• Williamsburg,
    Virginia,
    United States
  • June
  • 3 miles/5K, 5 miles/8K, 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Casey

Virginia, United States
4 3
2013
"Cannons, Fife and Drum Corps, Oh My!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Casey 's thoughts:

If you're a history buff at all, this race is for you. I know, I know. What in the WORLD do those two things have in common... Generally? Nothing. Enter Run for the Dream.

This race is organized and put on by a smaller race group in Williamsburg, Va. Because of this, the expo isn't much to look at and it doesn't have a TON of the swag options that larger races have (finisher items and what not). It is VERY well run though. Shuttle options are available to runners the day of the event and should be taken advantage of. Truthfully, though, what this race may 'lack' in swag/expo it MOST CERTAINLY makes up for in character.

Being set in Colonial Williamsburg allows this race to take FULL advantage of the rich local history. For starters a fife and drum corp not only entertain you pre race, BUT the lead you to the start line. Think colonial battle. Those jokers lead the troops into battle. Now they lead runners to start lines (which in many instances may seem like battles). Next, a CANNON sends you off. Forget those dinky starting pistols, this race has a real live CANNON to send you on your 13.1 mile adventure. Never been sent off by a cannon and a fife and drum corp? Um, I highly recommend it. Nothing makes you feel more BA.

The first two miles send you through Colonial Williamsburg which is kind of awesome. (Can you tell CW has a soft spot in my heart. It's one of my favorite places on earth :) ) I won't lie, there are some lulls in the course scenery esp at one point as you run along the back side of a grocery store parking lot. Soon thereafter, though, you're running to the gorgeous York River (it very well could have been the James, all I know is that it was freaking beautiful!). Colonial Pkwy can be kind of a dead zone, but it is the coolest part of the race. VA in June can be a scorcher so you're BEYOND elated when you're in the shade of pine along Colonial Pkwy. Also, there are various bands/entertainers along the route.

Overall, this course is pretty fast. There are a few tougher elevation changes, but nothing scary. We don't have scary hills in Hampton Roads. There is a very short portion of the course (I'd say less than half a mile) that is trail... and by trail I mean dirt road. Nothing to worry about, just something to be aware of.

The finish to this race is pretty dang cool. For the last half mile, the course is lined with the kids Run for a Dream supports. Talk about an emotional finish! They're so excited for you and are cheering for you so hard! The actual finish line is inside the College of William and Mary's football stadium (also pretty cool). Med tents are staffed with EMTs and Physicians who are super knowledgeable (trust me, I got to meet several of them as I tripped over the finish line) and are aware of the elements (HEAT!). The medals are always pretty for you swag snobs out there (ahem, me.) The after race party here is unlike ANY other race I've encountered. It takes place in the sunken gardens at W&M and is stocked full of delicious BBQ, beer, and a DJ. Hands down the most fun I've ever had at a finish line. EVER!

I highly recommend checking out this race. OH! And for you 'challenge accepted' types out there. There is the option to do the Patriot Challenge (8k Sat, Half Sun).

Login or sign up to leave a comment.

Latest reviews

Loading Reviews...