This was the first time I participated in this race. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to have a nice run out on the Cape.

First, parking was a breeze. There was FAR MORE available parking than necessary. This is nice change from usual when parking is limited and late arrivals struggle to find parking.

They also had the school cafeteria open before the race (good since it was a tad chilly and 20mph winds) and afterward. In fact, they had a pretty rocking band following the race right there. Bonus points for live music (and good live music at that).

The course was beautiful, but that's to be expected out on Cape Cod. Aide stations were just right, although they only had a couple volunteers each. The early stations could probably benefit from a few more people to pass out water/Gatorade. It wasn't a problem for me, but if there were crowds it could have been a mess--and we all know there's at least one runner that will do this, ESPECIALLY when the person right in front of you stops without any warning whatsoever.

The race was perfectly executed/managed. They started with the National Anthem (all races should) and they started on time! I hate when races start late...as often they do. The real show of race management was following the race I had several emails exchanged about different things (nothing critical) and they were quick to respond and pleasant all around. Big shout out to the race management team. They really put on a superb race...and a great shirt and medal!

Warning: DO BE PREPARE for a nice hill just after mile 11. I wasn't ready for this and it kind of took the wind out of my sails for a bit. Ha!

This was the first time I participated in this race. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to have a nice run out on the Cape.

First, parking was a breeze. There was FAR MORE available parking than necessary. This is nice change from usual when parking is limited and late arrivals struggle to find parking.

They also had the school cafeteria open before the race (good since it was a tad chilly and 20mph winds) and afterward. In fact, they had a pretty rocking band following the race right there. Bonus points for live music (and good live music at that).

The course was beautiful, but that's to be expected out on Cape Cod. Aide stations were just right, although they only had a couple volunteers each. The early stations could probably benefit from a few more people to pass out water/Gatorade. It wasn't a problem for me, but if there were crowds it could have been a mess--and we all know there's at least one runner that will do this, ESPECIALLY when the person right in front of you stops without any warning whatsoever.

The race was perfectly executed/managed. They started with the National Anthem (all races should) and they started on time! I hate when races start late...as often they do. The real show of race management was following the race I had several emails exchanged about different things (nothing critical) and they were quick to respond and pleasant all around. Big shout out to the race management team. They really put on a superb race...and a great shirt and medal!

Warning: DO BE PREPARE for a nice hill just after mile 11. I wasn't ready for this and it kind of took the wind out of my sails for a bit. Ha!

This was my first time and it was an absolute blast! I LOVED the course and the scenery. Could be one of the most beautiful courses I have run.

The HILLS are better described as mountains. The uphills were not short and many. Instead, they were MILES long. It really was impossible to sustain any semblance of a steady pace...and the downhills were no picnic either. Be prepared to run a LOT of hills--I don't think there were 13 feet in a row that didn't have an incline/decline! If someone is going to PR on this course, they are an absolute BEAST.

This was a smaller race and the local stores were gracious enough to let everyone park right near the start/finish. Great! The post-race support/festivities were very well done. I usually don't stick around much following races, but today I hung out for a long time just enjoying the weather and the fun.

The race organizer was wonderful. She actually stood at the finish to give EVERYONE a hug as the crossed the finish line. Seriously?! FABULOUS woman.

The views are worth the climbs. Small town charm. Great local food and drink. I would recommend this race to anyone.

The race started off with an interesting twist... the singer for the National Anthem was sick and was not available. So the management offered a free entry to next years race for anyone that would sing on the spot. The guy that stepped up was supported by the rest of the runners standing there. Very cool. NO race should begin without the National Anthem.

Parking was AWESOME. I arrived about 75 minutes before the race start--about what I would normally do--and there was parking ALL OVER! The city decided not to ticket anyone that was legally parked until after noon. Parking was absolutely NOT a concern. Even for friends that came later to see the finish, there was sufficient and available parking. More than 5 STARS on this point.

The race was pretty flat as advertised with just a few rolling hills at the beginning and end (out and back course). I enjoyed the first 3.5 miles through a nice little neighborhood. BEAUTIFUL homes. At 3.5miles we came to a nice trail and wooden bridge trail. Very nice. Be sure to keep your head up so you don't miss the fast guys that are already hauling butt back from the turn around (unless you ARE the fast guys...then be aware that most of the slower runners are NOT looking up for your quick return). No traffic jams or runner collisions though.
TONS of aid stations and friendly people volunteering. Several points along the way had random families/friends set up "tailgating" and cheering everyone on that ran by. Very nice.

Cool T-shirt and pretty awesome medal. The finishers medal features an iconic drawbridge from Charlevoix and the bridge pieces even move up and down. Hopefully they do a similarly cool medal next year.

ABSOLUTELY everyone should do this race. I ran with a friend that had run it several times and convinced me to make the trip (it wasn't a hard sell...Charlevoix is amazing on its own). There is a reason she keeps returning to run this race. DO IT!

This was my first time running this race. There was a HUGE hill over the final mile that just dragged on and on--be ready to climb to the finish.
It was particularly hot and humid that day as well. That said, they had aide stations all along the course. Friendly volunteers.
There were games/contests set-up throughout the course as well. Unless you are racing for a PR or something competitive, I would encourage everyone to take the few moments and enjoy the contests. Plus, they serve as a nice little break from the heat/humidity.

My one complaint was related to the transportation from the host hotel. We were supposed to get shuttle service from the host hotel the morning of the race over to the park where the race started. The shuttles never arrived leaving several hundred runners to fight for taxis at the final moment. The race directors heard about the shuttle issues and delayed the race start about 30-40 minutes. (Whereas that was nice, it did make for the higher temps at the start and throughout the race). In the summer, I would like to have races starting closer to 6am to avoid the rising temps and early heat of day...but that's just me.
The shuttles were there and very nice for the ride back after the race.

Aside from the shuttle snafu, this was a great race. I would ABSOLUTELY recommend it to anyone looking to get a nice race in the Philadelphia area.