Friday Open Thread: What’s your favorite race/running experience?
www.thehalfmarathoner.com
What’s a race you wish everyone knew about and could get a chance to run? It can be any distance, and it doesn’t even have to be a race — just an amazing place, trail or road or island or whatever, that you love to run and think the world should know about. Anything goes.😀 — Terrell
Without a doubt, St. Jude's Marathon in Memphis. Not because of the beauty or course or anything like that. Because of the children and families lining the course as you run through the actual hospital grounds. It is such a humbling experience and it still brings tears to my eyes when I describe it to others.
Big Sur Marathon in Big Sur California. It is magical. The scenery, the weather, the challenging hills is just amazing. Wildlife all around you. You run all along the Pacific Coast Highway and over the iconic Bixby Bridge. It's unlike any other marathon I have ever done.
Along the central coast in California a 10k that runs along the beach from Morro Bay to Cayucos. Running with the waves crashing right next you absolutely priceless! This race is called Miracle Miles for Kids so it raises money for underprivileged kids along with kids in foster care so that’s awesome as well!
The most beautiful 1/2 marathon has been Savannah Georgia. Homes, parks. Spanish moss trees. Just relaxing and refreshing. I’d love to do one in the Redwood Forrest. I love the R&R half in Nashville lots of fun.
Three Runs near Redding CA: 1) Clikapudi Trail Run, because it's on New Year's Day. 2) Moonlight Run always on a full moon. 3) 4 mph challenge (15 min pace minimum). just because it's a different kind of race. Easy 4 mile trail. You have 1 hour. Run it fast or slow, finish and rest. At the hour you line up and go again. Keep going until you can't complete it in 1 hour (15 min pace). It's all about endurance. I went way farther than I thought I would. Some people 8 miles is their goal. Others 60 miles.
Terrell - thanks for doing this thread. My husband and I want to do a 1/2 or whole marathon in every state & Canada. Usually I'm researching and trying to find the best fit based on the race website (lots of time)! How awesome to get the scoop on the good ones in one spot!! Kudos to you! And thanks fellow runners for sharing!
The half’s in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. For a few years it was possible to do all three over two weekends, although not currently. All three courses offer a great chance to see and experience these beautiful cities at their best. They typically start later in the day and are well run and attended.
The most picturesque race I have run is the “Rock Tahoe” half marathon in Lake Tahoe Most of the course offers scenic views of the lake in this point to point race
I would like to invite you all to the Pacific Northwest to run/walk the North Olympic Discovery Marathon/Half! It's a point to point course on the Olympic Discovery trail (mixed/hard surface trail) with absolutely beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains with a finishing stretch along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca!! It is really well supported/organized! Victoria was my favorite for many years, but this route stoll my heart!! 💖💖 ...pjy
For those who love mountain running three more for a bucket list include Imogene Pass Run (Ouray to Telluride); Mt Evans Ascent, and Pikes Peak (Ascent or Marathon).
Lubec, Maine. Start on Campabello Island (summer retreat for the Roosevelt's) New Brunswick and finish in US. Lighthouses, bald eagles and perhaps a whale or two. Tiny Lubec ( pop 1,200) puts on a super friendly and well organized event. Terrain is super hilly, so lace 'em up.
I have my top 10 list, which includes each race for a different reason. I loved Route 66 Tulsa for the party atmosphere. SF Giant Race was baseball themed and ended in the stadium. Death Valley in January was unique because the whole race was below sea level and COOL. Southern Utah Half was drop-dead gorgeous and mostly downhill. Run to Remember L.A. was very moving. Bizz Johnson trail run in Calif was unique in that we were bused to a campground high in the mountains and then we ran down a wide, packed dirt trail through pines, tunnels, and bridges and ended at an old rail station. Missoula had great course fun including a man in a tux playing a grand piano outdoors and a kilted man playing a bagpipe. Key West highlighted the city's tourist points including the furthest southern point in the US. Fargo was flat and fun and began and ended inside the Fargodome. My number 1, though, is Avenue of the Giants in northern California. The entire course was a closed, paved road through the towering redwoods. Way more than you asked for, but I couldn't bring myself to do less!
