Highlights:
+The swag is amazing (see picture)
+You will be challenged, Whiskey Hill is no joke.
+The post race fuel was plentiful and unique. From local flavors (hoecakes and Brunswick stew) to all sorts of fruits and baked goods (even some oatmeal creme pies!)
-Hydration stations were less frequent than I would prefer (~every 2 miles).
-Limited race day parking (small town, only one way in) makes for an early race morning.

I cannot remember how I heard about this race, but I do remember that I somehow found out that it sells out, quickly. I had started following the Facebook page and the day registration open I had an alarm set so I would be on my computer at 6:30am when registration opened. I was one of the lucky few to secure a spot for the 2017 running of the Oak Barrel half marathon. The race is limited to 1,450 runners due to the size of the town and there only being one two-lane highway for all runners to arrive via.

Pre-race communication was perfect. They sent out an email with the race guide and posted regularly on social media leading up to race day. One of their social media posts also confirmed the sending of the race guide, for those who were registered by someone else. The consistent message in every communication I saw was, arrive early. They were clear, in this case early is not one hour prior.

Packet pick-up options were available both Friday afternoon and Saturday morning before the race. This was my first visit to Lynchburg and I could get to the area Friday night so I opted to grab my bib and shirt Friday night. Friday packet pick-up was held at the Jack Daniel’s distillery welcome center. There was a large parking lot across the street with plenty of options when I arrived. Runners were required to show ID to get their bib. The race did allow picking up for other runners with a copy of their ID. The packet included the race shirt and bib. They also had additional apparel and swag available for purchase. Many of the apparel items came in both a women’s and men’s cut/color.

Race morning came early as I was nervous given all the communication encouraging early arrival. I planned to get to the parking area no later than 6:00am (two hours before the start). When I arrived, there wasn’t much traffic but there were other runners already parked. I opted to park close to the entrance near the restrooms in a paved area. I didn’t know it at the time but this was the perfect parking spot as it limited my walking from the finish area.

In addition to the permanent facilities available (four stalls for the women), the race had set up several portable potties. The lines started to grow in the 30 – 45 minutes prior to the race. However, about 10 minutes before the race started the lines had nearly cleared.

The start line was not far from the parking area. This was an open start (at 1,450 runners, I wouldn’t expect different). They did have pace markers in the area to provide some guidance which I thought was great. The course took off from Main Street and immediately headed to the country surrounding Lynchburg. Much of the race was in the “country” and made me think of home. The first few miles included some rolling hills. Shortly after 3.5 miles the infamous climb begins. For roughly a mile the course has a gentle incline and then a quick, steep switchback in the file beat of that mile. During the gentle incline, I kept thinking how “easy” this was. I had heard about Whiskey Hill and knew it had to be coming, but I was not as mentally prepared as I thought I was. I rounded a corner at which point not only could I see the steep incline immediately in front of me, but could see runners on the switchback (second massive incline). At this point the hill won. Four letter words were said and I walked. I didn’t walk the entire thing, I trotted for a bit before walking again and then trotting a bit more. For perspective, I went from an 8:14 in mile three, to 8:37 in mile four, and then dropped to 9:46 in mile five. The rest of the course is “down hill” with a handful of quick, short hills later in the course. Once over Whiskey Hill, the course continues to run the countryside before heading back into town. The last 1.1 miles are on the highway that leads into town. Depending on your nature you will either love or hate this long straight-away. There is one final turn yards before the finish line. They have a timing mat set up before the finish and they announce runners as they come in.

Post-race fuel was plentiful. They handed out bottles of water immediately past the finish. Once out of the chute they had coolers full of chocolate milk and Gatorade. A bit further I hit the jackpot, with grilled cheese, hoecakes (not my favorite), Brunswick stew (a local flavor), a table full of fruit (oranges, grapes, bananas), and baked goods (freshly baked and packaged). I think there was something there for everyone.

The swag for this race absolutely stole my heart. To start, the race shirt was a nice quarter zip long sleeve shirt. The material is incredibly soft and comfortable. The medal, not your ordinary medal, is made from whiskey barrels. Incredibly fitting for this race. Finishers also received a customized pair of Swiftwick socks and the choice of a hat or visor. Since it was adjustable, I grabbed the visor.

I absolutely will be getting up early when registration opens for the 2018 race. I am determined to beat the hill next year. The one thing I’ll change, I’ll sleep a little bit longer and arrive closer to 6:30 rather than before 6:00.

