My Profile

@sdalessio

Charlottesville, VA Raving since 2019 50 States hopeful/finisher, 100 Half Marathons Club Active 6 days, 18 hours ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Cville Speedsters

  • Rave race:

    Samantha D'Alessio

  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

    I love to travel and be healthy (and eat and drink beer.)

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 (3)

Race Distance Location Date Result
Marathon Big Bear, CA Nov 12, 2022 3:51:46
Half Marathon Greenville, SC Feb 26, 2022 2:00:49
15K Utica, NY Oct 10, 2021 1:43:39

Future Races (33)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Half Marathon Hueston Woods State Park, OH Apr 6, 2024
Half Marathon Tipp City, OH Apr 8, 2024
Half Marathon Traverse City, MI May 25, 2024
Half Marathon Hermosa, SD Sep 21, 2024
Half Marathon Bristol, NH Oct 5, 2024
Half Marathon Hampton, NH Oct 6, 2024
Half Marathon Danville, VA 2024
Half Marathon St Charles, ID TBD
Half Marathon Laketown, UT TBD
Half Marathon Cokeville, WY TBD
Marathon Big Sur, CA TBD
Half Marathon Cascade Locks, OR TBD
Half Marathon North Charleston, SC TBD
Half Marathon Chattanooga, TN TBD
3-Way Challenge (22.4 Miles) Cincinnati, OH TBD
Half Marathon Daufuskie Island, SC TBD
Half Marathon Des Moines, IA TBD
Half Marathon Waterfall, PA TBD
Half Marathon Teec Nos Pos, AZ TBD
Half Marathon Townsend, TN TBD
Double Half Marathon South Williamson, KY TBD
Half Marathon Kellogg, ID TBD
Half Marathon Little Rock, AR TBD
Half Marathon Baton Rouge, LA TBD
Half Marathon Frenchtown, MT TBD
Half Marathon Bar Harbor, ME TBD
Marathon Huntsville, UT TBD
Half Marathon Indianapolis, IN TBD
Half Marathon Carson City, NV TBD
Half Marathon Steamboat Springs, CO TBD
Marathon Forest City, PA TBD
Half Marathon Traverse City, MI TBD
Half Marathon Tulsa, OK TBD

Past Races (36)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Half Marathon Chattanooga, TN Mar 16, 2024
Half Marathon USA Mar 9, 2024 2:25:27
1st Half Marathon Atlanta, GA Feb 25, 2024
Half Marathon Williamsburg, VA Feb 17, 2024 2:22:10
Half Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 2, 2023
Half Marathon Roanoke, VA Nov 18, 2023 2:22:44
Half Marathon Lincoln, NE Nov 5, 2023 2:16:41
Half Marathon Hampton, NH Oct 1, 2023 2:11:13
Half Marathon Bird-in-Hand, PA Sep 9, 2023 2:28:23
Half Marathon South Pomfret, VT Jun 4, 2023
Half Marathon Chicago, IL May 21, 2023 2:10:31
Half Marathon Eau Claire, WI Apr 30, 2023 2:10:14
Half Marathon Washington, DC Mar 18, 2023 2:11:16
Half Marathon Newport News, VA Mar 5, 2023 2:03:38
Half Marathon Gulf Shores, AL Jan 29, 2023 2:01:14
Marathon Big Bear, CA Nov 12, 2022 3:51:46
Half Marathon Brooklyn, NY May 21, 2022 2:07:33
Half Marathon York, PA May 15, 2022
Half Marathon Canton, OH Apr 24, 2022
Half Marathon Greenville, SC Feb 26, 2022 2:00:49
Half Marathon Richmond, VA Nov 13, 2021
Half Marathon Blountville, TN Oct 30, 2021 2:20:24
15K Utica, NY Oct 10, 2021 1:43:39
Half Marathon Ocean City, NJ Sep 26, 2021 2:04:16
Half Marathon Harpers Ferry, WV May 15, 2021 2:19:37
Half Marathon Roanoke, VA Apr 17, 2021 2:28:13
Half Marathon Cary, NC Mar 28, 2021 2:10:52
Half Marathon Jackson, MS Feb 29, 2020 2:14:32
Marathon Richmond, VA Nov 16, 2019 5:34:54
Half Marathon Lexington, KY Mar 31, 2018
Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 21, 2014
Half Marathon Las Vegas, NV 2012
Goofy Challenge (39.3 Miles) Lake Buena Vista, FL 2011
Half Ironman Galveston, TX 2010
Half Marathon Bristol, NH 2008
Marathon Baltimore, MD 2008

