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Latest reviews by Elisa
Elisa recommends this race
(2014)
"Do you love the C & O Towpath? "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I ran the marathon in 2014 as a supported training run and the half marathon in 2015. The marathon has a large number of runners who qualify for Boston.....course is flat and not crowded. Entire race route is an out and back on the C&O Towpath starting in Carderock, MD. Marathon runners run the out & back route twice and HMers run the route once. MM#10824
I was a back of the pack runners for the marathon and appreciate that I was able to do an "early" start since there is a 6 hour time limit for the normal race start. The extra hour gave me to breathe easy and do a relaxed training run.
Expo: there isn't one. You can pick up your bibs in advance but I think the majority pick up bibs race morning.
Aid stations: every couple miles with water and gatorade. You need to bring your own fuel if you want something else.
T-shirt/swag: nothing super special but race proceeds go to charity. This is a low key race and most fellow runners do not run this race for the swag. There were many marathon maniacs, 50 state club runners and half fanatics checking off another race.
Course: fall scenery along the canal is pretty.
What I like most about this race is the runner and race community. Terrific to see the fast runners trying to qualify for Boston and fellow middle/back of the pack runners who are cheered on at the same time.
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Elisa recommends this race
(2014)
"Great scenic course to PR"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
WWB HM is a point-to-point race along the scenic George Washington Parkway. It starts off at Mt Vernon but you'll need to shuttle to start line from either Alexandria or National Harbor parking lots. The finish is at National Harbor so you'll have quicker access to your car if you park there. The numbers of runners is capped around 5,000 so you never feel crowded even as a middle or back of the pack runner. The race was cancelled this year due to pending Hurricane and heavy rains/wind. Runners were given options for alternate races in the local area. I ran the race 2014 and the weather was perfect!
Expo: held in the Patent Trademark Office in Alexandria. It's small and really just to pick up your race bib. Parking was easy across the street or in the PTO garage.
Swag/T-shirt: I always appreciate when they offer a ladies cut instead of unisex race shirt. Nice looking medal for HM finishers.
Course support: food/aid stations were good although I always carry my own water. I was able to easily refill my water bottles. Cheering spectators especially in Old town and National Harbor. 2014 finish line was modified and much better than in past years.
Elevation: downhill from Mt Vernon to a few gradual inclines especially going over the Wilson bridge. I managed a HM PR by 2 mins.
Register for this race early for the best prices.
Definitely recommend! MM#10824