Are you looking for something to shake up your regular race schedule? Possibly a post-Thanksgiving tradition? I would HIGHLY recommend the Amish Country half. This was my first year but it will not be my last!

Vertical Runner, a local running store in Wooster, provides excellent pacers for the event and many around me achieved their time goal. With that said--the hills on this course are FOR REAL. I do not think this will ever be a "pr" course but that is not to say that you should avoid it! In fact, just the opposite--run this one for fun. Take in the beautiful scenery, the farms, the Amish spectators, and walk some of those crazy hills if necessary. I stopped to take pictures several times it was so pretty. But avoid those road apples :)

It's a small race that starts at Berlin High School--easy registration, parking, and packet pickup. The atmosphere is incredibly laid back but is also one of the most organized races I have ever run.

There were a number of well staffed aid stations and the volunteers were terrific--offering powerade, water, encouragement and GUs (toward the end). Every mile is marked as well.

The long sleeve dry techs were provided in both male and female cuts and you not only receive a medal at the end but a block of cheese from Heini's! What a treat!

Afterwards, you make your way into the high school cafeteria where you are provided apples, oranges, bananas, chocolate milk, bottled water, chips, Subway subs, cookies AND chicken noodles from a local restaurant. It was the best post race food as those noodles warmed your belly.

My friend and I had to leave town to make it back home for an appt but I could easily see making a day out of it--or even better, staying at a B&B and making a weekend out of it.

You'd be silly not to run this. I can't think of any reason why you shouldn't. Grab a friend, have fun, and enjoy the noodles!

Like the headline says, this is the best kept secret in Cleveland racing.

I found out about this race via a friend. She asked me if I would like to join her in running the half. Since both of us were training for the Columbus Marathon full, I thought it would be a great race to "check in" and see where I am at with my training--especially since I cannot run the Akron half for that purpose (I coach XC and am always at meets on Saturdays).

Plentiful parking. Shuttles to the start. Make sure to use the restroom before you get on the shuttle as there are incredibly long lines for the restrooms at the start.

The race is small but I loved that. There wasn't major fanfare. Just a good size group of runners that wanted to test out their summer training.

The first few miles are out and back--I always enjoy seeing the FAST leaders whiz by and encourage runners along the way. It seems to keep my mind off of the pain.

The course is almost ENTIRELY downhill. You almost had to remind your legs to keep moving fast and take advantage of such circumstances. The course is also shaded for 75% of the race. I cannot remember a time when there have been better race conditions. It truly was made for a PR. I kept asking myself why I did not know about this race before. I've run probably 10-15 halfs and nothing compares to the quickness of this course.

You certainly do not go to this race for the fan support or crowds as it is particularly sparse. There were a handful of aid stations. There were also individuals handing out energy gels which isn't always the case for halfs. The finish had a great supply of food.

The top 3 in each age group (which I missed by seconds!!) receives a pint glass. It looked pretty darn spiffy.

The only true bummer for me was the shirt--an odd type of fabric and fit. Otherwise, the race and race experience was virtually flawless.

I will run this race every year if I remain healthy--to continue to improve my PR! :)