OBX, Outerbanks, Marathon, Kitty Hawk North Carolina

11/11/2012 - Review and a course map of OBX, Outerbanks, Marathon, Kitty Hawk North Carolina, (DoubleH)

The 2012 OBX Marathon took place on sunny yet chill morning in Kitty Hawk North Carolina. The course was sort of flat and sort of on paved roads except miles 10 to 13 that went through the woods where at parts we ran on soft sand.
Weather was good, some headwinds coming out to the main road, unpaved portions of the course probably a DoubleH all things considered on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below, but first photos from the course:

Sunset at the OBX

Starting line

Wright Brothers National Monument

Mile 10, where the road ends and the sand begun

Brace up for running up the bridge in mile 24

Proobably 0.5 mile to the finish

Ranking: DoubleH, unpaved and hilly parts, some headwinds.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The OBX Marathon run in Kitty Hawk and finished in Manteo North Carolina, hard to explain the course turn by turn since it went through pedestrians only parts as well as trails. Please see map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Hard to tell, looked like most people were from the area although the rental car agent at the airport knew right away I was going to the marathon so I guess significant number of people flew in from out of town.

The easy part: great weather, flat

The challenging part: Annoying random hills, soft sand, headwinds

Price: $110

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: OBX Marathon

My 2 cents: 1) very nice people, I almost felt like a family and friends type of event . 2) make sure you are on the right shuttle bus to the FULL marathon and not the HALF in the morning. 3)If you are looking for a scenic, ocean front run this marathon is NOT the one you should run. Most of the course is not on the first line to the water which are behind sand batteries to protect from the tides. A better ocean front marathon would be Maui Marathon

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!
  runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Duke City Marathon, Albuquerque New Mexico

10/21/2012 - Review and a course map of Duke City Marathon, Albuquerque New Mexico, (SingleH)

The Duke City Marathon was a flat race in the high desert in Albuquerque New Mexico. The course is an out and back, along the Paseo del Bosque Trail .
Weather was perfect, shiny day with temperatures in the 50's, a mile high altitude  helped this race to earn SingleH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below, but first photos from the course:

The starting line

Hot air balloons made the course even pretier

This photo was taken facing west from the turn around point

Finish Line

Ranking: SingleH, high altitude.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The Duke City marathon run started at Albuquerque's Civic Plaza and then 13.1 miles mostly on the Paseo del Bosque trail and back to the plaza. Flat course shared with bikes and other Sunday morning recreational runners/walkers. see map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mostly locals, marathon maniacs and 50 staters, I, once again, ran into a guy that ran the Highest Marathon in the USA and Little Grand Canyon Marathon with me in July and September.

The easy part: great weather, flat

The challenging part: High altitude, can do a better job with the aid stations

Price: $80

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: Duke City Marathon

My 2 cents: won't be a bad a idea to carry some fluids on you

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!
runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Yonkers Half Marathon, Yonkers, NY

9/16/2012 - Review and a course map of the Yonkers Half-Marathon, (DoubleH)

I ran the Yonkers half-marathon after deciding in the last minute that running the full was way too much given the cold I was battling, a decent race, DoubleH on my hRank system!
More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: DoubleH, humid and hot.  

Distance: 13.1 miles

Course: The half marathon run started 2 blocks off the metro-north Yonkers station. We ran north along the Hudson river and then  up over the hill to run ~6 miles in the busy streets of Yonkers to the finish line. See map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mixed crowd, some people ran the full which was 2 loops of the half.

The easy part: fairly flat, one steep hill climbing from the river

The challenging part: Humid, hot (and I was under the weather)

Price: $75

Pacers:No

Timing: Chips

Qualifying: None

Official website: Yonkers Half and Full Marathon

My 2 cents: Save your legs to the hill in mile 4-5, pick up your pace thereafter...

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Little Grand Canyon Marathon, Huntington Utah

9/8/2012 - Review and a course map of the Little Grand Canyon Marathon, (DoubleH)

The Little Grand Canyon Marathon was a scenic run in the high desert of Utah and down the little grand canyon to San Rafael River.
We started early but it heated up fairly quickly, high altitude of over 5,000 ft earn this race a DoubleH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: DoubleH, high altitude and hot.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The marathon run started 2 miles east of the intersection of Center and Main streets. We ran for the most part on Co Rd 332 all the way down to the bridge that cross San Rafael River, sorry guys running in the desert makes it really hard to describe it turn by turn see map and details below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mostly locals, marathon maniacs and 50 staters, I, once again, ran into a guy that ran the Highest Marathon in the USA with me in July.

The easy part: downhill

The challenging part: High altitude, hot

Price: $75

Pacers:No

Timing: Stop watch

Qualifying: None

Official website: Little Grand Canyon Marathon

My 2 cents:Hydrate, sunblock, start as early as possible, enjoy the views in the canyon

Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Moose's tooth Marathon, Anchorage Alaska

8/19/2012 - Review and a course map of the Anchorage Alaska Moose's tooth Marathon, (nixH)

The Anchorage Alaska Moose's Tooth Marathon was a fast and flat course. Although, arguably, it is an urban course in the city, 99% of it was on paved trails surounded by evergreen trees - I liked it!
Cool weather, great aid station and a flat course at sea level position this course as a targeted PR race, if that's your goal jump on a plane to AK and run! NixH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

Ranking: NixH, really favorable course to set your PR.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The marathon run started and ended on the corner of 6th and F in downtown Anchorage. We ran on the waterfront south west past the airport, about 10 miles from the start, and back up to the intersection with Chester Creek trail, total of 16 miles, where we turned right for about  4 miles and then back to the intersection and to the end. Detailed elevation and course map is below (click on it...).

