Latest reviews by Paul

(2014)
"Run the Quay 10k, 5k and 15 Quay Challenge"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was the 10 year anniversary for this race south of Raleigh. A well attended event that has grown and grown year after year. This race has always been just a 5k event, with a kids fun run as well in the past, but this year they added two event for the anniversary.

Pre-race communications were plentiful, and mostly on Facebook. Follow Run the Quay Race Events for more info. The race expo was held at the Fuquay Varina Chamber of Commerce, but was really just a packet pickup. Easy in and out if you want to pick up your stuff the day prior, but race morning pickup is offered, as well.

The event is located in downtown and is run exclusively on historic town streets. Both courses are filled with rolling hills, and the new 10k event had over 30 turns, which made it fun and even more challenging. Aid stations were adequate, and offered water. Due to the small town nature of this event, local residents wake up early and offer much support from their front years and along the streets.
There will be plenty of runners in both races. The numbers typically exceed 600 in total. They offer AG trophies for top one and two in each category. 10k participants this year were awarded a finisher medal at the finish line.
If you are looking for a well run, small town event in the Triangle area, then Run the Quay is a great option. Post race festivities included an array of food and drink, and many vendors offering things from discounted running gear to massages. I was really impressed overall.

Check out my full race recap here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-1LP

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"All American Marathon a smash hit!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Another marathon within a hours drive from home? Yes, please! Another inaugural event this year, the All American Marathon, and Mike to Mike Half Marathon felt like a race that has been around for years. That is how well done race organizers did on May 4th, 2014. Superb event all around.

I signed up back in December to run this event. Registration costs in the beginning were fairly priced considering the averages these days. I think I signed up for around $70.

The race course was tough, incorporating many hilly spots as runners head out of the Festival Park start in Fayetteville, on the way to Ft. Bragg. Ft. Bragg is an Army Installation near Fayetteville, and home to Pope Air Force Base. Course support from spectators to volunteers was just amazing! Military vehicles and men and women in uniform lined the course in Ft. Bragg. It was truly a sight to behold. I felt so honored to be running there. I kind of felt like I was paying my respects to these men and women through my running, so it was extra special. Running for a reason, so they say.

Most folks never get the chance to visit an Army Base so the course is truly unique. With close to 3,000 runners taking part in the event, I truly believe it will just grow and grow from here. A race to repeat over and over again? Yes! I will be back.

Aid stations on this course were top notch! From mile 10 on, there was a stop every mile. When I say these stops were well supported, I mean it. I have never seen this many aid stations at any other race, ever. They were not small stations either, at least 20-30 volunteers at each and every one. There was no way to get dehydrated unless you just skipped the stops. No excuses.

The finish area was huge, filled with a stage for awards, plenty of vendors, and food trucks. Had I known that I would need a little cash to purchase anything at the post race festival, I would have tucked a few bucks into my shirts, but I didn't know. That being said, there was plenty of food/drink that was free, and a huge area to spread out in and relax after the finish.

The highlight of my day, well, besides crossing the finish line, was getting the chance to meet the recent Boston Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi. It was such an inspiration to have him at this event, and to have him so graciously autograph my race bib and medal, and pose for a few pictures with me and my son. Yes, my son ran his second Half Marathon at this event, and loved it, too.

Runners from a reported 48 states and a few countries attended this inaugural event. So, even if you are not local to the area, don't be afraid to sign up for this event. It is a destination race that you wouldn't be disappointed in. I am very proud to have run this inaugural event, and proud of our armed services!

Full race recap with photos can be viewed here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-1DV

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"10 is Perfect"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I recently ran this event, and this distance, for the first time. New race distance equals instant PR.

Pre race communications were awesome and abundant with information. I know a lot of folks who have run this event in the past, and it was highly recommended.