Highlights:
+ Amazingly challenging course with great views.
+ Great race director and team.
+ A lot of support from the locals.
+ A pair of socks to go with the normal swag.
+ Offer race day packet pick-up
- This hills (mountains) are no joke.
- Wasn’t my favorite post-race runner refresh

I won an entry to the race of my choice (marathon, half marathon, 10k) at the Blue Ridge Marathon from #runchat. I was already signed up to run a marathon the week following and given the elevation challenge, I opted for the half marathon. I’m very happy I did, but will definitely be making a return trip to Roanoke to take on the marathon.

I arrived late afternoon on Friday and was able to quickly find parking near the expo in a pay lot. To park for the remainder of the day (until 2:00am) it was only $8. The expo and packet-pickup were in downtown Roanoake, Virginia. They had the packet pick-up process divided up by race, setup in a tent outside the City Market Building. The expo and shirt pick-up were both inside the City Market Building. The shirt pick-up was quick and easy. I tried to do a quick walk through the expo area which was on the opposite balcony side, but there were just too many people to be able to effectively browse.

Since my race entry was free, I paid the extra for the pasta party and race day VIP. The pasta party was held on the pavilion level of the library. With no dietary restrictions, I felt there were plenty of options for dinner and was able to get full. I do think the price was a tad high, but it was the best option for me. The race director and founders did a presentation on the course after the meal. It was interesting to hear their insight and how the race had come about.

The race provided guidance on race day parking options, which also happened to be free. I wasn’t sure how quickly the closest garage would fill up, so I arrived more than 60 minutes before the race start and found there to be many spots still available.

With the VIP access I purchased I was able to go up to the pavilion area at the library. This provided some light snacks, water, and most importantly indoor restrooms pre-race. All three races (10k, half marathon, and marathon) kicked off at the same time and started along the same course. Runners have about a mile to warm-up before starting the first climb. This climb lasts about three miles for the half marathon and 10k runners. The marathon runners break off about two-thirds up the mountain to head to an even larger climb. The view from the top of Mill Mountain is amazing. Even with the clouds in the area I had to stop and take pictures.

(Sidebar, you should not be looking to PR on this course, so seriously ENJOY the views). I used a walk-run approach up this first mountain going for 1:00 / 0:30 until I needed longer walk breaks. There is NO SHAME in walking on this course. There was an aid station midway up (where the course split) and another at the top. On the trip back down, one of the local residents sets up a table of Mimosa’s for the runners. I don’t normally stop for alcohol on course, but I was out there for the fun so I stopped and had one.
Once runners clear the bottom of this mountain, the 10k runners split off from the half marathon. The half marathon enjoys a short flat stretch before it moves on to the next climb. This climb was deceiving. The first was clearly headed up to the top of a mountain in a park. The second was all in a neighborhood. I kept thinking it would end soon but it kept climbing. This climb would also flatten out just to turn a corner and climb again.

The good news, in this race for every uphill (up mountain) you did actually get the downhill. After this second beast of a climb, there was one final peak but not nearly the climb the first two offered. Following the final hill there were a couple bridges in the final couple miles

All runners were welcomed across the finish line having their name called out and receiving a handshake from the original race director. Medals, heat sheets, and water were all immediately available. Outside the finisher shoot was a runner refreshment tent where they had muffins, fruit, and soda when I went through. Later there was pizza instead of muffins. The VIP area post-race had snacks, beer, and soda. I’d say the biggest selling point is the unlimited beer if you are into that. I’m not a big drinker post-race so again, I didn’t feel like I got my money’s worth, outside having somewhere dry to change.

Unfortunately, the weather was a bit uncooperative for the day. They were forced to cancel the race at about 4:52 due to lightning in the area. I was bummed for all the runners still on the course.

I’m a fan of the race swag. All runners got a tee (cotton not tech), which I think is super cute and a pair of Farm to Feet socks. The medals were very well done as well.

My overall race experience was soured by what I'm assuming was a snafu with the race shirts. When we arrived at the expo (4:00 on the second day), they were out of every size of race shirt except XXL. I registered for the race back in October so not having a shirt available didn't even cross my mind. Not only did they run out, there was NO communication via email or social media letting runners know of the issue. At this point (2 days post race), I'm still going on the assumption it is being mailed to me based on what race volunteers provided. Race management still has not acknowledged or apologized for the issue.

Other highlights:
+Course had a good number of hills to keep it interesting.
+Medal is as they advertise, HUGE.
+The theme was present throughout the event.
-Hydration stations were less frequent than I would prefer (~every 2 miles).
-Expo parking was unclear for this out-of-towner.

