My Profile

@SlowJuan

Tulsa, OK Raving since 2017 50 States hopeful/finisher, Marathon Maniacs #1684 Active 1 week, 1 day ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Marathon Maniacs, 50 States Marathon Club

  • Rave race:

    Bataan Death March Marathon (x2)

  • Race that's calling my name:

    The Loch Ness Marathon

  • I run because:

    “I just felt like runnin’……”

My Races

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

50 States Map
image/svg+xml FL TX NM AZ AK CA NV UT CO OR WA ID HI OK MT WY ND SD NE KS MN IA MO AR LA MS AL GA SC IL WI MI IN OH TN KY NC WV VA PA NY ME VT NH RI CT NJ DE MD MA DC

Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (0)

Race Distance Location Date Result

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (54)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Little Rock, AR Mar 3, 2024
Marathon Tulsa, OK Nov 20, 2022 7:04:05
Marathon Anchorage, AK Aug 21, 2022 6:32:24
Marathon Oak Bluffs, MA May 21, 2022 6:09:35
Marathon Atlantic City, NJ Oct 17, 2021 6:18:53
Marathon Marlboro, VT Aug 29, 2021 6:28:31
Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 19, 2021 6:20:12
Marathon Gettysburg, PA Oct 17, 2020 6:19:36
Marathon Coeur d\'Alene, ID Aug 23, 2020 7:03:41
Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 7, 2019
Marathon Newport, RI Oct 13, 2019 6:21:03
Marathon Gilsum, NH Sep 29, 2019 6:26:39
Marathon Charlevoix, MI Jun 22, 2019 6:10:45
Marathon Fargo, ND May 18, 2019 6:11:15
Marathon Louisville, KY Apr 27, 2019 6:08:04
Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 13, 2019
Marathon West Haven, CT Mar 23, 2019 6:13:47
Marathon Tulsa, OK Nov 18, 2018 6:56:48
Marathon Indianapolis, IN Nov 3, 2018 6:02:12
Marathon Bar Harbor, ME Oct 14, 2018 6:20:20
Marathon Malvern, IA Sep 8, 2018 6:01:44
Marathon South Williamson, WV Jun 9, 2018 6:41:42
Marathon Nashville, TN Apr 28, 2018 6:31:28
Marathon Ft. Lauderdale, FL Feb 18, 2018 6:14:07
Marathon Charleston, SC Jan 13, 2018 6:04:10
Marathon Tulsa, OK Nov 19, 2017
Marathon Baltimore, MD Oct 21, 2017 6:12:09
Marathon Boring, OR Sep 17, 2017 6:18:49
Marathon Frenchtown, MT Jul 9, 2017 6:05:00
Marathon Green Bay, WI May 21, 2017 5:58:05
Marathon Olathe, KS Apr 22, 2017
Marathon Virginia Beach, VA Mar 19, 2017
Marathon New Orleans, LA Feb 5, 2017
Marathon Huntsville, AL Dec 10, 2016
Marathon Omaha, NE Sep 18, 2016
Marathon Tacoma, WA May 1, 2016
Marathon White Sands, NM Mar 20, 2016
Marathon Crazy Horse, SD Oct 4, 2015
Marathon Huntington Beach, CA Feb 1, 2015
Marathon Columbus, GA Nov 8, 2014
Marathon Rachel, NV Aug 10, 2014
Marathon Tupelo, MS 2013
Marathon Cincinnati, OH 2013
Marathon Lahaina, HI 2013
Marathon Humble, TX Dec 21, 2012
Marathon Jackson Hole, WY 2012
Marathon Apache Junction, AZ 2011
Marathon Fort Collins, CO 2010
Marathon Kitty Hawk, NC 2010
Marathon Kansas City, MO 2009 5:16:04
Marathon Staten Island, NY 2003
Marathon St. George, UT 2001
Marathon Arlington, DC 2000
Marathon Chicago, IL 1996

My Raves

Whups, she did it again! Geneva (RD) has delivered yet another epic event. I'm not sure how she'll ever top the 2024 "dinosaur" theme, as hordes of runners descended on … MORE

Whups, she did it again! Geneva (RD) has delivered yet another epic event. I’m not sure how she’ll ever top the 2024 “dinosaur” theme, as hordes of runners descended on Little Rock dressed in all manner of prehistoric finery; the Flintstones, cavemen (er, sorry, my bad) “people-of-the-cave-persuasion”, inflatable dinosaur suits, triceratops hats, stegosaurus plates, etc. Never seen as much leopard-skin in my entire life! Two of my favorite costumes were at the Mile 11 – Prehistoric Aid Station; a gentleman dressed as Dr. Grant riding an inflatable velociraptor and a lady in a full-body, orange & purple, dilophosaurus outfit. Talk about being committed to the role!
The race staff had prudently moved the start time up to 6:00 AM in anticipation of humid/hot conditions by late morning, but unexpected cloud cover provided for nearly ideal conditions until well after noon. If you haven’t run the LRM, the racecourse takes you past several of Little Rock’s historic landmarks; across the river through North Little Rock, past the Cardinals’ ballpark, the Governor’s mansion, the Capitol, Central High School (a National Historic Site) and the Arkansas School of the Deaf, home of the Leopards! (Best. Mascot. Name. Ever!!!)
Don’t let the flat-Earthers tell you that Little Rock isn’t hilly. You really don’t find level ground until Mile 19 with the dreaded out-and-back leg to Mile 23. And you better be ready to gear down and grind out the hill that starts at the Capitol (Mile 15) and doesn’t peak until Mile 17. It’s like an Escher painting gone bad; it just keeps ascending. The aid station at the crest offered water, Gatorade, and tequila shots. One-stop-shop for hydration and pain management. Definitely made rolling down the backside a lot more enjoyable … and fuzzy.
The Mile 19 station was manned by the LR Parrothead Club, fully decked out in tropical shirts and hats. I must have looked pretty road-weary, as a Jimmy Buffet clone stepped up and asked if I could use a margarita. (Must be some kind of trick question.) I acquiesced and he sent me on my way with a tall, strong, Solo-cup-full of lime-flavored rum. (Just what I needed coming off the tequila shot.) Don’t exactly recall the turn-around point at Mile 21, but someone apparently helped me navigate it and reoriented me back towards the Finish. I passed on the “Lipstick Station” located 100 yards from the Finish Line as I was sure they wouldn’t have anything in their product arsenal that could possibly “save my face” after 26 miles.
The entire day was just an all-round, well organized, festive event. Loved the triceratops-patterned socks I received from Blue Cross & Blue Shield at the Expo. I sprung for a tie-dyed, marathon hoodie in the swag shop featuring a tyrannosaurus. (RAWR!) And the marathon medals were absolutely the best yet; three pounds of dino-goodness! Thank you, Geneva & Co., for throwing the best 8-hour running party in the nation.