My Raves

This was the inaugural running of the River City Half but produced by the same company that does the fall Richmond Marathon weekend. The course shared some of the same … MORE

This was the inaugural running of the River City Half but produced by the same company that does the fall Richmond Marathon weekend. The course shared some of the same route as the fall race and that would be my only slight complaint living in VA and having done a number of Richmond races. But this was a great race – very well-run especially for the first time. I can only imagine it will get better.

It is hillier and more challenging than Richmond but goes through a number of nice neighborhoods and along the river. The start/finish in the University of Richmond campus was pretty. The finish line festival was one of the best I’ve seen. Food, beer, vendors and more nice areas to hang out. Things were busy but not crowded.

These races always have nice swag. The medal was cool and the shirt was very spring like representing VA well. You also got a tote bag at the end.

Overall great race even the cool temps and rain couldn’t take away from the day. Next time, if the race is on a nice sunny March day it will be a beautiful setting.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I knew going in to this race that there were some hills. Once you get through the first few miles that wind through the historic village of Williamsburg, you are … MORE

I knew going in to this race that there were some hills. Once you get through the first few miles that wind through the historic village of Williamsburg, you are either going up or down. The last 8 or so miles follow a paved path back towards Golden Horseshoe golf resort and worked out nicely as it protected runners from a stiff chilly breeze.

This race surprised me. I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy it being a Virginia native and familiar with the area but I’m glad I finally signed up and did the race. The production was top notch and well thought out for a race in February. Heated tent with snacks, warm drinks, etc that runners could access before and after the race. Nice swag: good long sleeve shirt, cool pineapple medal, nice running gloves and a backpack bag that has wider straps than the normal string. Pizza and beer at the finish, lots of awards and just overall well run. Plus if you are traveling from out of town, there is plenty to do afterwards around the old town, shopping/outlets, breweries and dining.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The race was small, a little over 300 half participants but well run. The course was mostly along a greenway that ran along the Roanoke River at times except for … MORE

The race was small, a little over 300 half participants but well run. The course was mostly along a greenway that ran along the Roanoke River at times except for a few miles in the middle where you had to climb up and around. Not sure if that part of the greenway was closed or why but it was a climb out and back. They could have used more bathrooms at the start and maybe another water station or two. But the support from the town and local high school supporting the race were great. Food at the end looked good but I did not have any. Shirt and medal were nice but nothing super exciting. Overall a nice little race. I think they’ve had some race course changes of late which left me to believe the race used to be a little more exciting.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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Superb race organization and crowd support. This is a great race in Nebraska. You get some really cool swag and even more if you organize or join a team. The … MORE

Superb race organization and crowd support. This is a great race in Nebraska. You get some really cool swag and even more if you organize or join a team. The course itself is fast and flat – not overly scenic but A LOT of people along the way cheering. Pink gorilla mascots at every mile marker. If you are coming from out of town, the race hotel (Embassy Suites Lincoln) is a great location. Three blocks from the finish line/party and central to a really fun college downtown. There are lots of places to get some food, a drink and/or shop. Nebraska University campus is also right there if you enjoy checking out various schools along with a number of theaters and art museums. Definitely a bucket list race.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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The course is flat and fast but not overly exciting. However, the race organization, swag and food make up for it. The race is at Hampton Beach just outside of … MORE

The course is flat and fast but not overly exciting. However, the race organization, swag and food make up for it. The race is at Hampton Beach just outside of Portsmouth. It spends the first part of the course winding its way back and forth around the little beach town. Then it heads out along the water into the neighborhoods up to the north and then back. Great crowd support and lots of aid station. The race is pricey but you get a cool medal and a really nice zip up hoodie plus a mini lobster roll, clam chowder, 2 beers, and live music at the end.