One of my favorite half-marathons was the Nike Women's Half in San Francisco. It was my first visit there, so that could have been part of my love for it - beautiful sites! I recently ran the Burke's Garden Half in Virginia. It was beautiful rolling hills and farmland and close to where I live. It is a beautiful hidden treasure in our mountains.
I love, love, love the Pittsburgh marathon & 1/2 marathon. Pittsburgh puts on a great race that goes through many different neighborhoods, each which comes out in their own unique way to support the race. There are many hotels in walking distance to the start and the prices to stay are quite reasonable. Big note-it's not nearly as hilly as you would expect! There is one big hill at about the 1/2 point (for the marathon-it's where the 1/2ers split off to run to the finish) but for the most part the hills are more of a "rolling" variety. The finish is in downtown, so the last few miles are nice and flat! Highly recommend this one!!
I have two races local to the Milwaukee area that I run consistently, partly because they're so well organized, but also because one of them has a great course and the other is a unique distance. The first is the Harborview 8k, which is in Port Washington, WI, and takes you through their annual Pirate Fest celebration, over a bluff that has the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and through a pretty, wooded trail. Oh, and my favorite part is that the last mile is almost entirely downhill, so you finish really strong :) The second is the Fort 14 in Fort Atkinson, WI. Fort Atkinson is a cute town, but the course isn't anything to write home about. The reason I love it is because it's the only organized 14-mile race we've ever seen, and it gives me a chance to say I've run a race longer than a half marathon (I haven't yet worked up the courage for a full!).
I would love to run a race by the ocean in a state with low humidity. Here in Georgia, our humidity is pretty rough, so that’s why I have this desire. I loved running the R&R in Tennessee. It was a good race for me. But, the race by the ocean would be a highlight for me personally.
Gary Bjorklund half marathon in Duluth, MN is a great event! Beautiful scenery along Scenic Hwy 61 along the coast of Lake Superior , this year it was 52 degrees and sunny, ideal conditions for running. Relatively flat course. Extremely well organized event put on by Grandma's Marathon.
Marathon du Medoc in France. 8,000 runners from around the world, costumes, 17 wine stops, and beautiful scenery. It’s the only race I’ve run where everyone looked happy.
Last year, I learned about the Crater Lake Half Marathon through this newsletter. On a whim, I registered and my wife and I made the trip. The race itself was unforgettable (mid 40s at the start in August, spectacular scenery, great runners and surprising crowd support). What was even more tremendous was the venue itself with the crystal blue waters of the lake. Thanks, Terrell, for opening my eyes to this opportunity. I subscribed upon my return!
Running Ragnar! We did the Pennsylvania Ragnar in 2018. 35 hour race 205 miles across PA with a team of only 7. It was AWESOME! As a team we traveled 5 hours from Pittsburgh to the start in Lancaster, PA. We had our team shirts & gear, driving our decorated 15 passenger van and off we went. We ran through small towns with lots of community support, ran farm lands, dirt roads, forests, night time, saw sunsets, sun rises, lakes, cows, horses and turkeys! The "regular" Rangarians are so dedicated to running and supporting Ragnar it is awesome... they are like family and they treated us like family. We met some amazing people that travel the US to do Ragnars... many with stories of hard times and heroism. We met a team of 12 that had all just lost 100 lbs each!! There were hundreds of teams and the comraderee among runners was amazing. Our team went through many emotions along the way... some of us had long miles, some hard hills, heat, night running and no sleep but when our last runner crossed the finished line we felt strong, accomplished, bonded and thankful for the experience of a life time!!
