Shelby O's Staging Area

State #9 for me. I ran with my spouse because it was his 1st half since heart failure a couple years ago. I actually enjoyed it with him and took in the scenes more and met some awesome people. Emails, communication, packet pickup, all the way to start ran smooth. Not much at the expo but that was ok. We didn’t stay at the host hotel, but we were only 3 miles away. Very nice small town, super friendly and genuinely nice. Ate at some great places near the start line. Easy parking due to the maps and communication for the 39 degree start, lol. Started on time! Lots and lots of port o potties, food/water gatorade and gel and snacks almost every mile. Tons of signs and people. We met great people while doing this race. It was paveent, shellpacked trail around a lake, thru some parks, some RR tracks, etc. We loved it, not crowded at all. The announcers announced where we were from when crossing the finish. We finished and immediately looked for somewhere to sit. We got a large very nice medal, a cream pic and water. Couldn’t find seats, they had foldables and hey were taken. Def. need more esp for us older people, lol. We looked for the food and beer. Found out, you have to buy it! A bread person and beer, and all over $5 a piece. One tent had sliders from a place called Freddys but said they ran out after the 5k. They were awaiting hot dogs. So for me, this was a huge disappointment. Who charges for food and drinks after you run? I felt bad for the marathoners that weren’t in yet. There were 2 vendors selling stuff, high priced and the bank who had free gloves and choc milk, which I grabbed. I loved ALL about this race but this part. We rushed out of there having to go get food.

It is HOT!!!! Very small, very organized, well marked, friendly people, lots of giveaways. All runners got a finisher bag with goodies. Then they did some raffles, almost everyone won something, and each item was super nice! They even let us grab more freebies. Taco truck was amazing and there was an incredible singer. I don’t know where he was from but he totally fit in and sang some great songs. Beer was unlimited 6pm-8pm draft. Nice selection, bartender was ok, moody, maybe he had a bad day. Unless you knew him, you would just wait and be ignored, then he reluctantly would get your drink. Regardless, we all had a blast and met some great people. Don’t miss this one next year!

This has always been on my bucket list, did the 5k Saturday night and half Sunday night. Over 22,000 people, very crowded, but expected. All emails/instructions were good, some maps were off so if not familiar with area, just follow other runners. Expo was ok, too many people trying to sell teeth whitening and hand/foot cream, lol. Start up was most chaotic I have ever seen, felt bad as some people actually got hurt. The security was even scared and backing away. If you have kids or are older and need any space, I wouldn’t recommend it. The beginning took forever and too pushy. There were tons of aid stations, support and easy road, little dark but expected. So much to look at and everyone in a good mood. We had beer wristbands, yet no beer, were given wine seltzers at BOTH races. Wish they had chocolate milk or better food, was just grab and go chips, banana and fruit snack. Also did NOT get my REMIX medal, which is the medal for completing both races. Many of us couldn’t find where to get it. So hoping they will mail it. I loved the city, the people, the volunteers, the shirts, the music (only saw a couple bands, was mostly Dj’s) and the experience. The lack of swag for such an expensive race was disappointing also. Hope this helps others.

This was their inaugural race and did not disappoint. From traveling out of state, the communication was excellent. We had no issues whatsoever from packet pickup to face morning to awards to breakfast. There were lots of rolling hills but it really won’t bother you because the horses are so majestic you just stop and look. I took two videos and tons of pics while running this half. Tons of volunteers and easy to follow, lots of Gatorade, water and port a potty stops. Incredible photographer who sends you the photos of start, finish and in between for FREE. Gorgeous area and course, light breakfast at the end. No swag or goodies but I bet there will be next year! Shirts and medals and awards are all amazing. We are looking at making this a yearly run!

This is a run around Nathan Benderson Park, where Champion Rowers are rowing. It is for an incredible cause. There are tons of vendors, giveaways and awards. The best part is the cause…..people that have tried to end their life and have survived….tell their story. It takes guts to get up there. SEcondly and any of you have lost a family member, friend due to suicide…there is a tree, you can tape their name up there. IT is an all around amazing race.

Communication is awesome, especially if your not familiar with the area. Due to heavy rains and flooding the previous days the race course changed which added lots of hills. Being from Florida, we do not get too many hills to practice in. The route was well marked, people were super nice even after the race. The medals and shirts were incredible, loved them! Wish their were more vendors and food at the end. Plus the runners who took over 3 hours, the vendors and food was packed up, so they didn’t get anything. Would definitely do this one again, very well organized.

Easy flat course, great regulars and out of state runners. Easy parking, results, nice awards and breakfast. Spread out trail of rocks, gravel, grass. Lots of room and not bumping into others. Breakfast afterwards and snacks. Not much to look at except fields, but the quietness and weather made it great!