Are you looking for something to shake up your regular race schedule? Possibly a post-Thanksgiving tradition? I would HIGHLY recommend the Amish Country half. This was my first year but it will not be my last!

Vertical Runner, a local running store in Wooster, provides excellent pacers for the event and many around me achieved their time goal. With that said--the hills on this course are FOR REAL. I do not think this will ever be a "pr" course but that is not to say that you should avoid it! In fact, just the opposite--run this one for fun. Take in the beautiful scenery, the farms, the Amish spectators, and walk some of those crazy hills if necessary. I stopped to take pictures several times it was so pretty. But avoid those road apples :)

It's a small race that starts at Berlin High School--easy registration, parking, and packet pickup. The atmosphere is incredibly laid back but is also one of the most organized races I have ever run.

There were a number of well staffed aid stations and the volunteers were terrific--offering powerade, water, encouragement and GUs (toward the end). Every mile is marked as well.

The long sleeve dry techs were provided in both male and female cuts and you not only receive a medal at the end but a block of cheese from Heini's! What a treat!

Afterwards, you make your way into the high school cafeteria where you are provided apples, oranges, bananas, chocolate milk, bottled water, chips, Subway subs, cookies AND chicken noodles from a local restaurant. It was the best post race food as those noodles warmed your belly.

My friend and I had to leave town to make it back home for an appt but I could easily see making a day out of it--or even better, staying at a B&B and making a weekend out of it.

You'd be silly not to run this. I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't. Grab a friend, have fun, and enjoy the noodles!