I couldn’t choose. I have two favs. The St. Pete Beach Classic in Florida ... that early morning air right before dawn, so organized, ending up along the Gulf of Mexico beach side and the food ... can I tell you that you actually get a complete meal (not the usual apples and bagels alone). The other is the Plaza 10K in Kansas City which takes you along the banks of Brush Creek. Just to say that It’s actually part of the Heartland 30K Series in which you can complete three races in one month and you get a fourth medal for completing all three. There is also the Heartland 39.3 Series in which you run three half marathons in March, April and May. That I’d loooove to do.
Running the runDisney Star Wars runs at Disney World definitely has been the highlight of my brief running campaign, so far. We hope to do a VacationRace next year (looking at the Smokey Mountain half + 5K) which might top the Star Wars runs in majesty, but not nerd factor.
Moab trail marathon. Holy moly , if you have never been to this area this is a great way to explore. Opened my eyes to some Mega beauty! Climbing ladders, using ropes, under rocks, ledges, serious climbs ... amazing adventure.
The Army 10 Miler is a great race ran in Washington DC. The race starts at the Pentagon and makes its way around the city and back to the Pentagon. It is a well supported race with a fast and flat course. The race sells out fairly quickly with open registration begining May 15th.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon. A point to point race whole or half marathon running the coastline. The sun coming up over the gulf is amazing. You finish at MGM Ballpark by the dugout to a great post race party.
Living where I am at you aren't far from Memphis or Little Rock. In TN I would have to say the St. Jude's race normally 1st weekend of December holds the strongest tug to my heart. I raced as a hero (fundraiser). Heads up when you go through the campus the kids (with their families) will be out there cheering you on. You may need a tissue.
As far as races in AR-Little Rock race weekend (1st weekend normally in March) has races from 5k to full marathon. They have the bling. You can do a race on Saturday and one on Sunday to get a combo.
Both events have excellent course support. Both have great race expos. Little Rock you can get a massage at the expo :)
Detroit, both the marathon and the half. The race starts in downtown Detroit, then you cross the Ambassador Bridge to Canada (Windsor, Ontario) as the sun is rising over the two cities. You return to the US by way of a mile-long tunnel under the Detroit River. Great views of a city that is making a fantastic comeback. A very well organized race with awesome volunteers crowd support.
The one race I run every year is the Route 66 half (and marathon) in Tulsa. This is an extremely well organized race, with each corral getting ints pens start and send off with confetti and Bart Yasso. The course runs through some beautiful neighborhoods, with tons of community support. And there’s more alcohol on this course than I’ve seen anywhere. Beer, Jell-O shots..and snacks galore!
For some really unusual experiences , many states, great food, no cut off times, all distances included, friendly faces, beautiful medals, give Mainly Marathons a try! I can’t say enough positive things. They have events in every state and multi state events.
I ran a XC run in Navajo Country, Northern Arizona, a few years ago. I ran into a sheep-herder with his flock of sheep. He allowed me to "borrow" some water from his sheep's water tank. We tried to communicate but our language differences got in the way. In spite of not being able to communicate I believe we both respected each other's life-style. I will never forget him.
Run away with Cirque d Soleil - 5K Las Vegas! Characters out if full costume @ 8 am in the morning to cheer us along. Great prizes, great after run treats
Without a doubt, St. Jude's Marathon in Memphis. Not because of the beauty or course or anything like that. Because of the children and families lining the course as you run through the actual hospital grounds. It is such a humbling experience and it still brings tears to my eyes when I describe it to others.
Big Sur Marathon in Big Sur California. It is magical. The scenery, the weather, the challenging hills is just amazing. Wildlife all around you. You run all along the Pacific Coast Highway and over the iconic Bixby Bridge. It's unlike any other marathon I have ever done.
Great Wall of China Marathon
Monument Valley Ultra Marathon its like running in a John Wayne Western!!
