Half Marathon Race

Topsking2010

What is your favorite Half Marathon race? Why is it your favorite?

jeffrodgers1

Without a doubt.... for me its the Winnipeg Police Service Marathon. It is an exceptionally well organized half marathon with a limited entry (1500) that is run the first weekend in May. Proceeds go to Canadian Cancer Society and is setup and run by our local police service (also probably one of the safest courses in the world LOL)

Weather wise, you just never know what you'll get. We've had blizzards, we've had rain, and we've had beautiful summery weather. You know it will either be a walk in the park, or a real test of intestinal fortitude. This just adds to the challenge and excitement. The flat course meanders thru some of our most affluent neighborhoods, and down the main street before arriving back at the finish line.

RMinVA

I've done a ton of races, but only 2 Half marathons so far.

I liked my first BECAUSE it was my first. It was a smaller race in Lewes Delaware, very pleasant course, and relatively flat and fast. About half was of it was on the trails in Henlopen State Park.

However, I have to say that my second was my favorite, but not because of the race. It was the "Donna Half" in Jacksonville, FL. The course was pleasant enough: it went through the Jacksonville Beach community and even out onto the beach for a bit. But the BIG highlight of that race was meeting up with a group of women that I befriended while on another website prior to arriving at MFP. Definitely a bit of a crap shoot for all of us to travel there for a race. One of the women opened up her home to us and shuttled us everywhere. Turns out that we all get along great. We went back to Jacksonville this year for a 15k, and it's my turn to play hostess in 2012 since everyone is coming to DC for the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (yep, we got in). We have our own "virtual" running group and have a ridiculously active private FB page. A couple of us have even caught up inbetween races too if other travel has brought us nearby.

aymetcalf

I have only done 3 half marathons - my favorite was Virginia Beach Rock N Roll

IronmanPanda

I'd say LB 1/2 Marathon because I got to meet one of my friends from MFP and had an amazing race and weekend.

That at it's my first and only 1/2 marathon unless you count my 1/2 Ironman... Even then it would be my favorite.

Pronoiac

The Lost Dutchman Half Marathon.

It's a small /medium size event with great mountain views and desert scenery. Many staright up road runners don't like it becasue much of the course is up a grade, but being more of a trail runner by trade I like that extra challenge aspect.

kerriBB37

I have ran two half marathon's in my life, so far. My favorite was my first. It's because of IT that I started training and it kick started my weight loss. The race was around the town I grew up in, Grosse Ile (Michigan.) It's an island and absolutely beautiful. My friend from high school has suffered with Cystic Fibrosis since we were little. The race was to raise money for her charity. There was a HUGE turnout and she was overwelmed with love and support. I plan to do it this year as well. I'll provide the link incase anyone local wants to join in!

http://www.outruncf.com/

midwifekelley2350

i did the kentucky derby "mini" which is a half and loved it....lots of energy in the crowd. i also ran the marine corps full marathon about 14 years ago (omg, has it been that long?) and that was a great experience, too. last sept i did the air force half and only liked it...the course was boring and much of it was on the base so there were not a lot of spectators. the end, however, was very cool!

sdereski

I'd have to say it is the Wawa Black Fly Run's half marathon.
takes place in June and it is a beautiful, challenging course.
Small group of runners with great energy and great prizes for all!

Nikstergirl

Ask me again next year... I've only done one so far, planning the second.. maybe third.. or more this year!!!

My first was Park 2 Park in Holland Michigan. Takes you past 2 lakes, beautiful homes and scenery, the beach and of course, 2 parks! Flat and fast, it was SO much fun, run in late September when Michigan autumn is in full glory. Will most likely do it again this year!!!!

Can't wait to "Run Abe" this year in April... giant penny medal to all finishers... yup, I want that!

Topsking2010

Looking for a half marathon that has less than 3,000 runners. Any suggestions?

Topsking2010

Looking for a half marathon that has less than 3,000 runners. Any suggestions?

EricInArlington

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/416693-mfp-half-marathon

AZTrailRunner

We have many to choose from here in AZ, and the smaller ones (<500) tend to have the most scenic views, and provide plenty of elevation challenge.

