parking garage! Woo hoo–dry clothes. They had a DJ at the finish and lots of cute restaurants in Salisbury.

The literal ONLY complaint I have is that it’s the same medal for the full and half–would prefer a unique ribbon for each race.

The shirt is cute, standard sizing, and I’ll wear it!

4.2 ish loop.
twisty and rooty for a mile, gravel road for .25 mile, twisty and rooty for a mile, then two miles uphill on a gravel road…
Nice course.
It was 19 degrees, and the aid station was great–they volunteers helped me refill my handheld because my mittens were too clumsy.
Nice sweatshirt, medal, snacks. Close proximity to DC/suburbs.

* A bit challenging to GET to Brookings, but it was a lovely town. Comfortable and convenient hotels and dining establishments.
* Easy packet pickup the day the morning of the race.
* Great weather for running (no humidity, 40 at start, 60s at end, overcast)
* flat course (Garmin says 630 feet of elevation gain)
* many, many turns in the course, but not a double loop. These provide a mental break, but I know many runners are concerned about losing speed? or the tangents? Garmin says I ran 26.33.
* so many volunteers at all the turns, it felt like there were crowds watching 🙂
* plentiful water stops
* I loved all the motivational yard signs (also made it feel less lonely)
* I ran this SIX DAYS after Duke City, so I was not expecting to do well. This was my first time running consecutive weekends, but it was actually 3 minutes faster for me. I was mentally tired, so I read up on motivational techniques and was super conscious of my pace. I managed to hold back (even though the halfers ran with us for 10.5 miles)–probably because I was tired from last week! BUT, the tiredness stayed at the same level the whole time, and I actually picked up the pace for the last two miles, which I am proud of.
This was a race where everything did come together for me; I was able to really run my own race yet not feel isolated out on the course.

The shirt and medal are lovely, and the snacks at the end were great–my favorite, bananas!! (seriously) and also cookies and a few other things. Food was still plentiful and I was a late finisher. Also my favorite, water bottles you can carry with you (not little cups and a jug).

Sadly, no finish line photographer–but I had forgotten that I told them it was my 49th state, and they announced that fact with my name as I was finishing and I felt so pleased!

I chose this race for Alaska because it was flat and I was busy both weekends for the anchorage races. I knew going in that it was a very small race and I would be running alone. That was hard, but the weather cooperated and there was a man grilling hotdogs at the end and cold drinks.

We could wait inside with a heated room and a flush toilet before the race started. I stayed right in Kenai and the logistics were very easy— was able to get a shower at the laundromat, which the Chamber of Commerce told me about.

I enjoyed the water stations—carried a handheld bottle for the first time in a race and they filled it for me. I had one lady cut open my gu which I tore poorly and then couldn’t get open. (Bring your own gu.)

The course was mostly along two-lane “highways “ with not much traffic and a good sized shoulder. There were nice tall forests with changing fall leaves at times. It reminded me of other western races in that it just felt like the landscape was so big and straight (even though there were turns and it wasn’t point to point. It was a giant loop). Reminded me of bemidji blue ox, Windermere, Jackson hole. That said , the views on the course were not as great as the views on the drive down from anchorage—wow!

I would recommend this race—well organized, small town charm, and socks and a t-shirt as swag!

I ran the Saint patties day Des Moines marathon run by the same company. This race was bigger, and the half marathon started at the same time. This lead to intense congestion for miles 3 to 5. This made it difficult to settle into the correct pace, because your focus became on passing people it in the congested area.

Other than that, I enjoyed the fact that the race was mostly in a park, and that there was a turn around at mile 11 and 21, which provided a mental focus. The water stops were well-managed Dash my favorite one was the second to last one, at which I received a bag of ice. This bag of ice was wonderful as I ran up the hot concrete at mile 22-ish. I was quite sad they did not have ice at the last water stop. It was a surprisingly warm day, and the sun came out more than expected. It would have been nice if the race had started a little earlier.

There were free photos, and I am happy with the shirt. There was apparently a fruit cup at the end, but it was hard to find. I was happy to get a full water bottle and several cups of Gatorade at the end, with a nice folding chairs to sit in. Did I mention it was hotter than expected? Heat in the spring is hard because we’re not acclimated at all.

