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Latest reviews by Andrea
Andrea recommends this race
(2013)
"One of the best half marathons in the nation."
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I have done the Shamrock Marathon weekend road races several times (8K and the half). This is by far my favorite half marathon for several reasons. First- the swag you get for the race entry is amazing. You get the participant tech shirt, the medal, a finisher's hat, and then a finisher's gift (which rotates each year). Second, this is a very flat and fast course, and has great support. The course goes down a beautiful tree-lined road before turning into Fort Story. Then you make your way back to the beachfront, finishing on the boardwalk. Third, it's held at a time of year where the hotels are much more affordable than other races in the area, and the weather is typically great for the event. Fourth, there are tons of great restaurants and shops in the area, so there are great places for pre- and post-race food, and things for non-racing family members to do. Fifth, the 8K the day before is a fun event, and is a great race for the whole family. I would recommend Shamrock to both runners and race walkers.
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(2012)
"DISCONTINUED- Race no longer exists"
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This race no longer exists. (It was a good event. I don't know the details behind why it is no longer offered).
Andrea recommends this race
(2012)
"Blessing of the Fleet- Great 10 MIle Road Race for all Paces"
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The Blessing of the Fleet 10 Mile road race is an annual summer tradition for many runners and race walkers in New England. The course is fast, mostly flat with some minor hills, and a great way to maintain your race pace over the summer.
The race is one of the last major races to still offer a race walk category. Walkers start an hour before the runners and must walk at all times or else face disqualification. This hour early start gives race walkers plenty of time to finish the course with support.
The course is a beautiful trip around Narragansett, taking you past many of the great neighborhoods in the area. Many local residents come out to cheer and offer food and drinks to participants. (Hint- some of the drinks are *not* water- wink wink.) The race ends by the famous landmark called "The Towers" which is by the oceanfront, and is immediately adjacent to Blessing of the Fleet Seafood Festival.
Historically, the race gets very humid and hot, as it takes place on the last Friday of July. Expect anything with the weather- torrential downpours, thunder/lightening, storm delays, heat and humidity.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive and get a parking spot. Traffic backs up tremendously in the area before the race and as people are leaving. Don't expect to leave quickly. If you can, check out the Seafood Festival before you leave (bring cash).
There is no "expo"- it's just shirt and bib pickup at the gym. Some vendors and local charities may set up booths in the gym or in the parking lot.
This is definitely a fun and great race, and it supports a great local cause (the Narragansett Lions). Many locals do it every year as a great "reunion" race- a chance to see friends and run together.
Andrea recommends this race
(2012)
"The Magic of Disney for 13 miles"
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Any Disney fanatic should do at least one RunDisney event in their lifetime. The WDW Half Marathon is part of Disney's Walt Disney World Marathon weekend, held in January. The half marathon's character is Donald, and the course takes you mostly through the Magic Kingdom and then briefly in EPCOT.
I know I don't have to talk about how awesome Disney races can be- characters on the course, photo stops, the chance to run past iconic park rides, and of course, the medals. So here are some practical tips for first-timers for a WDW race:
1) Disney World and Disneyland races are different experiences. For Walt Disney World, most of the road surfaces are hard cement, especially on the overpasses and long roadway stretches. If you are not used to running or walking on hard surface roads, train or practice on sidewalks. Some people will learn the hard way that cement roads will impact your joints harder, and you may find yourself getting sorer quicker.
2) Get on the earliest buses you can if you are staying on Disney property. Make sure you wear throwaway clothing that can keep you warm while you are waiting outside.
3) Expect a 20 minute walk to your corral and then a wait there. Go to the bathrooms before you get into your corral.
4) While you are in the parks, all park bathrooms are open! Avoid the porta potty lines and hit one of the park restrooms.
5) In the first two miles of the race- it's dark and crowded. Try to stay as centered as you can because the road has pitches on each side. Also, avoid the reflectors in the road- they are very slippery.
6) Expect bottlenecks. Unfortunately the course gets very crowded at points, especially in the Magic Kingdom, on the way in and out of the castle, and on the property roads after you leave the Magic Kingdom.
Andrea recommends this race
(2011)
"Flat, fast, great course support, closed roads, great cause"
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This race was formerly named the Westchester Medical Center Running Festival. Genesis Adventures, the race organizer, changed the name to better reflect that the race is held to benefit the West Chester Medical Center Foundation.
This is a pretty, easy, out-and-back course on the Bronx River Parkway. The parkway is closed to traffic for the race so runners have the full road. The course goes out 6.5 miles and then turns around to come back on the other side of the parkway. This is a great opportunity to race on a road that would otherwise not be open to pedestrians. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique experience! It's amazing to see the stone arch bridges you drive under and have a chance to really look at them and be amazed by the construction and design.
The volunteers and aide stations are great. There are little to no spectators due to the nature of the course but the race crew is very enthusiastic and encouraging.
Race walkers have an early start option (no runners allowed and no eligibility for awards).
There are a few nearby parking options (bring money to pay for parking). I parked at the County Center parking lot.