The Middle Half

Road Race Name: The Middle Half

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Distance: 13.1 Miles

Price: $65

Race Rating: 9/10

Course Review:

This race is a flat and fast course in the geographic center of Tennessee that occurs in mid October. In Tennessee, you never know what kind of weather you will find in October. The first year I ran this race, it was very warm and humid. The second year was extremely cold and almost had to be cancelled due to extreme fog. I have participated in this race for 2 years and enjoyed the experience. The race begins and ends at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and continues around the historic city in a 13.1 mile loop.

Overall Course Rating: 9/10

Race Atmosphere Review:

he race has a participant limit of 3,250 and usually sells out quickly. The time limit imposed on the race is mile 6 must be reached in 90 minutes. The website claims that if the deadline is not reached, the participant will not be able to finish the race. This could be difficult for slow runners or walkers, but I have been able to meet the deadline personally. As a slower runner, I have been at the back of the pack both years but was not told that I could not finish. The race has water stations/gatorade available at each mile on the course and a stop with fruit and power bars after mile 7. Due to the number of water stations, I haven’t felt the need to keep a hydration belt during this race. It is a fun race with a hometown feel. Lots of cheer teams are seen along the course to encourage the runners.

The only down side I have found is that being a slower runner, the course time limit noted on their website can be stressful. Runners are told not to go out too fast in races, but with the deadline walkers and runners sometimes do just that. The fear of being told they cannot finish the race is stressful. The two years I have participated in this race, I finished and received my medal. I cannot imagine training for a half marathon and being told you cannot finish. I would suggest increasing the time limit for the race so walkers and slower runners can enjoy the experience and not worry about finishing.

Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 9/10

Post Race Food and Drink Review:

The food and drink tents located at the finish line offer many options such as muffins, fruit, yogurt, chocolate milk, Gatorade and water. I am glad that the food tents don’t start closing too early. (Slow runner issue!) The snacks may have had less options due to my finish time, but they were available.

Overall Post Race Food and Drink Rating: 9/10

Overall, this is a great race that is well organized. I would recommend this race to anyone especially beginners since it is flat.

Photos:

2014

2013

Written By Gina Lowe Lennon!

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Charleston Marathon

Charleston Marathon

Road Race Name: Charleston Marathon and Half Marathon

Location: Charleston, SC

Distance: 26.2 Miles

Price: $90

Race Rating: 9/10

Course Review:

The course had some really nice areas, and some spots that I think my pace picked up since I wanted to get through them quicker. The beginning is absolutely stunning. The course takes you right to Charleston Harbor and along the water for 3-4 miles. Then it takes you through downtown Charleston, by small markets and shops. You then enter the parts of the course that didn't provide the greatest view for runners, but was still completely flat. There were long stretches of flat road and then a quick out and back on a dock at the half-way point. From mile 20-25 the race takes you through multiple out and backs and loops through neighborhoods. It was nothing like the spectacular view in the beginning, but there was plenty of shade along the side of the road, and nothing too complicated to follow which helped put runner's minds at ease. The finish line involved a couple turns before you finished, so there was plenty of crowd to cheer you on to the finish. Overall, I would say that for your first marathon, this course is perfect since it is completely flat and you have long stretches to settle into your pace.

Overall Course Rating: 7/10

Race Atmosphere Review:

The race atmosphere at the 2015 Charleston Marathon has to be the best that I have ever run in. There was rarely a dull moment during the length of the race. At various point along the course, there were bands playing music, kids singing and fans holding signs at most corners. The music always gave you a bit of an energy boost during the race, and was something I haven't seen at most races. The volunteers were also great for inspiring runners and making sure that we were fueled up for the task ahead of us. The 14 water stops (4 with gels, 4 with food) were more than I expected and was a great to keep all runners hydrated and fueled. There was always plenty of volunteers, so that everyone could get water and food. Another nice touch, was the bikers who didn't just ride by runners and make sure none of us were dead. Instead they would slow down and check how we were doing and ask us a few questions about who we were. It wasn't a big deal to many runners, but it is the little things that make a race stick in my mind and that was one of them.

Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 10/10

Post Race Food and Drink Review:

The post race food and drink was definitely in the top 5 that I have experienced. There was the road race classics including bananas, bagels and water. There was also delicious shrimp and grits, for those who could stomach the comfort food after the race. There was plenty of water bottles and juice boxes for all runners. It is always important to have enough for the 5-6 hour finishers, and the race coordinators did a great job to ensure there was plenty to go around. The post race music and celebration provided an excellent background to the food and completed a great day in beautiful Charleston.