If you’ve done any searching on “best races” you’ve certainly come across the Little Rock Marathon (and half). They are well known for the size of their finisher medals. Each year they also have a fun theme that is showcased throughout. The 2017 theme was candy.

If I have one wish for every race director from here on out, PLEASE provide guidance on where to park for the expo. I always tend to focus on race day parking, because they always give you advice there and the last three races I’ve done with major expos I’ve been stressed out trying to find parking for the expo. After about fifteen minutes of driving around we finally stumbled upon a parking garage a couple blocks from the convention center.

Given the lack of race shirt, I did scope out the race gear that was for sale. I did like that they were selling items other than just more t-shirts. They had sports bras, capris, and several different cuts of shirt available. The expo was consistent with the size of other expos for a race this size. There was a solid vendor presence including Trigger Point and several other races.

Parking Sunday morning was very easy. The race had suggested two parking garages. We chose one not far off the expressway and about a ten-minute walk to the race area. We ended up paying $8 for parking for the four to five hours we were parked.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature was not kind and rain was in the area most of the morning. Gear check and the post-race party were inside the Convention Center. I was very grateful for the indoor gear check, as I knew my clothes would stay dry for after the race. Another major perk was having indoor facilities before the race. There were at least four separate restrooms available. The length of the lines varied, I hopped in line for the one near gear check and waited no more than five minutes.

We left the Convention Center ten minutes before the scheduled race start. The start line was about four blocks away from the Convention Center. Neither of us was starting in Corral A so we weren’t too concerned. The race wound up being delayed a few minutes. The course ran down the road that most runners were walking up from the Convention Center to the start line. To further compound the issue, the only start line porta-pots I saw were also along this road. It took the race officials a bit of time to get the course cleared so the wheeled athletes could start.

Overall I enjoyed the course. There were a good number of hills to keep it interesting (including a couple bridges, one right out of the gate). We had the opportunity to run past the Governor’s mansion. When I ran by the Governor was actually standing outside the gates cheering for the runners, I thought that was pretty cool. The crowd support was consistent with other races I’ve been doing recently. Around the water stops the volunteers had a ton of energy and then there would be very quiet stretches. I was surprised how far apart the hydration stations were. In recent races I’ve been spoiled with stops almost every mile. The stops in Little Rock were at least two miles apart, some maybe more. Given our weather conditions (rainy and 40’s) it wasn’t an issue, and perhaps the weather is consistently this way. If it’d been one of the freak warm days we’ve been having I probably would have opted to carry some extra water with me. As frequently as water stops on the course there were beer stops. It seemed to be the same brewery and I’m not sure if they were course sponsored or just fun. There was also an unofficial stand (near one of the beer stops) with grilled pineapple. YUM!!! A couple of the churches along the route also had unofficial stations with treats (bite size candy bars), water, and fruit.

The finisher’s medal did not disappoint. Consistent with their reputation the medal is massive (even for the half marathon). When my friend checked her luggage for her return flight they weighed the medal (for fun). It came in at half a pound!

Once racers were finished we were directed back toward the convention center. The post-race nutrition and band were all inside one of the convention halls. This was amazing given the rainy weather. I grabbed my gear and had a dry, warm place to change and wait while my friend finished her race. The post-race nutrition included pasta, an entire package of fruit cups, bananas, yogurt, and choice of various beverages (including my favorite chocolate milk). There was also a massage station for those willing to wait. I grabbed some food and did some of my own stretching while I waited. Shortly before we left a band started playing, the first few songs were country covers, which I enjoyed!

If I lived closer, I might do the race again as I was a fan of the all-in incorporation of the theme.

Highlights:
+Efficient expo experience
+Awesome swag and post-race chocolate
+Nuun on course
-Parking was a bit confusing
-Access to the porta-pots was challenging due to placement
-Pacer placement due to corral structure was a bit confusing for runners

I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k – Nashville as a pacer through Beast Pacing gaining me a free entry to the race.

I attended the expo during lunch on Friday. I had my bib in hand within five minutes of entering the convention center. They did encourage you to browse the vendors by locating the swag bags on the opposite side of the hall. There were probably ten to fifteen vendors on-site including their sponsors. The swag for the ladies this year was a grey zip up hoodie. I’ve gotten a good bit of use since the race, it is definitely cozy.

