This is the second year that I've run this race and I have enjoyed it both times. This is not a huge event, so it is not really comparable to one; that is just a different experience. However, this is a small, local event with a ton of charm (Mount Juliet is the first town east of Nashville). I would consider the pricing moderate, and the event raises money for a local charity (Christmas with a Cop).

The "expo" is really more like packet pickup. It takes place at the local Middle School with a few vendors, but it's really your opportunity to get your number, shirt, ornament, and jingle bells for your shoes. The one gripe that I have with this race is the shirts - they are long sleeve unisex shirts (no women's cut).

The race began this year at a luxurious 10:45 AM - loop course that begins and ends at the same Middle School as packet pickup. Parking is easy and you can stay warm in the Middle School until the race starts. The race itself kicks off the town's annual Holiday Parade, so there are lots of spectators lined up along the main street.

The course is all on roads and was redesigned this year to make it less hilly. It was less hilly (through not entirely flat), but it also lost some of the more scenic areas. Some of the roads are busy, others are quieter, but they are never entirely shut down so runners have to be a bit careful. The aid stations aren't as plentiful as large races, but they are well stocked and the volunteers are fantastic.

After finishing, runners collect their medals and can head inside for snacks and beverages (no post race beer here). The races has great awards for overall and age group winners. So if you're in the area and looking for a nice, festive race to run, definitely consider this one - either the half marathon or the 5k. I'll definitely be back!

The 2016 TCS New York City Marathon was an epic experience that I have been trying to be a part of for years. I got into the lottery in 2012 (the year the race was canceled) and this year I was finally able to run it. That's the first thing to know - despite that this is the largest marathon in the entire world, it is very difficult to get into. My dad and I got entry through the Marathon Tours travel company (one of several ways you can get in). Being such a large race in such a densely-populated city, there are logistical challenges, but if you have your heart set on New York, it's absolutely worth it.

The expo is massive - held at the Javits Center - but it's easy to get to via the Subway. It's spread out and easy to find what you're looking for. We went on Friday to avoid the Saturday crowds and we didn't have any issues buying any of the items we wanted and getting some nice photo ops. You really feel the magnitude of the race you are about to run.

The race start is challenging because it starts on Staten Island. Marathon Tours arranged a coach bus for us (departed at 6:15 AM from near Grand Central Station), but when you get in "normally," you can opt for either bus or ferry based on where you are staying. I'm sure the ferry is lovely and more "new York," but I liked riding the bus. Upon arrival, there is a long line to get through security (don't panic) and an expansive runners village that has coffee, snacks, port-a-potties, etc.

We lucked out because the weather was gorgeous, but if it's the least bit cold or chilly, bring plenty of throw away layers. Our start wasn't until 10:40 AM, so we had plenty of time to rest and fuel up before the start. I have to tell you that when we toed the line for our wave start (based on anticipated finish time), it was a little bit emotional starting down the Verrazano Bridge listening to the smooth voice of Frank Sinatra singing "New York, New York" (played for each wave).

The Verrazano Bridge is nearly 2 miles long - meaning 1 mile uphill and 1 mile downhill to start. We were on the bottom level of the bridge and there was some wind, so the beginning was pretty chilly. This race is NOT EASY and maybe better for the "experience" than PR chasers (not to say that's impossible). There are multiple bridges (basically hills), the majority is straightaways (we had pretty consistent headwinds as we traveled North), and the whole course was VERY crowded.

That being said, if you're really looking for an experience, this is really hard to beat. You get a super unique view of New York, it is VERY well supported (thank you amazing volunteers), lots of people to cheer you on, and there is constant entertainment. This one was special for me because I was running it with my dad - was not too hard to stay with my running buddy, which was important to me. This is a race for anyone of any ability level (the average finish time is a little over 4:30) and I was so impressed with the number of people wearing shirts displaying their consecutive finishes - 38?! that's crazy amazing!

At the end of the race (Central Park), you can either collect your gear check bag OR you can collect your post race poncho (way nicer than it sounds). You select your option when you register, but you are not guaranteed the choice you select - you find out when you get your expo runner info. I don't think you can go wrong either way, but it was a bit of a challenge finding my dad again and he did have to walk a bit further than me. We took the Subway back to the hotel (which was free for runners).