Avenue of the Gods, Redwood Forest
Along the central coast in California a 10k that runs along the beach from Morro Bay to Cayucos. Running with the waves crashing right next you absolutely priceless! This race is called Miracle Miles for Kids so it raises money for underprivileged kids along with kids in foster care so that’s awesome as well!
The most beautiful 1/2 marathon has been Savannah Georgia. Homes, parks. Spanish moss trees. Just relaxing and refreshing. I’d love to do one in the Redwood Forrest. I love the R&R half in Nashville lots of fun.
Three Runs near Redding CA: 1) Clikapudi Trail Run, because it's on New Year's Day. 2) Moonlight Run always on a full moon. 3) 4 mph challenge (15 min pace minimum). just because it's a different kind of race. Easy 4 mile trail. You have 1 hour. Run it fast or slow, finish and rest. At the hour you line up and go again. Keep going until you can't complete it in 1 hour (15 min pace). It's all about endurance. I went way farther than I thought I would. Some people 8 miles is their goal. Others 60 miles.
Terrell - thanks for doing this thread. My husband and I want to do a 1/2 or whole marathon in every state & Canada. Usually I'm researching and trying to find the best fit based on the race website (lots of time)! How awesome to get the scoop on the good ones in one spot!! Kudos to you! And thanks fellow runners for sharing!
The half’s in Oslo, Stockholm and Copenhagen. For a few years it was possible to do all three over two weekends, although not currently. All three courses offer a great chance to see and experience these beautiful cities at their best. They typically start later in the day and are well run and attended.
Maine Marathon/Half Marathon in Portland, Maine!! Great views; fun route; and super well organized!!
The most picturesque race I have run is the “Rock Tahoe” half marathon in Lake Tahoe Most of the course offers scenic views of the lake in this point to point race
I would like to invite you all to the Pacific Northwest to run/walk the North Olympic Discovery Marathon/Half! It's a point to point course on the Olympic Discovery trail (mixed/hard surface trail) with absolutely beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains with a finishing stretch along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca!! It is really well supported/organized! Victoria was my favorite for many years, but this route stoll my heart!! 💖💖 ...pjy
For those who love mountain running three more for a bucket list include Imogene Pass Run (Ouray to Telluride); Mt Evans Ascent, and Pikes Peak (Ascent or Marathon).
Lubec, Maine. Start on Campabello Island (summer retreat for the Roosevelt's) New Brunswick and finish in US. Lighthouses, bald eagles and perhaps a whale or two. Tiny Lubec ( pop 1,200) puts on a super friendly and well organized event. Terrain is super hilly, so lace 'em up.
Marine Corp Marathon. Absolutely nothing like it.
I have my top 10 list, which includes each race for a different reason. I loved Route 66 Tulsa for the party atmosphere. SF Giant Race was baseball themed and ended in the stadium. Death Valley in January was unique because the whole race was below sea level and COOL. Southern Utah Half was drop-dead gorgeous and mostly downhill. Run to Remember L.A. was very moving. Bizz Johnson trail run in Calif was unique in that we were bused to a campground high in the mountains and then we ran down a wide, packed dirt trail through pines, tunnels, and bridges and ended at an old rail station. Missoula had great course fun including a man in a tux playing a grand piano outdoors and a kilted man playing a bagpipe. Key West highlighted the city's tourist points including the furthest southern point in the US. Fargo was flat and fun and began and ended inside the Fargodome. My number 1, though, is Avenue of the Giants in northern California. The entire course was a closed, paved road through the towering redwoods. Way more than you asked for, but I couldn't bring myself to do less!
One of my favorite half-marathons was the Nike Women's Half in San Francisco. It was my first visit there, so that could have been part of my love for it - beautiful sites! I recently ran the Burke's Garden Half in Virginia. It was beautiful rolling hills and farmland and close to where I live. It is a beautiful hidden treasure in our mountains.
I ran in Florence, Italy several years ago by myself. I watched the sun rise and the city come alive. It was amazing!
