Coastal Delaware Running Festival
Coastal Delaware Running Festival
( 19 reviews )-
Dewey Beach,
Delaware,
United States - May
- 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Other
- Road Race
- Event Website
Sarah Hansen
Catonsville, Maryland, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Pros:
--Flat and fast (only one real hill to speak of around mile 18), and at a great time of year for perfect weather - all great for a BQ/PR attempt.
--Very spectator friendly. My (very dedicated) husband was able to see me seven times (at two spots he could see me twice).
--The first about 12 miles offer stunning scenery as you meander through Cape Henlopen State Park.
--The trails in the park, and later, the Junction and Breakwater Trail, offer some crushed stone miles that make it a little easier on the joints compared to pavement.
--Course was very well-marked, and aid stations were frequent and well-staffed.
--Post race party was well stocked with food and beer. Generous allowance of beer tickets (four for runners, three for guests).
--Pint glass was included in packet pick up goody bag, in addition to the shirt.
--Humongous, attractive medal (although bordering on too big to be worn comfortably, and I might have preferred a few dollars of my registration and a slightly smaller one).
Cons:
--Lack of crowd support. This is a smaller race and not in a big city, so it's somewhat expected, but especially from miles about 22 to the end, it was *very* quiet.
--Roads are not closed, so in a few spots there is traffic nearby. Not too busy, but also not ideal.
--Second half of the race the scenery is much less impressive than the first half, but still isn't terrible.
--No gear check and conflicting information leading up to the race from RD about whether there was one or not. Thankfully I was staying close enough that I could go back to my hotel and back to the start again after dropping my sweats. I think this was only for 2021, but something to be aware of.
--Expo was pretty small. No giveaways!
--Guest tickets for post-race party were a little steep ($30).
Overall - I recommend for a BQ/PR attempt and if you enjoy a smaller, quieter race that is still very well organized, spectator friendly, has great weather, and offers really lovely scenery (in the first half). I also recommend if you want a mix of more joint-friendly surfaces in a road-style race. Do not come expecting big crowds or the feel of a big-city race -- you will be disappointed.