Starting with the expo.... Well, it was held in the University Mall in Chapel Hill. Biggest pet peeve about this event is the fact that they do not offer race morning packet pickup. I understand why they don't do it, with 6,000 runners registered for the event, but this was highly inconvenient for me. Packet pick up was only one day, and you had to attend. Luckily this was the only part of the event that I didn't like.

Race morning was early, parking plentiful. Follow race instructions for parking, and get there early. With so many runners descending on Chapel Hill, traffic delays can be an issue if you don't allow yourself enough time.

The start of the race was at the UNC Chapel Hill Bell Tower. Let me just say this. Chapel Hill during the height of the Springtime is incredibly beautiful. Full bloom race course equals amazing views. Spectators and locals were out in force to welcome runners.

The race course was tough, yet doable. A gently rolling course that moves through pretty neighborhoods, down Franklin Street and finishing in Kenan Stadium. A stadium finish? Yes, it was pretty epic to finish that way. Mile 8-9 was the toughest, including Laurel Hill. Embrace the hill! Know it's coming, and conquer it.

Post race food and drink were abundant, and the medal was awesome. Results were available at the finish, and there was plenty of room in the stadium for family reunions, post race pictures and relaxing. This race is a must run.

Here is a link to my full race recap. http://wp.me/p3u1nG-1Ba

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2014)
"Inaugural Success of Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Everything about this inaugural event was top notch. I've run two other Rock 'n' Roll events in the past (RnR Las Vegas Half 2011, and RnR Las Vegas Full 2013). This one was new, local, and on my Birthday, so I just had to run it.

Running in Raleigh is always great. So much to see, and plenty of hills. Raleigh is rolling, so if you are up for a challenge, this race is for you! The race course offered pretty much a picture postcard view of all things Raleigh. Downtown start and finish, many local landmarks such as PNC Arena, NC State Bell Tower, Shaw University, Peace College, Meredith, and more. Many great views of the city, and great spectator support for a first time event.

Race day temperatures were fairly warm, as April in North Carolina can be cool or hot. That being said, I do think the RnR team needs to add some additional aid/water stations in years to come. This is the one area that I think needs improvement.

The course itself was tough, so training on hills is a must for anyone that really wants to succeed in this race without feeling really beaten down.

Pre race expo was well done at the Raleigh Convention Center. Packed with vendors and plenty of parking downtown. Organization of the event that morning was exceptional in my opinion. I had no issues getting into the city, or finding parking very close to the start. Arrive early! Corrals were clearly marked, and the race start was fantastic. The finish area was awesome, and full of energy. The post race festival was really nice, as well. A short walk from the finish to the Red Hat Amphitheater for award presentations and headliner band New Politics. There were local food trucks, post race massages, and RnR offered a deep discount if you signed up on the spot for the next year. So bring your credit card to take advantage of it.

Overall, I give this event 4.5 starts, especially considering it was the first running of this event. Nicely done Rock 'n' Roll.

Here is a link to the full recap on my running blog. http://wp.me/p3u1nG-1x1

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2013)
"Majestic Raleigh Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

The expo: plenty of vendors, samples and more. Easy to move around in, and grab the necessities.

Parking: Easy to find parking on race morning. Parking in Cameron Village is a breeze, and just a short 5 minute walk to the start line at the NC State Belltower.

Course: A great course run in the city, and through the greenway north to Crabtree area. Raleigh is hilly, and you will get your fill on this course. As you head out on the greenway around mile 9, prepare yourself for great beauty and challenge, alike. Peaceful, and difficult at the same time.

This event I believe is Raleigh's premier marathon. Fun, interesting and challenging course, great crowd support in spots, yet quiet and serene in others.

If you get in on registration early, this is a very affordable marathon as well. There is also a Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, and 10k offered. A great event for the family.

Post race medals were amazing! Food was awesome, too. Pizza, donuts, hot soup, etc...

You will not be disappointed in this event. Read my full race recap here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-Ma

Login or sign up to leave a comment.