There’s a good chance that the big-city races many of us have loved running pre-Covid won’t be coming back until sometime in late 2021 or even 2022. So, most of the races we available to run now are smaller races, especially trail races.
Do you have any in-person races on your calendar, and if so, what are they? (And, do you feel safe running them?) Love to hear your thoughts. — Terrell
Along with a multitude of virtual 13.1 trail races, I just completed three virtual trail races this past weekend, the Run with Meg 13.1 on Friday, Release the Kakken 10k on Saturday and Enter the Dragon 4 hour trail run Sunday. I’m also training for a 50 and 100 mile Yeti that both have be completed in 24 hours.
Signed up for a trail run Oct 10th at Babcock state park in WV. Looking forward to an "actual" race. Trail runs may gain popularity in their ability to distance.
Yes thanks Terrell a number of years ago. These days I mainly try to do overseas events as part of a holiday. At age 64 I try to make each event as exciting as possible. I see you have many exciting events in the US so I hope to get over there to participate when things settle down. Thanks again. Ian
I participated in three Vacation Races this summer. They had a Zion at Night trail run in June, their regular Rocky Mt. half marathon in Estes Park, CO in July, and second Zion at Night trail run in September in Virgin, UT. The night races only allowed up to 50 people to start every half hour starting at 7:00pm and last start was at 7:00am. I choose 4:30am to start my run in the dark and ended with the sunrise. I ran one with a girlfriend and the second one by myself. I loved every minute of it! VERY SPECIAL experience running in the southern Utah high desert at night.
The Colfax Marathon in Denver was cancelled this year of course but they have organized a Welcome Back Denver 5k for Oct 10th - will run it in person as they have taken great effort to keep us all physically distanced and safe!
So far the Sydney Harbour half marathon in November in Australia is still on. Fingers crossed. We have been luckier here in Australia with this virus thing.
The annual “Run for the Hills” 5/10k appears to be a go here in Williamsburg, VA, on October 17. It’s a fund raiser for breast cancer victims. I will be running the 10 k, and my wife, a now 5+year survivor, will be doing the 5k.
I hate virtual races. I “virtually” run with myself every day. Give me ANY real races. Revel has started having them in Dec 2020 and they sell out in hours.
Really hoping for Grandma’s in 2021 after 2020 was cancelled. Running in the Sandhills Marathon in 2 weeks in Valentine, NE. Excited for an in person race! 100 participants only and the course is a point to point on an isolated road through the Sandhills.
I agree Terrell. I understand that some races want to pay timers less due to less people. At the same time the timers are putting in extra hrs because of staggering starts. I’m just hoping to get back to some norm next year.
I am running the "White River Marathon" in Cotter, Arkansas (near Mountain Home) on Saturday, November 21. The race has a limited number of participants (still some spots left). The race also offers a Half-Marathon and 5k. I also plan on running the Viking Half-Marathon in Greenwood, MS on Saturday, October 17... although I have not signed up yet--need to do that quickly. My wife will be running in those with me. After that, we are looking at the Mississippi River Marathon in Greenville, MS on February 6. I have run the Half-Marathon there the last two years--it is a GREAT Race and very FLAT!
Decided to sign up for in-person full marathon on November 8th in Fort Worth - it is a BQ. They also have a half marathon and a 20-miler. The number of people is limited for each race, but I don't know how many. Out and back, masks are at the start and the finish, different start time for each race.
It is a well-organized race with not many people at all (I ran it last 3 years and loved it, two 20-milers and one full were my distances) so I am excited to run in-person and try beating my BQ time if possible. I guess it would be cool to realize that I run it during COVID and still qualify: now I have to do that:)
BMW Dallas just moved to April-May next year - looks like I will run the only race in-person that is available around here.
I've been excited to run a few 10k's live in my area (Nebraska) the past month. Still training for the Nashville RocknRoll in November, but due to the number of runners (usually more than 20 thousand) I'm still waiting for the cancellation email. :(. Sherry Kramer, the Ft. Lauderdale run looks like a good one; might do that instead! Terrell, thanks for continuing to keep us motivated with your videos, info and inspirational quotes.
