A few months ago, I asked you guys what questions you’d like us to discuss on our Friday threads, and a subscriber named Maria offered up this excellent idea:
“Terrell, you do a great job recommending races, but maybe we could have a periodic (once a month) member suggested races. Races that members have actually participated in and that they recommend and why they do so.”
So, I’d love to throw this out there to you all — what’s a running event you’ve participated in and loved, and think everyone here might also? It can be anywhere on the planet, large or small, road or trail (or any other surface!). Don’t hold back — I love hearing about races and events I’ve never heard about before, no matter how obscure 😃 — Terrell
Runners on the course at New York’s Flower City Challenge, which runs next April.
The most fun race with the best medals is definitely the Shawshank Hustle. The race starts at the famous Shawshank Prison, where the movie was filmed, then runners run to other sites in town where the movie also took place (the halfway house where Brooks and Red stayed), the park where Brooks fed the birds). Entry comes with a free tour of the prison, which is definitely a highlight. They have a costume contest beforehand, and a guy that dresses up as the warden every year, with a competition to "beat" the warden. Plus, all the money raised is to help keep this historic prison from being torn down. It's a wild race for a good cause:
No way! THE Shawshank prison? I had no idea that was a race! I'm going to have to feature that in this week's newsletter -- thanks so much for sharing, Jen!
It isn't a half marathon, it is a 7k. But check out their website. It really is the best race ever. So much fun. The guy who plays the "warden" is always a highlight every year. And check out my strava page. I have pictures of their medals. Their medals are hilarious and usually have several moving pieces
Camping all weekend, so a bit late, but shoutout to the Boilermaker in Utica, NY. A 15K that the entire city supports and which ends at the FX Matt’s Brewery for 3 hour party with live bands & sometimes a flyover. I’ve run it 20 times and I live in Virginia.
I agree with Jim. In Cabo on vacation and was going to chime in on the Boilermaker in Utica, NY. Usually first Saturday after the 4th of July. The whole town comes out, super organized, lots of bands, inexpensive hotels in Oriskany. I live in Denver now but would fly back to the east coast just to do this race. Hope the BolderBoulder lives up to its hype. No race like the Boilermaker 15k anywhere in USA.
I’m super late to commenting. I have three half marathons that I’ve participated in two or more times because I love them. My favorite is the Wineglass in Corning, NY. Great in every way: organization, community support, and beautiful area. Plus, you get a small bottle of wine and a wineglass. For sheer silly fun and no pressure, I’ve enjoyed the Alamo 13.1 in San Antonio. Very cool finisher medals. Also lots of fun (but a couple of grueling hills) is the Outlaw half in Luckenbach, Texas (near Fredericksburg). Good fun and good beer at picnic tables afterwards.
Sorry to be late to the conversation. Have only run the half twice when I paid to do so. But I did the Kentucky History Half in Frankfort, KY yesterday and I can definitely recommend it. The course is very interesting from both a scenic and running perspective. ( yes I said running as I posted a 9:48 pace) Frankfort is the capital and the run starts downtown town takes you around the capital buildings and then UP to the historic Cemetery. Back down to the riverfront and along the paved path, out to the highway where they had shut down a complete lane for runners, past Bourbon Trace Distillery, then across the river and then around and back up to the starting point. Lots of safety personnel, volunteers and free parking within walking distance to the start/finish. Gun plus chip timing and the race has been going for a number of years so they have the event down. DJ, Awards and even period costumed persons. Daniel Boone gave me my race medal. History museum was open later with free admission for pace participants. If you like a hilly course with lots of fun people, its worth a try.
Gasparilla in Tampa. The event has 5K 15K half marathon and 8K. You can do one or some or all for different challenges. The weather can be scary hot or scary cold for a Floridian. In February in Florida you just never know what the weather is going to be.
Hood to Coast in Oregon, 190 mile relay race like the chosen (not sure how to spell it) race's they have in Japan. Jumping in and out of a van full of teammates, running your legs and finally seeing the ocean at the end.
As a retired Army officer, I really enjoy the runs on Army bases, especially the All-American at Fort Bragg, where this 72-year old paratrooper can challenge today’s airborne youngsters, and the Soldier’s half at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, where infantrymen old and young can show they’ve still got it.