The Bottom Line:
Run This Race If: You love big marathons, especially if you're interested in the Abbott World Majors. If you want to have an epic experience and don't mind a race that has some logistical challenges and is definitely not ripe for PRs (though not impossible).
Course: Challenging, point to point, hilly (bridges and Central Park finish), on the streets of New York. Some turns, but the vast majority is straight.
What Makes It Unique: The setting - I mean it's New York! I was also amazed at how many international runners there were. It's also the largest marathon in the world with over 50,000 runners finishing every year.
Cost: Pricey. 2016 entry: New York Road Runners members $216, Non-Members $255, Non-US Residents $347, Processing Fee $11. The larger issue is getting in. This is a really competitive lottery and you could try for years to get in. Of course there are ways - through NYRR, charity entries, and tour companies. This one is commitment though.
Date and Time: First weekend in November, staggered start based on corral placement.
Website: http://www.tcsnycmarathon.org/
Would I do It Again? Maybe, but not because of the race. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to run it and would never take it back, but I'm not sure how many marathons I have in me (or in my dad for that matter). I have a feeling the next will mean trying something new, but I would definitely recommend this one.

I've never participated in the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon (now in its third year) or any of the Vacation Races events before, but this one was a pretty unique (in a really great way) race experience and so I'm going to break this race review up into two sections. First up: the expo and 5k (inaugural year for this distance). The 5k took place Friday evening, which meant that I had to drive to Eastern Tennessee late that morning and head to the expo in time to make a 6:30 PM (Eastern Time) start!

The expo is outdoors - the first indication of a super environmentally-conscious event. It has a small feel, which I love - the half marathon is capped at 2,500 runners - and the host town (Townsend, TN) really supports the race. Many merchants offer runners discounts and sponsor the event. There were several vendors at the expo and bib pick-up was super quick and easy. These guys utilize technology really well to be as paperless as possible and they warn runners to bring their own bags because packets are bag free.

And you're going to want to bring a bag because for being a small race, the merchandise is out of this world! With registration, you get a cute race shirt and you can opt in for a Hydrapouch (more on this in a minute), but Black Bear Double participants (running both the 5k and the half marathon) get one piece of Black Bear swag - things like shirts, pint glasses, mugs. That's right folks, one piece and you cannot buy any more! This swag is exclusive and it is darn cute! Not to fear, there is so much other really great merchandise to choose from, you won't be too hurt. I've run a lot of races and my drawers are overflowing with race shirts. I RARELY buy any merchandise at races, but I walked out with a few really great items (they sold out of posters in a matter of hours).

Now let me introduce the Hydrapouch. Keeping with the environmentally-friendly theme of this event, the races are cup free. You can carry your own hydration system or you can choose to receive one of these babies. I had never even heard of this before, but it's pretty neat! It's made of soft plastic and has a clip on the back so you can clip it to your shorts/belt/etc. The aid stations were equipped with coolers that had nozzles equipped for these and they were very easy to figure out (though admittedly do slow you down just a touch through the aid station).

This race series is really committed to keeping our national parks clean and the cup free system cuts down on potential trash being left along the roads. I really liked this system and commend them for the investment they are making (the Hydrapounches were free) to really be eco-friendly. Admittedly, the first time I tried it, I spilled water all over myself, but I quickly adapted and figured it out!

Okay, on to the 5k. About 1000 people lined up for this evening run that was quite challenging. It isn't actually in the national park, but right outside. First, it was 91 degrees. Second, the sun was completely beating down on our backs the whole time. Third, the course was very hilly. All that being said, it was still a nice race and Vacation Races did a great job organizing it. It's a point to point, but they have a shuttle system for runners. They also arranged an honor system wave start.

There's no way around it, the race itself was tough and I tried to take it a little easy knowing I was facing a half marathon the following morning. The only minus points this race gets from me is that the 5k was measured long (which they told us before we started), but its the first year so I will cut them a little slack. We did have great treats though at the end including chocolate milk and really nice snack
Did I mention there was a medal for the 5k? Did I further mention that it's gorgeous and double sided?

I participated in the inaugural Black Bear Double, so the half marathon came after a 5k the previous evening - ah, I do love a challenge! Tennessee may be one of the prettiest states in the country and to see the sun rise over the mountains is something pretty special. This half marathon starts at 7 AM, and this time of year you'll get exactly that view.

Throughout the event weekend, organizers kept telling us that they were going to "spoil us," and for a lot of reasons, I really like this race, the amenities provided, and how special runners were made to feel. This is a point to point race, which means that unless you're getting dropped off and picked up (which I was, thank you Jen!), you park at the race finish and are then shuttled to the start. I think this worked pretty well, though I did hear from a few folks that there was some traffic trying to get to the start area. We were walked to the start according to our wave - waves were assigned, but it's on the honor system so you can move if you feel it would be a better experience.

