Tobacco Road Marathon

Tobacco Road Marathon

Tobacco Road Marathon

( 22 reviews )
95% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Cary,
    North Carolina,
    United States
  • March
  • 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Trail Race
  • Event Website

Alastair Vance

Morrisville, North Carolina, United States
27 18
2018
"My First Half and I Absolutely Loved It!!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Alastair Vance's thoughts:

This was my first half marathon race. I chose it because it's close to home and I often run on the American Tobacco Trail.

I ran the race with friends from my running club, so we had a parking pass (recommended) between us and traveled to the race together. I was a bit surprised to find out we needed to be in the parking lot 90 minutes before the race start. However, it was nice to be parked so close and we were able to chill in the car for a while anyway.

The t-shirts were great. I had somehow ordered the wrong size when I registered, but was able to exchange it on the race morning.

There were plenty of porta-potties, but the lines did get quite long closer to start time.

I liked how the full and half participants all started together. There was just over 3200 total runners but it was easy enough to jump into a pacing group. Everyone ran together for the first 2.5 miles (on the road) and then the half and full went different directions (on the American Tobacco Trail).

The Trail surface is hard packed gravel and could be a little dusty, but it is definitely a bit better on your knees than running on the road.

Because it's an out and back, you may think there would not be enough room on the trail for runners going both ways. I honestly didn't find that to be an issue. I liked seeing the runners coming back. It added to the experience for me, as we could cheer each other on.

There was plentiful aid stations, with Water and Gatorade, and a sprinkling of spectators at the various intersections with roads.

I felt strong until about mile 10, and then pushed through for the last 3 miles. The downhill finish was very rewarding.

Afterward, there was beer (important), Papa John pizza, fruit and fruit drinks, plus live music. I probably hung around a lot longer than I do for most race after-parties. My wife and young son joined us for the after-party as well, so it's quite easy for family members to join after which is great.

The race photos turned out great. I do wish they'd adopt the same model a lot of other races do these days and offer race photos for free. :-)

I will be back next year to beat my PR.

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