Latest reviews by Lisa

(2017)
"A hot time in the hills!"
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Mohican is a race series with Marathon, 50 mile and 100 mile races going on at the same time. In 2017 the start time for the marathon was changed to later, at noon. This made for a challenging race because on race day it was 84 degrees! There isn't a race expo at this race, just a pre race instructions meeting - which had food trucks and free beer! LOVE that about a race. The shirts were men's sizing, which isn't always flattering, but they fit well.
The race terrain is very challenging too - elevation change of 3,130 feet up and down! The aid stations were amazing, staffed with people who really cared and wanted to help out any problems you might be having. They were equipped to assist with many, many situations. The aid station with the snowcones was a godsend on such a hot day.
The finish area was a great place to meet up with friends and recap the race. The food and beer trucks were there again, and everyone was cheered on when they crossed the finish. Especially the 50 and 100 milers! A very supportive community. The ultra running community is so laid back and fun to be around.
There was ample, free parking and most people camped at the Mohican State park or Mohican Adventures camp group.

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(2017)
"Toledo welcomes you! Well organized races."
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Toledo is my hometown, and have been running this race for YEARS. And let me tell you why you should run it! This is the first year my whole family participated as a relay team, and I ran the half marathon. For a first time relay team, I had a lot of questions about how it all worked. I was super happy to find out that each team is provided with very detailed instructions on where to park for each relay handoff, as well as detailed directions on how to get to the next relay handoff.
The race course has highly visible handoff areas with chutes to separate the relay runners from the other runners. The water stops were plentiful on the course, with some energetic volunteers. I especially loved the Rally Row tent area along the marathon finish area. It was just the thing the runners needed to get that extra push to the finish!
Race morning parking was easy, if you follow the tips they give you. The after party was a good time with lots of food (pizza!!) and specially brewed Glass City Glory beer.

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(2016)
"Churchill's half - a hometown favorite"
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If you live in Toledo, you'll know that the Churchill's half marathon has been going on for a long time. A really long time - 49 years in 2016! I've run the half many times, in different course configurations and times of the year. Churchill's is held in November now and makes a great "last race" for a lot of the area runners. The current course is a point to point race, which is pretty unique for the area. There is a ton of free parking at the race finish line, and you will be bused over to the start line.
Pre race - the race starts at a high school so there is plenty of warm, comfortable indoor waiting space. You can use the restrooms in the school, which is a plus, or the port a potties outside. They even have the school's marching band to entertain you while you wait! It's easy to meet up with friends.
The course - there's a lot of variety - neighborhoods, along the river, and "hills"! There are not mountains, but pretty decent hills for Toledo. Especially the last one which hits around mile 12! Never the less, that just makes the course interesting and challenging. Make sure you train for the rolling hills on River Road!!
Course support - there are an average amount of water stops, so make sure you plan ahead for your water and fuel needs. Spectators are a little sparse, but the ones that are there are dedicated!
After "party" - there is a warming tent with food, hot soup and beer. Did I mention, beer?? Micro brews for your fueling after all of that work. Since it's a big club event for the Toledo Roadrunners, there are always a lot of friends to meet up with afterwards and enjoy the band.
Swag - the race shirts and medals are pretty awesome. Every Toledo running event that I attend in the cool weather promises at least one person wearing their Churchill's race shirt!
Full race recap: http://techchickadventures.com/2016/11/2016-49th-churchills-half-marathon-recap/

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(2016)
"Big city feel, with a ton of energy"
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I have to start by saying - the Columbus half Marathon is my favorite race! I have run both the full and the half at this event, but the half is my favorite by far.
Pre-race - The expo for this event is pretty big. Bring some money because there is probably something you need! The bib pickup area is very well organized and easy to get through. It's really great if you can stay in a hotel downtown before the race, but if not, prepaid parking is available and it's the way to go in my opinion. One less thing to worry about. BUT, make sure you get to the downtown area early if you are driving in the morning,or you will be stuck in traffic and sweating it!! I speak from experience :)
The race = A HUGE party at the beginning. This race knows how to psych up the crowd and get everyone pumped to race. The corrals are pretty well organized, but last minute arrivals may be stuck outside of their corral. Since it's chip timed, just go with the flow and merge in. There are plenty of porta potties available right by the corrals.
There are an ample amount of water/fuel stops. They also arrange to have bands or DJ's playing every now and then along the half course, so you keep entertained. Along the full course it gets a little lonely, but the half will keep you pumped with all of the energy and runners. You cannot go wrong with the half! They really make you feel like an elite runner when you cross that finish line with food, blankets and support staff. A well run race!!!
Swag - Love the medals at this race. There was a time when I LOVED the race shirts - and raced many times in those race shirts - but I'm not a big fan of the new fit for women. So I'd say the shirts have been hit and miss in the past 4 years.
Full review (from 2015, another year I ran!) : http://techchickadventures.com/2015/10/columbus-half-marathon-recap-2015/

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(2016)
"Scenic, FLAT, well supported course"
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If you're looking for a flat course to qualify for Boston, this is it! This race loops twice through the scenic Presque Isle park. It's shaded for most of the course with water views all along the way! The water stops are *every* mile so you'll get hydration and a lot of energy each mile. You won't feel like you're running all alone, like some races. It's got a "small town" feel to it. The race director has always been very responsive with any of my questions via email, and you can tell they enjoy putting on this race.
In terms of elevation, there is one stream "overpass" (a little bump in the road) and that is it! The morning race parking can be a little tricky due to the limited number of parking spots at the park, so make sure you follow the pre-race instructions and actually get there early, like they tell you to. If you do that, it will not be an issue.
My husband and I also enjoyed the pre-race pasta dinner. It was a fun chance to get to know other runners!
Full review = http://techchickadventures.com/2015/09/erie-marathon-race-recap/

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