Without a doubt the New York City Marathon is my very favorite. However just for fun there is a race where I live that is a team competition running around 35 miles. It’s goes all around the bay where I live in Florida. The team can have any number, each team is responsible for getting their team water etc...it has staggered starts so that everyone finishes in time for the after party!! Years ago each team had to bring an award and then there was an exchange! We took wine but got matched up with a team that brought old movies!! Just a super fun event!
Revel-Big Cottonwood Canyon. Marathon/Half in Salt Lake City, UT. We have talked about this one before, but it is one race that I always do every year. It is BEAUTIFUL scenery in the mountains and all down hill. You will definitely PR.
Very extremely organized tons of great volunteers. Great race all around. I moved to Florida from Utah 2 years ago and I go back home every September just to run this race. 6 years strong.
Orlando Half Marathon. You run through the streets just off the downtown area. It's well run and fun... only negative is that is some of the areas, you're running on the cobblestones... saw more than one person trip on the uneven pavement.
The Oktoberfest half at Oskar Blues in Brevard, NC. I ran this in 2019 when hosted by another brewery. Any race in western nc involves mountains..... but this course was awesome! There were hills but nothing like most near Asheville.
I'm still recovering from an injury from last spring but hope to do it again next year.
PS. Terrell, I'm at the beach, reading Breath, listening to U2....
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Half Marathon (also 26.2) each fall in southwest Iowa. Run over gentle rolling hills under a canopy of beautiful trees. Just plain nice.
I think Cleveland, Ohio is one of the best kept secrets in the running world. I am specifically referring to the “ emerald necklace” which includes a long, lean 56 mile greenway path that follows the Rocky River and Chagrin River Valleys. If you ever Grace our City, bring your running gear and explore the this legendary “Forest City” with beautiful running and hiking trails for all degrees of fitness as well as the incredible towpath which is now 93 miles long and extends from Cleveland to near New Philadelphia, Ohio. The Towpath Marathon and half marathon are two of many great running events in the Cleveland region.
As a former Clevelander, I agree! I’ve gone back for the Hofbrauhaus half, the Rock Hall half, the Towpath 10, and the Football Hall of Fame half (Canton, but close enough). When it comes to runs, beer, and Polish food, Cleveland is the place to go.
The Leavenworth Washington Marathon/Half Marathon in October each year. A beautiful course and you used to get (I'm not sure if this is the case anymore) a free beer and handmade brat from the Munchin Haus in town. This was the first half marathon for both my husband and I.
My goal is to run a half in all 50 states. I started running with Mainly Marathons. They schedule 5 or 6 races in those 5 -6 states in a row. Great way to accomplish my goal
That's my goal as well, I'm 21 states in. My last half was Dec 2019 St. Judes Memphis. I highly recommend it if you want to knock out the state of Tennessee. I'm looking to re-start fall 2022
Pumpkin Holler 50k in Oct. It's mostly on a crushed gravel course through a wilderness preserve near Tahlequah, OK. The course runs near the IL river and a lot of the trees have turned. It has great aid stations and even a walker like me was able to finish well within time limits. They have a shorter distance too. It was my first ultra and it was awesome.
Parvins Park in Vineland NJ they host a Du Athalon in early October Trail runs are around the lake in the park bike ride is surrounding roads. Great little end of the year Du
The Red Top 50k in Cartersville, Ga was a good first-time 50k for me. It is a relatively flat loop course that we went around 8 times. Repeating the loops was good... knowing what to expect helped pace better and knowing where the drop area was each time did also. It was at Red Top Mountain State Park so it's a nice wooded and wide trail that goes along Lake Allatoona in places. Doing the 25k there this year in December.
I love doing big sir 21 miler and I'm doing marathon next year it is the most beautiful course as you run along a highway one you see the Pacific Ocean and it's just amazing And I love crater lake that was a really amazing race too you ran around the lake and it was so beautiful and so quiet
I saw an old poster in one of the running shoe stores in Pasadena. It was such a beautiful poster (I think the Bixby Bridge is in it). I have been wanting to run that race ever since. I've driven through and stayed in the Big Sur area numerous times. It NEVER gets old.