“‘Ooh, aah!’ That’s how it always starts. But then later, there’s running and screaming.”
-Dr. Ian Malcolm-

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
My Media

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

If you haven't "Run the Route" yet, what're you waiting for?!? Get yourself to Oklahoma next November and kick it! This is probably the single best organized race you're going … MORE

If you haven’t “Run the Route” yet, what’re you waiting for?!? Get yourself to Oklahoma next November and kick it! This is probably the single best organized race you’re going to encounter across America. It’s designed by runners, administered by runners, and caters to runners. The course is deceptively hilly but showcases the very best Tulsa has to offer. It begins with the traditional confetti-cannon starting “gun” for each of the four corrals. Along the course, you’re going to encounter a number of Tulsa treasures: Brookside neighborhoods, Utica Square, Cascia Hall, Philbrook Museum, Riverside Drive, Route 66, The Gathering Place, The University of Tulsa, Church Studios (e.g., Leon Russell!) and The Center of the Universe (COTU) “detour.” Sly Stallone was filming a segment of “Tulsa King” on that very site just last month. And R66 does swag right. Expect a quality race jacket, an impressive medal, and a large, commemorative coin for those who make the COTU Detour.
This was my 100th, and potentially, final marathon. (Ever have that experience with an old vehicle where you step on the gas …….. and nothing happens?!?) I chose to celebrate this century-milestone at R66 where I knew the experience would be the very best it could be. And I can assure you, the Route 66 Marathon staff, expo, course, swag, and experience did not disappoint!
Brew Review: Since Tulsa is pretty much my “home field,” I can provide numerous micro-brewery recommendations, many within walking distance of the downtown hotels. Check out Welltown Brewing (R66 sponsor), Dead Armadillo (which you run past at M-24, handing out pickle-beer to parched runners), Eerie Abbey, Elgin Park, Nothing’s Left, Cabin Boys, Marshall Brewing, Neff, American Solera, just to name a few. And those rumors you’ve heard about the profusion of alcoholic “opportunities” along the R66 course?!? All true. In 2022, I observed mimosas, a 4-person Fireball ski-shot, a half-dozen Jell-O shot stations, peach moonshine, blueberry vodka, Crown shots, spiked Mtn. Dew (ick…) and countless beer stations. These aren’t R66 sponsored activities. They’re a result of the course wending its way through numerous upscale neighborhoods and, since they can’t exit their driveways, the residents making the most of the event with impressive yard parties. I can neither confirm nor deny the reports, but it’s possible, that I might have been overserved along the way. I’m going to plead “Pain Management” on those allegations.
Slow Juan

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
My Media

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Finishing the Anchorage RunFest - Humpy’s Marathon brings my quest to complete a marathon in every state to a very satisfying conclusion. And if you're looking for an Alaska marathon, … MORE

Finishing the Anchorage RunFest – Humpy’s Marathon brings my quest to complete a marathon in every state to a very satisfying conclusion. And if you’re looking for an Alaska marathon, then Humpy’s is the race you want to run! Be sure to let the Race Staff know in advance if Anchorage will be your 50th State and they’ll have a Certification of Completion waiting for you at the Finish. Just a nice, little personal touch that you won’t find elsewhere.
About that, uh … awkward name. Pink salmon, or “humpback” salmon, are commonly called “humpies.” Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse is the marathon’s major sponsor and the Start and Finish location for the event. Even knowing that, expect some strange, concerned expressions when you share with folks, “I ran Humpy’s!”
The staging area on Sunday morning in front of Humpy’s brought several pleasant “amenities.” Kaladi Brothers Coffee was dispensing hot java and Franz Bakeries was dealing fresh grilled cheese sandwiches to the huddled, milling runners. Can’t say I’ve ever experienced those pre-race traditions before, but I think they warrant a petition for adoption at other race venues. Comfort food before a marathon?!? Brilliant!
The course is straight-forward, slightly rolling in elevation, and spectacularly beautiful. The first 15 miles are an out-and-back circuit on the Coastal Trail. The next 10 miles are an out-and-back leg on the Creek Trail, a greenbelt trail system wending its way through Anchorage. Expect to see panoramic views of the Cook Inlet along the Coastal Trail. Both courses traverse long stretches of coastal rainforest with thick stands of birch and spruce, the floor carpeted with devil’s club, verdant ferns and thick moss: Cool, green, dark, shady and quiet. BOLO for moose and bear. I didn’t spot either, but apparently a moose and her calf crossed the path behind me shortly after I passed Mile 7. (Drat! I just moosed ’em!)
There’s one final grinder hill at Mile 25 to get back up to downtown from the trail system, but a nice, open Finish on 6th Street. I quickly found a great Finisher’s medal, my 50-State Completion certificate and even managed to locate the inventory of left-over grilled cheese sandwiches. What’s not to like?!?
If you’re contemplating your own sojourn to run a marathon in every state, I would encourage you to consider the Anchorage RunFest for your “Big Finish.” You won’t be disappointed or regret the decision. And a few last words of encouragement:

“A journey of 1,310 miles begins with a single step.”
– Slow Juan –

“I been thinkin’, you need to mellow slow.
Takes time, you pick a place to go,
. . . . and just keep truckin’ on.”
-The Grateful Dead-

Brew Review:
3 words about the AK microbrew culture: Target. Rich. Environment. 49th State Brewing is the “flagship” brewery in Anchorage and not to be missed. It’s a three-story brewpub built on a hill overlooking the Cook Inlet with a biergarten on the roof. Check out Anchorage Brewing where your group can enjoy a cold beverage seated inside huge foeders that have been converted to private “nooks.” Midnight Sun has outstanding beers and an exceptional kitchen. Watch out for their most-excellent Stout that quietly weighs in with a subtle, numbing 13 ABV. If you venture beyond Anchorage, be sure to catch Denali Brewing in Talkeetna. The town is like a time warp back to the ‘60s where the word “hippie” still stands for something. Seward Brewing overlooks the Kenai Fjords. Girdwood Brewing (in Girdwood) has a great ski lodge vibe. Bearpaw River Brewing in Wasilla and Bleeding Heart Brewing in Palmer are solid choices for a good beer in great Alaska towns. And Odd Man Rush Brewing in Eagle River was a surprise favorite. It has a prevalent hockey theme in its well-appointed beer hall, complete with a retro hockey scoreboard. No penalty for icing here!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

5 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

The Starting Line for the MVM is staged at the Martha’s Vineyard High School, but the process of getting there appears scripted straight from, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” It required … MORE

