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Latest reviews by Brenda Morris
Brenda Morris recommends this race
(2022)
"Smuttynose Half Marathon "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Race day: the half marathon started at 8:00 AM (the 5K at 8:40).
A very windy day, but great bands and lots of support out there.
Aid Stations: Feel like this part could do some work. On the way back, not so many of them. I feel like since there were parts that were out and back, the water stops should have been in the middle of the road so you could get to them from both sides.
Parking: Make sure you get there with enough time to park or your parking aways out.
Getting there: be sure to look at the directions. There was bridge work on the main way in, so I took an alternate route in order to avoid traffic
Swag: medal and Jacket
Post Race Party: Lobster Rolls, Clam Chowder, Veggie Wrap, Veggie soup. Ice cold Beer
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Brenda Morris recommends this race
(2022)
"Hartford Half Marathon"
Overall
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Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
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I am a BibRavePro. In return for promoting this race, and discount code, BibRave paid for my entry.
TheHartford Marathon Foundation, is a local organization that puts on many events (5k, 10k, half, full, tri, and a 96 mile event).
I have run the full marathon about 6 times, but haven't been on the course in about 5 years, so I was really excited to run half... Half crazy right?
The race started at 8am. The weather was perfect!! There were thousands of volunteers. There were so many awesome people cheering. It was such a joy.
Along the course there was well maintained port-a-potties. The course was well marked. There were lots of aid stations (each had water and Nuun Endurance). There were several stations with soda &candy station (you passed by the candy twice).
The course takes you through Hartford, East Hartford and South Windsor. I love the variety in this course.
The elevation on the course was pretty flat. You got to run on some major roads and finished under the Sailors and Soldiers Arch.
You could run the 5K, half or full. There is an option for a relay team for the full. The medals are great.
I loved the Beer tent, with Apple Cider and Hard Seltzer option.
I was disappointed in the post food this year. They used to have delicious vegetarian soup and options. This year there was only clam chowder which I'm not a fan of, so I had to go buy some food before alcohol
Brenda Morris recommends this race
(2022)
"Providence Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
The Providence Marathon offered runners an easy place for packet pick-up, along with a wonderful swag with a grey, soft, warm, good looking jacket and a backpack with a strategically-placed zipper. The marathon and half marathon were staged at the Rhode Island State House, with a very large grassy area for meeting friends and preparing for the race. Parking was plentiful, close, very easy to find and very reasonably priced at Providence Place and the Convention Center for a total of $15.00 for the day! The weather was sunny, clear and calm with an invigorating opening temperature of 45 degrees rising to a balmy 65 degrees.
The marathon course started near the state house, then meandered along the water, along tree lined residential streets, passing by a golf course, and running along several miles on the bike path which offered shade and scenic views of the Providence River. The race was exceptionally well planned with the race clearly marked, fully staffed with an amazing number of helpful volunteers with water, lots of nu drink, pretzels, tangerines, and plenty of encouragement. There were many volunteers at every turn, along police and aid workers strategically place to direct traffic and to offer help if needed.
Of course, after 26 miles of running, the finish line was so welcome, especially with the beer garden and food and of course, the large medal! What a perfect day!
Brenda Morris recommends this race
(2021)
"Virtual Oakland Marathon "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
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So much effort and motivation during the virtual running experience! A fun social media presence and email communications.
The long sleeve shirt I received is Under Armor and dryfit materials with thumbholes! As for the medal, high quality with a unique design made specific for Oakland's unique area. I feel a little funny about virtual medals, but it is pretty.
The 2020 Oakland Marathon was my first postponed race of 2020. Even in 2020, the Oakland Marathon and Running Festial did a great job mailing out packets to runners and still making it a memorable event.
I highly recommend the Oakland Marathon and all race distances. I look forward to hopefully running the race in person in the future, as the area looks like a great place for adventures.
Brenda Morris recommends this race
(2020)
"Hospital Hill virtual "
Overall
Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support
I registered for this race after it went virtual. There was plenty of information on their Facebook page. They had challenges and a group page. I enjoyed the emails and updates on social media. I love the soft race shirt and medal. I have to admit, I feel funny about virtual medals, but it is pretty.