This past weekend, I ran the Ridgway Marathon. This is a pic of the start line (and 2 of the guys in this pic were running a marathon relay!) As you can see, it's an extremely small race. I had never heard of it until a friend put it on my radar last year. But it was an amazing race, and here's why you might want to add this one to your calendar.

The logistics for this race were a breeze. I live close by but even if I didn't, I know I could get a hotel for a minimal fee (no exuberant fees for race weekend!) I was also able to park AT the start line. I've run 24 marathons and I've never been able to drive to the start line before!

The racecourse is flat and fast. It's a certified Boston Qualifier, which is cool. And it's perfectly scenic, running along the local rails-to-trails path. I managed to pull off an 11 minute PR so I can attest to the fact that this course (a 13.1 mile out and back) is fast.

And the race organizer and sponsor are wonderful. It's a small race, so they treat runners like elites. Both before and after the race, they made sure we had everything we needed (like ziploc bags for our gadgets since it was raining.) After the race, the main race sponsor, Dr. Cole, lended me an arm to walk my over the the food area where he got me a banana and opened my Gatorade. He also let me know that his office (the race "expo") had a shower that I was free to use. And he had also brought in folks to do free massages (with tips going to hurricane relief). I took advantage of both and went home much less cold, stinky, and sore than I would have been otherwise.

The only negative about this race is that because it is so small, it can get a little lonely out there. If you thrive on spectators, this isn't the race for you. While I do usually like a few spectators to help keep me motivated, I have to say that I was fine just listening to my music and taking in the beautiful race course.

Also, because there were so few of us, I got a high five from each of the marathoners as we passed each other at the turnaround. And I knew the names of each of the four other women who were running. It really made me feel like I was running with friends even though I had only met these people minutes before.

Bottom line: The Ridgway Marathon is the perfect little marathon that you have probably never heard of. Check it out...I hope to see you there next year!