For the 3rd year in a row, I participated in the Double Down Challenge. The challenge is you have to run and complete the 4 mile race before the 10 mile race start line closes, then you run the 10 miler. It rained all morning and then stopped during the 4 miler, which caused the humidity to skyrocket. You can't blame the race for the weather, it's how it manages it. There were plenty of water stops to help keep everyone hydrated. The race takes you through campus of UNC-CH (my Alma mater), and it's beautiful (despite the hills). Beautiful course and plenty of spectators out supporting the runners

This is the second year of this race and I've ran it both years. Swag is amazing, with this year being a full zip winter running jacket. The race takes you through rural areas of Charlotte, so you will see a few residents out in front of their homes. The course is hilly, even more hills than last year. I wish the route would venture into downtown but otherwise a very well maintained race with great volunteers and free race pics

Smaller race but it packs a punch with it's swag. Ocean Isle is the 4th race of the BAM series aka Big Ass Medals. Ocean Isle is pretty flat with the exception of the bridge you have to run across in mile 1 and mile 5. Water stops greet you about every 2 miles or so and you will see lots of homeowners out on their porches cheering on the runners. The ocean breeze is sure to keep you cool as you fight through your 13 miles. At the finish you are greeted with one of the largest medals I've ever seen, along with beer and BBQ. They don't call their medals BAM for no reason.

Excellent race experience! For the 2nd year in a row, I challenged and conquered Hospital Hill and it's friends. This is a well-managed race that you will be sure to enjoy. Starting with the expo experience, the race team pull out all the stops. The packet pick-up was well organized and I was able to go through and get my bibs in less than 10 minutes. From there, you go grab your swag. This year swag included a duffle bag and a performance t-shirt commemorating the race 45th year. The expos also had tons of freebies, including beef and wine tasting.
This year's Re-Run challenge was suppose to start with a 5k on Friday night, but it ended up being moved to Saturday morning. It was predicted to be 90 degrees at the start of the race friday night, so I applaud race management for moving it early, rather than waiting to the last minute. The half marathon is very challenging and was not short of hills. You are basically going up or down the entire race, so once you finish it, the medal is more than deserved. The route provides you with great views of KC hospital and surrounding neighborhoods, with lots of spectators cheering you up those hills. The volunteers at the water stops were also great, making sure all the runners had their hydration. A downhill finish takes you through the line and into the party. Post-race fun included, pancake bar, massages, and lots of post-race snacks.

If you decide to take on the hills, make sure you spring for the VIP experience. Personal porter potties, free massages, mimosa, food and free gift makes the VIP experience more than worth the price. Hats off to the race management team for putting on another great race.

This is the 2nd race of the BAM series, which includes 4 races taking place in neighboring beaches throughout the year. The race is around the smaller size (typically around 1000 runners) and offers a mile, 5k and half marathon distances. The race takes you over a large bridge into the outlet, where you rack up the first 5-6 miles before crossing back over the bridge to continue on the road way. The bridge gives you an amazing view of the beaches and ocean, if you take a moment to look during the run. Although there is limited road closures, you still will see cars coming through on the roads. The volunteers do I great job of protecting the runners and you also see the cars slow down and move over to accommodate the runners. This race provides water stops about every 1.5 miles, with a ice pop station between miles 10 and 11. Outside of going up and over the bridge twice, this race is mostly flat. Finishing the race makes it all worth it when you receive your BAM(big ass medal) These are done of the largest and coolest medals I've seen, and this year's are 3D. In addition to the medal, there is BBQ, pizza, beer and sno cones available, to help the runners recup. Coastal Race Productions does an excellent job so definitely Sunset a run.