If you have a friend/relative running shorter distances, this is a great race for the 5k. Again pricey but you get all of the same stuff as the half runners.

Another plus they allow morning packet pickup which is nice for a bigger race. Do heed parking warnings for race morning. There is one road into town and it does get backed up. We were in a several mile back up but followed some other cars that took a left at a stoplight onto Landing Rd and came around the north side to parking/race activities. Bring cash, many beach lots only take cash. It’s the only part of the race that is a bit of a cluster. Or you could get there SUPER early but who wants to do that. 😉

But all said, this is a great race!!! Highly recommend.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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This race is a must do for Pennsylvania. Located in Lancaster right in the middle of Amish country, the local community comes out to put on a spectacular race. Not … MORE

This race is a must do for Pennsylvania. Located in Lancaster right in the middle of Amish country, the local community comes out to put on a spectacular race. Not only do the Amish put together an amazing spread at the end, they handcraft horseshoe finisher’s medals, participate in the race and welcome runners through their farms as mush of the course goes by or through the local farms. It is the nicest display of community I have ever seem at a race. If you can do the Fireman’s challenge (half and 5k), it is worth it.

The course itself is gently rolling hills but no shade so it can be very hot like this year. But there were more water stations than I could count, misting spray hoses setup around the course and random chest of ice for runners. Communication is excellent, swag is excellent and organization is excellent.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This is a nice race - pretty run along Lake Michigan although a little crowded at times. Great crowd support and Chicago is a fun place to be for a … MORE

This is a nice race – pretty run along Lake Michigan although a little crowded at times. Great crowd support and Chicago is a fun place to be for a weekend. The race was right downtown and convenient to a lot. Nice shirt and medal. Good production at the end of the race with a full breakfast buffet. Nice shirt and solid medal. But packet pickup was TERRIBLE. It is in a venue that is too small even though it was well organized. It’s a shame they didn’t do it at the park where the start/finish was. I waited for more than an hour as the line wrapped around a city block. This could be a great race if they fix that.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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Be prepared for any weather for a late April WI race but the organizers will make sure you are taken care of and still have a good time. Try to … MORE

Be prepared for any weather for a late April WI race but the organizers will make sure you are taken care of and still have a good time. Try to stay in town at one of the host hotels so you can walk to everything including lots of restaurant options. The course is very pretty with several river crossings. The crowd support from the town and local college students is great. Lots of energy on course. If I lived closer, I would do this race again. High recommend.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Rock n Roll races tend to be well organized and run smoothly but I feel like for the cost there should be a few more perks. Either better food at … MORE

Rock n Roll races tend to be well organized and run smoothly but I feel like for the cost there should be a few more perks. Either better food at the finish or finisher’s swag like a hat or blanket or something. The course was nice, a few hills especially at mile 7/8. This was a new course so I don’t know what it was like before. My only complaint was the slow start. They sent off waves but I think they could have sent off more at a time. The race started on Constitution Ave which is plenty to accommodate more people. It was never crazy crowded like other DC races. Great weather, easy to get in and out to the race/finish. Worth doing if you want to run a half in DC.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

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This was one of the best organized races that I've done. Packet pickup was smooth and easy. The host hotel while far from the start/finish was great. They were helpful, … MORE

This was one of the best organized races that I’ve done. Packet pickup was smooth and easy. The host hotel while far from the start/finish was great. They were helpful, provided free food in the AM and had a person at check-in to help with bands for the bus transport. The half started at a high school that opened up and let us stay warm in the gym and use the bathrooms. Lots and lots of volunteers and city personnel support. The only thing that could be improved is the actual community support. The course and race felt a lot like Richmond but in the case of Richmond all the neighborhoods throw big block parties and add to the atmosphere. Most of the neighborhoods for this race were quiet. Maybe the city and organizers could work together to encouragement more community involvement. The finish area was good with a cool signs for pics. There was also a nice area for families and runners to meet up and eat/drink.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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I completed the dolphin challenge which was the 7k on Sat and the Half on Saturday. Well organized race except for the challenge race check in on Saturday. They did … MORE

