The Runner's World Half and Fesitval is truly a weekend Festival! Runner's World knows what they are doing and they do it right!
Let's start with all the pre-race festivities! The expo is by far the best I have ever been to and it is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. They make it extremely easy to navigate as it spans three floors of the Artsquest Building in Bethlehem. The first floor is filled with raffles and the main sponsor Altra was selling shoes and apparel. The second floor is bib pickup and the third floor is swag pick up as well as 15+ other sponsors, businesses, and races selling things and promoting their products. One of my favorites is KT Tape where they offer to tape one body part for free!
In addition to the expo, they offer numerous different FREE seminars. Everything from course strategy, trail running 101, recovery yoga, gear seminars, self defense, running techniques, injury prevention, and much more!
The weekend is comprised of four races. A 3.8 mile trail race Friday, a 5k and 10k Saturday, and a half marathon Sunday. You can run all four (the grand slam), the 5k, 10k, & half (the hat trick), the 5k & 10k (the five and dime), or just one of the four races. And every race has its own medal and all the medals connect.
The courses themselves are beautiful. Bethlehem is beautiful and we are fortunate to have Bart Yasso, the mayor of running, design the courses! If you are looking for a challenge, these are your races. Bethlehem is hilly and the courses do not disappoint on the hills. That being said, many people PR on these courses and I would like to think some of that has to do with the community and volunteers. Most of the course is through residential neighborhoods and the residences along the way are great! They come out to cheer on the runners, making their own aid stations, handing out water and beer, and providing music. The race directors also do an amazing job placing aid stations every mile manned by volunteers with lots of energy cheering on runners. Along with water aid stations, medical tents could be found sporadically along the course as well!
Last but not least, and the most important, is the local law enforcement and first responders! They do such an amazing job keeping the runners safe and on track!!! Every major intersection is covered by a local Police Officer, College security officer, paramedic, or fire fighter. The race directors also do an amazing job marking the course with signs that tell you exactly where to go.
The post race festivities where just as great! It is like a huge party with music, beer, and plenty of food!
If you are looking for a fun running weekend do not miss the Runner's World Half and Festival!