The Starting Line for the MVM is staged at the Martha’s Vineyard High School, but the process of getting there appears scripted straight from, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.” It required me to take a plane, rental car, ferry, and a bus to toe the line on Race Day.
Little did I realize that the first 13 miles of the Martha’s Vineyard Marathon would literally wend its way directly into the woods. A few blocks and one left-turn from the Start, the racecourse enters the DCR Manuel Correllus State Forest where the pine trees and scrub oaks were swathed in a thick, eerie, damp fog with verdant ferns covering the ground. Visibility was limited and the signature tune from “Into the Woods” kept looping through my head like a berserk earworm; “Into the Woods, it’s time to go….” (OK, was it just me or did anyone else find Johnny Depp as The Big, Bad Wolf particularly creepy in that movie?!? I mean, even for Johnny Depp!)
Visibility wasn’t the only thing that was limited. There weren’t a lot of porta-pottys available through the Forest, although there were certainly plenty of porta-shrub options, adding to the spook-factor with figures vanishing from the trail and moving dimly through the trees. The website course description mentions, “…gentle rollers between Miles 8 and 12” which could more accurately be described as 25-ft-deep half-pipes that you rolled into, hoping to gain enough momentum to roll up and out the other side.
Mile 17 runs along Atlantic Drive, a long, straight, flat, exposed section of the course that parallels the ocean on your right. You can’t actually see the water over the obstructing dunes, but the rhythmic crash of the surf is exceptional music for the road. It was along this stretch that a young couple riding bikes stopped and asked whether I needed a beer. Wait…what?!? Is this a trick question? (I must have looked needy.) I graciously accepted a Whaler’s IPA, which couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m a big proponent of in-flight re-carbing and the can was just really cold. Best…Beer…Ever!
Mile 21 – As you’re exiting Edgartown, note the location of Bad Martha Brewing on your left. A great après-race destination for brick oven pizza and exceptional micro-brews. And a MVM Race sponsor. Must patronize!
Mile 23 – The course crosses the “Amity Bridge” from the classic summer movie, “Jaws.” duuuh-DUMP…duuuh-DUMP dump-dump, dump-dump, dump-dump, dump-dump. (Finally got rid of that furshlugginer “Woods” earworm, but now we have a whole new problem.)
The final four miles of the course are fully exposed to the sun and wind, so plan to stay well hydrated and sun-screened as the home stretch has the potential to poach unsuspecting runners, particularly if the humidity is running high. The final hundred-yard approach to the Finish Line down the Avenue of Flags is memorable and definitely worth the effort required to get there. Loved the Finisher’s medal which featured (duuuh-DUMP) a great white shark. Everyone knows that every year, every race, every experience will be unique, but I highly recommend the MVM because until you go…. “Into the Woods, who can tell what’s waiting on the journey?”

Brew Review; We’ve already mentioned Bad Martha Brewing, which has a second location east of Falmouth. Depending on how you travel to Martha’s Vineyard, consider visiting Apponaug Brewing in Warwick, Tilted Barn in Exeter, Ragged Island north of Newport, Buzzard Bay south of Westport, Moby Dick Brewing in New Bedford and one of my favorites, Naukabout Brewing in Mashpee. It’s a target-rich environment for micro-brew enthusiasts and you won’t be disappointed with any of these oases on your brew-tour through Rhode Island and Cape Cod.
Slainte Mhath!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
My Media

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

If there was ever an appropriate mantra for a marathon, it would be; “….and your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof.“ If you’re planning to … MORE

If there was ever an appropriate mantra for a marathon, it would be; “….and your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fireproof.“ If you’re planning to run the Atlantic City Marathon, be prepared to burn up the Boardwalk in all its iconic glory as you go the distance! Not only will you run the entire length of the Boardwalk from Mile 8 to Mile 13, but the final three miles are a back-to-the-boards stretch with the Bally’s Casino Finish Line as a shining, beckoning beacon in the distance.
The Race Staff does an exemplary job of defining the race course and keeping runners safe from vacationing motorists. Never have I seen as many traffic cones deployed on a race! On several of the long, flat, straight-a-ways, the orange cones actually recede to a vanishing point on the horizon. Pretty sure we were seeing the curvature of the Earth…..
I would recommend that you not miss seeing “Lucy the Elephant” at Mile 14 (and again at M-21.5), ….. but it’s darn near impossible to miss Lucy; a 6-story, novelty “house” that has been an Atlantic City tourist icon for over a century. It’s definitely an impressive and colorful edifice, although the window situated under Lucy’s tail borders on disturbing.
The aforementioned Finish is “complicated” by the Sunday afternoon tourists that have now populated the Boardwalk and are wandering aimlessly across your path. Imagine a real-life game of “Frogger,” only instead of vehicles, you have to avoid colliding with a wide variety of bikes, dogs, strollers, vendors, rickshaws, trolleys and large, distracted gawkers. It’s intense!
Kudos to the Race Staff on the design of the participant jacket and the Finishers’ medal. I’ve never received a medal before that had an actual operating lighthouse on it. Brilliant!
But, do you want to know the real highlight of finishing a marathon on the Boardwalk?!?
“….you can almost taste the hot dogs and French fries they sell!”

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Hard not to think about John Denver’s soothing hit from the ‘70s when you run the Green River Marathon. Touted as one of the most scenic marathon courses in the … MORE

Hard not to think about John Denver’s soothing hit from the ‘70s when you run the Green River Marathon. Touted as one of the most scenic marathon courses in the nation, it does not disappoint. The first 20 miles of the course run alongside the beautiful Green River where runners are never far from the sound of water tumbling down the steep, rocky course of the stream or cascading in from small waterfalls. (The constant susurration of the River made frequent “biological breaks” a necessity. Pretty sure my bladder could hear all that flowing water.)
The first mile of the race is the absolute steepest. Expect a wide-eyed, adrenaline-fueled, downhill stampede from the Starting Line ….. but consider tapping-the-brakes and conserving your shock absorbers for what is yet to come. The race course has a net downhill drop of more than 1,400 feet, which would appear to be an invitation for a PR or BQ, but there’s also 650 feet of uphill elevation hidden deceptively along the course. Watch for grinder-grades at M17 and M21, which can be soul breakers at that stage of the race.
Highlights? There are many: Corridors of trees that canopy the course for miles, like a long green tunnel. Glimpses of the scenic Berkshires through the leaves. The forest floor of moss-covered logs and dense ferns. Quiet stretches of peaceful, cool silence to find your Zen-rhythm. An historic covered bridge at Mile 10. (Don’t run across too many of those in Oklahoma.) And my new favorite discovery?!? The aid stations handed-out “Untapped” energy packets of coffee-infused maple syrup!!! This rivals the revelation of the chocolate/peanut butter marriage. How can you NOT love two individually awesome items crashed together?
Brew Reviews: Depending on how you travel to Greenfield, check out Connecticut Valley Brewing in South Windsor, CT, Fort Hill Brewing in Easthampton, MA, Berkshire Brewing in Deerfield, MA and don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a post-race burger and beer on the scenic deck of Whetstone Craft Beers in Brattleboro, VT overlooking the Connecticut River with the Berkshire Mountains in nearby repose.
Every marathon deserves its own reward.