I completed the dolphin challenge which was the 7k on Sat and the Half on Saturday. Well organized race except for the challenge race check in on Saturday. They did not pre-assign numbers for those doing both races and the process was really slow. But other than that, great races. The Hangout was a fun place to finish in Sunday. Food and beer were amazing. The course was really pretty and ran through the state park for most of it. Good support. I recommend staying at the host hotel if you can. Great rates and such a pretty place along the beach. It made for a fun weekend.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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Everyone knows that the Revel races are a great chance to BQ if you can manage the downhill. I PR's by almost 8 min from my last real marathon try … MORE

Everyone knows that the Revel races are a great chance to BQ if you can manage the downhill. I PR’s by almost 8 min from my last real marathon try 11 years ago and got my BQ time. It is important to train for the downhills through practice and strength work. This course is rolling through the first 8 miles which really helps keep your pace in check. GO SLOW – you will make it up. I was 10 min faster on the 2nd half even with struggling the last few miles. Miles 9-20 is the meat of the downhill where you drop almost 3000′ especially miles 14-20. The last part of the course says it is a gradual downhill and maybe it is but not what you just experienced so it felt almost flat to me. I was not able to pick up any more speed just fight to maintain. The race was well run and the expo was really good with lots of cute, fun race gear to buy. The medal and shirt were fine but nothing exciting. I definitely recommend the race and series and with a few little tweaks, it would off the charts awesome!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Brooklyn is a fun place to go to a race. This is a great race put on by a very professional group (NYRR) and has a fun finish at Coney … MORE

Brooklyn is a fun place to go to a race. This is a great race put on by a very professional group (NYRR) and has a fun finish at Coney Island. I have several tips and notes:
– take the subway to and from the face. It’s easy to navigate and puts you right at the start and finish.
– the getting through security and into the start area is a pain in the a$$. Leave enough time to do that. And walk down past the initial port-a-potties for more options and less people.
– It can be hot and humid and the race course is not flat.
– Coney Island opens later in the day so plan on waiting around a few hours after the race if you want to check it out.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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This course is fast but not hard on the body. Once you pass the first few miles of some easy rolling hills, the course picks up the swamp rabbit trail. … MORE

This course is fast but not hard on the body. Once you pass the first few miles of some easy rolling hills, the course picks up the swamp rabbit trail. It is a gentle decent into Greenville. The most downhill part of the race is between miles 4-10. I like this course. The trail was pretty and peaceful. The swag was ok – cute medal and tech shirt. There wasn’t really an expo. The finish line did have nice warm burritos for runners. Course support was good. Getting to/from the start and/or finish was tricky if you didn’t have a ride since it was a point to point and transportation was not guaranteed. Definitely worth going – stay in Greenville and enjoy the town.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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The location of this race has bounced around especially due to COVID. It is held in Jonesborough, TN although last year was in Bloutville. Great organization, lots of runners, staff … MORE

The location of this race has bounced around especially due to COVID. It is held in Jonesborough, TN although last year was in Bloutville. Great organization, lots of runners, staff and volunteers in costume. The course is challenging and has a sort of 2 lap course. It is hard for me to judge the scenery since it was cold and wet but most of it is run through neighborhoods and local paved trails.

The best part of the race is the town which has a lot of really cute shops and a whole week of Halloween activities inclduing Boo to Brew event, ghost walking tours, special theater show and other stuff.

Swag was pretty good. Good snacks and beer at the end. Really cool medal and lively atmosphere. It does offer prize money and a costume contest. it is offers a half marathon relay event.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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This was the first time I'd run this race and the only time it will be in the fall. Normally it is in July so much warmer. I also heard … MORE

This was the first time I’d run this race and the only time it will be in the fall. Normally it is in July so much warmer. I also heard they usually give pins at the finish and not medals which repeat runners collect.

