The Lake Placid Classic is a small half marathon/10K in the historic town of Lake Placid, New York. This race takes runners through the village, and out into the country where the nature is breathtaking. Arriving the morning of the race was effortless. I drove to the start, picked up my bib and swag, and drove about 2 miles to the finish where there was plenty of parking and the shuttles were waiting. The pre-race atmosphere was great, even for a small event of about 500 people. Nothing could have beat warming up by running laps around a former Olympic games speed skating oval with the mountains and home of the “miracle on ice” lurking in the background.
The race course was well laid out. The first 5K was a loop through the village of Lake Placid and around Mirror Lake. The course then went down a steep downhill and headed towards the finish. After another steep downhill going under the ski jumps, it was a flat out and back for the final 8 miles. There were water stops each 2 miles and the scenery was beautiful – especially when coming to a clearing on the return trip and seeing the ski jumps tower above you. After having to scale the one hill under the ski jumps at mile 12, it is smooth sailing to the finish. Aside from the two downhills and one uphill, the race is flat as a pancake.
The hardest part of the race, for me, was the size of the field. If you’re a middle of the pack runner – say 10:00 pace or slower, you were running by yourself for the final 5-6 miles. If you’re someone who likes racing with others around, this isn’t the race for you.
The finish line area was nice but nothing out of the ordinary. The medals were nice, and rather large for the half marathoners. There was typical food/drinks at the finish line. No beer – but a coupon for a $1 beer at a brewery in town was provided.
I was happy with the swag from the race. A long sleeve tech tee was provided, it was a bit large but comfortable. My favorite part was a pint glass with the race’s logo as well as the logo for the Lake Placid Brewery – a local staple. There was a $1 beer coupon, and other race day essentials: deodorant, a toothbrush, advil, a Gu Roctane (none was given on the course), and more.
For $45 dollars (I believe it’s up to $55 now) it was well worth it. It was a beautiful course for a relaxing run. If you wanted to run hard it could very well be a PR race if you save some energy for that last hill. While I’m not sure I would do it again as a slower runner, I would definitely recommend it to others.

The 2015 Baltimore Half Marathon was my third Corrigan Sports Enterprises experience. I can only say the races get better every time. First off, the expo was a really nice size. It had some great race merchandise as well as many vendors - especially Under Armour. The expo set up was a little annoying, as you had to walk all the way through one way to get your bib, then walk all the way to the other side for the t-shirt pick up.
Race wise, everything was perfect. Transportation to/from was a breeze for me, taking the light rail right to M&T Bank Stadium. I can imagine driving in for the half may be difficult if arriving after the full marathon has started. The race started on time, and while there were corrals, they weren't very strict about them. The course brings you through some highlights of the city, but the marathon definitely gets to see all Baltimore has to offer. The course, as claimed, is hilly, and it never really flattens out. What really makes this race the best is the finish - coming down Eutaw Street and through Camden Yards. It's a real treat for any Baltimore-ian or baseball fan. The medals and shirts are great, and of course the free beer is a plus!

The Baltimore 10 miler is a must-do race for anyone in the Baltimore area. Starting near the Baltimore Zoo in Druid Hill Park, the race takes you across Baltimore. A good preview of the Baltimore Marathon course, the ten miles bring you through Druid Hill Park, the Johns Hopkins University Campus, and the beautiful Lake Montebello (the only flat area on the course!). The out and back format allows for the excitement of seeing the race leaders run past as you head toward Lake Montebello. Aside from the Lake, the hills never let up. The course is NOT easy, but if you go into it expecting the hills, you will be alright. What makes this race the best is the after party and the premium. 2015's premium was a light red quarter zip with 2 pockets, which is a staple in my running wardrobe. The beer and food at the finish is fantastic. My friends and I hung out in the park for two hours enjoying the awesome band. This is part of the King Crab Challenge put on by CSE. In 2015 only the King Crab participants received medals, but in 2016 everyone will get a Baltimore Zoo themed medal.