The 2016 Shamrock Marathon was recommended to me by my coach, as it was very flat and set up perfectly for a PR. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate, but I'll get to that!

I attended the expo on Friday evening and it was held in an expo hall about a mile from the start finish area. The space was huge but there weren't a ton of exhibitors. The packet pickup process was a breeze, as they had all of the different races split into separate areas, so there was no overlap between the half and full participants. Along with the bib, entrants receiving a drawstring backpack, a long sleeve tech shirt, and a 2016 calendar. Not a bad haul!

I stayed about 3 blocks from the start line so I didn't get to experience driving or parking, but it didn't seem too congested. The start line was about a block from the ocean, on the other side of a row of hotels. There was music playing before the race started, and in better weather it would have been quite a party!

The race itself started on time. There wasn't a strict wave start but people in general lined up mostly in order. The course was absolutely flat as a pancake with the exception of a bridge that had to be traversed twice, maybe an 80 foot hill at most though. The early miles were around Virginia Beach and then onto a military base. By mile 11 we were back downtown and there was a solid two mile stretch on the boardwalk, right next to the ocean. After that, it was a long 7 mile journey through a neighborhood and then a quiet country road before passing both lighthouses (around mile 21) and then back towards the finish line, which was back on the boardwalk.

The course would have been a great PR course except the weather was terrible. Overcast and a wind of 30 mph that was in your face for nearly 16 of the 26 miles. That of course is no fault of the race directors!

There were aid stations at most every two miles, and they were all very well staffed with very enthusiastic volunteers. You can tell that the whole city loves this race and they all come out for it.

The medal was a good size, featuring a shamrock and both lighthouses from the course. It was so cold and windy that I didn't stick around for the after party but there was a huge tent where there was plentiful food and drink options.

I would 100% recommend this race to anyone looking for a PR or just an all around good time!

I entered the lost Dutchman half at the last minute. My girlfriend was doing a race in Arizona the previous day, and since we were traveling there anyway, I decided to find a smaller race to do for myself. The lost Dutchman, just outside of Phoenix, fit the bill.

There was no formal expo, bibs were handed out at a running store in Tempe. No issues finding the store or parking, and there were a lot of volunteers there handing out bibs, shirts, etc. The shirt for finishers was a long sleeve that seems to be a cross of cotton and tech material. Very nice and something different.

The start line was easy to locate (a short drive off the interstate and the directions were easy). Parking was a breeze as well, with lots of people directing cars in the dark early morning. There was a bus service from parking to the start area, which was a brief ride. The start area had several vendors selling early morning treats and coffee. Lots of port a potties with no waiting, which was also nice.

The course was a simple out and back. The terrain was mostly flat with some gentle rolling hills along the way. It was an early enough start that the Arizona heat didn't play a factor, but watching the sunrise was definitely a highlight! My only complaint about the course was that it is shared with the 10k that also happens, so in the back half it got a bit congested as the half marathon leaders caught up to the middle 10k runners, but all the 10kers were supportive and encouraging, so that was nice!

I was happy to get a top 10 overall finish in this race, and received a really nice plaque for placing in my age group. There is a ton of civic pride that is on display at this race, and you can tell it's a long running community tradition. There were aid stations every couple miles, with lots of enthusiastic volunteers.

This was a small race but holy cow was it fun and well organized. If you are in the Arizona area, this is a great alternative to the big Phoenix races!

I ran the 2015 Lakefront Marathon as a first timer. Everyone in the Milwaukee area talked about how this is an excellent PR/BQ course, due to the flat to downhill elevation, and cooler temps at that time of year. 2015 was a cool and overcast day, perfect for racing! The finish line area is in downtown Milwaukee, and there is a continuous shuttle service that goes from here to the start line (lakefront is a point to point course). There were ample busses starting a few hours before the race, so there was plenty of time to get to the start. The start line itself is in Grafton, a suburb in northern Milwaukee. The busses drop at the high school, which is open for restrooms, coffee, etc. The race doesn't use a corralled start, but there is a good orderly set up of faster runners toward the front. The first two miles are in Grafton before the course swings east toward Lake Michigan. The first 14 miles are run mostly in the country, with a short jaunt through a university campus (lots of excited spectators here!). Upon entering Milwaukee, you race through the northern lakeshore area, featuring some of the priciest real estate in the city! The final 4 miles take place right on the lakefront, with spectacular views and lots of spectators!

Participants receive a long sleeve technical shirt, as well as a large medal featuring the lakefront marathon logo. The finish line party features lots of refreshments for participants, including local restaurant fare along with the usual post race candy and bagels and drinks.

The race has a cap of 3500 participants, and it usually sells out. It is a competitive field that brings out top racers in the area, but of course they are welcoming of all abilities. There are several pace groups at varying speeds to get you to your PR. One of the best things about Lakefront though is the crowd support. Since this is Milwaukees race, people line the course nearly from start to finish, even in the rural areas. Great energy comes from start to finish!

I loved Lakefront, set my marathon PR there, and will definitely be running it again!