This one is guaranteed to leave you breathless, both from elevation gains and red rock scenery!!!

The Sedona Marathon
Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K races
Sedona, AZ
Jennifer Wesselhoff // 877-778-4397

zookeepersuzy

short answer: flying pig half marathon


long answer: I've done 15 1/2 marathons & my fav was the Flying Pig in Cincinnati. The morning of the race (2010) it was POURING rain & lightning/thunder at the start & the power even went out momentarily. The race started & my shoes were already sloshing wet & there was a GIANT hill around mile 6 that gave me charlie horses in both calves. However, at the top of the hill, there was an amazing band, aid station, & the clouds parted long enough for us to see across the whole city. (almost everyone around us stopped for a picture b/c it was so pretty) The crowd support on the course was great. There is a parking deck near the finish line & even though I'm really slow, there were people lining all ~5 levels of the parking deck cheering at everyone finishing. I think because there is also a full marathon, it is more fun for slow halfers b/c there will always be marathoners finishing after me & the party isn't over by the time I got to the finish. Even with the bad weather, this race had such a fun party atmosphere & so many people racing in costumes it was great. The schwag that you get included with your registration is also the best around. We got a tshirt (duh), poster, & duffle bag.. maybe some other stuff I forgot. The expo is HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE & P&G sponsors them so I saw several people walking out with entire packages of toilet paper (lol).

I liked it so much, that I signed up for the full marathon in 2012 as my 1st full.

yes.. I wore a piggy costume & it wasnt even the most involved one on the course.

RMinVA

Looking for a half marathon that has less than 3,000 runners. Any suggestions?

Since you are in my neck of the woods....http://www.wilsonbridgehalf.com/ It's capped at about 4000 though.

If you are up for a small road trip, check out some of the halfs over in the Delaware beach area. I know there are some in Lewes/Rehoboth that are smaller. There are usually a couple in the spring and another one in December. We have a condo in
Dewey, so I actually run about half of my races there. A lot of the information can be found here....http://www.seashorestriders.com/

jwintonyk

Without a doubt my favourite is the Army Run held in Ottawa every September. Before the regular start they have a separate start for injured runners/soldiers...it's an absolutely AMAZING event!!!

Pronoiac

Here's the info-

Does the Lost Dutchman Marathon have a maximum number of participants?
In order to maintain a small, friendly race and stay within the capacity of Prospector Park, registrations will be limited for the 2012 Lost Dutchman Marathon races. The marathon is limited to 600 participants, and the 10K, and the 8K Trail Run are limited to 650 participants each. The Half Marathon limit is 1100 runners. There is no limit on the number of participants in the 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk.

http://www.lostdutchmanmarathon.org/

The other good thing for many runners is the low and consistent elevation. It's really important to consdier the course profile and find a race that meets one needs/abilities.

Topsking2010

Thanks for all the info everyone. How do you find out about low key races? Do you go online?

AZTrailRunner

Thanks for all the info everyone. How do you find out about low key races? Do you go online?

Yes. For instance, here in AZ we have a few websites:

http://www.getsetaz.com/running-calendar.php
http://www.arizonaroadracers.com/racecalendar.html

Other states may have similar running calendars.

josavage

Google to find out if your state has a listing of all races. You can also join a local running group and find out about races through the group. Also, once you start signing up for races, you will receive tons of emails about other races.

ninamm3

I've only been running since this spring but did my first half in October. The Detroit Free Press was awesome! Where else can you run in 2 countries AND an under-water mile?! Entertainment and crowd support was very encouraging along the way. I plan to make it my first full in 2013!

thecrossfitter

Looking for a half marathon that has less than 3,000 runners. Any suggestions?

The fox valley marathon has a half as well. It was around 2000 total runners went up and down the river and a lot was through the woods. Beautiful. I was very impressed! (suburbs of Chicago)

AZTrailRunner

You can also call a local running store and ask about race calendars, running groups, and upcoming events.

Topsking2010

J.R I plan on coming to Arizona in Fall 2012. Need to get super fit to run with you!!

AZTrailRunner

J.R I plan on coming to Arizona in Fall 2012. Need to get super fit to run with you!!

Awesome! I look forward to it. Fall = 100+ degrees still though.