I’m currently packing up the truck and mentally preparing to start a 24hr trail run in Chelsea MI. It starts tonight at 6:30pm! This will be my first attempt at 100 miles and I can’t tell if I’m more nervous or excited right now. I’ve been working in Detroit Michigan throughout the entire pandemic so I’m more afraid of running injuries than COVID-19. This is the first in person race I have been able to run this year. Hope everyone stays healthy and moving, and good luck to anyone that is running real events!
Good luck, Thomas! 100 miles is a distance I can hardly fathom -- I'm sure it's going to be a life-changing experience, and an amazing feeling when you're done. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes! Send photos if you can!
Nothing in South Eastern Michigan, that Im aware of. I know there are a few trail runs & I understand they are limited to 100 & some are doing 2 day events with a 100 each day & of course the staggered starts.
Yeah, it sounds like in many cases, races that once would have taken place on one day are now being spread over 2-3 days. And those that did take 2 days, are staggering out their start times for much longer periods. Going to be really interesting to see what the running/racing world looks like in a year or two, and if this becomes the norm.
Nothing in person in Oregon yet, still in Phase 1, but doing a couple virtual 10k with a friend, this month, so looking forward to those! Solo eventing, is that a word?, has started losing its appeal. It's tough to get the mental motivation! So excited to have a good friend for each of these virtual! Have a great weekend!
I love that phrase, Martha. And I can definitely understand how "solo eventing" has lost its appeal -- I think it has for many of us. That's why I'm hopeful that at least these smaller races can come back -- we need to be with each other again. (Safely, of course!)
I'm running the Ancient Lakes 50k in November. It was postponed from it's April date and pre-covid had a cap of 300 runners for the 3 distances anyways so they decided to cut out the 50 milers (because it's in the winter there won't be enough daylight and it's a pretty un-forgiving track in some parts) and split it into 2 days. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!! They're encouraging us all to bring our own fuel, but there will be one fuel station for the 15 mile loop (which was the plan anyways) and it will have hand sanitizer and be monitored for how many are allowed in at once. I feel that's perfectly fine as I'm not really looking for a PR as this is my first ultra with gain so I'm just looking to finish.
Registered for Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, ME., awaiting Maple Leaf in VT., and Hogsback in CT. Hope to do all three over three weekends, if my 83y/o body holds out. I would have finished all 5 this year if it hadn't have been for Covid!!
Just signed up for The Scream half marathon in N.C. on December 5–limited to 350 people and they changed the route to make it easier to manage with Covid—it’s now an out and back.
Though I am doing the MCM virtually this year, I deferred the in-person one before it was cancelled to 10/2021. Hoping that by then, it’ll be safe to do in person. Excited both to participate and to visit the Capital. Never been.
I hope you're able to run it next year, Maria. You'll love it -- and D.C. There's SO much to see, and it's a great place for spectators to watch the race too. (If we can do that by then!)
I have signed up for an in-person half in Iowa in May to be preceded by a half the preceding weekend in WI. So far, they have not been cancelled. I have three in New England in Sept., two of which are settled and one I am awaiting their confirmed date.
Running a timed local 5 miler tomorrow and a half marathon in November, both at the Dismal Swamp in VA. Limited to 250, starting in small waves, temp being taken, and no spectators. But I’m really excited!
Definitely hearing a theme among the events that are coming back, like that. I've always wanted to run the Dismal Swamp Half too! Can't wait to hear how it goes. (It was postponed from earlier in the year, right?)
I’m doing my 3rd in-person trail race of the Golden Kettle Trail Series of the Southern Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin tomorrow morning. The cool thing about it is that you start your race whenever you’re ready; there’s no group start. So I feel pretty safe as we’re all starting at different times. And this has been a great way for me to get on trails that, until recently, I’ve only heard about. Wisconsin has some beautiful trails and being out in nature makes you feel alive!
I've always wanted to visit there, Karen, after researching races that take place there. It sounds absolutely lovely. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes!
