Jess T's Staging Area

I spent a weekend at the Trapp Family Lodge and ran a marathon there too. I couldn’t resist this scenic little race, and the chance to stay at the iconic lodge house. I flew in on Saturday, rented a car from Burlington, and drove about an hour into Stowe. The lodge was indeed pricy, but gorgeous.

Bib pickup was on premise. Got a great t-shirt. I had dinner at the beer hall and then turned in early for the race. It was wonderful to literally roll out of bed, and have the starting line right outside.

The race itself was wonderful; 2 x half marathon loops with 2 aid stations on course, and the third at the start/finish. We ran single track, fire road, cross-country ski paths, climbed up what I assume were downhill ski paths. The very, very top of the mountain was pretty technical, but everything else was runnable. They had maple syrup products on the course, and I liked them more than I thought I would. This course was tough! (and I was undertrained).

We had a gorgeous day, and the light coming through the yellow maple leaves was really fantastic. I would 100% recommend this race.

Sun Trail Running does an amazing job putting on this race. Hands down, production is so good, and Josh Sun has a loyal following in Iowa.

Course: This race runs multiple 20ish mile loops (more like hub and spoke out and backs), in Mines of Spain recreation area in Dubuque. It was lovely! When I ran, the colors were popping. The trails are predominately double track, not too technical, with a little bit of road (I would say less than 3 miles per loop), and then to torture you, there are stairs. Seriously, the stairs are the hard part. The course has about 2700 ft of climbing per loop, much of that is the stairs. I ran three loops for the 100k, the 100 milers run 5 loops. Loop one was a little confusing, but by loop 2 and 3, you’re familiar, and checking off milestones. The out and backs and aid stations on the loop are distinct, and you run variety of terrains (some XC ski trails, some trails a bit more technical). All to say, it keeps it interesting.

Vibe: This is a big party. Josh has a following. So many of the runners are repeat runners, they all know each other. I was an out of towner, and they all made me feel so welcome. The volunteers are seriously top notch — most of them are runners too. A volunteer even drove home to retrieve a collapsible cup for me to borrow. There is a crewville. I found the start finish a little overwhelming to hang too long, but really a great crowd, great energy! It’s all the things I love about the ultra community.

Signing up: This race sells out, but also, I feel like everyone on the waitlist gets moved up pretty quickly. There are really generous transfer timelines that let you defer the race up till June (for an October run) if things aren’t going your way. I was initially on the waitlist, and was called up quickly and added in.

Communication: Great communication from the RD — timely and appropriate emails, a fb page, he’s super responsive to questions.

Swag: You get a lot!! I received a race tshirt, a hoodie, gloves, a buff, a race belt, stickers, and everything was good quality. In addition I bought a BOCO hat and another sweatshirt for my friend/crew.

Dubuque: Cute city. I rented an airbnb, and stayed the weekend. There are a couple little shopping restaurant districts downtown. Beautiful views of the Mississippi River, and I had some good food and beer.

Final Verdict: This is really a gem! Highly recommend. I’m not sure I’d run again (just because I rarely repeat races), but I can see why people do it year over year!

Honestly, I think this goes for all Yeti Races — go run one! The have a cult following for a reason. I have crewed some Yeti races, but this was my first as a runner. I not only got my regular race swag, but at packet pickup, they had a bunch of free swag to choose from. The race itself was top notch — well marked and beautiful course, energy at the start/finish line, an amazing aid station. Loved every minute of it.

I didn’t really chose this race, but joined two friends that decided to run the marathon (after a long hiatus from marathon running). This race is a great destination for a long weekend away. We rented a house on Kiawah, and spent Thursday-Sunday on the island for race festivities. In addition, a couple other friends raced the half one group on the island and one off the island (but still on St. John’s).

Pre-race: so many emails! you can’t say that they didn’t communicate. They covered all the bases, made sure you had what you needed.

Accommodations: we stayed on Kiawah, about 2 miles from the start (near Night Heron Park). It made everything super easy. We did take advantage of the shuttle – but note, race day morning, the shuttles were not enough to handle the runners getting the start. I jogged to the start, and the marathoners with me hitch-hiked with a random person.

