Terry Cole's Staging Area

Weather…..Winds gusting to 40 knots. Temp is not an issue but the wind was a major factor for all. It is my understanding it is like that most times.

I have ran this course before in 2015 for another race so I knew what to expect.
Race production was good but the expo and items for sale by the sponsor was disappointing along with the fact that there was no shirt for the race. 52.00 for a beanie is way too much. No shirt and a canvas bag that was weeks later after the race. UNSAT.
The post race party was top notch. Food was much better than sea island and the band seemed like they were getting into it. The food alone made it worth it.

A great experience if you like a bigger event. Well organized and it was really cool to see the long line of runners.
Disappointed with the finishing medal considering the days theme and the number of racers participating. Could have used a lot more warm fluids considering the temp.
Enjoyed the experience and had a pretty good time.

Parking was great and easy to get to from from the start.
Course has a couple of bottle necks at the start but after that it was a very nice course with good amounts of shade and open areas to run.
Appreciated the volunteers and police that provided enough security to allow runners to focus on the course and not on the intersections
Would have liked to seen more vendors and others there considering this was a inaugural event. A little light on after race snacks and such.
Overall this was a well managed event in a area that is prime for great running events. Hopefully they will have another next year and more folks will come out to support it.

Running downhill is a challenge unto itself. Your adventure in going downstairs for the next couple of days afterwards will be a treat.
I did not appreciate the point to point aspect of the route but that cannot be helped.
The support staff (bus drivers, check bags, management) were top notch and friendly.
This is a race you want to run to say you have done it because it is unique but due to its location and some of the constraints I doubt I would return.

EXPO was the best I have attended.
I liked the optional Double Dare challenge.
SWAG could have been a bit better. (Getting a pullover for the challenge would have been nice)
Disappointing that the challenge awards did not go three deep
The age group awards were underwhelming.
Finishing medals were nice for both races.
After party was not as active as advertised. I think this was due in large part to the weather.
The timing for both races had issues and seemed to be the biggest headache for the event. I appreciated the hard work the volunteers put into things considering the weather the day of the half.
Finally……the 5k needs to be better planned as to allow those who desire to run with effort to not have to dodge people who are there to be “social” runners. It is a annoyance to spend the last half mile or so running side to side to avoid the “gang” of party goers who are 7-8 abreast across the road!

Start was a bit odd with 5k folks starting behind 10K. That didn’t help things especially the early log jams at the start.
Race was flat as advertised.
I enjoyed the print as an award but the announcer and the whole production was hard to hear due to the fair background noise and as the awards went on it seemed the folks handing them out were getting tired of doing it.

Three bridges will provide you the reality check but the scenery and the race production was top notch. The appreciation for the military folks was a nice touch.
Ed Fore & Janice McSweeney deserve a lot of credit for their hard work and effort. I have enjoyed all of their races this year.

My thanks to the volunteers and the Raleigh Police. I had my doubts folks would show up due to the weather but my hat is off to all those folks who where there and made the run enjoyable and safe. You guys are the best.

Scenery around the lake was nice and shaded. Easy to run on and the traffic support through the housing and main streets was well covered. The first couple of miles and return may surprise you.

Nice route…..Windy and cool. Lighthouse and beach was a nice change. Having a head cold made for a more miserable run. Not a lot of snacks other than the pizza/orange/banana items.

It was an okay event but when a person can run a event in a parrot suit in over two hours and get a hundred bucks I have to wonder.

The medals are as advertised (SWEET)
Track is fast but the overpass will catch you off guard!
Weather was nice considering the cold and wind
Need more port a johns!!!!!!
A hot beverage and food option would have made it nicer. I appreciate the foo/drink sponsors but beer and pizza for that morning should not have been the only option.

No placing medals for second/third finishers in group awards. That sucked. Not many other vendors/other options for after race enjoyment. Route was okay but the train stopping the lead pack early on really caused a lot of heartburn. Finishing medal was nothing to write home to the folks about.

Race start was at a good local. Good atmosphere. Plenty of support and vendors.
Poor showing by Ft Bragg or lack of post involvement. Would have liked to see the finishing medal be modeled more after the Ft Bragg demographic.