Easy logistics—uber downtown to expo, bbq restaurant, hotel. Easy am shuttle (heated) and heated building to wait for start. Corrals went quicker than rock and roll races (whew) and the weather was great.

I was worried about the wind so I didn’t wear my hat—my regret. We ran into the sun for ten miles. Sigh. The route was straight and long low-grade rolling hills. NBD for me—reminds me of the bike path I train on in nova. Garmin says 740 feet of elevation gain— the only tough one was the last .15 mile!

The out and back for the second half was not as scenic as the first half but it was flatter and we could settle in for the tough part. Water stops were plentiful, stocked with gu.

Love a cotton shirt (I think I am in the minority but I really wear them more)—race specific shirt and medal with the arch and state flag featured prominently.

I enjoyed St. Louis—people were friendly everywhere , lots of green spaces downtown—did I mention the bbq??? So so good.

Pros:
Bib/packet mail option
Beautiful medal
Smooth start, cool temps and gradual downhill early miles
Free photos, heat sheet at shaft, throw away gloves
Option to sit on bus while waiting for start
Port a potties has lights in them!
On time start
Accurate pacers

Cons:
The beginning miles are so easy feeling it is so hard to not go too fast.
So I did (go too fast at beginning). The last 10k really were a struggle—the sun was in full force and it was flat, not downhill.
I know people love these courses, but I am not one of them. I prefer flat myself. That said, I think I did the best on this one (out of revel mt chcarleston, Pocatello, aspen valley, and Utah valley). Am I getting wiser? It was the downhill course gentler? Probably a little of both.

Well, after doing many TINY races for over a year, it was a bit of an adjustment to participate in a large race (with some pandemic touches).

The biggest source of anxiety for me was that the web site wasn’t really updated with detailed information until two weeks before the race. I am a big planner, and this impacted my ability to plan ahead as well as my confidence about how the race was going to ‘go down.’ (WHY haven’t they posted the expo information yet? etc.)

The other anxiety-inducing experience was the email of the corral information which I received Wed before the race. The email said that my start window was 9:16-9:26 (the official start time is 8:00). Combined with the fact that I truly had gotten faster (so my original expected finish time was not accurate) and that I had a 3:20 plane to catch, I was quite alarmed. (I wanted to be with the 4:50 pacer, not the 5:30 pacer)… No one from the race responded to my frantic emails. At the expo, I was not moved up in corrals.

Race morning came–I have observed over my fifty-states journey that I really like to start running early! A lot of waiting (especially if I am running on West coast) makes me get more pre-race jitters. So, there was a lot of waiting–the web site said to park by 6:15, which I did, and I parked in a zone where they marked it green for quick getaway (that part worked like a charm)–I even prepaid parking online.

Corrals went more smoothly than the emails predicted, I was running by 8:30. Made the 3:20 flight 🙂

The race itself was worth all the fuss–large number of runners, many of whom had St. Jude connections (made me think, my problems are not significant). Nice city tour. Course had a 4 mile look repeated in the purgatory of miles 14-21, which I actually liked (the second loop was nice mentally). My garmin said there was 800 feet of elevation gain–some hills, but fewer than Tulsa! Spectator support was nice (especially at the end–mile 23 had a bugler that we went by twice on a little out-and-back), and at that point we were hooked back up with the extreme back of the pack halfers (again, puts my problems in perspective).

Lovely medal, great after-party! Great BBQ for my splurge meal! Great experience!

Very smooth logistics. Easy Morning packet pickup, cool souvenirs on offer.
Nice size race with different distances starting at different locations ( no pacing off the half runners). Course was more varied than I expected—some neighborhoods, some roadside stretches, some lake stretches, some wooded areas, through a state park/campground. If I hadn’t just run charlesvoix and Jackson hole I probably would have thought it was prettier ☺️.

There were some hills, but garmin says only 530 feet of elevation gain, so definitely a fast course. Weather was overcast and 60s (unseasonably warm for MN in fall?) but good running weather. Easy 3.5 hours from MSP.
And the slogan—harness your inner ox—is fun, as are ox themed medal/shirt.