Swag and Expo: well stocked expo, lots of local artisans too. The race shirt is one of the better ones I’ve earned. The official race gear was fine — i would rate as middle quality.

Race production: we had a late start (I think because of the shuttles), but everything else was great! well marked course, lots of aid stations, lots of port a potties. The aid stations has water, gatorade, and some fruit. No gus.

Finish line: abundant. there were lots of food options, including white bean soup, some pasta salads, corn bread, and fruit, and what seemed like a limitless supply of beer!

Course: scenic neighborhoods, and maritime forest. You’re basically running residential streets the entire time. it’s not bad, but can get boring. Course is extremely flat, and there’s a small bit where you run on a sandy beach road. It’s okay.

Beautiful and challenging race!! The first 18 miles are on Lookout Mountain, you run on amazing trails that were built as WPA projects in the depression. Gorgeous views of the valleys around you. The last 32 miles take you in the Lula Lake Land Preserve – these trails are a mix of very technical (even some rock scrambling), some runnable, and some fire road. The 2021 race was made much, much more difficult by rain and mud ( SO MUCH MUD).

This race has a cult following in the area. And the RDs put on a really great race. The volunteers are top notch! and it’s really well marked, and super inviting.

Here’s my word of advice though — this is a tough race, and it’s hard to gauge because they don’t publish their finish rate/DNF rate. So, be prepared. My estimates have at least half the field not finishing in 2021 (including me!).

I signed up for this a week or two ahead of the race – not to race this, but to run it as a training run. It fit my training perfectly.

Administration: top notch, plenty of communication, the RD sent out a handy little race packet via email ahead of the race with everything you needed to know. Packet pickup was morning of, parking was plentiful, the course was extremely well-marked, and the finish line and aid stations were well stocked. The volunteers were enthusiastically helpful and kind.

Course: Beautiful trails!! and these are private trails, so a great opportunity to check them out. About 90% single track, and the rest on some fire road, a little bit of paved road, and a little bit of open field to connect it all. The course description says 5000ft of climbing over the marathon, but I only had 3500. Overall — mostly runnable, no enormous or super long climbs, but all rolling and up and down.

Location/Lodging/Etc.: The course is at Miller School of Albermarle, a private prep school near Charlottesville. So, no matter what you’ll have to drive to it. I stayed in Staunton (about 30 min away), Charlottesville is slightly closer, but it was a home game and parents weekend, so hotels were scarce and $$$.

SWAG: I got a cute gender-specific, light-weight hoody. I think high quality. I also got a buff for winning my AG. And it looked like the running club was giving away extra SWAG they had from previous races.

In the local running scene, this one is a classic. Mountain Junkies has been putting it on for over a decade. In 2021, they mixed things up by having us run the course backwards (I loved it because that means the biggest climb is done by mile 8 or 9).
I’ve run other Mountain Junkies races, and CtC is matched for preparation, trail markings, trail quality, friendliness of volunteers, post-race food, all of it. I did decrease the SWAG score — you get a cute tank (for ladies – or a T for men), but in past years, runners also got a handkerchief with a map of Carvin’s Cove, we didn’t get it this year.
All in, I recommend this race — it’s a challenging trail marathon (and 25K), that gets you running in the beautiful trails of Carvin’s Cove (the second largest municipal park in America). The weather can go either way at the end May – this year I was treated to cool and overcast weather – and all the mountain laurel was in bloom.

The Montvale Trail Races are the 3rd in a series of 6 run in the Roanoke area to highlight local trails and provide non-ultra trail races. I’ll be honest, I loved this little race. I know a lot of people that run the RNUTS (Roanoke Non-Ultra Trail Series), and speak highly of Mountain Junkies (the production team).

I’ve never run these trails, nor in Bedford County, VA at all — the park seems to be a somewhat recent addition, and in addition to the trails, there’s a new playground – that’s quite big, and a shelter. The trails were awesome — packed earth, not super technical, there seem to be a system of overlapping trails. I think one could get lost out there, although there was also a lot of signage.