Overall Post Race Food and Drink Rating: 9/10

Delaware Marathon Running Festival

Delaware Marathon Running Festival

Road Race Name:
Delaware Marathon Running Festival

Location:

Wilmington Delaware

Distance:

Full Marathon (26.2 miles)

Half Marathon (13.1 miles)

4 person Relay (6.55 miles each)

8 person Relay (3.275 miles each)

Price:

Full Marathon - $95-$115 (depending on when you register)

Half Marathon - $70-$80 (depending on when you register)

4 person relay - $160- $200 (depending on when you register)

8 person relay - $320 - $400 (depending on when you register)

Race Rating:

9/10

Course Review (Full and Half Marathon Course):

This is a 2-loop full marathon course; the half marathon is one loop.  We started out at the Wilmington Waterfrontalong the Christina River and ran along the River walk and then made our way to and through the Brandywine Parkalong the Brandywine River.  From the park we made our way over to and up Lovering Avenue to the KentmereParkway and this is a decent hill, about a mile in length.   It comes along on the course from miles 6 to 7 in the half marathon and then again from miles 19 to 20 in the full marathon.   (The plus side to this is that we then got to run back down the hill from miles 10 to 11 and again from miles 23 to 24).  Once up this long hill we ran along the Bancroft Parkway, which took us into a residential neighborhood named Wawaset Park.   Once we were through Wawaset Park we ran back to the Bancroft Parkway and then the Kentmere Parkway and made our way into Little Italy.  From Little Italy we ran up King Street (another decent little hill), and then back to the Tubman Garrett River Park where we started.  I did not mind that the full marathon course was two loops; it was great for strategizing how I was going to run the second half of the marathon.  

Overall Course Rating: 9/10

Race Atmosphere Review

This race is on the smaller side: for the full marathon the cut-off is at 800 runners and the half marathon cut-off is 1200 hundred runners.  The relay teams are very popular as well, not sure of the cut-off numbers but they had about 740 people run the 4-person relay and 480 run the 8-personrelay in 2014.  That being said, the crowd support for this race was awesome.  There was rarely a spot on the course were there were not any spectators cheering.  The residential neighborhood of Wawaset Park was one of the best for crowd support with families out on their front lawns cheering, offering snacks and hydration, water from hoses, etc. to cool you off, anything you may need to get you through the race.  It is also placed at the perfect spot on the full marathon course (around miles 20.5 – 21.5) where a lot of runners could use that extra boost.  The Waterfront and Little Italy areas also had a lot of crowd support, which was very encouraging to all of the runners.  In  

the Brandywine Park area where it can be difficult for spectators to get to, the scenery more than made up for the lack of crowd support.

Overall Race Atmosphere Rating:

9/10

Post Race Food, Drink and Swag Review:

After the race, there was a huge food tent with a variety of food options.  There were BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, pizza, soft pretzels, chips, ice cream sandwiches, bananas, chocolate milk, and water.

There was also a beer and wine tent for those interested.

This race gives a lot of great swag for their events!  Each runner receives a drawstring bag, technical shirt, runner’s hat, pint glass, memo pad and magnet.  

Overall Post Race Food, Drink, and Swag Rating:

9/10

Written by: Danielle Frank – www.dkrunnermom.com

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Urban Obstacle Course 5K

Road Race Name:

Urban Obstacle Course 5k

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Distance: 5K

Price: $69

Race Rating: 9/10

Course Review:

The Waterfront of Louisville which is the Ohio River. It is very beautiful. The starting line is right in front of the river and runs through the Waterfront Park of Louisville. Very Beautiful scenery all around. It is a very challenging course. Every year I see various levels of fitness do this Race. I see people who I would deem as extremely fit struggling through some of the obstacles. If you have some major injury's or healthy conditions think twice before you do this Race. I do however think almost anyone can do this race. You may have to pace yourself more than you would like but you will get through it and you will have fun if you have that mindset knowing it's going to be challenging.  I have done it 3 years in a row and every year it is challenging but so rewarding at the end. Every year they add one or two more obstacles. Most are are urban obstacles such as steps, picnic tables, sidewalk area and HILLS! I got asked while walking back to my car what was the most challenging obstacle in the race. The hills!!! Why? Because there is not just one there are many steep hills. You think you are done with them and BAM there is another one. Other obstacles include, walking luges, ammo can carries, bear crawling under nets, tire carries, sack hops, cars, semi trailers and at the a nice water slide. These are not all the obstacles but this should give you an idea on what you would be facing in this race. You run the race through out the Waterfront Park right by the Ohio river. Some of the locations of the race take you through parts of the park that you normally would venture too. It is a challenging race and has been every year that I have done it. With rolling hills ( and do NOT underestimate these hills) open lawns, and urban obstacles and fun wet finish at the end.  