Well, I know race directors can’t control the weather. I travelled to SD for this race, went to the expo, checked in to my hotel. (No ubers—walked; hopped into another rubber’s Uber).
Would have been nice if the expo would have been at the start, but I chose a hotel by the start, so race morning going to be smooth. Then there was a storm overnight. Woke up, got all my outfit on, went to the start—surprise! The full was cancelled! The half was available. Could we run it twice? No. Much sadness and disappointment. The half course was lovely (isn’t it alway the prettiest part?) we ran over the falls, through downtown, finished in the track. Weather was great for the race itself. I may return to SD; not sure I’ll do this race. I think there was flooding last year, too, but not to the same extent . The medal is pretty—but it says full and it feels like a lie. Happy I got to run something in SD

The weather is out of the race director’s control, but starting on time IS.
I did what I needed to do by getting on BUS 2 to the start (putting me there at 4:15). Somehow at 5:50 I was not lined up. I listen to and follow directions. There was poor communication to the people standing around in the field at the top of the mountain about how to (and when) to line up. There was a lot of communication about the drop bags (on a hot day, is this necessary?). Knowing how hot it was going to be, and knowing I am a back of the packer, I was frustrated with the fact that we started 20 minutes late. It seemed much more chaotic than other point to point races I have done (OBX, Missoula, Revel Mt Charleston, and Pocatello)–all of which started on time.

The late start came firmly to mind at mile 22.something when we started to enter town. I looked over and saw one of those bank message boards with the time and temperature. 11:08. 92 degrees. Sob. If we had started on time, I would have been there 20 minutes earlier. It would have made a difference–I really only fell apart for about 1-2 miles.

The good news:
* The swag is nice.
* The course was beautiful (equal to Missoula, Mt Charleston) and straight. There were (too) brief parts with shade (tunnel, canyon wall, trees) even at the last 10K.
* The water stops at mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and so on were so regular that it really helped mentally somehow. They were all well stocked–important on a hot day. At the end they were giving out handfuls of ice–which I accepted. There was a frozen popsicle at 23. Two misting arches. Bonus residents misting runners, handing out ice cubes.
* The downhill was nice (didn’t feel as crushing as Mt. Charleston–maybe I did a better job pacing?), and my Garmin says 520 feet of gain (not a big deal for me, but I’m from a rolling hills environment).
* The Marriott host hotel was very convenient, as was the convention center for packet pickup.
*Good size race–it felt like a pre-pandemic race! Fun once I got started to mile 22ish. T

Another complaint:
The finish line area was too, too crowded, and corralled in with metal gates. I happened to finish when the kids 1K was finishing. There were TONS of kids/toddlers moving erratically, moms with strollers trying to keep the family together between me (finishing the right chute) and the water table (on the left). It was frustrating. I did get a Jamba Juice cup (frozen and yummy), and was forced around to the moon bounce area before I could maneuver out to cross the course to head back the Marriott host hotel.

This year’s course and race was different because of the pandemic, and I really appreciate all the effort that went into putting on a live, fun event.

There were many starting waves, and the expo was early (to the surprise of out of town runners), but there was also morning-of pickup. I was in the first wave, and was given a bib and shirt for the half, which I didn’t realize until close to the start time. I was able to exchange my bib but not my shirt (priorities!).

The fun thing about the many waves is that I could see runners the entire time! People passed me, I passed a few , etc. It was further livened up by the full marathon course having little spurs so that by the time we were crossing back in to KY across the bridge, we were at mile 20 and the half was at 12. The out and back spurs allowed for runners to see each other and the full spurs built a sense of camaraderie. The scenery was mostly of the river along a bike path, lush and green. Some of it was along a more industrial area, and through a small sliver of the city.

Overall, it was so, so much fun. Louisville is a cool town, and I loved walking from my hotel to the start, seeing other runners in the hotel afterwards, the medal engraving station at the finish line.

The course had to be changed (because state part wouldn’t allow the race), and it was a double-loop, with minimal hills. Some through the woods/near the lake, some on a busy road shoulder.

