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Cary,
North Carolina,
United States - March
- 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
- Trail Race
- Event Website
Ben Wachter
Bumpass, Virginia, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
When a race says it's flat and fast I get kind of skeptical. I've done races that claimed that but Tobacco Road delivered. There are some hills but you really don't notice them since this is an old railroad bed and railroads like to be as flat as possible. The course started in Thomas Brooks Park and proceeded for about 2 miles on the road before turning on the trail. Both the half and full started at the same time, but once on the trails we were split up until the back half of the full.
The aid stations were amazing and everyone was super friendly and cheering. The few road crossing we had on the trail were well managed also.
The start/finish area was large and 'T' shaped with the top of the 'T' being the finish corral and port o pots, and the long section the party area. Bag check was super smooth and easy too.
Post race food was fruits and water or Gatorade, along with Pizza and chocolate milk and beer of course. At every other maraton I've done the pizza was cold from sitting out, but not this time. It was warm and fresh. Local brewery Appalachain Brewing Company was on hand with different beers and a cider for everyone.
I was looking for the PR bell. With a 40 minute PR here I was really looking forward to ringing it, but didn't see one or I just didn't look in the right spot. I never heard one so they may not do that at this event.
The expo was nice with a mix of local vendors and area races. And everything was spread out and roomy.
If you asked me right now would I come back, my answer would be yes! This was a fun event, well managed and ran, and Cary, NC is a beautiful town. I cannot recommend this race enough.