Overall Course Rating: 9/10

Race Atmosphere Review:

The first year the organization wasn't bad but I will say it has gotten even better every year. It is obvious they learn from past. They make sure they have people to man every obstacle area to encourage you, help you and make sure there is no injury during the race. They did the race in 15 minute a waves. This is like may obstacle races because they want to make sure the obstacles don't become congested, which can lead to injuries. They had a water station near the start of the race that you could begin your hydration. I think this is wise because it is in the summer time and the heat and humidity is pretty bad. I know waiting for my wave it was like the sun was zapping all  my energy out of me. The summer heat and humidity in itself is your first obstacle. They had two water stations throughout the course placed at little past 1 mile and a little past 2 miles of the course. I do think they need to add another hydration station somewhere. That  last leg of the race is the hardest and I was very much wanting another drink. 

Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 9/10

Post Race Food and Drink Review:

I never go to be the winner of the race. I don't train for these races like that so I go more for the fun. They do however give finisher medals and after a course like that a finishers medal is defiantly something to take pride in. There is also an after party if you wish to take part in that. Food and beer and just a good time, so I hear. I am not one for beer and all honesty I was pretty worn out and just wanted to go home eat and hit the sack, but there is that option if you wanted to stay.

Overall Post Race Food and Drink Rating: 8/10

Written By Fanci Fitness
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Shiprock Full Marathon

Road Race Name: Shiprock Marathon
Location: Shiprock, NM
Distance: 26.2 Miles
Price: $45.00
Race Rating: 10/10

Course Review: 
This was my first full marathon and honestly loved the weather, location and I plan to do it again next year but it will be for a half. Bus loading starts at 5am at Shiprock High School with bus entertainment. We had a great flute player play us some Native American music and short prayer for all the runners. The buses took out 26.2 to the course where there were 20-30 portables, water, and gear check. It is a beautiful course that starts out close to Red Valley, Cove, NM. You start running 20 miles from the junction of Hwy 666 Southwest of Shiprock, NM. The remainder of 6.2 Miles is completed from the Junction Hwy 666 decline into Shiprock, NM ending at Dine College. The entire course is asphalt pavement, starts at 7 am in 55 degree weather (cool breeze), warming up to 85 degrees by 12 noon.
Overall Course Rating 9/10

Race Atmosphere Review: The race atmosphere was very cool with a beautiful sunrise. You start running the course towards the East direction with the sun rising. The announcer started the course wonderfully with a beautiful prayer for all the Runners to be blessed, no injuries. It was very moving & heartfelt. The first 3-4 Miles is a small peak with a downhill allowing you reach your high speeds within the first 5 miles. There are 4-5 inclines but no major hills. You could feel the excitement and it pushed you to finish strong once you reach Mile 20 at the Junction. From there it is all downhill. The volunteers were every 2 miles from Mile 3-Mile 20. From Mile 20 – Mile 26 they are available every mile with water, GU, fruit and medical station every mile straight to the finish. From Mile 20-26 you are running alongside Hwy 666 where the otherside of the road is drivers and spectators honking & cheering on runners. Mile 20-26 is amazing and so positive and energetic. There were people sitting outside of their vehicles cheering you on and holding signs. The energy and positivity of this race to the finish line was absolutely amazing.
Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 10/10

Post Race Food and Drink Review: 
The race offered a pre-race spaghetti dinner free to all runners, snacks & refreshments every 2 miles from Mile 3-Mile 20, every mile from Mile 20-26.2. Finish line had drinks, water, and free pizza to all Runners and vendors selling various type of Navajo traditional foods if Runners choose to pay extra. Medical Stations, EMT’s, Emergency Response teams are available throughout the 26.2 mile course including EMT’s driving up & down the course asking runners if they are ok and also medical response riding back & forth on four-wheelers checking on Runners. Music entertainment at certain areas. I think there was at least 10 aid stations as well as EMT’s, ambulances, four wheelers checkin g on runners throughout. They were equipped with GU, Gatorade, water, oranges, snicker bars. I was given an orange creamsible ice cream at the finish line but I’m not sure if that was part of the race. I was very impressed with the food and drinks that were provided and it kept me fueled through the whole race and at the end.
Overall Post Race Food and Drink Rating: 10/10

Written by Miranda t Navajo Running Mama.
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Ogden Half Marathon