They have different races they have a really race and 21 miler in the marathon I've done all that except the relay and this will be my I will be doing the marathon this year
The Big Sur 21-miler may be my all-time favorite of all the races I've ever run. Almost literally breathtaking. I especially loved seeing the man playing the baby grand piano at Bixby Bridge. The day I ran it, it was pretty foggy, and so as I approached the bridge, it wasn't really clear where the music was coming from. But as we got closer and the piano slowly came into view, it was the coolest thing. Just spectacular.
The races that A Better World Running stages on the Santa Monica (CA) beach path. There are an impressive number of distances, my favorite is the 15K which you don’t see everywhere. Going to do that one on Halloween morning.
Paula, my very first official race was with a similar small race organizer here in Southern California name Charlie Alewine who seems to have stopped now. Last race listed was in the summer of 2020. I ran it in Long Beach, because it was closest to me, but I did see those Santa Monica races by A Better World, and considered them. He also did several distances at one time. I believe A Better World also offers runs in Long Beach. I may give the Santa Monica one a try.
I signed up for one of the Alewine races in Long Beach in 2019 but it was cancelled due to a conflict with another larger race. He offered me a substitution but I didn’t get around to booking it.
I live in the high desert about an hour or so away, totally worth the drive. By now, the humidity has dropped and the temperatures are cool in the morning. Races usually start at 7:30 — come on down!
Detroit-only Half Marathon. This is the lesser-known sibling of the International Half. Detroit-only runners join the marathoners at their halfway point, and both races finish at the same place. (The International Half racers go out with the marathoners at the beginning of the race, and peel off to finish their half.) I did it in 2018 and what a blast it was. Plus you get to see some beautiful and interesting places throughout Detroit. Lots of spectators all along the route, some offering refreshments, all cheering. My year there were about 1500 racers in the half, so much smaller than the International Half, but much easier to get a PR!
My FB pic's memories just came up with the Freepress Detroit Race i ran in 2017 with my cousin. I did the half inter'l and it was great!. I'm chasing 50 states, so I was so glad to run in my hometown of Detroit and knock out the state of Michigan with family there to cheer me on at the finish. I highly recommend this race
Hi! I have been doing the Texas Bridge series for six years now. I live near the coast and we have no hills to run, so we run bridges for hill training. There are three races in the series: the Toughest 10k Kemah (the steepest), the Toughest 10k Galveston (beautiful because it's by the ocean!) and the La Porte by the Bay Half Marathon (awesome because it's over a suspension bridge!). All challenging but fun! Our race director, Robby Saban is the best! The charity these races benefit is Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
so many. a standout was clydes in columbiamd who put on a 10k that went on for decades and had a great post race party. there was a huge hill halfway through the run and if you somehow didn't know about it, you would hear people turn the corner, look up and just....groan. LOL. clydes is no longer but the memories i cherish. so many good times.
Did a marathon in Ocala Florida... Same thing... Just before you got to the finish line there was a steep hill... many a runner stopped half way up and walked to the top.
I live in MD and ran this in 2019 (I think) This is a great race and it was awesome including the after party! I'm so sad that they cancelled it. They replaced it with Discover Columbia downtown.
Our Peachtree Road Race here in Atlanta has a hill like that... they call it "Cardiac Hill," both because it's a beast and because it's right next to a hospital 😃
The most fun race with the best medals is definitely the Shawshank Hustle. The race starts at the famous Shawshank Prison, where the movie was filmed, then runners run to other sites in town where the movie also took place (the halfway house where Brooks and Red stayed), the park where Brooks fed the birds). Entry comes with a free tour of the prison, which is definitely a highlight. They have a costume contest beforehand, and a guy that dresses up as the warden every year, with a competition to "beat" the warden. Plus, all the money raised is to help keep this historic prison from being torn down. It's a wild race for a good cause:
https://shawshanktrail.com/events/shawshank-hustle/
No way! THE Shawshank prison? I had no idea that was a race! I'm going to have to feature that in this week's newsletter -- thanks so much for sharing, Jen!
It isn't a half marathon, it is a 7k. But check out their website. It really is the best race ever. So much fun. The guy who plays the "warden" is always a highlight every year. And check out my strava page. I have pictures of their medals. Their medals are hilarious and usually have several moving pieces
Any Ragnar that you can run, whether with friends or strangers. I have loved them all, even the trail Ragnars.