The race itself has 10 milers (running two loops) and 5 milers (running one loop). Registration is capped at, I think, 250, and is between 20 and 35 dollars based on distance and timing. It was a really well-marked course, and a friendly volunteers. We were crowded at the start, but within a mile we spread out nicely. If you’re a 10 miler, note that the 5 milers start in a second wave, and the fast ones will be coming to pass you.

Bottom line: cheap, friendly, competitive, runnable, do it.

This is a local race, and one of the only trail races in the series put on by RunAbout Sports (LRS in Blacksburg and Roanoke). Entry is cheap, and you get a long sleeve technical shirt. The only weird thing is that the race doesn’t start until noon on Saturday — kind of a weird time.

The race runs through Jefferson National Forest/Pandapas Pond area. The trails are great. This is mostly run on single track, with just a little bit of fire road in there. October in the mountains is gorgeous, great scenery, and because of the small field you’re almost guaranteed a AG place!

Second time running, Philly, and while there were some changes this year. It’s still a great race. In 2016, they broke apart the half and full – half on Saturday and full on Sunday. I was curious what this would do to crowd support, and it did bring it down a bit – but not as much as I expected. I love this race for numerous reasons:

COURSE: I love a city marathon. The course brings you through downtown Philly, through the South Side, up around the Zoo, and then out to Manayunk (I love it there). People are out, crowd support is still good. Manayunk is always a crowd pleaser. There are hills, mostly in the first half, and the second half is fast. This is a fast course. I like it. My two fastest marathon times are here.

PRODUCTION: Great!! I think this is year 23 for them. No hiccups, everything goes as planned (except for the weather). Aid stations are plentiful, as are friendly volunteers. Lots of port-a-potties.

SWAG: They had gender specific tops this year. Lots of shirts and gear for purchase. The medal is kind of nice – very detailed, and it looks like it would stand up on it’s own without the ribbon.

LOCATION: This city is connected to the marathon. Philly is the city of brotherly love, and they are so glad you are there and running. Seriously. I always have a great time visiting.

WEATHER: Unpredictable. In 2013, it was sunny and hot. In 2016, it was a high of 71 on Saturday, and of like 43 on Sunday + wind, wind, and more wind. It’s November.

I typically don’t repeat races. Philly is hands down one of my favorite races ever, and the only marathon I’ve run twice =)

I’m not sure why I picked Run Rabbit Run as my first 50 miler, but I did, and I ran it, and I’m here to tell you about it. Don’t be intimidated, do it!
Website/Registration/Communication: I found most stuff that I needed on the website. Registration was easy, and the RC communicated a lot leading up to the race.
Location: Steamboat Springs is gorgeous. We were able to rent a pretty affordable condo close to the start. We took the free bus downtown. I had never been to the Boat before, and it was a great experience.
Course Difficulty: Difficult!! Very Difficult. The course is between 6500 and 10500 elevation. It starts with a 6 mile 4000 foot climb, and at the midpoint, is the steepest climb of all. And then all the running in between is up and down, and up and down. With all that being said, you mostly run on great single track, not too technical, and about 2 feet wide. Some areas more rocky or rooty than others, but mostly good.
Course Scenery: SPECTACULAR. Seriously, it was so gorgeous. When I was just there the leaves were starting to change, there were greens and yellows, and just a touch of red. Running in the Colorado Mountains is breath-taking.
Race Production: GREAT! Run Rabbit Run builds a loyal fan base, and they’ve earned it. Race production went off without a snag. The volunteers were great! No hitches with production at all.
Race Swag: Also great. There were gender specific shirts. We also got an off brand buff with the RRR logo, some smartwool socks, and there was limited additional gear for purchase (mostly previous years shirts, and a visor). Note: everything is branded as the 50 and the 100, and I don’t think the 100 gets anything more than the 50 gets.
Overall: loved it! Do it!

I signed up for this race about 2 weeks prior, and planned to run it as a training run. There are 5 races: 50K, marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K – with staggered starts from 5:30 to 8. I ran the Half, which runs a figure 8 of sorts through the north side of the property, and then to the south side of the property (50Kers and Marathoners have to run the figure 8 twice). You’ve got to love a race that states: “RULE NUMBER 1 – IF YOU’RE A WUSS – JUST STAY HOME!”