The race started and finished in Bi-Centennial Park in downtown Nashville. I was a bit confused by the parking as the lots nearby the park were all listed as “closed” in pre-race communication. I’m somewhat familiar with the area so I parked pretty close on a side street and walked over. The announcers were a bit confused early on, announcing the race starting at 6:30 (rather than 7:00) which I’m sure gave a few people a shake. There were porta-pots on both sides of the park, near the start corrals and near the finish line. They were a bit challenging to find and the lines by the start line were confusing as there wasn’t an extended area to create a line vertically behind the doors.

The race offered two seeded corrals for those that submitted proof of completion time and then open corrals for all others. I was a 10:30 pacer in the seeded corral with 9:30 and 10:00 pacers behind me in Corral C (first open corral). I did find this was confusing for some runners on the course as I did get a few questions as I was running (“I just passed a 10:00 pacer, what’s the deal”). I was surprised by the size of this race. I was expecting a much larger (Chicago size) turnout. It definitely was not that which drastically improved the starting process. I think if this race grows, the starts will become much more congested as folks in the open corrals that are faster are subject to weaving those who submitted proof of time and got into the seeded corral.

This is a fairly challenging course with a good bit of hill climbing (~350 ft over the 15k course). This is normal for anyone who trains locally, but may be a surprise for an out of towner. On course, there were hydration stations placed every 2ish miles. The hydration stations were stocked with Nuun and other goodies (marshmallows). All finishers were awarded with a medal, hot chocolate, and a chocolate fondue with goodies for dipping. I don’t know if the process or product were different, but the fondue stayed dipable for longer than my prior experiences.

I’ll definitely be giving this race another go in 2018!

Thumb hot chocolate 15k
Highlights:
+Efficient expo experience
+Unique post-race fuel, Jim 'N Nick's BBQ
+Access to indoor facilities post-race
-Parking was a bit confusing, especially for the expo
-Access to the porta-pots was challenging due to placement

With the race on Sunday and living only a few hours away, I drove down on Saturday afternoon and caught the end of the expo. This was my first time in Birmingham and with some of the roads already closed for the race, identifying where to park for the expo was a bit confusing. We were able to get a free spot in a lot behind the Museum of Art. Getting in later, I was there just to grab my packet and go. Packet pick-up was set up at the back of the auditorium on the stage; I was in and out with no problem.

After the struggle with parking for the expo I spent a bit of time the night before the race trying to identify parking options on race day. The course leaves downtown on one street and re-enters on the next street over, throw in a loop I was very nervous parking in many of the listed parking garages for fear we would be stuck. I found a garage about a half-mile from the start/finish. It showed a weekend rate of $2, but the gate was open when we exited, so no payment was required. Walking to the start there were a number of other runners in the area parked either on the street or in open-air lots. I think for those more familiar with the area parking would be much less of an issue than it was for me.

The start line was in front of the Boutwell Auditorium. There were porta-pots along each side of the start corrals near the back of the corrals. The placement was interesting as there wasn’t much room to create lines. A single line started on each end meeting in the middle of the line of facilities. I jumped in line pretty early so I didn’t have a long wait but as I was stretching outside the corrals the line definitely started to grow.

The race started shortly at 7:00am with the wheel-chair participants starting shortly before. While I was moving up in the corrals for the start line, we were surprised with quite the disturbance, as one of the wheeled participants had already looped around back to where the course doubled over where the start corrals were. The separated the crowd and corral gates to allow the participant through. Assuming the courses were the same, they took him on a bit of a detour as we ran right back up through where we had lined up.

The course itself was okay. Areas around the hydration stops consistently had a lot of energy but the rest of the course was pretty quiet. We ran through a number of neighborhoods with a good number of small hills to climb. My favorite part of the course (outside the finish) was running past the baseball stadium. I’m a sports nut so running near stadiums is always cool for me. The finish line was in the same area as the start. In the finisher area they offered the typical post race fuel as well as a handy accordion reusable grocery bag.

In addition to the traditional fuel, inside Boutwell Auditorium Jim ‘n Nicks was set up providing a free sandwich, chips, and fruit cups to runners. Food was also available for sale to spectators. Beer and other beverages were also available inside the auditorium. Having the auditorium open also gave me a dry, covered place to change out of my sweaty running gear.

The swag for the race was comparable to other races. In addition to the accordion bag I mentioned before, we also received a pair of gloves from the local running store in our pre-race bag. The medal and shirt remind me of fall. The shirt is not the normal tech-tee, rather a cotton blend.