What a fantastic weekend!

Friday my family and I went to Packet Pick up at Sheperdstown University, where there was plenty of parking, small but nice expo and no line waiting for bib and t-shirt.

26.2 Miles encased in National Park Land, with some country roads and history town that connect them. Its a point to point with a small net elevation loss. Start line, nice and early (7:30am) at Harpers Ferry National Park, then 10 flat miles on the beautiful and flat C&O Canal, rolling hills to Antietam Battlefield for a couple of miles, and pretty flat 4.5 miles to the finish line into Sheperdstown, where you get to finish on the 50 yard line at the University :)

I have to say, this is now one of my favorite marathons for so many reasons, starting with the great communication with the RD on social media and emails. The way the race gives back to local charities, helping with hurricane donations, and much more that I'll add to my full review on my blog.

The first time I heard about this race and the fact we run through 3 National Parks, I was sold! But, it was honestly more beautiful and well supported than I expected. Aid stations were well stocked with water, gatorade, Honey Stinger Gels and fruit. So many wonderful friendly and helpful volunteers made the weekend go so smoothly.

Great Post Race party! Pizza, fruit, water, and water bottles and glasses to fill with your free beer/soda. Free massages and I tried the Nordic Compression Boots, and it felt amazing. The finishers medal was designed and molded by a local potter, which adds another nice local touch.

ADD THIS MARATHON TO YOUR LIST! I very highly recommend this race. Honestly, I took about 100 photos during my run. You get a very nice variety, rolling hills, flat trail, running over a bridge and down a spiral staircase ( which was cool).