This is a race in Nassau, Bahamas Island not Nassau, USA!

If you find yourself in the Bahamas early next year, put this race on your bucket list!
I run this race back in 2012, but 4 years later it is still one of my favorite half-marathons.
First of all you start the race in pitch dark with only the moon above you. Couple hundreds of runners shivering near a windy start line and than suddenly off you go. First you run through the deserted old town in total darkness, than you need to run up the bridge that leads to Paradise Island and come back on another bridge parallel to it. Before race day you look at these two bridges and you think: No way I can even walk that up.. and than you do it, and it feels like you conquered the World. After the bridges, it is all flat and fast.

I run a half in two hours, so at midpoint I had a chance to catch the sunrise which was spectacular. By the time I crossed the Finish line the sun was shining bright and up, and you found myself on the beach at Arawack Cay getting rid of my shoes and sipping a cold beer and an iced coffee.

What to consider:
Bring your own water if you can. Water-stations are sporadic and not the best managed.
Spectators are few but very enthusiastic.
Expo is great with lots of great swags to collect.
Even if you are freezing at the Start line, don't forget to have sunscreen on you and/or with you for the end of the race.
Nice tech shirt & medal.

I will be back!

When I finally decided to run my first half marathon I knew I have to go back to my roots and run a course that I will always remember. I decided to go back to Hungary and attempt to run the Budapest Half Marathon. 5 years ago this race had around 7,000 finishers last year it grow to 16,000.
What you need to know:
- If you carry your own water to your races, do so here as well. Water stations were very rare on the route. I run a 2:20 half and by the time I got to the stations the water was gone. I hope the race organizers improved on this issue since
- Do not assume that people speak English at the water stations :)
- Do enjoy the scenery. You will cross the Danube 2x on the course, but all the bridges in Budapest are very flat.
- The race starts and end in a big green park in the center of the city where you can stretch your legs after the race is over
I would recommend this race for the beautiful course scenery.