Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam
Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam
( 89 reviews )-
Louisville,
Kentucky,
United States - October
- 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
- Road Race
- Event Website
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Jonathan McWalter
Wisconsin, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Oh man, what an incredible racing experience in Louisville! I can easily say that this was the best race experience I've ever had, hands down. This race earns every positive thing said about it and totally lived up to the hype! Great all around from the pre-race communication through the packet pickup process to the race itself to the finish line events. Nothing was a letdown and it all explains why this race is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, in the United States.
I'll start with the race management. Great communication starting right away as soon as I registered for the race. Always sending emails notifications of course changes or updates to the packet pickup process. Michael Clemons and his team are beasts! You have a question, ask it, and they get back to you within 24 hours (quicker than that, really) with an answer. Each update they provided was concise and offered up all the details you needed to know about race day as it got closer, including when price increases would be happening.
The expo was held at the PNC Club at Cardinal Stadium. There you were given the opportunity to get your packet, sample some bourbon for free, and take a great pre race photo in front of the Urban Bourbon backdrop. Also, parking was free which is always a bonus. I had the privilege of attending a VIP packet pickup which took place at the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse in downtown Louisville. I was able to pick up my bib and wristband for the post race party. There were hors d'oeuvres to eat, free bourbon cocktails and a live bluegrass band. All VIPS were given an opportunity to partake in the Taste of History experience which allowed the tasting of four unique bourbons and learning how to drink bourbon properly. There was also an opportunity to purchase a white label Jim Beam commemorative bottle with the race logo on it.
The race itself was as fun as advertised, right from the start. It all started off with the Kentucky Derby's bugler playing a wonderful version of the Star Spangled Banner. Then it was race time. There weren't specific corrals to be in but you could find your pacer by seeing the pacer sign high up. The course has you go through parts of downtown Louisville but there is a very beautiful section in later miles of the race that take you through Cherokee Park. That was also the location of the most elevation in the whole of the race. And there were plenty of places all throughout the entire course for people to cheer you on and slap your hand.
Aid stations on the course were well positioned and had some great volunteers helping out. Easily identifiable between water and Powerade and all volunteers not only handed off cups but handed out support.
Finally, this race provides one of the best medals out there. This year's speaks for itself with a bourbon barrel as the main piece and a bottle in the middle that swivels. You also received a unisex long-sleeve tech shirt that is damn nice.
I've wanted to run this race for a couple of years now and finally did it. This is a race you need to put on your list. It is awesome and lives up to the hype! I can't wait for another opportunity to visit Louisville and run this race!