Spartan race in Palmerton, PA- it is on Blue Mountain Ski Resort and is definitely a challenge, but sooo much fun!
I love, love, love the Pittsburgh marathon & 1/2 marathon. Pittsburgh puts on a great race that goes through many different neighborhoods, each which comes out in their own unique way to support the race. There are many hotels in walking distance to the start and the prices to stay are quite reasonable. Big note-it's not nearly as hilly as you would expect! There is one big hill at about the 1/2 point (for the marathon-it's where the 1/2ers split off to run to the finish) but for the most part the hills are more of a "rolling" variety. The finish is in downtown, so the last few miles are nice and flat! Highly recommend this one!!
Bucket list Montana
I have two races local to the Milwaukee area that I run consistently, partly because they're so well organized, but also because one of them has a great course and the other is a unique distance. The first is the Harborview 8k, which is in Port Washington, WI, and takes you through their annual Pirate Fest celebration, over a bluff that has the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan, and through a pretty, wooded trail. Oh, and my favorite part is that the last mile is almost entirely downhill, so you finish really strong :) The second is the Fort 14 in Fort Atkinson, WI. Fort Atkinson is a cute town, but the course isn't anything to write home about. The reason I love it is because it's the only organized 14-mile race we've ever seen, and it gives me a chance to say I've run a race longer than a half marathon (I haven't yet worked up the courage for a full!).
I would love to run a race by the ocean in a state with low humidity. Here in Georgia, our humidity is pretty rough, so that’s why I have this desire. I loved running the R&R in Tennessee. It was a good race for me. But, the race by the ocean would be a highlight for me personally.
Gary Bjorklund half marathon in Duluth, MN is a great event! Beautiful scenery along Scenic Hwy 61 along the coast of Lake Superior , this year it was 52 degrees and sunny, ideal conditions for running. Relatively flat course. Extremely well organized event put on by Grandma's Marathon.
My first half.... in Como italy... the scenery is fantastic, combined it with a couple of days relaxing and eating afterwards 😉
Marathon du Medoc in France. 8,000 runners from around the world, costumes, 17 wine stops, and beautiful scenery. It’s the only race I’ve run where everyone looked happy.
Last year, I learned about the Crater Lake Half Marathon through this newsletter. On a whim, I registered and my wife and I made the trip. The race itself was unforgettable (mid 40s at the start in August, spectacular scenery, great runners and surprising crowd support). What was even more tremendous was the venue itself with the crystal blue waters of the lake. Thanks, Terrell, for opening my eyes to this opportunity. I subscribed upon my return!
Coogee Beach to Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia! It's just a beautiful path that follows the ocean. It's not a race but it's absolutely beautiful!
Running Ragnar! We did the Pennsylvania Ragnar in 2018. 35 hour race 205 miles across PA with a team of only 7. It was AWESOME! As a team we traveled 5 hours from Pittsburgh to the start in Lancaster, PA. We had our team shirts & gear, driving our decorated 15 passenger van and off we went. We ran through small towns with lots of community support, ran farm lands, dirt roads, forests, night time, saw sunsets, sun rises, lakes, cows, horses and turkeys! The "regular" Rangarians are so dedicated to running and supporting Ragnar it is awesome... they are like family and they treated us like family. We met some amazing people that travel the US to do Ragnars... many with stories of hard times and heroism. We met a team of 12 that had all just lost 100 lbs each!! There were hundreds of teams and the comraderee among runners was amazing. Our team went through many emotions along the way... some of us had long miles, some hard hills, heat, night running and no sleep but when our last runner crossed the finished line we felt strong, accomplished, bonded and thankful for the experience of a life time!!
Halloween Half Marathons in Miami in October is a nice run.
Run Sunset Beach, NC was a nice Half Marathon in March and big a___ medal.
My girlfriend and I like running Half Marathon Kona, Hawaii, and Anchorage, Alaska was nice to run during the summer months.
