Latest reviews by Rebecca

(2016)
"Beautiful Course, Awesome Experience"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This was only the second year the race was put on, but it was fantastic and you would never know it. (My fiance was shocked when I told him afterwards!) I was a little worried the race would feel too similar to the Myrtle Beach Marathon, since they both are in beach towns, but this race was beautiful and showcased the unique scenery of the area.

We stayed across the street from the host hotel (the Hyatt Place), which was much cheaper, but was still close to the shuttle to the start and the finish line. We found the whole strip to be very walkable, so there are lots of hotel choices within easy distance. Parking is available at the start, with a shuttle back from the finish, but we opted to leave our car parked at the hotel and take the shuttle to the race start. We went a few minutes after the shuttles started and only waited about 2 minutes to get one.

There were a ton of port-a-potties available at the start, and the line only took about 10 minutes. There was no line for gear drop-off, and we were able to wait to line up until about 5 minutes before the gun.

The course was awesome and varied, showing off a lot of cool features in the area. The start was in Delaware Seashore State Park, and we ran an 8 mile section through Cape Henlopen State Park, which included a cool part on an elevated boardwalk. We also ran about 2 miles total on the Rehoboth Boardwalk, which was right on the ocean. It was pretty crowded and stressful in the second half of the race - a few volunteers around to help indicate there was a race going on would've been nice. There was the almost required section through subdivisions in the second half, but we ran on a couple different bike paths, which was a nice change. My calves were quite tender afterwards though, since I'm not used to running on all the uneven surfaces.

Aid stations were at regular intervals, with water and Gatorade. Cups were still really full at the later aid stations, so I think they had plenty stocked. I believe gels were offered twice. It would've been nice if fruit or something other "snack" had been offered a few times. There were a couple parts without aid stations because of course restrictions, but there were aid stations immediately before and after these parts. It might help to carry your own fluids if it's a particularly hot day, as these sections also are very exposed.

The finish line was very fun and right on the beach. This might seem like a weird nit-pick, but water bottles were handed out in the finisher's chute, but they didn't give us the caps. I ended up having to abandon mine so that I could carry my gear bag and food. I don't know what the rationale behind this was, but it left me very thirsty!

The post-race food was a fun buffet, with pulled pork, chicken, pasta, etc., as well as fruit and cookies. I would've appreciated a few more traditional items as well, like bagels, but I was definitely a lot less hungry after the race than usual since I could eat a real meal! Staff kept the buffet full and hot, even for later finishers.

The medal was large (but not overly heavy) and featured the towers that are in the area. However, I didn't like that it was a square with corners - I kept scraping my legs whenever I sat down while wearing it at the finish! We also got short-sleeve tech shirts at packet pick-up (women's was an orange v-neck and the men's was a black crew-cut) and a Tervis tumbler with the race logo, which I will use a lot!

Other than the couple recommendations I made above, there's nothing I would change about this race, and my complaints are totally nit-picky. I highly recommend this race!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2016)
"Short Course, Good Event"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I ran the 5K as a test race leading up to my goal marathon. I've done lots of Running Fit events before, and they are generally well-run. I was therefore really disappointed when their certified 5K course only measured 3 miles. Parking was also very difficult to find since the 5K and 10K start between the full and half. There was definitely not enough parking available.

The course was a nice tour through a residential area and was almost completely flat. There were a few turns, but not as many as expected for a subdivision run. There are some really pretty parts of Dearborn nearby, but it might have been logistically difficult to include them for a shorter race.

The women's specific shirt fit really well (and is a bit longer, which I like) and the medal was cute - and I typically don't even like 5K medals! I placed in my AG and received a very nice race-themed ornament. This was a unique prize I really enjoyed winning.

I'm guessing the 5K course distance was a fluke, so I would recommend the race for any of the other distances. Hopefully this will be fixed in future years since it was fun otherwise!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2016)
"Hilly but beautiful half"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This course is a gorgeous but hilly tour of Mill Creek MetroPark. The race website boats 1500' ft elevation gain, but my Garmin registered 900', which seemed more accurate. The race is put on my the local track club, so they did a very good job organizing it. The weather can be variable, but the Warming House (and its indoor bathrooms) are available to runners before and after the race.

I arrived about 30 minutes before the race start and had no issues with parking, and there was no line to pick up my packet. I was a bit disappointed in the quality of the shirts and medals. It was awesome paying $30 for a half, but I think it could be nicer if they just picked having a nice shirt or a nice medal (or some other quality finisher's item).

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2015)
"Beautiful, Hilly, Historic Race"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I selected Chickamauga as my Georgia marathon based on stellar reviews. 2015 also had Ohio (my state) as the featured memorial on the medal, so it was too perfect to pass up. We flew to Atlanta and drove up to Ft Oglethorpe, but Chattanooga is also a travel option.

We parked in a large field and were clearly directed by volunteers. (There was a moment of confusion on the main road, as other cars were traveling to a color guard event next door, but that parent knew where to send us for the race!) Day-of packet pick-up was easy and we sat in the car until close to the race start.

The race began with re-enactors firing a cannon, which was a nice touch for the race theme, and also loud enough to wake us up! I began the race with the 4:45 pacer since I had had a rough training cycle, and they did a great job. (I ended up dropping off from them around mile 17, but that was no fault of the pacer.)

Almost all of the course runs through Chickamauga Battlefield National Park, and it was incredibly scenic! Most of the leaves in Ohio had already fallen, but they were at peak color in Georgia. It was also a nice distraction to see the various historic signs and monuments along the course. This would be a great place for Civil War buffs to visit! There were a few sections of rolling hills, but I had trained specifically for them and wasn't bothered (until the end when I was hurting!).

The marathon course consisted of two loops, which I actually enjoyed. It was nice to know what to expect the second time around. The course was very well-marked, and I never felt lost, even when I was alone at the end.

The finish line was set-up in the field, right by parking, and there was a large tent with chairs to sit under, which was nice, as the sun was pretty hot. There was a nice selection of food and drink at the end, and it was so easy to go right back to the car.

As long as you train for the hills, I couldn't recommend this race more!

Login or sign up to leave a comment.