Runner's World Half & Festival

Runner's World Half & Festival

Runner's World Half & Festival

( 130 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Bethlehem,
    Pennsylvania,
    United States
  • October
  • 3 miles/5K, 6 miles/10K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, Other
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

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The 7th annual Runner’s World Half & Festival, October 19-21 in Bethlehem, PA welcomes runners of all levels to a one-of-a-kind weekend that covers a full 26.2 miles over three days, from a 3.8-mile trail race to a half marathon. Join us for one, or race them all with one of our multi-distance challenges. The racecourses will feature Bethlehem’s historic neighborhoods, including some of the town’s original 1741 settlement, Moravian College, and the former Bethlehem Steel complex—where the backbone of the nation was literally forged.

Angie Maske-Berka

Iowa, United States
177 212
2016
"2nd race of the day"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Angie Maske-Berka's thoughts:

The 2016 10k took place on Saturday, October 15. It started at 9:30 am. It was sunny about about 50 degrees.

Registration: Register early online and to beat the price increase. Each participant would get a finisher medal.
*I ran the Grand Slam of events, which was the trail race, the 5k, 10k, and half marathon. I received a gender specific, long sleeve tech shirt; Balega socks, and a Headsweats stocking cap for all the events. I also had one bib for all events, it had my name and 2 timing strips on the back. I am not sure what swag the 10k only received.

Expo/packet pickup: The expo was open Friday and Saturday. I can't remember, but pretty sure you could grab your bib on race day for the 10k. The expo was confusing at first, it was located in a building with multiple floors. The bottom floor had the Altra shoe booth, information, and a RW booth in addition to the food vendors and space for seminars. The second floor is where you would find your bib number and grab your bib. The third floor is where you would get your swag and then follow the setup through the expo. There was an elevator, but it seemed spread out, however the were utilizing the space they were given.

The expo was a nice size, lots of friendly vendors. There were also boxes set up with free samples of protein bars, scar away and Cal-Ez. There was also a bar in the back of the expo. Parking was around town, all a short walk away, and some lots you had to pay for.

Pre-race: The 10k started near the Steel Stacks, which was the hub of all race events. There was parking in nearby lots for free, it was recommended to arrive 45 minutes early. There were a lot of port-o-potties available and indoor restrooms at the Visitor Center. The corrals were self seeding by estimated pace. There was music playing and announcements. There was no National Anthem, rather God Bless America.

Race/Course:
-Terrain - paved street course, there were minor potholes, but nothing that was a big deal
-Elevation - there were hills, lots of hills
-Scenery - This course looped more through downtown and historical parts of Bethlehem it was cool to finish along the Steel Stacks
-Aid Stations - There were water stops with paper cups.
-Volunteers - there were many volunteers on the course, very energetic and friendly.
-Spectators - A few spectators here and there, loud music, and a couple of group cheer stations.
-Photography -There were many photographers on course. The pictures were posted within the week for FREE
-Markings - Each mile was clearly marked with a sign.

Finish/Post Race: The finish line was it's own party. There was an arch with a burning flame, and an announcer catching names as you finished. When you crossed the finish timing mat, a volunteer got you a medal and a bottle of water. Then you looped back around to get to the food tent, where there were bagels, cookies, granola bars, bananas, chocolate bars, veggie straws and raisins. ALL THE FOOD! Then there was an area with free samples of White Claw hard spritzer.

There was plenty of room to spread out, cheer on the finishers, and hang with your friends.

My Race: I would be running both the 5k and 10k on the same day, so I was ready for the second race of the day. The hardest part was the wait between the races, actually started to get really cold. However,I ran with Amy again for this event, and we warmed right up. It was so much fun chatting and high fiving people. We even caught up with Bart Yasso on the course and told him he had nice legs! Seriously, run with a friend, you will have the most amazing time ever!! We finished in a time of 1:05

Overall: Excellent 10! You get a medal, great course support and all the food. It can be tough to race the hills, but give yourself a challenge!

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