Camping all weekend, so a bit late, but shoutout to the Boilermaker in Utica, NY. A 15K that the entire city supports and which ends at the FX Matt’s Brewery for 3 hour party with live bands & sometimes a flyover. I’ve run it 20 times and I live in Virginia.
I agree with Jim. In Cabo on vacation and was going to chime in on the Boilermaker in Utica, NY. Usually first Saturday after the 4th of July. The whole town comes out, super organized, lots of bands, inexpensive hotels in Oriskany. I live in Denver now but would fly back to the east coast just to do this race. Hope the BolderBoulder lives up to its hype. No race like the Boilermaker 15k anywhere in USA.
I’m super late to commenting. I have three half marathons that I’ve participated in two or more times because I love them. My favorite is the Wineglass in Corning, NY. Great in every way: organization, community support, and beautiful area. Plus, you get a small bottle of wine and a wineglass. For sheer silly fun and no pressure, I’ve enjoyed the Alamo 13.1 in San Antonio. Very cool finisher medals. Also lots of fun (but a couple of grueling hills) is the Outlaw half in Luckenbach, Texas (near Fredericksburg). Good fun and good beer at picnic tables afterwards.
If you do the Outlaw half, spend the day at the Museum of the war in the Pacific in Fredericksburg. You won’t be disappointed.
Sorry to be late to the conversation. Have only run the half twice when I paid to do so. But I did the Kentucky History Half in Frankfort, KY yesterday and I can definitely recommend it. The course is very interesting from both a scenic and running perspective. ( yes I said running as I posted a 9:48 pace) Frankfort is the capital and the run starts downtown town takes you around the capital buildings and then UP to the historic Cemetery. Back down to the riverfront and along the paved path, out to the highway where they had shut down a complete lane for runners, past Bourbon Trace Distillery, then across the river and then around and back up to the starting point. Lots of safety personnel, volunteers and free parking within walking distance to the start/finish. Gun plus chip timing and the race has been going for a number of years so they have the event down. DJ, Awards and even period costumed persons. Daniel Boone gave me my race medal. History museum was open later with free admission for pace participants. If you like a hilly course with lots of fun people, its worth a try.
Gasparilla in Tampa. The event has 5K 15K half marathon and 8K. You can do one or some or all for different challenges. The weather can be scary hot or scary cold for a Floridian. In February in Florida you just never know what the weather is going to be.
Hood to Coast in Oregon, 190 mile relay race like the chosen (not sure how to spell it) race's they have in Japan. Jumping in and out of a van full of teammates, running your legs and finally seeing the ocean at the end.
Crazy crowded race so be prepared to spend time with other vans and racers.
I love it the constant adrenaline rush for 28+ hours
Lake Tahoe.
AthHalf in Athens, GA, is one of my all time faves.
Flying Ping, Cincinnati, OH. I've done it four times.
As a retired Army officer, I really enjoy the runs on Army bases, especially the All-American at Fort Bragg, where this 72-year old paratrooper can challenge today’s airborne youngsters, and the Soldier’s half at the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning, where infantrymen old and young can show they’ve still got it.
Without a doubt the New York City Marathon is my very favorite. However just for fun there is a race where I live that is a team competition running around 35 miles. It’s goes all around the bay where I live in Florida. The team can have any number, each team is responsible for getting their team water etc...it has staggered starts so that everyone finishes in time for the after party!! Years ago each team had to bring an award and then there was an exchange! We took wine but got matched up with a team that brought old movies!! Just a super fun event!
Fun!
Revel-Big Cottonwood Canyon. Marathon/Half in Salt Lake City, UT. We have talked about this one before, but it is one race that I always do every year. It is BEAUTIFUL scenery in the mountains and all down hill. You will definitely PR.
I was signed up for that one this year but had foot surgery in July, so gave my spot to a friend
Hopefully you can sign up again. Hope you’re recovering.
Just coming here to say this same thing. This race is gorgeous and the event itself is well planned and executed. 10/10 recommend!
Very extremely organized tons of great volunteers. Great race all around. I moved to Florida from Utah 2 years ago and I go back home every September just to run this race. 6 years strong.
The Garmin Half Marathon in the Land of Oz, Olathe, KS, was one of my favorite races. Well run with convenient parking and venue.
Orlando Half Marathon. You run through the streets just off the downtown area. It's well run and fun... only negative is that is some of the areas, you're running on the cobblestones... saw more than one person trip on the uneven pavement.