Have done 4 virtual including rock and roll mash up ( mixed miles) and San Francisco half plus miles for those who were killed while running Interesting is that tomarrow is in person disco run no starting gun as runners show up they start either 5k 10k or half chip timed Running Happy in Texas Deb Stuart
Tomorrow I'm running the Spanish Peaks half marathon in La Veta Colorado. Aside from a local 10 k (and several virtual races), this is the first in-person race I'll be doing since March (also my first half marathon since last December!). Staggered start times will be an adjustment! Yes, I feel safe since precautions are being taken, and also super excited!
Kailey, I just Googled the race and it looks spectacular! I'm really interested to hear how it goes, especially with staggered start times, and what the whole experience is like. Keep us posted 👍
Update! The 1/2 marathon was hard! Hills + elevation = brutal! I did manage to place 3rd in the women's division (ages up to 39), but I don't want to talk about my time. Lol. It was pretty incredible to run an in-person race again, plus the scenery was a nice distraction from the pain. :) The staggered start was an adjustment: runners placed a chip on their shoelaces to track their time, and we were started approximately 30 seconds apart. There was also a COVID screening with temp checks at check-in. Overall, it went smoothly. I'm hoping we can incorporate these safety measures to bring back more in-person races!
Wow, Kailey! Third place in your age group is just awesome. It sounds like the race organizers there have figured it out -- did you guys start one-by-one, or did groups start every 30 seconds? That race is one I'm going to have to put on my "someday" list. Way to go!!
Thank you!!! We were staggered one by one every 30 seconds. I am registered to run the Rock Canyon half marathon (Pueblo, CO) in December, and I'm curious to see how the screening/staggering process will go because this race always has TONS of participants. Spanish Peaks is definitely a run for the bucket list. Beautiful scenery! :)
The traditional YMCA Thanksgiving Day 5K/5M Turkey Trot in Davenport IA has been announced as an in-person race with staggered starts, 6 packet pickup dates and limited pre and post race activities. A local favorite race in its 33rd year! Can't wait to toe the line!
I am doing a Du tomorrow run is trail and bike is on road I will take precautions and want to say yes about feeling safe. I believe most people that are running are healthy and take precautions.
running an in-person half in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in early Nov. They just sent notice this past week it would be live. I'm excited and apprehensive about the live event - we have to wear a mask at start and finish areas.
Tomorrow morning I’m running “ Run Across America” 5k which is technically a virtual run, but I’m doing it with my Tri club, and about 15 of us are running it at a nearby track w slightly staggered start. We’ve been doing some speed work so it should be fun. I have another 5k in Asbury Park I’m planning running, otherwise our virtual half is my primary focus.
Along with a multitude of virtual 13.1 trail races, I just completed three virtual trail races this past weekend, the Run with Meg 13.1 on Friday, Release the Kakken 10k on Saturday and Enter the Dragon 4 hour trail run Sunday. I’m also training for a 50 and 100 mile Yeti that both have be completed in 24 hours.
Jennie, I am completely in awe (as usual!). Have you ever tried distances like you'll run in the Yeti challenge before? You rock!!
Oh yah. It’s a trail run!
I am running a 10k in St Augustine on the peninsula called the Endless Summer Eun on Nov 7th. One week before our half!😱
That race sounds lovely, Karen!
Signed up for a trail run Oct 10th at Babcock state park in WV. Looking forward to an "actual" race. Trail runs may gain popularity in their ability to distance.
I am interested in the Glacier National Park run in Montana. We're already planning a long weekend around it! Only 130 miles from us!!!😃🏃♀️
Yes thanks Terrell a number of years ago. These days I mainly try to do overseas events as part of a holiday. At age 64 I try to make each event as exciting as possible. I see you have many exciting events in the US so I hope to get over there to participate when things settle down. Thanks again. Ian
I participated in three Vacation Races this summer. They had a Zion at Night trail run in June, their regular Rocky Mt. half marathon in Estes Park, CO in July, and second Zion at Night trail run in September in Virgin, UT. The night races only allowed up to 50 people to start every half hour starting at 7:00pm and last start was at 7:00am. I choose 4:30am to start my run in the dark and ended with the sunrise. I ran one with a girlfriend and the second one by myself. I loved every minute of it! VERY SPECIAL experience running in the southern Utah high desert at night.
It sounds just awesome, Michelle!