Crowd: Mostly locals, marathon maniacs and 50 staters, I actually ran into a guy who ran Bear Lake ID with me in June - fun times....

The easy part: flat, cool

The challenging part: It rained towards the end, it may rain all along - it's Anchorage!

Price: $85

Pacers:No

Timing: Chip

Qualifying: None

Official website: Moose's tooth, Anchorage AK marathon

My 2 cents: If you are not local and you traveled all the way to Anchorage take the week off, travel off the beaten path and see how amazing this state is.


Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/

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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.

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Review and a course map of the Madison Marathon, Montana

7/22/2012 - Review and a course map of the Madison Marathon, Montana (SextH / HHHHHH)

Madison Montana marathon is the, arguably, highest road marathon in the USA. It took place in Montana near the town of Ennis on NF-290 also known as Gravelly Range Road. The very scenic course provided unparalleled views of mountains and valleys. This is a limited-support, high altitude course with the low point as low as 8,334ft above sea level and as high as 9,558 ft. I can't stress enough these 2 points, so once again limited-support, high altitude course. SextH / HHHHHH on my hRank system!

More details and review of the course with a map are below.

The start

Black Butte

Monument Ridge

Mile 9

Sample aid station - limited support indeed

Course views

Mile 20 hill

Ranking: SextH, high altitude marathon, very few aid stations (mostly just with water) and even fewer staffed with electrolytes, hilly course, late start so you will hit temperatures in the 70s, humid, windy.  

Distance: 26.2 miles

Course: The marathon run started on NF-290, Gravelly Range rd, near the base of Black Butte. We ran on NF-290 north passing the finish line after 13 miles and headed north for additional 6 miles where we turned around for the last 6 miles to the finish line at Clover Meadows. Detailed elevation and course map is below.

Crowd: many  Mostly locals, I didn't confirm this but heard that I was honored to run alongside Larry Macon (Most sanctioned marathons in a calendar year Guinness record holder, and more than 900 of them in total), Bill Whipp (280 marathons) and Angela Tortorice (288 marathons)

The easy part: Scenic, fresh air

The challenging part: 9,000 ft above sea level, bring your own water and food, hilly with total elevation gain of more than 2,500.

Price: $80

Pacers:No

Timing: Stop watch

Qualifying: None

Official website: Madison Montana Marathon

My 2 cents:
1) This is a difficult course, in 2012 there was an early start option to start at 7am this can help with the heat.
2) I had less air running that high, but the little I had was the freshest I could ask for.
3) My training included running Mt. Baldy twice once for distance and once for time.
4) If you are a pure road-runner and would never step a foot off the blacktop - this is not a road marathon


Thanks for reading and as always please don't hesitate to email/reach out with any questions.
Thanks!

runnersreviews.blogspot.com/


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MUST READ: By reading parts or all of this blog, the reader (“You”) understand that trying on your own, some or all of the reviews (in part or in full) in this blog is potentially hazardous activity. You should not participate in running or walking or jogging or any other form of physical activity (collectively known as “Activities”) on the trails or courses or races (collectively known as “Paths”) reviewed unless you are medically able and properly trained. In any event, your Activities taking place in the Paths reviewed in this blog will be solely at your own risk under your full responsibility and under no circumstances shall the author and owner of this blog have any liability for direct or indirect physical or mental damages/injuries or death or damage/loss to your valuables or belongings as a direct or indirect result of your decision to participate in Activities based on reviews in this blog.

The author of this blog does neither represent nor warrants that the reviews in this blog are accurate or provide accurate representation of the prevailing conditions including but not limited to course, weather, surface condition or animals at the time you will choose to participate in Activities based on the reviewed Paths. The reviews were accurate strictly for the time at which they were explored and ran or walked by the author and should not be relied upon for planning or doing your Activities.

These are mountain, unpaved trails and paved road courses; some are away from medical services. The Paths have numerous risk factors which include, just to name a few out of many others, rattlesnakes, coyotes, mountain lions, ticks, poison oak, and other potentially dangerous and harmful animals, vegetation, fire hazards,  and other dangerous and harmful elements. Wearing sun block will protect your skin and should be taken into your consideration before exposing your skin to the sun.

If you choose to participate in Activities based on one, some or all of the reviewed Paths you assume all risks associated with your Activities, including varying and/or existing potentially harmful or hazardous weather conditions including but not limited to high heat and/or humidity, varying and/or existing conditions of the trails and roads, animals, poison oak, and traffic on the Paths including travel to and from the Paths, and including but not limited to trips, slides or falls of cliffs or steep slopes and contacts with other participants, all such risks being known and appreciated by you, and including all direct or indirect injuries or death that may be suffered before, during, or after an Activities.

It is highly recommended to perform the Activities as part of a group of multiple people. In addition it is highly recommended that you will carry essentials which include but are not limited to at least 64 Oz. of water, 4 energy bars, map of the area with a marked course, watch, GPS, cellular phone and a first-aid kit.

By reading parts or all of this blog and choosing to run, walk or physically follow any of the courses, trails or races reviewed you for yourself and anyone entitled to act on your behalf, unconditionally and with no reservations waive and release the author and owner of this blog, its agents and representatives, and all sponsors, their representatives and successors from all claims or liabilities of any kind arising directly or indirectly out of your participation in Activities based on the reviews in this blog.