Swag was ok – shirt cost extra but they had lots of cool merchandise at the expo. Medal for this year was nice and a nice soft hand towel at the end. Free beer (seemingly bottomless cup) and plenty of grocery store snacks at the end as in some people filled up banana boxes with snacks. LOL

The best part of this race is crowd support. I went to the race with friends and we ran together. But every step of the way there were locals cheering, showcasing a local site of interest like the Utica Zoo or Utica College. There were 14 water stops more than miles in the race and wall to wall people. Definitely a fun atmosphere, lots of local Djs and other music. Even though we ran slow, the race flew by.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3

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This race course is very flat except for a small out and back incline over a bridge. As usual there was some wind along the way and it never seemed … MORE

This race course is very flat except for a small out and back incline over a bridge. As usual there was some wind along the way and it never seemed to be a tailwind no matter which direction I was going.
Pros:
– flat, fast course – good opportunity for a PR if the weather is good
– great crowd support
– one of the best after race spreads, many of the boardwalk food places donate samples (not healthy but yummy)
– nice shirt and medal
– well organized, family friendly event

Cons:
– a number of the miles weave through the neighborhoods so not very scenic
– running on the boardwalk which is not closed is a little dicey at times

Overall great race. Great place to take the family with lots of activities for the non-runner. I would go again.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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Hilly although this year the course was altered from the usual course. But the racecourse will always be hilly. Beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, good crowd support, and well-run race. MORE

Hilly although this year the course was altered from the usual course. But the racecourse will always be hilly.

Beautiful scenery, historic landmarks, good crowd support, and well-run race.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Be ready for some serious uphill like the 2.5m climb at Mill Mountain Park starting around mile 1 followed by 1.5m or so downhill. Then another serious climb (steeper) around … MORE

Be ready for some serious uphill like the 2.5m climb at Mill Mountain Park starting around mile 1 followed by 1.5m or so downhill. Then another serious climb (steeper) around mile 8/9 with a harsher more quad thrashing downhill.

I am not a hill lover by any means but I loved this race. When COVID restrictions lift, it will be even more fun as it is in a great location and incorporated into a music festival in a fun, downtown area. The crowds and support are amazing even with things being toned down. The race was well organized and professionally done.

I would definitely do this race again but make sure you are ready for some hills!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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This race was run along the Cary Greenway - an urban multi-use trail through the town of Cary. It was a mix of asphalt and boardwalk. Mostly flat and scenic … MORE

This race was run along the Cary Greenway – an urban multi-use trail through the town of Cary. It was a mix of asphalt and boardwalk. Mostly flat and scenic at times. I’m not sure if that is the usual route but since races are still working around COVID everything started and finished at Fred Bond Metro park. It was very well run and organized even with terrible thunderstorms the night before and early morning of the race. Even with COVID protocols and bad weather, the race started on time. Swag was nice – cute medal and a choice of a nice coffee mug or beer mug. I did not pay extra for the cotton t-shirt since it was not a tech and it was a unisex design.

DIFFICULTY
1
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5
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There seems to be a lot of recent history with this race that has a lot of people up in arms. A change in sponsors/race manangement a few years ago, … MORE

There seems to be a lot of recent history with this race that has a lot of people up in arms. A change in sponsors/race manangement a few years ago, less money to put on the race and some bad weather has changed the original feel of the race.

This was my first time and I thought the race was fine. Nothing over the top or special but a nice course and decent amenities. It is an easy destination especially if you flying. Everything is centrally located and within walking distance from hotels to race start to expo. I would recommend the race and if I lived closer would be happy to run it again.

My only complaint was the fact that it was run on Leap Year and there was no date on the medal. 🙁

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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This was a well-run race from packet pick up/expo through the finishers area. There were aid stations every 2 miles and the race lived up to its "junk" food rep … MORE

This was a well-run race from packet pick up/expo through the finishers area. There were aid stations every 2 miles and the race lived up to its “junk” food rep without being over the top. The course wound its way through many different parts of the city including some very pretty parts down by the James River. Lots of tailgaters and other folks out supporting the runners. Nice swag and finishing food. It is also a nice race for spectators. Fairly easy to navigate around the city to different spots and a great place to meet up and get food at the end on Brown’s Island. The course is fairly flat with a few minor hills and a nice downhill finish that is not too hard on tired legs. Great first timers race and a great place to PR.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
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5

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