Logistics: Coalgate is kind of in the middle of no-where, and this ranch is 10 minutes north of Coalgate. The ranch owners have some bunkhouses and cabins (sold out), and they offered up their land for camping the night before. I camped with another runner. It worked out great! They gave us food the night before, there were bonfires, and morning of, I literally rolled over to the start. Port-o-potties were plentiful. Everything worked out.

Course and support: The course is gorgeous! The terrain varied from open pastures to single track to running around boulders with no shoulder on one side. It wasn’t too technical – except for a few parts on the northern loop. I think what made this so difficult was running in full June sun through the fields. Course support was spectacular. I remember at least 4 aid stations, and the volunteers were great!! Super supportive, and really assisting all the runners as they came in (a lot of the volunteers were pro-active and would ask each runner what they needed).

SWAG: The SWAG bag at packet pick-up was good! We were given race t-shirts, plus a bandana with the course map, also a koozie, a first-aid kit, sunglasses, a carabiner clip, and chapstick. Not to mention the included meals (pasta dinner before, barbecue at the finish, plus beer, watermelon, icee pops). There were also medals (I’m not much of a medal person).

Mustangs: There are wild mustangs at this ranch. It’s an eco-tourism ranch, and they provide refuge to wild horses. I think they said that about 170 mustangs live at Mowdy. They corralled most, but left about 20 running free in the field. We watched them at the start and throughout the day. Spectacular. Proceeds from this race are contributed to their upkeep and care.

Final verdict: Yes, loved this race!! It was tough, and beautiful, the people that came out to run it definitely were not wusses. I loved that we could camp ahead of time. Welcome to Oklahoma!

Overall, high scores to the Little Rock Marathon. They’ve got a well-organized race, in a super-friendly town. I signed up for this race because of it’s proximity to my home in Oklahoma, and the timing worked out. Other reviews had said great things, and people really seem to love the big medal.

Pre-Race: Registration was easy, there was a discount for Marathon Maniacs. I thought the communication was clear, maybe a little too many emails, but not so bad. The website had great maps, and details about the course, and an FAQ.

Expo/Day Before: There are some smaller races on Saturday. I did bib-pickup at the end of the day on Saturday. The convention center is convenient, we stayed at an alternate hotel in downtown and walked over. One complaint: vendors were packing up at 3pm on Saturday (expo is open till 5). Otherwise, good size expo, all the things you expect were there.

Perks: I paid $25 extra for their VIP/Perks package. Since I was traveling solo. Perks gets you a separate waiting area before and after with food and coffee, a separate bag check (that I didn’t use), and they advertise better bathrooms. I’m not sure it was worth the $25. I only went pre-race – and it was crowded in there. You can also just stay inside the convention center until corralling up, and there were plenty of real bathrooms available – in addition to plentiful porta-potties. I mean, it is an insurance policy against the rain that was around 1 or 2 years ago, but I don’t feel if offered too much above what was already available.

SWAG: The race shirt is technical, unisex, and short sleeve. However, there was also a Youth option – I got the Youth XL. The bag they give you can be used for bag check – don’t forget to grab a marker to put your number on before you leave the expo. I think a lot of people love the medal – it’s freaking huge! and like 3 pounds!

Course: Leading up to the race, as I told people about my upcoming marathon, all I got in response was, “well, it’s really hilly” (I do live in flat OK). I didn’t find the race too hilly – rollers in the first half, and then a big climb up at mile 14 to 15, and then some more hills at the very end. My Garmin said less than 900 feet of elevation gain. All the hills were runnable, except for one steep climb at mile 25 – which I hiked up. As for the course itself, I found it beautiful. The first half runs through different parts of Little Rock and North Little Rock – older neighborhoods in various states of repair. We ran by the governor’s mansion (and the governor came out). Multiple beautiful churches (and the church-members came out). The spectators that were there, were enthusiastic, and many spectators set up their own impromptu aid stations. When the full splits off from the half, we run up into Hillcrest – this was my favorite part, the neighborhoods are beautiful!! and it reminded me of Montclair in Oakland. There was a nice downhill out of Hillcrest, and then an out and back on the River Trail. This part was boring, but the aid stations were lively, and it kept you moving. I did feel like the aid stations were ample – and I went without carrying any water. They were about every 3 miles in the first half, and every two miles or less in the second half.

