Latest reviews by Nathan Hileman

(2016)
"Rails-to-Trails "
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Great race to attempt a PR, and money goes to a good cause. Race is in memory of a slain Pennsylvania State Policeman. Course is out-and-back on Samuel Justus bike trail. One of the most scenic halfs I've done. Very fast, flat course. There is not expo, and oddly, the race got started 15 minutes late, which lead to everyone standing at the start line, only to find we were initially lined up 100 yards too far back. In 2015, these things didn't happen. Very little crowd support. Pretty cool and very appropriate wooden finisher medals.

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

Best marathon! Course takes you through numerous, diverse neighborhoods, ending Downtown. Tons of fan support makes you feel like a million bucks, even when your legs are aching. It's Pittsburgh, so it is definitely hilly. Lots of good aid stations along the way. Expo is first class with tons of vendor and fine goodie bags. Expo really helps build the excitement for race day! Big classy medals too.

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

Toughest half marathon I've ever run. There are numerous, big hills, with Textor Hill being the granddaddy of them all. This hill is so steep that on the way out, when you run down it, you lean back a tad so you don't feel like you're going to fall down it! Course is nearly entirely on country roads through scenic fields, but the start and end points are in the town of Harmony, which is a very nice place. The race is also unique because you can run the Half, 5K, and 1-miler back-to-back-back if you'd like. I did the 3 race challenge, and I recommend doing the same because where else can you try it? It's a small race, so no expo or goodie bag to speak of, but if you want a tough challenge, try this one.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.
(2015)
"Wooded Out-And-Back"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Most inexpensive marathon I've found at $25! It is an out-and-back on a nice, wide asphalt and/or crushed limestone path through the woods. Zero crowd support means bring your headphones and have your audiobooks queued up. I'd also suggest bringing your own water, although there are some aid/water stations. The out part of the race is up more of a hill than you realize. The race is much tougher than I anticipated. No expo and it is all conducted in a field, but it is well-organized and very affordable. They have really nice tech shirts available to buy and nice finisher medals. A howitzer literally starts the race, which is cool.

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

This is a fun, themed race! I've watched every I Love Lucy episode growing up, which is why, when I saw this run on Active.com, I signed up. There isn't an expo, but the goody bags were fine (neat tech shirt) and include a ticket to the Lucy Museum, which is worth checking out. The race starts in Jamestown with Ricky and Lucy wishing you luck, and traverses through small towns, including past the house Lucy grew up in. There are lots of volunteers to ensure you don't get mixed up on where to go. Aid/Water stations are ample. The course felt like there were lots of wraparounds, which is fine by me, but
kind of different. Hills were pretty negligible. Finish Line was cool because you can get your picture taken on a red carpet-esque setup with Lucy. They also offer medal engraving right there.

Login or sign up to leave a comment.