Crater Lake Marathon - amazing experience
Rock N Roll Half in New Orleans!
I couldn’t choose. I have two favs. The St. Pete Beach Classic in Florida ... that early morning air right before dawn, so organized, ending up along the Gulf of Mexico beach side and the food ... can I tell you that you actually get a complete meal (not the usual apples and bagels alone). The other is the Plaza 10K in Kansas City which takes you along the banks of Brush Creek. Just to say that It’s actually part of the Heartland 30K Series in which you can complete three races in one month and you get a fourth medal for completing all three. There is also the Heartland 39.3 Series in which you run three half marathons in March, April and May. That I’d loooove to do.
Running the runDisney Star Wars runs at Disney World definitely has been the highlight of my brief running campaign, so far. We hope to do a VacationRace next year (looking at the Smokey Mountain half + 5K) which might top the Star Wars runs in majesty, but not nerd factor.
Moab trail marathon. Holy moly , if you have never been to this area this is a great way to explore. Opened my eyes to some Mega beauty! Climbing ladders, using ropes, under rocks, ledges, serious climbs ... amazing adventure.
The Army 10 Miler is a great race ran in Washington DC. The race starts at the Pentagon and makes its way around the city and back to the Pentagon. It is a well supported race with a fast and flat course. The race sells out fairly quickly with open registration begining May 15th.
4 Paws 🐾 Marathon, Christchurch NZ an event for me and my personal trainer
Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon. A point to point race whole or half marathon running the coastline. The sun coming up over the gulf is amazing. You finish at MGM Ballpark by the dugout to a great post race party.
1st. Bay To Breakers WOW
2nd. Finger Lakes Mud Run BLAST
I think the Rock and Roll races are the most fun. The course contains a heavy dose of entertainment so you barely notice the miles going by.
Living where I am at you aren't far from Memphis or Little Rock. In TN I would have to say the St. Jude's race normally 1st weekend of December holds the strongest tug to my heart. I raced as a hero (fundraiser). Heads up when you go through the campus the kids (with their families) will be out there cheering you on. You may need a tissue.
As far as races in AR-Little Rock race weekend (1st weekend normally in March) has races from 5k to full marathon. They have the bling. You can do a race on Saturday and one on Sunday to get a combo.
Both events have excellent course support. Both have great race expos. Little Rock you can get a massage at the expo :)
Not a race just a wonderful place for a quiet run. The Allegheny River trail. Starting in Emlenton Pa.
Detroit, both the marathon and the half. The race starts in downtown Detroit, then you cross the Ambassador Bridge to Canada (Windsor, Ontario) as the sun is rising over the two cities. You return to the US by way of a mile-long tunnel under the Detroit River. Great views of a city that is making a fantastic comeback. A very well organized race with awesome volunteers crowd support.
The one race I run every year is the Route 66 half (and marathon) in Tulsa. This is an extremely well organized race, with each corral getting ints pens start and send off with confetti and Bart Yasso. The course runs through some beautiful neighborhoods, with tons of community support. And there’s more alcohol on this course than I’ve seen anywhere. Beer, Jell-O shots..and snacks galore!
For some really unusual experiences , many states, great food, no cut off times, all distances included, friendly faces, beautiful medals, give Mainly Marathons a try! I can’t say enough positive things. They have events in every state and multi state events.
I ran a XC run in Navajo Country, Northern Arizona, a few years ago. I ran into a sheep-herder with his flock of sheep. He allowed me to "borrow" some water from his sheep's water tank. We tried to communicate but our language differences got in the way. In spite of not being able to communicate I believe we both respected each other's life-style. I will never forget him.
Key West,FL Half Marathon.The water ,palm trees and sail boats plus the town itself.
Any run with my 'tribe'! We're all in it together to give and get support and strength!
Run away with Cirque d Soleil - 5K Las Vegas! Characters out if full costume @ 8 am in the morning to cheer us along. Great prizes, great after run treats