Old Port Half Marathon

Old Port Half Marathon

Old Port Half Marathon

( 18 reviews )
83% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Portland,
    Maine,
    United States
  • July
  • 3 miles/5K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

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Samantha

Baltimore, Maryland, United States
30 15
2017
"2017 Old Port Half"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Samantha 's thoughts:

Expo: I personally did not attend the expo. A family member picked up bibs and swag for my boyfriend, brother, and myself. She had no issues, aside from my shirt. Runners should note that the registration cost is low because purchasing a shirt, beer mug, or hat is optional. I got all three, and they are wonderful and reasonably priced.

Pre-race and parking: We left our hotel in nearby South Portland at 6. We faced some traffic getting off of the highway, and then some due to the road closures. There was plenty of parking close to the start, about $10 a pop.

The race itself: The half marathon had a wave start to avoid congestion. The first 7 miles run through the Old Port and residential neighborhoods. The course was pretty full at this point, and I struggled with getting sucked in behind large groups of runners. There were two long, steep hills (and steep downhills) around miles 2 and 6, but otherwise the course was mostly flat. After coming down the second hill at mile 8 was a loop around the Back Cove before heading back towards the start/finish. There were some amazing views, especially at the top of the second hill, and when circling the Back Cove. The one bad part of the course was around mile 11.5, when runners ran past a sewage plant. Yuck!

Course aid: The volunteers and aid stations were pretty fantastic. The volunteers were happy to be there and the stations were stocked. From mile 8 on, there were 3 aid stations with ice cold towels! The one disappointment about the aid stations was that I did not see any type of gel/chew fuel. I bring my own, but on a hot course, I think it's important to provide some.

Post race: The finish area was hectic, as the chute was short and people gathered right at the end. Thankfully I found my family and a misting tent (it was a very humid morning!). The party area was fun, with great beer and a fun band. I was disappointed with the food, though. There was not much left in the runner's food tent, and the pizza that was a main draw for the race was gone.

Swag: Like I mentioned before, the swag was an additional price. The shirt is of great quality, and has a boat, lobster, and water landscape. For $12, it's awesome. The hat and mug were also great purchases. The medal has a beer opener and has a beautiful ship with some blue glass. Everything plays into the Old Port theme.

Overall, I would gladly do this race again for either the half or full. The course is beautiful, and despite two big hills, it is a generally easy course. The main downsides are that sewage plant, and the fact that the race is in July (it may be Maine, but it does get hot and humid!)

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