Sam D's Staging Area

This course was super unique and not a place I’d normally run (even as a native south Floridian). Don’t expect to actually see the Everglades, however. You’re SO close (like next to it!! But you’re not in it, exactly). You get to experience a side of S Fl that nobody sees really.. miles and miles of nurseries and farms with every tropical fruit or plant you could think of. I loved this and thought it was so fun. It’s long, straightaways and desolate. It was incredibly beautiful, aid stations were great, weather was awesome, the shirt was SO cute, medal was huge, and the post race box was the best I’d ever had!
Go into it knowing you won’t be running amongst gators and Everglades but rather exploring a very unique part of south Florida where people don’t travel normally. I felt like this was such a cool way to explore a place in my state that I don’t normally get to run around.
The pot holes and mud were as expected because you’re literally on dirt roads in the middle of nowhere. It was nothing terrible. Watch your step and remember you’re on someone’s farming land essentially. This isn’t a typical city road race, which is what makes it fun.
Others mentioned below about trash dumped. The trash that was dumped was fairly typical of the Redlands and not a big deal at all in terms of the race.
I would definitely run this again! Unique, cool and interesting. It was a great run.

Beautiful scenery the entire time with awesome crowds and a great expo. The race takes you through all of the best scenes of Miami, so even as a local, it is beautiful and exciting. The entire vibe of the race is so exciting and fun! The post race party is great and they always have great snacks.

The 2019 Heartland Half marathon was a little different than other years considering it was cancelled within the first 3 miles due to extreme weather conditions. I have raced dozens of races over the years and never experienced this type of situation especially with the flooding and storm that happened. It was pretty insane but the race management handled it so well. They tried their best in a crazy situation. The 5k that I did get to run of the course was fabulous despite the downpour. The run club putting it on was excellent and so kind! We stayed in a hotel right near the start and people could not have been nicer. Omaha is such a fun hidden gem of a town and we made an entire weekend out of it. Easy access from the airport via a tram and plenty to do! Definitely check this one off the list. It is a smaller race with all the good aspects!

LOVE LOVE LOVE this race. First off, Corning is adorable and the entire finger lakes region is amazing. A must do trip (take a day and go to Ithaca too!!). The expo is so cute –its inside the Corning museum of glass! Book an appointment early for glass blowing if you want to try it! The expo was smaller but packed with good stops. The zip up you get for your race shirt is the best! Not some dinky thin shirt.
The course is beautiful and picturesque upstate NY. You run through small towns and past farm houses. The finish line area is great and a fun way to finish on the main drag. The medal is so unique (glass) and beautiful! Overall, this race is amazing and a must do for upstate NY.