“Find yourself and maybe lose yourself,
While your free spirit flies.”
– Cool and Green and Shady –
John Denver
1943 – 1997
Rest in Peace

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3
My Media

6 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

If you've run Grandma's before, then you know all the stories are true. This is a bucket-list experience that does not disappoint. Run almost entirely along the North Shore of … MORE

If you’ve run Grandma’s before, then you know all the stories are true. This is a bucket-list experience that does not disappoint. Run almost entirely along the North Shore of Lake Superior, the event is incredibly beautiful, deceptively challenging and expertly staged. Weather is always a factor, as Mother Superior is creative and capricious in what she delivers off of the Lake. The 2021 Edition was characterized by what the locals hailed as, “…the best weather in a decade.” Clear and 60 Degrees at the Start, but a cool front moved through within the hour, providing cloud cover, a dramatic sky, and capping the temps in the high 50s. The view on the left side of the course, out over the Lake, was every shade of intermingled blue and gray imaginable. Both sides of the course are lined with a profusion of spruce, pine, birch and spectacular purple lupine wildflowers. Just about as scenic as any racecourse could ever aspire to be.
A few shout-outs of appreciation to folks along the course:
* The band comprised of 3 fiddles, a bass, a guitar and drum at Mile 3 playing folk music, reminiscent of “O, Brother, Where Art Thou?”
(Wanted to stay and listen, but had to R-U-N-N-O-F-T.)
* Grandmaster DJ Kelly, who kept the hits coming along the course from her wheelchair, pushed by a strong and faithful friend. Kelly was spinning Queen, Bowie, Billy Joel and even got the “Led” out. Nothing quite like hearing “Kashmir” as you’re grinding the grade at Grandma’s.
* The lady who gave me a cake donut and a cup of pickle juice at the same aid station. Must be a Minnesota thing…..
* My new favorite bartender, Kyle, who provided me with a very large, very strong, exceptionally good, Bloody Mary at Mile 20, complete w/ a beef jerky swizzle stick. I gladly accepted, as I was receptive to any pain management options at that stage of the race. Don’t remember a lot between Miles 20 and 22, but I may have hit a tree…….
* The gentleman who provided me with a chili dog at Mile 23. It was awesome! Probably should have had that before the Bloody Mary.
* The sweet, kind lady at the Finish Line who insisted I take a foil warming blanket because, “….you Oklahoma boys aren’t used to our Minnesota weather.”
I wonder, could that have been ………. Grandma?!?

Micro-Brew Review: I highly recommend the south-side vibe at “Bent Paddle Brewing” and “Ursa Minor Brewing.” “Canal Park Brewing” is a bit more upscale and located down in the wharf district. And “Earth Rider” and “Thirsty Pagan” (located in a renovated train station) are worth the drive across the bridge and over to Superior, WI to hoist a pint.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

7 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

One of my all-time favorite movies is, "Remember the Titans" with the pivotal scene of the integrated players running through the morning fog to the cemetery at Gettysburg. While running … MORE

One of my all-time favorite movies is, “Remember the Titans” with the pivotal scene of the integrated players running through the morning fog to the cemetery at Gettysburg. While running the Gettysburg Marathon, the words of Coach Boone at the conclusion of the team’s grueling run struck me as even more relevant in today’s society on the eve of a contentious National election:
“If we don’t come together, right now, on this hallowed ground, we too will be destroyed ….. just like they were. I don’t care if you like each other or not. But, you will respect each other.”
– Coach Herman Boone –

I loved this marathon. I specifically selected it because of the opportunity it provided to run through a portion of the Gettysburg Battlefield. It did not disappoint. I have nothing but admiration and appreciation for RD Lowell Ladd and his Race Staff for their commitment and supreme effort to deliver this re-scheduled event in a COVID world. Originally scheduled for April, Lowell and his team managed to redeploy an exceptional race experience 6-months later. I know this has historically been a Spring event, but running it in mid-October approached running perfection. The only aspect Lowell stated beforehand that he couldn’t guarantee for the battlefield was the morning fog…..and even that was present in some of the hollows.
The course is rolling and moderately challenging along rural, two-lane roads. Probably less than two miles of the course is actually level, tending to gradual grades most of the way. Very scenic with beautiful fall foliage, open vistas, stately old barns, corn fields and numerous Civil War monuments situated along the course. There was a wake of nearly two dozen buzzards at Mile 20, the furthest point from the Finish Line. Very unsettling. I was in my usual position of “sweeper” for the race field and kept hearing Jeff Goldblum’s voice in my head saying, “Must go faster!”
An exceptional medal, a pint glass and a “to-go” food package awaited runners at the Finish; all greatly appreciated. My only regret was the absence of the traditional apres-race biergarten celebration, but there’s just some things that a pandemic won’t allow.
Brew Review: “Appalachian Brewing” has two exception brew-pubs in Gettysburg; one at the Finish Line and the other in town on Steinweir Ave. Check out “Thirsty Farmer Brewing” located west of town on a farm or (my favorite) “Four Score Brewing.” I also walked into “Battlefield Brewing” one evening and unwittingly re-enacted the biker-bar scene from, “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure.” Pretty sure I was the only person NOT wearing black leather and my skinny white chicken legs left no doubt that I was, “not from around here.” You’d think all the bikes in the parking lot would have tipped me off. And, no, I was not forced to perform the Tequila Dance, but was humming the tune as I made my exit.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4
My Media

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

Before I even mention the race course, I want to extend my kudos, congratulations and appreciation to the CDA Race Director and Staff for the incredible effort they invested to … MORE

Before I even mention the race course, I want to extend my kudos, congratulations and appreciation to the CDA Race Director and Staff for the incredible effort they invested to make this event happen. Life-During-COVID has been a miserable experience for the racing community, taking away our challenges and camaraderie. The CDA was the first “live” major running event on the calendar since March and they had to go to incredible lengths to administer the slate of races safely and efficiently. I can tell you; it had to be a long weekend of long days for the Staff and volunteers. I wish I could adequately convey my appreciation for their efforts and enthusiasm.
The race course? It’s just as beautiful as billed. It’s essentially an 8-mile out & back course along the private portions of the lake shore followed by a 5-mile out & back along the public portions of the lake in the opposite direction. Over 20 miles of the course are along the shoreline with unobstructed views of the lake, surrounding mountains, public beaches, private docks and beautiful homes. Don’t be lulled into thinking it’s a flat course, though. There’s a brutal climb at Mile 5, which then “backs over” you on the return trip at Mile 10. There are also sneaky elevation grades leading up to both of the turn-around points at Mile 8 and Mile 21. (That’s just mean.)
Favorite images from the race: The pervasive smell of pine, greeting runners as they pass, the Coeur D’Alene Golf Resort, seeing (and smelling) hops growing along the way, the pumpkin patch at the water treatment plant, potato chips at the aid stations (this IS Idaho), the incredible boats and the families enjoying the beaches.
The Pacific Northwest is a target-rich environment for coffee, cannabis and microbrews. (They DO like their stimulants up there!) As a beer-aficionado only, I’d recommend you check out these breweries in CDA: Daft Badger, Jeremiah Johnson, Mad Bomber, Trickster and Trails End Brewing. Gotta love those names.
Tell your brethren and sole-sisters! The CDA Marathon is a hidden treasure with a challenging course administered by an exceptional RD and Staff. Couch potatoes need not apply!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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There are several great reasons why RaceRaves named Rehoboth Beach as Delaware's Best Marathon in 2018. This hidden gem delivers on all counts. The course begins shoreside at dawn, right … MORE

