Samantha D'Alessio's Staging Area

This might be my favorite half marathon ever and that’s out of 56 halfs and 27 states. This was my first vacation race and I was already excited to try out one of their races based on the solid reputation for great organization and beautiful locations. I am completely sold on their races and can’t wait to do another. The organization is top notch. I love the sustainable approach to race production. And they of course pick locations that are EPIC.

As far as Mount Rushmore, the course was beautiful as it wound its way through the Black Hills National Forest. Picture perfect views of Mount Rushmore popped up around the switchbacks and it felt as if I was running through something alive. The towering pine trees and sweeping views of the valley as the course climbed and climbed and climbed. Be ready – it is a steady rise from the start to Mile 8 including a nonstop continuous climb from Mile 5 to Mile 8. From there is straight downhill less a little roller around mile 11 into the town of Keystone. The finish is a nice spot with easy spectator access and plenty to do while waiting for runners.

Racers get a nice shirt (cool design), a solid medal and a cute goodie box of snacks. The weather was perfect – a little chilly which caught some folks off guard including myself as the temps were somehow 15 degrees lower than the weather had predicted leading up to the race. So pack a few options in case race morning throws a curveball. Aid stations were well stocked and all self-serve since there are no cups. Bring your own or purchase a portable cup at the expo. I hope more small to mid size races will move to this model.

Even though this race is tough (male winner 1:28), it is SO worth it. Just go slow, take in the scenery and just enjoy the journey. I LOVED this race.

Finally, take advantage of the area. There is so much to do – Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore National Monument, Deadwood, Rapid City, Keystone, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse and more. Lots to do for all ages.

Pic is view from Mile 10.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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. 🙁