Latest reviews by Paul

(2014)
"The Perfect Way to Celebrate the 4th of July"
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With nearly 60,000 participants each year, the Peachtree Road Race is the largest race in the United States; the sheer rush of getting to share the road with so many other runners is indescribable, and the experience is truly unmatched. While the grandeur of this race is reason enough to check it out, the Peachtree offers a wealth of other positive attributes as well.

The overwhelming number of enthusiastic spectators and bands along the course are incredibly motivating, and they really helped to keep the energy high along the entire course. The aid stations were set on both sides of the road at every mile, and there were more than enough volunteers to ensure that there was no waiting to grab a cup. If for some reason you couldn't get your fill at the official aid stations though, there was an abundance of spectator stations offering everything from pizza and beer to all varieties of sport drinks. Overall the race was extremely well run, and between the pot holes in the road being circled with spray paint and ambulances standing ready to respond at nearly every block, you could really tell that no detail was overlooked in the planning and implementation of the race.

The course is moderately hilly, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing so long as you've properly prepared and you know what to expect. There's just enough variation in the course profile to keep things interesting, and there's a two mile downhill stretch betweens miles 1 and 3 where you can really bank some time. A few hills pop up after that to slow you down a bit, but the course has a net elevation loss of almost 100 feet, so it's really very manageable.

The only real negative about this race is getting to the starting line. Driving is definitely not an option as practically all of the roads in the area are closed to traffic. You're best bet is to take MARTA, Atlanta's public transportation system, but just know that you need to head to the station pretty early since the trains will be packed and you may not be able to fit on the first one that arrives. There just isn't a good solution to handling a group of 60,000 people all heading to the same place at the same time, so I really don't fault the race on this one. Even with this one disadvantage the race is still one of the best around. Plan accordingly, both for the hills and getting to the start, and I'm sure you'll have an amazing time. At least for me, there is now no other way to properly celebrate the Fourth of July, and doing this race will definitely be an annual tradition.

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(2014)
"Come for the Bands and the Monuments"
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As you might have guessed, the Monument Avenue 10K is an out-and-back course that treks along Monument Avenue in downtown Richmond. From Confederate general Robert E. Lee to tennis star Arthur Ashe, this historic street is famed for its six larger than life statues that pay tribute to famous Virginians. The race is a journey through history as runners pass beautifully ornate homes built in the early 1900's and run beneath the towering monuments, but the Monument Avenue 10K is equally known for its lively party atmosphere.

The course, which is as flat as you could ever want, features dozens of bands that cover a wide variety of genres to keep participants motivated and running strong, and even with the light rain we had this year, the turn out of spectators and performers was exceptional. Additionally, there are four aid stations along the course, stocked with both water and Powerade, but you shouldn't be too surprised to see many of the sororities and fraternities offering more adult hydration options as they enthusiastically cheer on the runners.

Aside from the awesome vibe, the race is also incredibly accessible. The event organizers have really gone out of their way to make getting to the starting line as easy as possible. For those really committed, free street parking can be found near enough to the start, but it's much easier to choose either parking at one of the paid lots in the area or parking at The Diamond or City Stadium and paying for the extremely reasonably priced shuttle transportation. And if you'd prefer to completely forgo burning gas on race day, there are numerous hotels within walking distance of the start and a free valet service is offered to anyone who bikes to the race.

The Monument Avenue 10K is a unique event, and definitely one you should add to your list of most do races. The overwhelming energy of the spectators combined with a nearly perfectly flat course make this an ideal race for attempting a new PR, and afterwards there are a host of great things to do and restaurants to check out as you explore Richmond and all that it has to offer.

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