The starting line has you looking right at the mountains. It's an open course (meaning you're sharing the road with traffic), but there were no issues with that and participants were great supporters of each other and called out cars. My phone told me it was 70 degrees at the start, but there was some humidity that increased as the day progressed. We took off quickly (race was very well organized) and were along exposed road for a bit before getting into the windy wooded area along the Little River that made up the majority of this course. We were told multiple times that this course is challenging - lots of rolling hills, steep banks to the road - but it is extremely scenic. You get mountains, forest, farm land, and river. It was quiet, and not crowded at all.

By this time, I had the Hydrapouch system down and there were ample well-stocked aid stations (and TONS of port-a-potties) along the course. Well done on that one Vacation Races and big thank you to the awesome volunteers! The course provided nice shade until about mile 9 when we made our way along the road (mostly sidewalks) back toward the finish line. These last four miles were really tough because it was a straight, unwavering line with the sun beaming down in your face the entire time. This section of the course was not without hills either - including an uphill finish line!

Seriously tough stuff, but we had plenty of snacks (more of those really neat boxes) and ice cold chocolate milk waiting for us. You certainly feel like you earned the amazing medals you receive for completing this race! The finish line was really well organized and there was plenty of parking for runners and spectators. For anyone who didn't get enough of a challenge, you could do one of several club hikes in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park within 72 hours to receive 50% off 2017 race registration (have to submit your picture with bib and medal that shows you completed the hike)! Unfortunately, this girl had to drive home - maybe next year.

The bottom line:
Run This Race If: you love scenic races, enjoy smaller races, don't mind tough courses, can combine this race with a trip to the national park and/or love great race experiences/swag/medals
Course: challenging, point to point, hilly, mostly roads with a couple of miles of sidewalks, honor system wave start, pacers available
What Makes It Unique: location (small town with national park backdrop), environmentally friendly, awesome swag, lots of amenities for a small race
Cost: Reasonable, earliest pricing is $40 individual/$35 team (5k), $95 individual/$85 team (half marathon), $150 (Black Bear Double). You can opt out of race swag to lower the registration cost, but I wouldn't recommend it because it's really good stuff!
Date and Time: Second weekend in September (6:30 PM Friday 5k, 7 AM Saturday half marathon)
Website: http://greatsmokymountainshalfmarathon.com/
Would I do It Again? Definitely. And I would like to do other events organized by Vacation Races! Really impressed with what they put together.

Think August is too hot to run a race? Think again! This one has become a bit of an annual tradition for my mom and me, and it seems to be getting bigger and better every year (2016 marks its 5th anniversary). The Big Ten Network 10k (they also have a 5k) brings fans of Big 10 teams together, along with anyone just looking for a nice race in the middle of summer. This is a no brainer for me because I can combine a trip back to my home town, a run with my mom, and a chance to represent my Alma Mater (Northwestern) all in one!

Generally, you don't see many people wearing their race shirts for the actual race, but this one is a bit different because it's all about school pride. When you register, you indicate which school you want, but there is also an "unaffiliated" option that gives you a classic blue on blue look. This race definitely has a tailgate feel - complete with mascots, cheerleaders, and fight songs.

The course changed this year, giving it a more urban feel, starting right around Grant Park at the lakefront. We got lucky today, the heat and humidity took a bit of a break. My mom and I stuck together (per usual) and enjoyed the day. I have to admit I did get a bit of satisfaction passing people from rival schools! Added bonus of this race is that they serve Nuun on the course, and in case you're not aware, I'm a huge fan.

As you might expect, the end of the race is a huge party, complete with games, beer (if you're so inclined), and shopping. Registration also gets you a pair of super stylish school sunglasses. The BTN 10k also has a great, large medal. This year, medals came with ribbons in your school colors!

So bottom line:
Run This Race If: you went/attend a Big 10 school, like urban races with good things to look at, are looking for a summer race, like big medals and fun extras
Course: mostly flat, loop, varies between street/sidewalk/lakefront path, has staggard start corrals
What Makes It Unique: the Big 10 theme, chance to meet your favorite mascot, lots of events for adults and kids afterwords
Cost: register early and the 10k is $50, 5k is $40, and 5k for kids under 12 is $25
Date and Time: typically late July/early August, 7 AM start for the 10k 8 AM start for the 5k
Website: www.btn.big10k.com

Maybe we will see you out on the course next year, because I have a very good feeling I'll be back. Happy running and go cats!