There are several great reasons why RaceRaves named Rehoboth Beach as Delaware’s Best Marathon in 2018. This hidden gem delivers on all counts. The course begins shoreside at dawn, right on the Rehoboth Boardwalk. At Mile 3, the course enters Cape Henlopen State Park. For the next 13 miles, runners are treated to beautiful vistas of coastal wetlands, salt cedars, sea grass, pine trees and ocean views. Watch for hundreds of “V”s of migrating waterfowl at sunrise. The run on Gordon’s Pond Trail is both scenic and serene, including a 1/2 mile elevated walkway over the dunes and fens beginning at M5. Have your camera ready at M7 for a scenic ocean overlook. An aid station at M10 was dispensing DQ ice cream …… which wasn’t melting in the chilly December morning. Between M12 and M13, note the abandoned, overgrown munitions bunkers and artillery siting towers left behind from a bygone era. M19 to the Finish is on the secluded and scenic Breakwater Trail; smooth, level, shaded and very forgiving to late-race fatigued legs.
Rehoboth promises a post-race party and it was still rocking by the time I finally staggered in. Best race food ever: Bacon, biscuits & gravy, hamburgers, bacon, mac & cheese, pulled pork and bacon. (Did I mention bacon?!? I LIKE bacon.) Runners are armed with 3 beer tickets, courtesy of Dogfish Head Brewery. Fueled by the disc jockey and beer tickets, the party tent was jumping. I apparently left everything I had out on the course somewhere, as I was way too weary to shake my groove thang. Still …… might as well jump!
I would be remiss if I didn’t offer some post-race microbrew suggestions and Rehoboth, being a resort town, is a target-rich environment. Check out Big Oyster, Crooked Hammock, Thompson Island or Iron Hill for great brewpub options. You might just have to schedule a return run-cation to experience everything Rehoboth has to offer.

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The first 13.1 miles of the Newport Marathon could well be the most scenic half-marathon you'll run this year. The Start & Finish lines are staged on Easton's Beach, so … MORE

The first 13.1 miles of the Newport Marathon could well be the most scenic half-marathon you’ll run this year. The Start & Finish lines are staged on Easton’s Beach, so runners are treated to a beautiful sunrise over the bay as breakers roll in on the beach. A grateful “shout out” to Kicking Horse Coffee for pouring out hot cups of their “Kick@$$” java blend to the shivering, huddled masses. This marathon is a hidden gem; well organized, enthusiastic volunteers, spectacular views and clearly the pride of Newport. Mile 2 takes the runners past an expansive yacht basin and sailboat moorings too numerous to count. What then follows is 10 miles of touring “Mansion Row” …..and the name doesn’t do it justice. These are palatial estates, many on the Historic Register, with magnificent homes, manicured grounds and panoramic views of the ocean. Then, as the entire field approaches the Half-Marathon Finish Line
…….everyone goes away. As a marathoner, you get that uneasy feeling they all know something that you don’t. The second half is still scenic, but pales in comparison to the first 13 miles. And there are two beat-you-up-&-take-your-lunch-money hills at Miles 22.5 and 24. (That’s just mean!) But, the Finish Line is glorious and it was ironically appropriate that the ’70s boogie hit “Born to be Alive” was blaring as I shuffled in.
Micro-Brew Review: Lots of great options! Tilted Barn in Exeter, Whalers in Kingston, race sponsor Ragged Island in Portsmouth and Coddington in Newport. But….my two-thumbs-up favorites, and well worth the drive, were Buzzard Bay in Westport, MA and Moby Dick Brewing in New Bedford, MA. You won’t be disappointed.
Cross my heart and call me Ishmael!

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If Autumn colors, sunlight through quiet woods, rocky creeks, showers of gold leaves and acorns like intermittent hail falling in the breeze aren’t your thing, well, ...…then Clarence DeMar might … MORE

If Autumn colors, sunlight through quiet woods, rocky creeks, showers of gold leaves and acorns like intermittent hail falling in the breeze aren’t your thing, well, ……then Clarence DeMar might not be for you. The first 14 miles of this course are spectacularly beautiful, winding down a two-lane mountain road through cathedral Autumn woods. There’s an incredible vista crossing over & back on the Surry Lake dam, past the scenic Bretwood Golf Course, even running over a half mile through the hallowed grounds of a stately, ancient cemetery at Mile 22. My thanks to the young volunteers on the “graveyard shift” who were still at their posts when I came through. Also, thank you to the Aid Station crew at Mile 18 who gave me their very last lemon-filled, jelly doughnut. Best….Doughnut….Ever!
(Couldn’t bring myself to ask for a Molson to go with my jelly doughnut, don’cha know?!? Good day, eh?)
The biggest shout-out goes to the staff and volunteers of the CDM. Incredibly well organized and enthusiastic to the very end, even after seven and a half hours. It’s difficult to describe how uplifting it is to have people cheering you on any time you finish after six hours…….and still have food there! Be kind to your Race Staff. They’ve had a long day, too!
For post-race celebration and pain management, check out the Elm Creek Brewery in Keene. They had an Oktoberfest celebration going on after the Race with a genuine, lederhosen-wearin’, oom-pah band and more than enough beer, brats, kraut and pretzels to reward any weary, ravenous marathoner who had just gone the distance. The Germans know a thing or two about celebrating a job well done!
“Our-feet-are-stained!!!”