Post-race: You come through the shute, get your medal, there are multiple photography options, but then for food, water, etc, you have to head back into the convention center (I heard they had more outside prior to their year that was nearly rained out). People collected in the main convention hall – which you do have to walk downstairs to. There was food for purchase from food trucks (in the convention center), and a walk-through to grab runner food offered by the race (milk, yogurt, chips, apples, water, some soup). I wish there had been more healthy food options – more fruit!! The convention center area also had massage tables – I didn’t sign up.

Note for Marathon Maniacs and Hopefuls: there were soooo many Maniacs and Fanatics on the course! I think there were about 180 signed up on the Marathon Maniac site. There were shirts everywhere! We did a pre photo and it was huge!

Odds and Ends: We found a hotel in downtown for half the price of the Marriott, and it was perfectly serviceable (Legacy Hotel) – it’s less than mile from the start, and on the course for the marathon finish. Make reservations for dinner Saturday night, the restaurants do get overcrowded.

Final advice: I really loved this marathon. They’re in their 14th year in 2016. Apparently, it’s a women operated race (they make comment of it in the pamphlet). Logistics wise – went off without a hitch! Do it!

This is an alright little race. The field is small, I think under 400 25Kers and maybe 75 50Kers – plus 10K and 5K runners too. It’s put on by Fleet Feet Tulsa, and is more of a community run. Although there do appear to be repeat runners.

The cost is low, I think I registered for 30 bucks, and you get a gender specific long sleeve race too. The motif is cute – Cat in the Hat-ish. Because it’s Fleet Feet, they make bib pick-up easy. You can choose any of their three locations or race-day pick-up. A friend picked mine up for me, and had no issues. Parking was ample at the start. I got there 30 minutes before gun time, and there was plenty of parking. The other thing there seemed to be plenty of was bathrooms. Not only the park restrooms, but also port-o-potties – at the beginning/end and a few on the course.

The course itself isn’t so great. You run the Tulsa River Trail, a paved greenway along the Arkansas River. I don’t know if the race is always on the West side – the East side currently has a bunch of construction. The West side is smelly. There is a water treatment plant, and an electric energy facility. Otherwise, you’re on a greenway. No impeding traffic (and this may be what keeps the costs so low – no real need to close roads. The majority of the course is flat, with one climb up to Turkey Mountain and back down again. Poor 50Kers had to run that twice.

All in all, I’d run it again. It’s not the most exciting race, but it’s fun, and in January there aren’t many other options. People are friendly, the aid stations were plentiful and well-stocked by friendly volunteers.

Also, as a note, I saw a fair number of Marathon Maniacs at this race.

My first coastal race. This race company, and the race, seem super chill, well-liked, and fun. I came into the race feeling a bit intimidated – people talk big about Big Basin. I met quite a few people that had run in previous years, and I was warned that it can be hot out there.

A good friend did recon on blog posts for the race, and gave me a run down, which held to be pretty true. Here are my thoughts about the race itself:
– The race has a later start in the day (maybe around 9am), and it would be great if you can get someone to drop you off at the start
– The first quarter or so is pretty runnable, try to keep in mind that it doesn’t stay that way.
– GPS coverage is in and out. It’s not reliable, and especially in the last long stretch, it can be tough to know how much further you have to go.
– The scenery really is gorgeous, keep your head up!!
– I had a friend join me for the 5 mile loop in the middle – and it was a perfect pick me up!

– communication from CTR was good
– We got a short sleeved tech tee, and 50k finishers scored a coaster (I kind of like it).
– Aid stations were well stocked, and volunteers were super friendly.

All in all, I recommend it!!

