Running resolutions- best race to travel to

Choose a destination that excites you. I'm not a fan of crowds or big cities and have no interest in the big races like NYC or Marine Core, but lots of people think they are great. Their is a marathon in a small town in Alaska (Cordova) that has always fascinated me and I'm going to run some day. I've never been to Alaska and this will be my reason for going. What excites you!

I can buy my own beer and I have plenty of t-shirts.

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

I do very few races at home. Nearly all of my events are travel.

The one I did last year that was an amazing experience was the RnR half marathon on the Vegas strip. I have never had more fun, better surroundings, Elvis crowd cheerers, people in showgirls costumes, etc. You run by every single Vegas landmark, at night so it’s all lit up. It really was the most fun I’ve ever had at a race. I had intended to run it for fun, but that ended up being a 6 minute PR -even after enjoying everything else that Vegas has to offer for the prior 2 days.

It’s done in waves so if you’re looking to finish in probably 1:40 or less, you’ll be in an earlier wave with others intending to race that a similar pace and probably fewer people in showgirl costumes (it’s a flat course so I could see it being a draw for people looking to PR).

The company does a fantastic job controlling crowds and I can’t say enough good things about it. I will do this event again. And I’m looking at my next full marathon to be the RnR race in New Orleans.

You can do a 5k the night before and get 3 medals total.

And to sum up the Vegas experience...there’s a giant Ferris wheel (that’s a rotating bar) in the middle of the strip. After the 5k, on the way back to the hotel, we stopped to have a round on the Ferris wheel. I was in full neon running attire (complete with race bib) and there was another lady in our “pod” in her wedding dress.

Are you doing New Orleans next month? I'm doing that one too, it's my first trip to New Orleans and I'm very excited!

janejellyroll wrote: »

Duck_Puddle wrote: »

I do very few races at home. Nearly all of my events are travel.

The one I did last year that was an amazing experience was the RnR half marathon on the Vegas strip. I have never had more fun, better surroundings, Elvis crowd cheerers, people in showgirls costumes, etc. You run by every single Vegas landmark, at night so it’s all lit up. It really was the most fun I’ve ever had at a race. I had intended to run it for fun, but that ended up being a 6 minute PR -even after enjoying everything else that Vegas has to offer for the prior 2 days.

It’s done in waves so if you’re looking to finish in probably 1:40 or less, you’ll be in an earlier wave with others intending to race that a similar pace and probably fewer people in showgirl costumes (it’s a flat course so I could see it being a draw for people looking to PR).

The company does a fantastic job controlling crowds and I can’t say enough good things about it. I will do this event again. And I’m looking at my next full marathon to be the RnR race in New Orleans.

You can do a 5k the night before and get 3 medals total.

And to sum up the Vegas experience...there’s a giant Ferris wheel (that’s a rotating bar) in the middle of the strip. After the 5k, on the way back to the hotel, we stopped to have a round on the Ferris wheel. I was in full neon running attire (complete with race bib) and there was another lady in our “pod” in her wedding dress.

Are you doing New Orleans next month? I'm doing that one too, it's my first trip to New Orleans and I'm very excited!

I am planning for 2020. It will be my first trip to New Orleans too!

Depends on how far you want to travel and what your target distance is.

I used to live in Durham and I run distances up to the half marathon. Here are some of the half marathons I've run:
- Asheville Half Marathon. Asheville! If you haven't been there, go. But be warned that the course is tough if you're not used to hills. Take the elevation chart seriously. See that big hill at mile 10? See how it's all uphill to the finish line? This was my first half marathon and it kicked my butt. But Asheville really is great, and it's a good challenge.
- Hokie Half Marathon. This was a big deal for me because I'm a VT alum. Much of the course is on the Huckleberry Trail, which is lovely. The last mile or so is uphill. You get a Hokie Bird medal, which you'll love if you have a VT connection. I can also speak to various shorter races in Blacksburg, since I was there every chance I got.
- Highland Half Marathon. Tiny race, made even tinier the year I ran it because it rained and a lot of people didn't show up. If you hate big races, this is the one for you. The course is mostly flat. Check out the Scottish Festival after the race, though I didn't do that, because I was soaked. Visit the Smokies while you're in the area.
- Running of the Bulls 8k. Yes, a shorter distance. You're gonna PR it just because of the odd distance--how often do you see an 8k race? Nice, not too difficult course through downtown Durham. You end in the original Durham Bulls park and get a cowbell medal. Check out the farmer's market next door when you're done, until you get sick of hearing everyone's cowbells clanking. Lots of good food and stuff to do in the Triangle as well.