The Colfax Marathon in Denver was cancelled this year of course but they have organized a Welcome Back Denver 5k for Oct 10th - will run it in person as they have taken great effort to keep us all physically distanced and safe!
Anita, I travel to Col. Springs every fall to run the YMCA Turkey Trot with my son. But it’s now virtual, however I’ll run it virtually while in CO.
Enjoy your Oct 10th 5k.
So far the Sydney Harbour half marathon in November in Australia is still on. Fingers crossed. We have been luckier here in Australia with this virus thing.
So great to hear from you, Ian! Have you run the Sydney Harbor Half before?
The annual “Run for the Hills” 5/10k appears to be a go here in Williamsburg, VA, on October 17. It’s a fund raiser for breast cancer victims. I will be running the 10 k, and my wife, a now 5+year survivor, will be doing the 5k.
I hate virtual races. I “virtually” run with myself every day. Give me ANY real races. Revel has started having them in Dec 2020 and they sell out in hours.
Where are you, Don?
Terrell, to your question: I'm in Omaha! Anyone else out there??
Really hoping for Grandma’s in 2021 after 2020 was cancelled. Running in the Sandhills Marathon in 2 weeks in Valentine, NE. Excited for an in person race! 100 participants only and the course is a point to point on an isolated road through the Sandhills.
Good luck at Sandhills, Christy! That's going to be an interesting experience with just 100 participants -- or is it usually a small race?
I agree Terrell. I understand that some races want to pay timers less due to less people. At the same time the timers are putting in extra hrs because of staggering starts. I’m just hoping to get back to some norm next year.
No real races for me until (hopefully) 2021. I like the energy of the big races, so if I have to wait for 2022, then I will.
I hear you on that, Belle! I'm really looking forward to whenever they're able to come back. My guess is, they're gonna be all sold out when they do!
I am running the "White River Marathon" in Cotter, Arkansas (near Mountain Home) on Saturday, November 21. The race has a limited number of participants (still some spots left). The race also offers a Half-Marathon and 5k. I also plan on running the Viking Half-Marathon in Greenwood, MS on Saturday, October 17... although I have not signed up yet--need to do that quickly. My wife will be running in those with me. After that, we are looking at the Mississippi River Marathon in Greenville, MS on February 6. I have run the Half-Marathon there the last two years--it is a GREAT Race and very FLAT!
Good luck at all of those, Russell!
Decided to sign up for in-person full marathon on November 8th in Fort Worth - it is a BQ. They also have a half marathon and a 20-miler. The number of people is limited for each race, but I don't know how many. Out and back, masks are at the start and the finish, different start time for each race.
It is a well-organized race with not many people at all (I ran it last 3 years and loved it, two 20-milers and one full were my distances) so I am excited to run in-person and try beating my BQ time if possible. I guess it would be cool to realize that I run it during COVID and still qualify: now I have to do that:)
BMW Dallas just moved to April-May next year - looks like I will run the only race in-person that is available around here.
Are you shooting to qualify for Boston, btw?
Yep. Qualify for 2022 and hopefully improve my qualifying time for 2021 when they open registration.
At least I am looking into running the race when I am not alone, with the start and the finish lines, time chip and no excuses to stop and walk:)
I've been excited to run a few 10k's live in my area (Nebraska) the past month. Still training for the Nashville RocknRoll in November, but due to the number of runners (usually more than 20 thousand) I'm still waiting for the cancellation email. :(. Sherry Kramer, the Ft. Lauderdale run looks like a good one; might do that instead! Terrell, thanks for continuing to keep us motivated with your videos, info and inspirational quotes.
Thank you, Colleen! It's a bummer, but that's probably a safe bet that it will be cancelled. We will see. Where in Nebraska are you?
I’m currently packing up the truck and mentally preparing to start a 24hr trail run in Chelsea MI. It starts tonight at 6:30pm! This will be my first attempt at 100 miles and I can’t tell if I’m more nervous or excited right now. I’ve been working in Detroit Michigan throughout the entire pandemic so I’m more afraid of running injuries than COVID-19. This is the first in person race I have been able to run this year. Hope everyone stays healthy and moving, and good luck to anyone that is running real events!