The weather was pretty bad–rainy, 40 degrees, a little sleet, and massive winds–but it wasn’t the WORST (that still remains Rocket City 2018). I have learned how to dress for this weather–need hat with a brim, rain jacket, wool underwear.

Well-done, well-executed race–really made the effort to host the runners. I drove from VA–plenty of parking. Brought a hydration backpack b/c of COVID. Swag is long-sleeve cotton shirt (name brand fabric)–my only complaint is it doesn’t have the year or date.

Medal is also cute, year only on ribbon. I was so grateful to run a live =race!

The weather was unseasonably cool this year!
Car checkin (covid precaution) caused start to be pushed back 30 minutes.
4.25 mile loop, flat gravel trail in sun for 67%, a third on trails in shade (in two sections).
Really well done. You go through the parking area once per loop—access to your stuff! (No aid stations because of covid).
My first six hour race! It was challenging and fun, lots of encouragement from other runners in the course. A local race for me; signed up ten days out, but it did sell out. Cute ss cotton tee and crabthemed medal

I don’t have much to add to others’ reviews. I loved the size of the race–I was never lonely but only crowded a bit at the beginning (not a big deal–26 miles to find my pace).

I loved the expo–I had time to kill and listened to talks about nutrition during the race and the mental aspect of the race which I found helpful. The race production was clearly experienced and I was a little worried I was too much a back of the packer for the field, but the race attracted not only elite runners (and the very skinny) but also people like me 🙂

The volunteers were amazing, and so numerous. A lot of them had helpful comments (as opposed to ‘you’re almost there’ they said things like ‘nice pace, nice work, keep going). The fans (especially for the first 8 miles, with the halfers) were great, with many funny signs. It was cool that elite runners were on the same course (many hours before me). There were messages in lights on construction signs toward the end–“optimal conditions” as a reminder to go hard the whole way. There were weird bluetooth speakers around mile 21-24 playing the Rocky theme song on repeat (not a fan), Kanye West’s Stronger (a fan), and something in spanish. That was a bit weird for me, but I am nitpicking.

I loved that there were kilometer markers for every km. Made it feel like time was moving. Plentiful water and Gatorade stops, two GU stops. Gorgeous weather, mostly flat course through beautiful neighborhoods, Rice U campus, few turns.

I ran the fastest I have run in 2 years. I will wear my finisher shirt proudly. Thanks, Houston!

The course was a double out-and-back for the full marathon, so I was with the halfers for half of it, which was cool. I thought the double out and back would be brutal mentally, but it actually was fine, and I was by myself for less of the course as a result.

The weather on raceraves shows that it was raining, but really only drizzling for an hour or so–very minimal precipitation. Weather was great for running–overcast and in the 40s.

The race day pickup, parking, and organization were very smooth. Nice, low-key, race. Aid stations included pickle juice, coca-cola, and peanut M&Ms–nice.

I will say that my Garmin registered 1100 feet of elevation gain. I would say that very little of the course was flat; it was either a gradual incline/decline (most of the middle section) or a steep section (near the U-turns).

Overall, I signed up for this race coming off an injury and was not well trained. I was the last finisher (my first time as such), which was a blow to my ego.

The race people were great, and encouraging. They kept the aid stations, finish line, photographer etc. open for me. (Free photos!) I ran with the ‘sweeper’ for the last 3 miles. I love runners! Always a common interest to chat about.

I like the shirt being cotton (I have plenty of tech Ts) and it is attractive. The medal is large and bling-y.

The logistics were very simple. Recommend the race!

The good:
* easy logistics from host hotel
* easy, short bus ride/bus loading process
* bib pick up was easy
* swag is nice–high-quality long sleeve tech T, duffle bag, medal
* 2nd to last water stop doused me with cool water
* small race, most participants quite friendly and willing to chat
* course was quite direct point-to-point, nice downhill for 13 miles.
* wore compression shorts so quads didn’t suffer quite as much as in Revel Mt. Charleston
* Pocatello is super easy to navigate–once you’re there! I flew in to SLC, which was also easy to navigate.
* I love a Saturday race.

