This was my third Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon. The race course is pretty (paved trail through wooded areas) and follows along the the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail system, but it is not an “exciting” course. Both the Half and the 5k are out and back races. The race terrain itself is paved and flat. However you cannot count on crowd support for this race because family / friends are not allowed out on the course, there just isn't room for people along the sides of the trail.

The expo was tiny so you can just run in and out to get your bib and shirt. There were a few vendors but nothing like a big race. The short sleeve shirt is cotton so that's why I gave the swag a 4 out of 5. However the medal is fantastic!

The support you do get is from other runners, sadly there was not as much of that this year as there has been in the past. Maybe it was the heat? Temps on race day this year were 20-30 degrees warmer that it had been all spring. 64 at the start 77 at the finish. 81 according to the official race report. The water stops (which were well manned and energetic) did provide for some support out there.

Miles 6-8ish are the toughest as they as the trail runs out from under the shade of the trees. And this year with the heat it zapped the life out of some runners.

The medal itself is pretty sweet. (see picture) The one nice thing about this smaller local race is that the after party food and drinks are always very generous. Nothing says your ran in the south like some Southern BBQ and homemade applesauce post race. Beer and plenty of water was also available. The awards were hand carved bird statues. I didn’t get one, lol, but one of my friends was able to pick one up.

I would suggest the race but maybe not as a first half. I always find that crowd support can go a long way in helping the miles pass by. All in all I would give it an 8 out of 10.