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