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If you favor small-town races with scenic views and enthusiastic volunteers, then Charlevoix should probably be included on your bucket list. The outdoor expo is staged on the green overlooking … MORE

If you favor small-town races with scenic views and enthusiastic volunteers, then Charlevoix should probably be included on your bucket list. The outdoor expo is staged on the green overlooking the port basin, right next to the iconic drawbridge over the channel and adjoining Charlevoix Brewing. The race instructions made several mentions of the drawbridge being raised every half hour and to be SURE to be at the starting line BEFORE 6:30 AM. Prudent advice, as the starting line is on one side of the bridge and the porta-johns on the other. Woe to the runner that opts for a last-minute biological break only to be separated from the starting gun. Kudos to the sweet ladies at Mile 4 that were dispensing bacon from a stainless steel bowl. (Bacon is marathon manna and trumps GU every time!) Nearly 16 miles of the course consists of an out & back trail along Lake Michigan, so there are plenty of scenic views and cool breezes from the lake. At Mile 5, runners will encounter an elevated plank bridge that extends for 0.75 miles over a wetlands area. It’s easy on the eyes and legs going out, but can be a convection oven on the return trip at Mile 21. Several of the aid stations offered large buckets of Twizzlers (“For the team……Go team!”), which is a favorite fuel of the Slow Juan.
After the race, treat yourself to a cold brew-with-a-view on the Charlevoix Brewery patio. If you manage to make your way to Traverse City, be sure to catch a meal at one of its excellent brewpubs; North Peak Brewery in a century-old warehouse downtown or the Jolly Pumpkin Brewery along scenic Peninsula Drive of the Old Mission Peninsula. There are dozens of wineries in the immediate Traverse City area as well. Three that I can personally recommend would be Bonobo, Black Star and Mara, all located on the Old Mission Peninsula.
Charlevoix and Traverse City have exceptional dining and drinking options. And if you can’t enjoy your “race-cation” there, well…….you’re probably doing it wrong!

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Fargo is the place to go far! There's a reason why this race consistently gets rave reviews. Maybe it's receiving a race hoodie instead of a T-shirt or the finisher's … MORE

Fargo is the place to go far! There’s a reason why this race consistently gets rave reviews. Maybe it’s receiving a race hoodie instead of a T-shirt or the finisher’s medal that doubles as a trivet. (Yeah….it’s big.) Perhaps it’s the generous 7-hr cut-off time, much appreciated by those of us who are velocity-challenged. Maybe it’s the warm, friendly confines of the Fargodome, protecting runners from the elements both before and after their race or its Expo-in-the-round on the concourse. The 2019 race had rain, 20-25 mph wind and temperatures only reaching a high of 46 degrees (good day, eh?!?), so the Fargodome was a welcomed safe haven. The course is flat and fast, mostly through immaculately tidy neighborhoods. The event is extremely well organized. The marathon, 1/2 marathon and 10K courses intertwine and double-back on each other, so there are occasional stretches where it’s like running through a convoluted M.C. Escher painting; difficult to tell who’s ahead or behind you or even in the same race. The volunteers were amazing; enthusiastically manning their posts, dispensing race fluids and slinging GU in the wind and rain.
Two personal highlights for Slow Juan: The Elvis impersonator at Mile 25.5 encouraging me to finish with his rousing performance of, “It’s Now or Never!” And sharing a post-race debriefing session with Mike Sohaskey (RaceRaves) and his lovely wife Katie at Drekker Brewing over a celebratory Broken Rudder red ale. Be sure to check out Drekker’s “Brew-halla” at 1666 1st Street or catch a post-race beer and a slice of Spicy Pie Pizza at Flatland Brewing. Can’t go wrong either way. So, should you plan on running Fargo next year? Ja, don’t be a hoser, don’cha know. Take off, eh?

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….because that's exactly what Louisville will be talking about! Come prepared to experience the best that "Sweet Lou" has to offer; bourbon, baseball and the Kentucky Derby! First Expo I've … MORE

….because that’s exactly what Louisville will be talking about! Come prepared to experience the best that “Sweet Lou” has to offer; bourbon, baseball and the Kentucky Derby! First Expo I’ve ever attended with a Louisville Slugger mini-bat in my race packet and free bourbon samples on the floor. The Starting Line ceremony begins with the distinctive Derby trumpet clarion call followed by the singing of “My Old Kentucky Home.” (I’m from Oklahoma and it still brought a tear to my eye.) The course travels past the best of the city; the Louisville Slugger Museum, bourbon distilleries, microbreweries, University of Louisville and, of course, the heart-racing entrance to Churchill Downs and circuit around the infield. It’s every bit as cool as you’ve imagined. “I love the smell of manure in the morning!” Some other highlights: Well manned, enthusiastic aid stations. The elderly quartet playing the theme from the “Batman” TV show at Mile 6 …..and playing it well! Bummed a much needed Natty-Lite from a fraternity party at U-LOU. The circuit through Iroquois Park at Miles 12-15 is shaded and beautiful, but to quote Adm. Ackbar, “It’s a trap!” All of the elevation changes for the entire course are concentrated in that 3-mile section. If you’re running a specific race pace, be sure to allow yourself a little “cushion” through Iroquois.
According to the locals, this was the first time in 5 years that there was no rain on race day. 2019 had Chamber of Commerce weather conditions. It actually got a bit warm for those of us back in the caboose section of the field. And all I could come up with to motivate myself for a 6-hour finish was, “They shoot horses, don’t they?”
Microbreweries?!? Yes, indeed. Check out Against the Grain (at the Louisville Bats’ ballfield!), Good Wood Brewing, Bluegrass Brewing, Apocalypse Brewing and the Red Yeti. And, as you might expect, most of them have a bourbon-infused beer!

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Let Glinda's words be an encouragement to you; follow the Yellow Brick Road and run this race! The OZ Garmin is my single favorite "do-it-again" race. The entry fee is … MORE

Let Glinda’s words be an encouragement to you; follow the Yellow Brick Road and run this race! The OZ Garmin is my single favorite “do-it-again” race. The entry fee is a good value. Kansas City is easily accessible with plenty of lodging options. The race shirts are always clever and the medals are consistently some of my very favorites. The course is moderately hilly and challenging, but Spring is in full bloom along the scenic route. And the OZ costuming is not to be missed! Every size, shape, age (and even gender) of Dorothy will be there. Plenty of Wicked Witches in attendance and always good representation by the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion. The most impressive outfit I’ve seen was a guy with a wrestler’s build decked out in a movie-accurate vest, fez and full, black, pinioned wings of a flying monkey! Don’t let anyone ever try to convinve you that Aeropetespithekosozophobia isn’t a real thing! Seeing this guy took me back to years of cowering behind the sofa when the flying monkeys showed up. (They’re just not natural!) Race Director, Bubba G, consistently raises the bar and delivers the goods on this event.
Consider dropping by the Red Crow Brewery in Olathe for a post-race celebration of your finish. And don’t forget, “It’s not where you go; it’s who you meet along the way.”

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This is a nice little 2-loop marathon through the town of West Haven, CT. The 2019 edition was characterized by overcast skies, chilly temps and 20+ mph gusts off of … MORE

This is a nice little 2-loop marathon through the town of West Haven, CT. The 2019 edition was characterized by overcast skies, chilly temps and 20+ mph gusts off of Long Island Sound, so some strategic layering was required. Fortunately, you run right past your vehicle as you begin the second half of the marathon and can make a NASCAR-worthy pitstop to change out shoes or clothing. The portions along the Sound were very scenic with a running soundtrack of surf noise and seabird cries. The course segments through town along the shoulder of the road were hilly and a bit more stressful. I retreated to the sidewalks on more than one occasion, just to put a little distance between the traffic and me.
If you’re on a budget and need a CT marathon, this is a good option. I would be remiss without making a microbrew recommendation. CT is thick with breweries, but be sure to check out Two Roads, the largest independent brewery in the state. And I really liked two of the smaller taprooms; Milford Point Brewing and Problem Solved Brewing. You just can’t go wrong with a post-marathon brew at a place called Problem Solved!

