Thomas Tan's Staging Area

Marshall University Marathon and Half might be a relatively small race (2023 saw over 1,800 participants in both events) but the 13.1-mile loop course is relatively flat, making it a popular marathon to qualify for Boston.

The positives are the location of the race start/finish at the Joan C Edward Stadium in Marshall University, ample car parking at the stadium, running by Harris Riverfront Park and Ritter Park (twice) as well as a very energetic MC from ‘Enjoy Your Life’. Best of all, Marathoners get to carry a football to the “endzone” on the field at the stadium as they cross the finish line. It was epic.

One minor negative: Don’t expect a huge crowd of spectators along the course if you’re looking for cheers and hi-fives to carry you through the wall.

West Virginians are proud of their chilly hogs and pizza rolls, which are great post-race meals! After the marathon/half, be sure to check out the Hillbilly Hot Dogs (featured on Food Channel), just 2o min drive from Huntington. It is a must-visit.

I ran the 100 km trail race at Pineland Farms as my qualification race for Vermont 100 because I previously ran the Pineland Farms 50 Mile Trail Challenge twice, finishing under 11 hours on both occasions. My experience with the similar course gave me some confidence going in. Under the new management, 40 Back Events, the Pineland Farms 100 km course is a slightly updated 14.9-mile loop or 25K, so runners will need to complete 4 laps. This is a reliable and relatively fast course for 100-mile race qualifications. Highly recommend it.

The highlight for me is undoubtedly running through the Gateway Arch National Park (and later taking the tram up the Arch for a 360 view of St. Louis). I also recommend checking out the sunset at the rooftop of the 360 St. Louis atop the Hilton St. Louis across from the Busch Stadium ballpark.

I stayed at the Hotel Indigo, which is ideally located in downtown St. Louis. It’s within walking distance from the Gateway Arch National Park as well as from the shuttle stop near the Finish area. The shuttle takes you to the Start area in Forest Park.

I enjoyed every moment—from the marathon expo and its location to the hilly course scattered with historic sites to the interactive and entertaining aid station staff and energetic spectators. Make sure you stay at the Little Rock Marathon which is next to the marathon start/finish line. The finisher medal is the biggest I’ve ever seen, holly molly! This is one groovy marathon and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Organized by Zombie Trail Races, the inaugural Run Undead Trail Party was a hoot. It took place on New Year’s Eve in the beautiful Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The event offers 5 running distance options: 25K, 50K, 50 miles, 100K, and 100 miles. You go through the one and only aid station per loop at a pavilion, which also serves as the Start/Finish, and there was a ton of refreshments and fun activities, including a ball drop at midnight and round the clock music! It was quite a party!

This race had a very small field. Relatively few spectators on the course. The course is a 13.1-mile loop so marathoners run the course twice, which is through downtown Bowling Green and the Western Kentucky University campus.

You start and finish the race almost on the water (Easton’s Beach), running through scenic waterfronts, quaint neighborhoods, and historic mansions. Check out my YouTube video below. The event was well organized and had a relatively small field compared to the big marathon events. Come check out this race before it the secret gets out and it becomes too large!

This course starts at an elevation of 8,000 ft and is held in the desert. Be prepared! Arrive with a few days, if not weeks, to acclimatize to the attitude if you’re to used to it, and make sure you stay hydrated at all times. I learned my lesson the hard way. This is truly a vacation race destination. So many great areas to visit nearby. Check out my video below.

The 50K course has about 8000 feet of elevation gain and is not too technical. But it is not to be underestimated, especially as the temperature rises in the afternoon. Luckily, most of the course is shaded by surrounding trees. The first big climb known as the Power Line Climb was tough with 1000 ft of gain in 1 mile. Check out my video below.

The volunteers were terrific and friendly. Aid stations were well stocked. The finisher’s “medal” is a small medallion. It was so small, I don’t even know when and how I lost it. I also wish they have an official website, although most of the information on the course and logistics can be found on Ultrasignup.

The race was held in the Cohutta Mountains in northern Georgia, inside the Fort Mountain State Park, which is about 2 hours of driving from Atlanta. So I would spend a day or two to visit Atlanta before or after the race.

What’s harder than running a 50-km ultramarathon in a fully exposed desert? Running on the sand! Lots of sand.

The Old West Trails races (50k/Marathon/Half Marathon) start in an RV resort and campground named Stagecoach Trails RV Resort and Campground in Julian, CA. The courses lead runners through some pristine sections of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, including the Blair Valley and Plum Canyon. 50K and marathon runners experience about 2,500 feet of gain & loss, but the heat and sand really slowed me down. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated if you’re running the Old West Trails!

Sceneries are great; see my video below.

The Fleet Feet Daufuskie Island race series operates on a USATF-certified 13.1-mile loop course of paved and unpaved roads. Marathoners run the course twice and ultramarathoners thrice, each time surrounded by postcard picture-perfect sceneries. Located just off the coast of southern South Carolina, the island is only accessible by ferry.

The racecourse is flat, which is perfect for first-time marathoners or those seeking a personal best time. Not surprisingly, it is a popular race for qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Situated between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, the race venue is not far from some of the best vacation spots the country has to offer, making it a perfect getaway for a “runcation”.

The races were well organized. The tent setup for runners at the start/finish is a nice touch. There was food and coffee and heating lamps to keep you warm before the race. Live music and catered picnic lunch at the Finish. Nice swag, including the cool bling (see picture below) and a nice jacket.

Check out my YouTube video below.

Harpeth Hills Flying Monkey Marathon is held in the Percy Warner Park, about 9 miles from downtown Nashville. With over 3600 feet of elevation gain, this is not a PR course. There were no spectators to cheer you on the course. Aid stations were sparse on the tree-shaded course and strategically placed to nake runners do not go off course. They were well stocked, including one that served Bourbon and Whiskey! The finisher’s medal is made of wood and may look cheap to those who are used to metal. But, the long sleeve race shirt and hand-knit monkeys more than made it up.

Check out my YouTube video (second marathon) below.

The Greenway Marathon (& Half Marathon) is a low-key and small race along the Stones River Greenway, a popular paved trail for walkers, cyclists, and runners that winds alongside the Stones River.

Runners start and finish the out-and-back course for the race at the Percy Priest Dam, which overlooks the J. Percy Priest Reservoir, about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville. The course is not flat but too hilly. Do not expect a lot of spectators on the course cheering you. This is a more of a meditative run along the peaceful Greenway.

Check out my YouTube video below.