Good luck, Thomas! 100 miles is a distance I can hardly fathom -- I'm sure it's going to be a life-changing experience, and an amazing feeling when you're done. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes! Send photos if you can!
Terrell I completed the 100 mile distance I was after. It took 23:51:13. I would love to send some race/ finish line photos, where should I send them?
That’s so awesome, Thomas! Send them to me at terrell@halfmarathons.net
Thank You Terrell! I will update on Sunday morning if I can still move.
Nothing in South Eastern Michigan, that Im aware of. I know there are a few trail runs & I understand they are limited to 100 & some are doing 2 day events with a 100 each day & of course the staggered starts.
Yeah, it sounds like in many cases, races that once would have taken place on one day are now being spread over 2-3 days. And those that did take 2 days, are staggering out their start times for much longer periods. Going to be really interesting to see what the running/racing world looks like in a year or two, and if this becomes the norm.
Nothing in person in Oregon yet, still in Phase 1, but doing a couple virtual 10k with a friend, this month, so looking forward to those! Solo eventing, is that a word?, has started losing its appeal. It's tough to get the mental motivation! So excited to have a good friend for each of these virtual! Have a great weekend!
I love that phrase, Martha. And I can definitely understand how "solo eventing" has lost its appeal -- I think it has for many of us. That's why I'm hopeful that at least these smaller races can come back -- we need to be with each other again. (Safely, of course!)
I'm running the Ancient Lakes 50k in November. It was postponed from it's April date and pre-covid had a cap of 300 runners for the 3 distances anyways so they decided to cut out the 50 milers (because it's in the winter there won't be enough daylight and it's a pretty un-forgiving track in some parts) and split it into 2 days. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED!!! They're encouraging us all to bring our own fuel, but there will be one fuel station for the 15 mile loop (which was the plan anyways) and it will have hand sanitizer and be monitored for how many are allowed in at once. I feel that's perfectly fine as I'm not really looking for a PR as this is my first ultra with gain so I'm just looking to finish.
Ancient Lakes looks like it's going to be an AMAZING race, Judith!
Registered for Bar Harbor Bank and Trust, ME., awaiting Maple Leaf in VT., and Hogsback in CT. Hope to do all three over three weekends, if my 83y/o body holds out. I would have finished all 5 this year if it hadn't have been for Covid!!
Each of those sound fantastic! Rooting for you!
Just signed up for The Scream half marathon in N.C. on December 5–limited to 350 people and they changed the route to make it easier to manage with Covid—it’s now an out and back.
Awesome, Brit!
Saw the race on the email you sent a couple days ago—thank you!!
Though I am doing the MCM virtually this year, I deferred the in-person one before it was cancelled to 10/2021. Hoping that by then, it’ll be safe to do in person. Excited both to participate and to visit the Capital. Never been.
I hope you're able to run it next year, Maria. You'll love it -- and D.C. There's SO much to see, and it's a great place for spectators to watch the race too. (If we can do that by then!)
I have signed up for an in-person half in Iowa in May to be preceded by a half the preceding weekend in WI. So far, they have not been cancelled. I have three in New England in Sept., two of which are settled and one I am awaiting their confirmed date.
What are the ones in New England you're planning on running?
not doing any in-person events, although they are popping up more frequently around here. i have 3 upcoming virtual races tho!
Very cool, Kel! What are the virtual races you have coming up?
hey terrell! i'm doing the pink pumpkin half tmrw, and a pumpkin run 5k and an oktoberfest 5 miler later in the month!
Running a timed local 5 miler tomorrow and a half marathon in November, both at the Dismal Swamp in VA. Limited to 250, starting in small waves, temp being taken, and no spectators. But I’m really excited!
Definitely hearing a theme among the events that are coming back, like that. I've always wanted to run the Dismal Swamp Half too! Can't wait to hear how it goes. (It was postponed from earlier in the year, right?)
Last week, I did a triathlon in Louisiana. I felt safe, it was very small and they provided masks for the swim line up.
That's great to hear! How did the triathlon go for you?
It was my first one and I did a super sprint- I did well, all considering. Look forward to doing another next year!
Trying my hand at my first triathlon! All that half marathon training and swimming crosstraining should come in handy....now to solve the bike issue!