You should do it
The Oktoberfest half at Oskar Blues in Brevard, NC. I ran this in 2019 when hosted by another brewery. Any race in western nc involves mountains..... but this course was awesome! There were hills but nothing like most near Asheville.
I'm still recovering from an injury from last spring but hope to do it again next year.
PS. Terrell, I'm at the beach, reading Breath, listening to U2....
Stephanie, that is so cool!!!! Which album?
Napster (I know... Old school.... but top42 hits....starting with its a beautiful day!!!
Wabash Trace Nature Trail Half Marathon (also 26.2) each fall in southwest Iowa. Run over gentle rolling hills under a canopy of beautiful trees. Just plain nice.
I think Cleveland, Ohio is one of the best kept secrets in the running world. I am specifically referring to the “ emerald necklace” which includes a long, lean 56 mile greenway path that follows the Rocky River and Chagrin River Valleys. If you ever Grace our City, bring your running gear and explore the this legendary “Forest City” with beautiful running and hiking trails for all degrees of fitness as well as the incredible towpath which is now 93 miles long and extends from Cleveland to near New Philadelphia, Ohio. The Towpath Marathon and half marathon are two of many great running events in the Cleveland region.
As a former Clevelander, I agree! I’ve gone back for the Hofbrauhaus half, the Rock Hall half, the Towpath 10, and the Football Hall of Fame half (Canton, but close enough). When it comes to runs, beer, and Polish food, Cleveland is the place to go.
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon is a gorgeous race. Probably my favorite I've run so far.
My daughter did this one and loved it. I was going to do it with her, but waited to long to register and it filled up.
Next time!
Yes! I'll be running the Galveston one tomorrow! You're welcome! :)
Enjoy the cooler weather tomorrow!
The Leavenworth Washington Marathon/Half Marathon in October each year. A beautiful course and you used to get (I'm not sure if this is the case anymore) a free beer and handmade brat from the Munchin Haus in town. This was the first half marathon for both my husband and I.
Just did the Long Beach, CA half last weekend. Highly recommend it. Well organized, route mostly on or near the shore/beach.
I run in Long Beach frequently and I love it. I might do the LB half next year. Have heard good things about it.
My goal is to run a half in all 50 states. I started running with Mainly Marathons. They schedule 5 or 6 races in those 5 -6 states in a row. Great way to accomplish my goal
That’s a great goal! Would like to do that as well. The midnight Sun half and full in Anchorage is a popular one in Alaska.
That sounds like a great one! I happened to have a flight layover once in Anchorage when it was daylight like that. It was so weird!
Doing my 12th half/state tomorrow in Myrtle Beach! 85 degrees today, 70 tomorrow! Great running weather!
Kick some butt and have a great and enjoyable race..
I used to travel a lot for work and my goal was the same. I was just getting started when the pandemic hit and I lost that job, so….
That's a lofty goal...
That's my goal as well, I'm 21 states in. My last half was Dec 2019 St. Judes Memphis. I highly recommend it if you want to knock out the state of Tennessee. I'm looking to re-start fall 2022
I have that goal, too! Only three states so far, but number 4 is coming in three weeks!
Pumpkin Holler 50k in Oct. It's mostly on a crushed gravel course through a wilderness preserve near Tahlequah, OK. The course runs near the IL river and a lot of the trees have turned. It has great aid stations and even a walker like me was able to finish well within time limits. They have a shorter distance too. It was my first ultra and it was awesome.
Parvins Park in Vineland NJ they host a Du Athalon in early October Trail runs are around the lake in the park bike ride is surrounding roads. Great little end of the year Du
The Red Top 50k in Cartersville, Ga was a good first-time 50k for me. It is a relatively flat loop course that we went around 8 times. Repeating the loops was good... knowing what to expect helped pace better and knowing where the drop area was each time did also. It was at Red Top Mountain State Park so it's a nice wooded and wide trail that goes along Lake Allatoona in places. Doing the 25k there this year in December.
I just commented and then realized you'd said where it was held 😃 Such a beautiful place!
Agreed!
wulfman's14k cdt trail race in Butte, MT!!!!!!
