Tyler Finn's Staging Area

Enjoyed my tour of Huntsville, serving as a pacer for the 3:35 pace group.

Production was great. Easy packet pickup at the expo. Expo was smallish, but vendors that were there were quality.

Race itself was nice. Pre race staging area inside was great, especially given the rainy conditions. Course is a nice tour of Huntsville. First half has a lot of neighborhoods, but the second half is where the best parts of the course were. Space center and botanical gardens were really nice. Indoor finish was fun. Back half also has the majority of the hills – ended up with about 900 ft of elevation.

Medal is large! The only negative is the shirt. It was a decent shirt, but sizing was goofy (too small). Post race food was very good – soup, grilled PB&J, chicken strips. Excellent.

I’d recommend this race for sure. It lived up to my expectations.

Ran this race as a 50 state runner – was really looking forward to running this race.

The race expo was ok. Held at Concordia College. I was surprised to see a bit of a line, but it moved quickly – everyone was queued up to get a bib. Volunteers did a nice job moving you along. I was in and out quickly.

Race day typically starts and ends in the Fargo dome, but unfortunately not this year. I should have paid more attention when signing up as this was something I was really looking forward to. Start area was a bit chaotic and bathroom lines were super slow. I barely made it to the start.

There are 3 distances on course at once – 10K, half and full marathon. Each one has its own start time and each course differs slightly. Half Marathon started first, which was a head scratcher to me on what was predicted to be a hot day. I guess the marathon start was pushed back due to local flooding.

The course is mostly flat. You run through nice neighborhoods, a park, through Moorhead College and Concordia College. I wasn’t a big fan of all the twists and turns and out and backs. Course wasn’t marked so well and probably half the mile markers were missing. Plenty of aid stations, although it was inconsistent in where you would have water versus power aid. The roads were beat up and I worried about tripping.

The weather was warm and many areas were exposed. No control over the weather, but June is probably too late.

Finish area was underwhelming. You pick up your own pretzels, water, fruit snacks and a granola bar off a table. Easy access to the parking lot. Post race party was at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Swag was very nice. 20th anniversary windbreaker is great and the medal was big and looks very nice

Overall, it was a decent race. I commend the race organizers for revising the course quickly to avoid flooded areas. I think it was a good race – I just wanted more (specifically the dome start/finish).

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this exceeded it! Arrived on Saturday and was surprised at how quiet the downtown was. Stayed at a downtown hotel and everything I needed was within walking distance. Expo was fine – nice vendors and helpful volunteers.

Race day was rainy. I’d purchased VIP so I could wait in a heated tent. VIP also included a bit of food/coffee and separate ports potties. The race itself was fantastic. The course included such a variety of areas – the only constant was HILLS! I think it was one of my favorite courses because of the variety. The COU detour was…disappointing. Not well marked and spectators milling around. I’m glad to have done it and appreciate the commemorative medallion but was expecting more. the finish was fairly minimal, although I didn’t stick around too long because of the rain.the medal is huge and it’s nice they have different medals for different groups (50 states; first marathon, etc…),

All in all, I loved it. I wish I had spent a bit more time in Tulsa.

Excellent organization and a beautiful course. Majority of the course is flat, with the exception of one pretty significant hill (big flat road – clever name). Early miles are the most scenic and then you make your way into town. Volunteers were great.

The town of Missoula is a gem. I took the free bus from the airport to downtown and walked everywhere from there. Excellent restaurants made for a really nice race weekend.

Ran this race as a 50 stater looking to knock off NH, and wow was I impressed. Of all the marathons I’ve run, this is in the top 5. Starts outside of Keene and runs downhill for a good portion, with beautiful views of the mountains and the fall foliage. Eventually you make your way into town, encountering a couple small climbs and one sizeable one. Finish is at a local college, with nice food, massage, and a great atmosphere. Swag was good, with a really nice medal.

If I wasn’t on a quest to run all 50 states, I’d repeat this one – it’s that good! If you like a nice, small race with beautiful scenery, run to this one!