Less awesome:
* Back of packers are in a lot of sun/heat at end. I finished in 5:49
* I saw no one from mile 23 to 26, other than water stops–mentally very tough.
* I got terrible sleep for the two nights before the race, which affected my performance.
* Fri before holiday weekend=traffic on I-15.

I echo the comments by the other reviewers. I just wanted to give additional credit to the 5:25 pacer and compliment his getting us through the race without having to think as much as usual 🙂

I also want to compliment the showers in the FargoDome, and the well-organized dome floor–bag drop was in the exact same location 5:25 later–and we could scope out the finish line at the start (which, blessedly, was warm and dry).

I liked the size of the race–I was never alone, and there were plentiful water cups at all the stations. I liked the neighborhoods, and the residents, who played music for us and gave us jolly ranchers. I agree with those who comment on the many turns of the course, but I like the mental variety–where are we going? what’s around the bend? I like the fact that the halfers started a little after the full–less getting psyched out by their pace (again. shout out to the pacer for curbing my enthusiasm).

44 and drizzling turns out to be pretty good running weather in that it is cooler and overcast. I was thankful that it stopped and I dried out after an hour or two (except the feet).

I liked the medal– colorful and solid; I personally hate string bags because the strings get caught on everything, but this was clearly a high-end string bag this year, and the bag drop was seamless. I liked that the shirt was a sweatshirt–I have enough tech Ts.

I agree with what many other reviewers comment on:
* the race is geared toward the half marathon.
* there are many out and backs to ‘take advantage’ of the bands.
* some of the ‘bands’ were DJs.
* the second half is surprisingly hilly (several bridges to cross), lonely, and lacking in scenery compared to the first half
* I personally hate the corral start of the RNR races with the countdowns on the PA every 90 seconds. I want to go! I would rather weave (which happens anyway)

Pros:
*New Orleans is one cool place. There is a lot of energy in the first half.
* Run your own race–don’t get sucked in to the halfers pace, energy, etc.
* Plenty of water, vaseline, etc. (Did not try unfamiliar ‘gel’ product.
* lovely overcast weather in the 50s–perfect for running.

I loved the course–nice variety of town, college, lake, woods, and neighborhoods. All turns were well marked, and volunteers made good use of the names printed on the bib numbers. It was a bit hilly, but not too bad. It happened to be cold in 2018, but it helped us run faster 🙂 T-shirt is well-designed, on a polyester that feels like a regular T for wearing to the grocery store, etc. (which I like). Medal is large and well-designed. I loved the size of the race–I could see/pass other runners the whole time and I finished in 5:35 (sometimes I am quite alone). I did not carry water, and there were plentiful water stops. (There were free photos–I smeared chocolate GU on my face (it was thick b/c of the cold, clumsy hands), so I am not posting that–but the pics and results were posted *very* quickly. Well organized event!

Packet pickup was easy (chose the AM option). Madison is a great midwestern town to visit with nice people, ample restaurants and coffee shops. Easy to get around.

I recommend staying at the HI hostel–nice staff, nice pre and post race chatting with other runners, convenient location.

Easy bib pickup, open late
I love a Saturday race (Sunday to rest before work)
Easy to navigate Indy and Carmel roads and airport
Race started on time, had well supplied water stops throughout, even for back of packer like me. Water stop volunteers were attentive rather than distracted, and there were plenty of bananas at the end, which is all I ever feel like eating anyway.
I LOVEd the parking situation–got there early, parked I. closest garage. Sat in warm car reading (one building was open and many stood in warm lobby)–and then at end, an easy getaway.
Medal is huge, sparkly state of Indiana–nice for 50 staters.
Shirt has pretty design, but fabric is a bit stiff…we’ll see.
All in all, course is flat and weather was good for running in 2018 (cloudy and high in the low 50s).
Only hard part of course was mental, going past the finishing halfers with 13.1 to go…we ran with the halfers for thirteen miles.
I had run Myrtle Beach four weeks before, which was WINDY, so I didn’t notice the wind at Carmel, but the RD said in an email the finish party would have been more energized without wind…
I count it as a PR for races in quick succession. Nice mid-sized race. Made a new friend for miles 16-21😃.