Wow, that's awesome! The biking part will be a piece of cake if you're ready for the swimming!
I’m doing my 3rd in-person trail race of the Golden Kettle Trail Series of the Southern Kettle Moraine in Wisconsin tomorrow morning. The cool thing about it is that you start your race whenever you’re ready; there’s no group start. So I feel pretty safe as we’re all starting at different times. And this has been a great way for me to get on trails that, until recently, I’ve only heard about. Wisconsin has some beautiful trails and being out in nature makes you feel alive!
I've always wanted to visit there, Karen, after researching races that take place there. It sounds absolutely lovely. Keep in touch and let us know how it goes!
Have done 4 virtual including rock and roll mash up ( mixed miles) and San Francisco half plus miles for those who were killed while running Interesting is that tomarrow is in person disco run no starting gun as runners show up they start either 5k 10k or half chip timed Running Happy in Texas Deb Stuart
How did you like running with the Rock & Roll virtual program?
Tomorrow I'm running the Spanish Peaks half marathon in La Veta Colorado. Aside from a local 10 k (and several virtual races), this is the first in-person race I'll be doing since March (also my first half marathon since last December!). Staggered start times will be an adjustment! Yes, I feel safe since precautions are being taken, and also super excited!
Kailey, I just Googled the race and it looks spectacular! I'm really interested to hear how it goes, especially with staggered start times, and what the whole experience is like. Keep us posted 👍
Update! The 1/2 marathon was hard! Hills + elevation = brutal! I did manage to place 3rd in the women's division (ages up to 39), but I don't want to talk about my time. Lol. It was pretty incredible to run an in-person race again, plus the scenery was a nice distraction from the pain. :) The staggered start was an adjustment: runners placed a chip on their shoelaces to track their time, and we were started approximately 30 seconds apart. There was also a COVID screening with temp checks at check-in. Overall, it went smoothly. I'm hoping we can incorporate these safety measures to bring back more in-person races!
Wow, Kailey! Third place in your age group is just awesome. It sounds like the race organizers there have figured it out -- did you guys start one-by-one, or did groups start every 30 seconds? That race is one I'm going to have to put on my "someday" list. Way to go!!
Thank you!!! We were staggered one by one every 30 seconds. I am registered to run the Rock Canyon half marathon (Pueblo, CO) in December, and I'm curious to see how the screening/staggering process will go because this race always has TONS of participants. Spanish Peaks is definitely a run for the bucket list. Beautiful scenery! :)
I definitely will! I'm interested to see how it will go as well! :)
The traditional YMCA Thanksgiving Day 5K/5M Turkey Trot in Davenport IA has been announced as an in-person race with staggered starts, 6 packet pickup dates and limited pre and post race activities. A local favorite race in its 33rd year! Can't wait to toe the line!
32 virtual races since mid-March. 5Ks, 10Ks, and Halves. Ready for a small, live race that's local.
I am doing a Du tomorrow run is trail and bike is on road I will take precautions and want to say yes about feeling safe. I believe most people that are running are healthy and take precautions.
Long distance virtual runs. The Oregon Trail virtual 2000 miles. I hope to finish in March 2021.
Now that's impressive! How far have you made it to date?
1467 left to go!
running an in-person half in Ft. Lauderdale, FL in early Nov. They just sent notice this past week it would be live. I'm excited and apprehensive about the live event - we have to wear a mask at start and finish areas.
Wow, I totally get that, Sherry. I'd be experiencing both emotions as well. Have you tried running in a mask yet?
Tomorrow morning I’m running “ Run Across America” 5k which is technically a virtual run, but I’m doing it with my Tri club, and about 15 of us are running it at a nearby track w slightly staggered start. We’ve been doing some speed work so it should be fun. I have another 5k in Asbury Park I’m planning running, otherwise our virtual half is my primary focus.
Awesome, Laura! So you do triathlons too?
Yes, none this year though. I prefer the Duathlon which is run- bike-run. I enjoy pool swimming but open water always makes me nervous.
Just ran a 24 hour hour race, 5k each hour for 24 , did 18 , next 25k trail then 50 miler all in November
This is amazing, Penny! How did they go?