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The Williams Route 66 Marathon is my "Home Field" and you'd think after running it 12 times, I'd be tired of it. To quote Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my … MORE

The Williams Route 66 Marathon is my “Home Field” and you’d think after running it 12 times, I’d be tired of it. To quote Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend!’ Despite the cold, blustery weather, the 2018 edition went smoothly and a good (but frigid) time was had by all. The “pros” for the race, and there are a lot of them, include; a great Expo, participant jackets, a confetti-cannon start, exceptional finisher’s medals and special recognition medal versions for 1st-Time Marathoners, Maniacs, Fanatics , 50-Staters and the welcome addition of Black Girls Run. Don’t bypass the Center of the Universe detour at Mile-25 (an additional 0.3 miles), even if you do feel like roadkill. You’ll receive a commemorative coin and can boast that you’ve completed the world’s shortest ultra-marathon. (Yes, I realize that’s not really all that impressive……but it just sounds cool.) The Tulsa course reverted back to Riverside Drive in 2018 and now runs right past The Gathering Place, Tulsa’s new $465 million public park. Be sure to allow time after the marathon to limp through this incredible addition to the Tulsa community. And even with the challenging weather, scores of the Tulsa-faithful held yard parties along the course offering a variety of “anti-freeze” options. R66 still has the dubious distinction of offering more alcohol opportunities per mile than any other marathon in the nation. For the “brewies” (and you know who you are), check out; Welltown Brewery, Dead Armadillo Brewing, Cabin Boys Brewing, Prairie Brew Pub or Marshall Brewing. Plenty of après-marathon choices in case you failed to imbibe sufficiently on the course. Run swiftly and stay thirsty, my friends!

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If you're looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But....if you're a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical … MORE

If you’re looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But….if you’re a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical monuments, public gardens and museums, then this just might be your race as well. Monumental is a “biggie,” but a “goodie.” The logistics at the Start this year were even more monumental, as President Trump and VP Pence were staying in the Marriott hotel, not two blocks from the starting line. The excitement, congestion and police support were huuuuuge! The course itself is a pleasant mosaic of monuments, memorials, beautiful homes and the grounds of the Fairbanks Art Nature Park. I particularly appreciated and enjoyed the series of “Burma Shave” styled placards of Indiana trivia that stretched for over a mile beginning around M18. Miles fly when you’re having fun.
For the “brewies” out there; some great choices with Daredevil (near the Speedway), Sun King and Metazoa brewing. Check any or all of ’em all out, but pace yourself.
Final Word: Put the Monumental Marathon on your “to-do” list and don’t forget ……..Hoosier Daddy?!?

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If this race isn't already on your bucket list, get it on there.....stat! I'd heard that MDI was scenic, but that doesn't do it justice. The course is spectacular; winding … MORE

If this race isn’t already on your bucket list, get it on there…..stat! I’d heard that MDI was scenic, but that doesn’t do it justice. The course is spectacular; winding through wee port towns, skirting Acadia National Park, along beautiful bays with vivid Autumn foliage. If this isn’t the single most beautiful marathon course, start to finish, that you’ve ever run, you just might be…”deaf, dumb and blind, boy, but sure play a mean pinball.” We were fortunate to have “Chamber of Commerce” weather for the 2018 edition; 38 degrees at the Start, full sun, blue skies, light breeze, 52 degrees at the Finish. Along the route, if you’re watching closely, you’ll see deer, wild turkeys, seals and lobster buoys bobbing in the small bays. You’ll hear mournful loons, the wind rushing through the birch trees and bell buoys ringing like church bells from the swell. At the Finish, you’ll receive the coveted “Crusher Claw” medal. Simple and very cool. For the “brewies” out there; be sure to check out Atlantic Brewing Company for a celebratory ale or three. Is this an epic marathon? “You bettah, you bettah, you bet!”

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If you like rural courses, small crowds, local hospitality and peaceful scenery, this is your race. Nearly 22 miles of the race course are on the Wabash Trace trail, a … MORE

If you like rural courses, small crowds, local hospitality and peaceful scenery, this is your race. Nearly 22 miles of the race course are on the Wabash Trace trail, a “Rails to Trails” system that stretches 85 miles across Iowa. You won’t be needing sunscreen as most of the route is one long, straight, flat, green tunnel through a corridor of trees and bordered by rolling cornfields. (Be careful not to step on the black walnuts that litter the path, though!) You will cross over 20 wooden bridges along the way, many of which were originally train trestles. There are porta-Johns along the route, but I took great delight in doing my best James Earl Jones impression by peering into the surrounding cornfields, giggling and then stepping between the stalks and out of sight. For the slower runners (present company included), the race has a hard stop at 6 hours, which is usually about where Slow Juan finishes. At Mile 16, I looked back to see a 4-wheeler with 2 EMTs trailing the final three runners in the field, picking up the Mile signs along the way. I’ve never been the caboose in a race before and found the squee-gee experience of a sweep vehicle a little disconcerting. Just the same, this is a great small-town race and highly recommended for a true Iowa experience. Go the distance.

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The most-asked question at this marathon is, "How far can you run carrying a stolen pig?" That's how the feud began and that's how the race begins. "Devil Anse" Hatfield … MORE

The most-asked question at this marathon is, “How far can you run carrying a stolen pig?” That’s how the feud began and that’s how the race begins. “Devil Anse” Hatfield and Ran’l McCoy start this event with a volley of gunfire and the race is on! This particular marathon is a 4H Project; Hills, Heat, Humidity with Hospitality. The local support is frequent and enthusiastic with plenty of ice water, popsicles, watermelon and even pickle juice along the entire course. (I could ‘a used a little of the local moonshine for pain management purposes, though.) There’s a massive hill at Mile 7 and another daunting one strategically situated at Mile 23. Be prepared to put ‘er in “Low” and grind ’em out. You’ll run alongside beautiful creeks through shaded green hollows, see dwarf horses and volunteers dressed as hillbillies. You’ll run past the private cemetery of the McCoy family, the original homestead of Ran’l McCoy and see the actual site of the “Paw-Paw Tree Executions.” It’s a beautiful little glade for such a heinous event. The course crosses the river via an awesome suspension bridge at Mile 18. Probably 50 yards long, 10-foot wide, 35-feet above the water and wood-plank flooring with 2-inch gaps. The women running over the bridge with me were highly agitated by my enthusiastic Short Round impression, “Look lady! Strong bridge!” (And I thought everybody loved Indiana Jones.) “Devil Anse” was at the Finish Line to congratulate the exhausted and over-heated runners. (95 degrees at the Finish.) I gratefully accepted my moonshine-jug-shaped-medal-that-doubles-as-a-beer-opener, a Mason jar to drink said beer and a pulled-pork sandwich. (Ironic and delicious.) For the brewies: Be sure to take a tour of the new Dueling Barrels Distillery & Brewery in Pikeville and enjoy a “Hopfield & McCoy” IPA. Next year is the 20th Anniversary of the H&M Marathon and they’re already making big plans. Check into the new “Tour de Feud” that has been added to the Sunday agenda if you’d like to add a bike tour to your festivities. So, now the question you have to ask yourself; “Is you in or is you ain’t?”