This race is advertised as fast and breathtaking. It is a net downhill of about 2000 ft, and the views are pretty. It’s also pretty damn hot in Utah in June.

As a destination race, they make this pretty easy. Provo, Utah is an adorable little town, and they are happy to have the runners of this race – I think now in it’s 8th year. We found great restaurants in town – although liquor laws can be tricky if you’re looking to drink. The race itself is somewhat small, but because of the course, it draws some fast runners.

The expo is tiny, but sufficient. Ryan Hall was the keynote speaker. Race swag is okay. The race shirt is gender specific – the additional branded gear was all by greenlayer, and pretty thick material. They also give you a nice bag that can be used for bag drop.

Logistics. This is a point to point race, so you get bussed up to the top of the course. The only downside is that you have to catch the bus at 3:45-4:15 for a 6 am start. And woooo, is it chilly at the top! All other race administration went well – the volunteers are super, the aid stations were plentiful (every 2 miles till 23 and then every mile) and well-stocked. We got icees at mile 23 too!

As for the course, it’s pretty. I’m spoiled, I live in CA, run in Marin. This is a different kind of pretty. I think I like the first half better. The roads were more residential, we saw horses, goats, cows, farms, people sat out on their driveway and cheered us on. The second half still had the beautiful mountains, but you are literally running on the highway – it’s divided and one whole side is shut down for the race. Then you run into Provo. You can see the finish when you’re about a mile and a half away. Which is tough!

Overall, not my worst race, not my favorite. I wouldn’t got back and run it again, but I enjoyed myself.

I ran the half marathon in 14, and the marathon relay in 15 (HM review below). I’m a big fan of the Oakland Running Festival. This is a well organized race that highlights Oakland. I’m glad that I got to try out the marathon course, without running the entire marathon, because boy, I bet those hills are tough!!

The relay breaks into 4 legs: Leg 1 from downtown Oakland to Rockridge, Leg 2 from Rockridge to East Oakland, Leg 3 for Rockridge to West Oakland BART, and the last, Leg 4 from West Oakland back to downtown (around Lake Merritt first). The legs are all about equal distance, but legs 1 and 2 have a lot more climbing. I ran Leg 2, and it is a challenging leg, with the biggest climbs up to Montclair, but a rewarding view when you come out at the Mormon Temple.

Crowd support is good considering how spread out across the city the race is. The after party is great. The provide beer in downtown, there is live music. Really, it’s a great way to celebrate Oakland.

My first Brazen race, although I had been hearing about them for while. They have a solid following, and it is pretty well deserved. Overall, Summit Rock had all the things you want in a race. I’ll try to break it down:

Race Production was flawless. Communication before the race was good. Packet pick-up went smoothly. There were plenty of bathrooms around the start. Start and Finish line were well organized. Some of the highlights of the race production were the volunteers. They were out there, there were tons of them, and they were enthusiastic. The volunteers were even out there taking race photos (later posted on Picasa for runners to grab).

The course was challenging, but rewarding. The climbs were crazy, and there was a lot of walking. It was also really beautiful out there.

I think the thing that sets Brazen apart is that this racing company has obviously built a relationship with the runners. The runners out there were all familiar with each other, familiar with the organizers, it was really a great environment to be in. I’ll be out there again =)

Relays have gotten really popular, and Ragnar is a huge name in the field. I have run a relay before – a smaller, more community focused relay. This was my first Ragnar, probably my last Ragnar, but definitely not my last relay. I suppose it depends on what you are looking for in a race.

The good: There are some things that Ragnar does really well – like a well-oiled machine. And I was glad that these were a part of the relay. (1) I thought all the courses were really well marked! seriously, I could see the Ragnar signs, and they were there at a good frequency. (2) The port-o-potties were clean, there were plenty of them, did I mention they were clean? (3) I appreciated the magazine they gave us with all the legs mapped out. Sure, we printed materials to bring with us, but the magazine was nice, and the directions were good.

