The NYC Marathon was today, and several other unsung races. Many are continuing their running season, while mine has ended for 2016. It was an awesome one with four half marathons and my first full. The connections, memories and fun and I had was indescribable. I ran seven races this year and plan to run around the same number next year as I plan to run an ultramarathon in 2018 and attempt to state chase (run a half or full in all 50 states). Here's my race rundown.
1. BB&T Corporate Cup
I chose this half in preparation for my first full marathon. It was a very cold race but very well conducted. The route went through the heart of downtown Charlotte, even through Queens College. There was a good balance of flat and inclines to keep one challenged. Layer well as the race is in early March and it's still winter. Also, register early if you plan to run. The price climbs to nearly $100 close to race day. The medal was traditional but heavy and nice.
2. Kings Mountain Marathon
Yes it's the marathon your mother warned you about! Very challenging, hilly (approximately 44 in all), and hot towards the end. It's in the Kings Mountain National Military Park, so you're technically running in both North and South Carolina in this course. I wouldn't recommend the full for just any runner. I chose it because of the proximity from my home, and I run hills and trails, which KM has both. It's a rural course as well, with awesome scenery and great participation every year. I didn't leave my home for two days, was sore for five and lost three toenails. The medal is like a hologram, showcasing the elevation of the course The price is $80 for the full but you get your money's worth!
3. South Carolina Peach Festival 10K.
I have found that after a while, everyone has their favorite race, and/or that race they run yearly. For me, it's this race. It was my very first race, and it's like a summer tradition for me. It begins on the campus of Limestone College in Gaffney, SC, and you loop through the eastern side of Gaffney back to the college. The first mile is pretty much uphill, and there are other hills and inclines, including a sneaky one at around mile 4.6. It's a good challenge but it's a very hot and humid race. I PRed in 2015 but was 3 minutes below that mostly on heat. There is no medal, only a pink ribbon. Their race package bag may be one of the best I've seen though.
4. Ride and Run Half at Paramount's Carowinds
Another fun but humid race held on 9/11. The medal was awesome, with an image of Charlie Brown riding The Fury. The course loops you through the park twice, and is good to PR on. The perks are nice as it's a Sunday race, but you receive access to the showers post race and access to the park all weekend!
5. Hustle For The Muscle 5K: Race for Dawk
This 5K was in Blacksburg, SC, basically near the schools. The purpose was to raise money for ALS victim Shon Dawkins, who incidentally passed away the weekend following. It was held on Homecoming weekend in Blacksburg. The course was decent for a 5K, only one major hill and an incline. It was the first race that I won my gender group in. I received a free month to 9 Rounds, which I am currently using.
6. Volition America Half.
The following weekend, I ran this half in the midst of Hurricane Matthew in Lake Norman, NC. Ironically, this race was canceled from 2015 due to Hurricane Jocquin, so all of the 2015 registrants got to participate in 2016. Now in my defense, the hurricane wasn't supposed to heavily affect that area. But tornadoes from this storm caused a great, flat, scenic course to be muggy and rainy near the last 6 miles. Under good conditions, it's normally a good race to PR and prepare for Fall marathons. The medal was nice also with the Volition emblem. The post race refreshments were awesome with several juices and even Marco's Pizza!
7. Charlotte Runway 5K.
This 5K was on the airport of Charlotte Douglas International Airport and another fun, flat course that's good for a PR, which I received. The price was unbeatable also, $10 for early registration. It was on Halloween weekend and was unusually hot by the end. Nevertheless, awesome race to end an awesome racing season.
Now I'm prepping for 2017 as I hope to get two different states in!
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