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I can't claim that nobody warned me. It was like being trapped in one of those M. C. Escher paintings where you just keep ascending stairs.....and never come back down! … MORE

I can’t claim that nobody warned me. It was like being trapped in one of those M. C. Escher paintings where you just keep ascending stairs…..and never come back down! But, the scenery, bands, aid stations and crowd support more than offset the elevation fatigue from those hills that just keep rolling into you like waves. Greatly enjoyed running past the honky-tonks on Broadway, down Music Row, around the warning track in the Sounds stadium, through The Gulch and East Nasty, the shaded streets of Shelby Bottoms and the big finish at Nissan Stadium. Most (and best) bands I’ve experienced on a marathon. Shout out to the band at Mile 19.5 that absolutely nailed Talking Heads’ iconic “Burning Down the House.” For the foodies & brewies out there; check out Yazoo or Jackelope or catch a pizza and a peanut butter porter at Tailgate Brewing. (You run right past it…..twice!) Put this marathon on your “to-do” list. Like everything else in Nashville, it’s a party that just keeps on coming.

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The Lauderdale Marathon delivers on all promises. It's flat, fast, scenic and well run. Like any race, the weather is always the wild card. The 2018 edition was one hot, … MORE

The Lauderdale Marathon delivers on all promises. It’s flat, fast, scenic and well run. Like any race, the weather is always the wild card. The 2018 edition was one hot, humid whamma-jamma! 70 degrees at the Start and over 80 at the Finish. Running east towards the sunrise at Mile 3 is spectacular. There’s a scenic circuit through Birch State Park at Mile 5, then back to Hwy A1A. The northernmost turn-around point consists of a circuit through an elegant neighborhood with beautiful, palatial homes at Mile 15-16. Then, due south to the Finish. There was an inflatable Publix “false finish” archway at Mile 26 (that’s just mean!) that caused me to initiate a “false kick” a bit too early. But, a great medal, lots of food choices and cold beer were waiting at the true Finish to ease the agony of da’ feet. For the Foodies and Brewies out there, check out Tucker Duke’s Lunchbox for a great burger and stop by one of the many microbreweries for a cold one; Funky Buddha, Bangin’ Banjo, Invasive Species. Gotta love those names!

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If you like your marathons mixed with a little history, hospitality and Southern cuisine, then you need to do the Charleston. The race starts near The Citadel and wends its … MORE

If you like your marathons mixed with a little history, hospitality and Southern cuisine, then you need to do the Charleston. The race starts near The Citadel and wends its scenic way past views of the channel, marina, mansions, mortars and Battery Park, then straight up King Street past historic row houses, quaint shops, seafood restaurants, bars and grills. The first six miles are very scenic and pass quickly, but the next eight are through an industrial area to get you to North Charleston. The loop through Riverside Park at Mile 24 is beautiful with the live oaks draped in Spanish moss and its views of the bay. Starting at Mile 18, the course actually passes near the Finish Area several times in the final eight miles and you can clearly hear the festivities. (That’s just mean.) But, the shrimp and grits and beer that await you at the Finish Line make it all worthwhile. Nice shirt and beach towel, great medal, fond memories. Be sure to catch the Sunday brunch at Holy City Brewery; chicken & waffles and a beer flight! Y’all should go!

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The Williams Route 66 Marathon is a hidden gem. Everything aspect of this race is done right. If you're a Swag-Monkey, what other marathon gives you a race jacket and … MORE

The Williams Route 66 Marathon is a hidden gem. Everything aspect of this race is done right. If you’re a Swag-Monkey, what other marathon gives you a race jacket and a Finisher’s medal that wins awards every year? And Maniacs, Fanatics and 50-Staters all get special edition medals, as do 1st Time Marathon Finishers. The Expo is large, well staged and efficient. The Starting Line will send you off in a cloud of confetti and rock tunes. Don’t forget to take the Center of the Universe detour! It adds 0.3 miles to your marathon at Mile 25, but you receive a commemorative coin and bragging rights for completing the world’s shortest Ultra. Be warned, though: The Tulsa course is beautiful with its autumn color and scenic landmarks, but it is 26 miles of rolling hills that just keep coming. And if you can’t hold your liquor, this might not be the run for you! Be prepared for scores of yard parties along the route and plenty of opportunities to share-a-shot with friendly Okies. (Think of it as “pain management.”) What are you waiting for? Get kicking!

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All the rumors were true: It's a hilly, challenging course! But, it's a well-organized, scenic, festive event and one to include on your bucket list. The Marathon Start at Camden … MORE

All the rumors were true: It’s a hilly, challenging course! But, it’s a well-organized, scenic, festive event and one to include on your bucket list. The Marathon Start at Camden Yards had a powerful, respectful presentation of the National Anthem beneath a massive American flag. And, I was impressed by the number of technical wheelchair racers (over 15) and moved by the handicapped children in wheelchairs with handlers (more than 20) at the Start. Great priorities, Baltimore! You KNOW the race shirt is going to be good when Under Armour is a sponsor. And the Baltimore medals are the best. Not a medal that will languish in your sock drawer. So….. quit crabbing about missing out and sign up for next year!

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Gotta love a race where one of the sponsors is the Boring Brewery! Nice, well-run marathon with that comfortable, small-town feel. Most of the course is on a rails-to-trails system, … MORE

Gotta love a race where one of the sponsors is the Boring Brewery! Nice, well-run marathon with that comfortable, small-town feel. Most of the course is on a rails-to-trails system, so level, secluded, verdant and quiet. Great aid stations with enthusiastic staffers to help you along. Particularly enjoyed the Luau Station at Mile 16; can personally recommend their rum punch. The Boring race shirt and Boring medal will bring a smile and the swag bag included a Boring Brewery pint glass and goat soap! What’s not to like?!?

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Well organized and administered event. Staff did a remarkable job of adjusting for unseasonably warm weather. Beautiful, largely rural race course. One difficult hill at Mile 13, but the overlook … MORE

Well organized and administered event. Staff did a remarkable job of adjusting for unseasonably warm weather. Beautiful, largely rural race course. One difficult hill at Mile 13, but the overlook of the Clark Fork River is worth the climb. Loved the lone bagpiper at the crest of the hill. Very nice medal, but a boring shirt. Thank you, Big Sky Brewing, for your sponsorship and the Friday night Beer Run!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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