The not so good: (1) Ragnar is not good at building camaraderie across teams. We didn’t really interact with the other teams so much, and I think this is because we didn’t know the paces of the teams around us. In my previous relay you were running with similar paced groups, and you saw the same people throughout the race. Ragnar lets those that register early start early, and the paces don’t matter as much. (2) The course ran some un-friendly roads, we had runners that didn’t have a shoulder to run with. I ran WITH traffic (and fast traffic at that) for a good portion of my last leg. I would have preferred to run AGAINST traffic in that situation. (3) Honestly, I think Ragnar can do a better job of coordinating around Napa – we had some sticky situations with not being able to pull over to pick up our runner on the Silverado trail, with short legs and traffic, things just didn’t go so smoothly for Van 2 in Napa.

All in all, I had a good time, there were some scenic runs, I wish there had been more. I’ve run in Van 2 twice (which is the tougher end), and I enjoy the challenge. Ragnar makes it easy for you to do a relay, but it just feels a little too corporate for me overall. (Honestly, I’m not a fan of the Rock and Roll series for the same reason).

I can’t remember how I found about this race, but I’m glad that I did. Sasquatch Racing (the company that puts on this race and three others), is just two guys in the Bay Area that want to expand trail running. I think they’re doing a great job because the 10K and 5K runners are a good mix of experienced and new runners.

The Sasquatch Scramble is in Redwood Regional and the 10K runs along Stream Trail up to Skyline Gate, back along West or East Ridge, and then back down to Stream. All their races are challenging. This 10K was a huge climb up to Skyline Gate that had me walking!! They’re good about flagging the course, and also almost always have someone on the course in a big gorilla costume.

About the swag and after-party. They have been giving out Brooks tech tees for their races, and there is always post-run beers. As a volunteer at one event, I even ended up with a case of beer that ended up being an ‘extra’. They also have a great relationship with a local sport massage place, and there are usually free massages post race.

All in all, these guys make a great course, give you lots of perks, and everyone is pretty chill.

This was my first 50K, but I had run a 25K and two 30Ks on the same route with the same race company, so I consider myself a repeat racer =) This low-key race pulls people from all over the state to Salem Lake, which has about a 7 mile double track path around the lake.

The 50K is usually a double out and back (the 25Kers just do one out and back). When I ran, there was a last minute change that made the course four loops around the lake – I think part of the trail had frozen over, it is in January. Twin City Track Club, the organizer, really has all the kinks worked out and takes care of all the logistics. I’ve enjoyed every race I’ve run with them, and the Frosty 50 is no exception.

I mention in the title that this is a great first 50K – and it was my first 50K. I say that because the trail isn’t too technical, nor are there huge climbs, there are plenty of aid stations along the way, I have always made friends out on the course (the runners are superb!), and you get a nice Tshirt =) On the down side, the scenery can get a little boring, no big climbs, and the run is relatively easy. This is a small race, maybe 300 runners, so if you’re on the slower side, you could be solo for a while. If you don’t get there early, parking can also be a problem – the overflow parking is about a half a mile from the start.

My alma mater taught me to hate the Tar Heels. Our fight song even includes the lines, “Go to hell, Carolina.” However, when I found myself living on the wrong side of the Triangle, you have no choice but to join in. Luckily, Endurance racing (which puts on the Tar Heel 10 Miler) lets you vote for other ACC schools and the top three get their own race shirt, so two of the three years I ran this race, my race shirt declared that I’m a Wolfpack Fan! I mean seriously, this is a race that let’s you feed into all that collegial rivalry, and I love it.

Now, onto the race. I love the Tar Heel 10 miler! It’s well-organized, the swag is good, the course is both beautiful and challenging. There is a separate split for running up Laurel Hill (about miler marker 8 to 9 and all climb!!). There have been hiccups with race production in the past, but I think Endurance is getting it together. This race is the largest one they put on (unless the Durham Race Fest has surpassed it now).

Scenery wise, you start and end in Kenan Stadium. I think in 2013, Meb cheered us out (wut?), you run through tons of residential neighborhoods around UNC’s campus, they’re all beautiful. As I’ve mentioned in other posts, Endurance always has tons of volunteers and they are great!! I’m a little sad that I’ve moved away and won’t be running.