I love doing big sir 21 miler and I'm doing marathon next year it is the most beautiful course as you run along a highway one you see the Pacific Ocean and it's just amazing And I love crater lake that was a really amazing race too you ran around the lake and it was so beautiful and so quiet
I saw an old poster in one of the running shoe stores in Pasadena. It was such a beautiful poster (I think the Bixby Bridge is in it). I have been wanting to run that race ever since. I've driven through and stayed in the Big Sur area numerous times. It NEVER gets old.
It is "Big Sur" and it is a marathon 26.2 miles
They have different races they have a really race and 21 miler in the marathon I've done all that except the relay and this will be my I will be doing the marathon this year
They hold the marathon and the 21-miler (plus an 11-miler, a 12K and a 5K) on the same day.
The Big Sur 21-miler may be my all-time favorite of all the races I've ever run. Almost literally breathtaking. I especially loved seeing the man playing the baby grand piano at Bixby Bridge. The day I ran it, it was pretty foggy, and so as I approached the bridge, it wasn't really clear where the music was coming from. But as we got closer and the piano slowly came into view, it was the coolest thing. Just spectacular.
The races that A Better World Running stages on the Santa Monica (CA) beach path. There are an impressive number of distances, my favorite is the 15K which you don’t see everywhere. Going to do that one on Halloween morning.
Paula, my very first official race was with a similar small race organizer here in Southern California name Charlie Alewine who seems to have stopped now. Last race listed was in the summer of 2020. I ran it in Long Beach, because it was closest to me, but I did see those Santa Monica races by A Better World, and considered them. He also did several distances at one time. I believe A Better World also offers runs in Long Beach. I may give the Santa Monica one a try.
I signed up for one of the Alewine races in Long Beach in 2019 but it was cancelled due to a conflict with another larger race. He offered me a substitution but I didn’t get around to booking it.
It's a little surprising the 15K isn't more common, isn't it? I'd love to run in Santa Monica! 😃
I live in the high desert about an hour or so away, totally worth the drive. By now, the humidity has dropped and the temperatures are cool in the morning. Races usually start at 7:30 — come on down!
Love the 15K - want more! Jacksonville has the Gate River Run and it is a blast.
Detroit-only Half Marathon. This is the lesser-known sibling of the International Half. Detroit-only runners join the marathoners at their halfway point, and both races finish at the same place. (The International Half racers go out with the marathoners at the beginning of the race, and peel off to finish their half.) I did it in 2018 and what a blast it was. Plus you get to see some beautiful and interesting places throughout Detroit. Lots of spectators all along the route, some offering refreshments, all cheering. My year there were about 1500 racers in the half, so much smaller than the International Half, but much easier to get a PR!
My FB pic's memories just came up with the Freepress Detroit Race i ran in 2017 with my cousin. I did the half inter'l and it was great!. I'm chasing 50 states, so I was so glad to run in my hometown of Detroit and knock out the state of Michigan with family there to cheer me on at the finish. I highly recommend this race
Hi! I have been doing the Texas Bridge series for six years now. I live near the coast and we have no hills to run, so we run bridges for hill training. There are three races in the series: the Toughest 10k Kemah (the steepest), the Toughest 10k Galveston (beautiful because it's by the ocean!) and the La Porte by the Bay Half Marathon (awesome because it's over a suspension bridge!). All challenging but fun! Our race director, Robby Saban is the best! The charity these races benefit is Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
These sound really interesting! I'd heard of the La Porte By the Bay race, but not the others -- thanks for sharing! 😃
so many. a standout was clydes in columbiamd who put on a 10k that went on for decades and had a great post race party. there was a huge hill halfway through the run and if you somehow didn't know about it, you would hear people turn the corner, look up and just....groan. LOL. clydes is no longer but the memories i cherish. so many good times.
Did a marathon in Ocala Florida... Same thing... Just before you got to the finish line there was a steep hill... many a runner stopped half way up and walked to the top.
I live in MD and ran this in 2019 (I think) This is a great race and it was awesome including the after party! I'm so sad that they cancelled it. They replaced it with Discover Columbia downtown.
Our Peachtree Road Race here in Atlanta has a hill like that... they call it "Cardiac Hill," both because it's a beast and because it's right next to a hospital 😃
OMG that is hilarious!
thats columbia, MD
Around the Crown in Charlotte, NC. It’s only a 10k but they shut down the inner loop of the highway and it’s a fast race and scenic one!