If you *really* want to travel:
- Monterey Bay Half Marathon. Let's face it, it's gorgeous out here. Most of the course is right on the ocean. It's beautiful, it's mostly flat, it's well organized. There are all sorts of things to do in the area as well. I'm biased because this is my local half. If you want a longer distance, check out the Big Sur Marathon and associated races, which is on different course. Big Sur is on a lot of people's bucket lists.

RunnerGirl238 wrote: »

I love ashville! Great idea.

Asheville also checks my “prettiest race shirt” box. Mine’s nasty and stained now, but I still wear it. We also got a buff the year I ran it, and a pretty nice drawstring bag that was sturdier than the usual swag bag. And I got a free, beautiful race poster at the expo. I framed it and put it in my office so I have a nice memento of my first half. Overall, best race swag I’ve gotten by far.

The course support was also better than any race I’ve run since. Being my first half, I only made it to about mile 9 before I had to walk, and then I run/walked (mostly walked) the rest of the way. We had support folks on bicycles checking on us constantly, offering us water and snacks. They did a great job of watching out for those of us who were struggling. I’m on the west coast now, but I’d love to run Asheville again and see how much I’ve improved.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the same race as the one at the Biltmore. I don’t know anything about that one.

Yep ... I can confirm that the Cadbury Marathon is a good one.

Not beer, but if you like wine (and don't mind coming to Canada). And it's just a half.

http://destinationraces.com/runbc/registration/

I’ve heard the Detroit marathon that crosses the tunnel into Canada is fun but never done it

Bucket of Blood Half Marathon,Holbrook Arizona. Run in the desert and town streets Just outside of an indian reservation with a nice little town festival after the race.

I did the WhistleStop Half in Ashland WI this past October. The city is on Lake Superior. It was a beautiful hard packed trail run. It was like running on the road without cars. I was offered beer at miles 9 and 12 by college students. There was a nice spaghetti dinner the night before.

I ran through a forest with colorful leaves falling in front of me. This alone would have me repeat it.

The volunteer support was terrific and there were tables every 2 to 3 miles. No hills. The marathon is a BQ marathon.

deannalfisher wrote: »

apullum wrote: »

deannalfisher wrote: »

apullum wrote: »

- Hokie Half Marathon. This was a big deal for me because I'm a VT alum. Much of the course is on the Huckleberry Trail, which is lovely. The last mile or so is uphill. You get a Hokie Bird medal, which you'll love if you have a VT connection. I can also speak to various shorter races in Blacksburg, since I was there every chance I got.

Go Hokie’s! I was Class if 2005!

No way, so was I! I majored in biology and interdisciplinary studies.

Psychology and history and was in the corps of cadets

I knew a couple people in the corps, but otherwise I'm not sure we would have crossed paths much. We were definitely there at the same time though. I was around from 2001-2008. I stayed for an MS and then worked on campus for a year after that. I'd be happy to chat more via message (sorry OP for derailing your thread!)

festerw wrote: »

I did the San Antonio RnR last month and it was an awesome experience. It's a great city to visit with plenty of food and activities.

I'm heading to Disney in April to run the Rival Run Half Marathon, I'm sure it's going to be great.

My husband did the Dark Side Half Marathon in Disney last year! They changed the name this year since the Light Side isn't happening at DL. My daughter and I did the 5K. It was a blast! It is a huge race and the start is crazy early, but they do such a good job of providing start and race course entertainment that you don't even notice being awake at 3:30 am!! Of course, getting to run through the park was all of our favorite part. You will have a great time. I'm planning on doing the Wine and Dine Half Marathon later this year.