One caveat: I’m not sure that parking ever goes smoothly for this race. I lived about 2.5 miles away, and always rode my bike to the start, but traffic gets crazy, and there are always people that miss the starting line.

Full disclosure, I’m an NCSU Alum, and I have soft spot for any race on Hillsborough Street. I’ve run the KK Challenge three years (2011-2013), each time successively eating more donuts. Now that I’ve completed the challenge, I’m not sure I would do this again, but Ioved every single one of these races! btw… the challenge is to run to the KK, eat a dozen donuts, and run back in under an hour.

Things to love: (1) This is put on by a great group of NCSU undergrads and grads. They do a really great job organizing, communicating (maybe too much communicating), donating (tons of money goes to the NC Children’s Hospital) – the year I raised money, I even got a hand-written thank you note from one of the students. (2) The costumes! Yes, there are costumes. (3) If you have any connection to Raleigh, you’ll love the run from the NC State Belltower to the Krispy Kreme – but it can be challenging. (4) You don’t have to eat all the donuts, you can just take them to go =)

Things you should watch out for: (1) Non-runners sign up for this race, what do I mean by that? They don’t know how to corral, don’t know how to move over for faster people, don’t care that you really want to run this race, (2) there are SO MANY PEOPLE. it’s you and 7K other runners on pretty narrow streets! (3) People vomit, a lot, you have to dodge it. (4) This race will kill any love that you have for consuming glazed donuts.

However, whenever I have to provide a fun fact, this is it! I ate a dozen donuts in approximately 14 minutes and ran 5 miles (it’s more like 4.8). I came back at about 55 minutes, under the one hour requirement to complete the challenge. And I did not vomit.

I would definitely encourage anyone considering it to run the Philly Marathon. In fact, I think this has been my favorite marathon to date, and not just because it was a bit fat marathon PR for me.

There are a couple high points that I would consider: (1) The cost of the marathon is relatively low. I registered early and got in for $80. I think as it approaches race day, the cost gets up to $150. Still much cheaper than some of the other big city marathons. (2) The entire city is glad you are there. Seriously, this is the city of brotherly love, and they prove it. Crowds were everywhere, sure, they were drunk, you couldn’t understand that accent, but they came out, and gave you food! I can’t think of a point in the race that I couldn’t see at least on spectator. Even the mayor comes out and gives high-fives at the finish. (3) the course is fast and appealing. The first half is mostly urban, through downtown, and then loops back to the start (where you deposit the HMers), then the second half is more scenic. (4) November weather in Philly is glorious! Honestly, it did get a little warm during my race, but normally, it’s beautiful. (5) I can’t recall a single snafu with race administration. The expo was good, everything went smoothly on the course. As a marathoner, you have the option to drop off with the HMers at mid race. They’ve been doing this for 20 years and it shows.

If there are any downsides, it’s that the hotels in Philly can be pricy. There just aren’t enough of the. I know that some runners complained about the couple of hills that are on the course, but I loved them!

I ran the OBX Half Marathon in 2009 and the Full in 2010. The timing, in November, means that this tourist driven area comes all out for the race. This is kind of the area’s last little hurrah before the beach closes down for the season, and the locals are glad to have you there contributing to their economy. Both times that I went, we rolled a week’s vacation into the trip. Beach houses in NC in November are at a steal!!

As for the race itself: It’s super flat, till you hit the bridge 3 miles from the finish. I think the first half of the course is much more interesting (as a note, you can run just the first half in an April Half Marathon there). It winds through some neighborhoods, and through a nature preserve, and you come out at the Wright Brother’s Memorial. Then the second half you’re on blacktop. You do get some sound views, but never really ocean views.

Race production has always gone off without a hitch for me. The organizers put on a good expo, everything I needed was on the course. The finish has warm stew and Coors Light (at least they did when I ran). You finish up in downtown Manteo which is cute!

Things to beware of: Driving traffic gets crazy on race day. If you’re a spectator meeting your racer, give yourself plenty of time to get to the finish. Because you’re on an island, there is only one north/south road. It can get hot on the course! And also, if you’re slow (this was my first full), it can get pretty lonely on the course.