Road Race Name: Ogden Half Marathon Location: Ogden, UT Distance: 13.1 Miles Price: $85.00 Race Rating: 10/10 Course Review: This was my first half marathon and honestly loved it so much I will continue to do it every year. It is a beautiful course that starts out in Eden, UT. You than run around Ogden Pine View Dam and enter the Ogden Canyon. That is where I loved it the most. It 
took the heat away with shade and a breeze and it is great scenery. Overall Course Rating 10/10
Race Atmosphere Review: The race atmosphere was incredible. You could feel the excitement and it pushed you to finish it strong. The volunteers were amazing and so positive and energetic. There were even people sitting outside of their homes cheering you on and holding signs. The energy and positivity of this race was absolutely amazing. Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 10/10 Post Race Food and Drink Review: This race is longer with a full and a half marathon so they had aid stations to help you along the way. I probably in my 13.1 miles passed 8 aid stations. They were equipped with Cliff Shots, Cliff Bars, Gatorade, water, bananas, and oranges. When you crossed the finish line it brought you down a big huge line of food you could grab to fuel yourself. This included: Creamies, fruit, animal crackers, Great Harvest Bread, chocolate milk, water, Gatorade, and more of the Cliff Energy Products. I was very impressed with the food and drinks that were provided and it kept me fueled through the whole race and at the end. Overall Post Race Food and Drink Rating: 10/10

Written by Take 2 Fitness

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Wings for Life World Run

Road Race Name: Wings for Life World Run

Location: Santa Clarita, California

Distance: How ever far you can run before the chase vehicle catches up to you. (My distance was 9.6 miles)

Price: $50

Race Rating: 9/10

Course Review: 

This was an unusual race where there is no finish line. You run as far as you can until the chase vehicle catches up to you and then you are out of the race. The course was set up so that you run through all parts of Santa Clarita, if you can make it that far. The race started at Valencia Town Center and once you exited the parking lot, you ran out onto the street where the entire street was closed (it was 3am). The course took you out onto Valencia Blvd, Newhall Ranch Rd, McBean Pkwy, and then to Magic Mountain Pkwy. Once you turn onto Tourney, the incline starts. It brings you out onto the Old Road where the slow steady (dreaded) hill continues. Thank goodness we didn’t continue on the Old Road  too long since the course turned onto McBean again where you head back to Valencia Blvd and  are welcomed with a slight downhill. Once you reach the mall again you turn right onto McBean Pkwy. About ¼ mile onto McBean the Chase Vehicle caught up to me at mile 9.6. If you were fast enough, the course took you through Newhall on Lyons Ave then you headed to Saugus and Canyon Country on Soledad where you made your way up Sand Canyon. The lead runner and winner made it 36 miles.

Overall Course Rating: 9/10

Race Atmosphere Review: 

It was 3:00am and everyone was gathering in the mall parking lot. It seemed like a big party. There was music, huge big screen TV’s to telecast the race (it was a race where there were 36 locations on 6 Continents and One start time. Everyone started at the exact same time, no matter where you are in the world), food trucks and Red Bull was providing free drinks. The parking lot was packed with people wearing glow in the dark bracelets, headbands, shoe laces and lights. The race benefitted people who cannot run so there were many people in wheel chairs who were also going to participate in the race. The vibe was energetic and exciting. Even though this was a race, many different people showed up. You had the serious runners, you had the fraternity guys who had just left the bar and thought, “Hey, let’s join the race.” You had the wheel chair group, you had had the first time runners and you had the people who aren’t runners at all. There were plenty of volunteers and water/aid stations along the course and at the start line.

When the chase vehicle caught up to you they offered shuttles to bring those runners back to the start line. I finished close enough to the start line that I just walked back. Once back at the start line, you received a medal and water and your choice of food trucks (you received 2 free tickets for the food trucks).

Overall Race Atmosphere Rating: 7/10

Post Race Food and Drink Review:

Once you received your metal, you were able to grab water and some bananas. They had about 6 different food trucks lined up that you could eat at for free with your two free meal tickets. I chose the taco truck and the food was absolutely delicious (I’m sure being starved made it taste all the much better). Red Bull was also providing free energy drinks but who wants to be hyped up on an energy drink at 4:30am…I want to go to bed. They had a few tall standing tables but no chairs. Either you had to stand and eat your food or sit down in the parking lot on the ground. I chose to stand next to the taco truck and scarf down my two tacos as fast as I could. Would have been nice to have some chairs to sit on.

Overall Post Race Food and Drink: 8/10

Written by Becki from Ordinary Runner

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