Man, this was a deceptively hard race. First, hats off to the race organizer who put this together all the way from Florida - he is a nice man working for a great cause. The race itself was pretty good - if you like scenic runs lined with cheering crowds, this probably isn't the race for you. If you like a challenging run where it is you and the road while fighting the elements, read on. The course itself was unusual and I am glad that I gave it a try. Basically, they take the circuits and grounds of Summit Point Motorsports Park and make it into a loop and it is two laps for the half marathon. Silly me thought that it would be flat because it was a motorsports park, but ha-ha-ha. The day itself was freezing cold, in the low 30s and immediately after the start there was an uphill through a veritable wind tunnel. Miles 1-3 were slightly uphill at times, and winding around lots of turns. Miles 4-6 (and subsequently 10-12) was where it got hard. There was a circuit that was largely uphill and then a very sharp and steep climb up a bridge which was psychotic when it came after mile 12. It was impossible for me to run up the hill so all I could do was keep the legs moving and take it very slow. Outside of the bridge, it was a pretty steady uphill for a large period of time - you can't really tell it from the elevation chart and it wasn't steep, but it was noticeable. Being on the slower side and since the cold meant that the most serious runners showed up, I spent large periods of time running by myself. But even though it was cold and windy and my legs started their usual bark around mile 12, I pressed on to a 2:21 finish, exactly the same time as my last race.

The pros were an unusual and challenging course, I liked the t-shirts and there was pizza at the finish line (for those who are insane enough to eat pepperoni pizza after running 13 miles), also energy gel at mile 8 was extremely appreciated.

Cons - I wish there was a ribbon on the medals and gatorade on the course. Also, the volunteers were pretty brusque at packet pickup.

But all in all, a solid effort from the race director and the race was worth the hour and a half drive.

I opened my 2017 half marathon season with a local smallish race on the Dahlgren Trail near Fredericksburg VA. This was an old WWII railroad which was purchased and converted into a trail. What a great way to start the season! I arrived at 6:30 - and you do need to get there early because they mean it when they say that parking at the trailhead is limited. I picked up my packet from an old railroad caboose - the t-shirt was meh (black technical t-shirts don't work for me - soaks up too much sun), but I wasn't expecting much given that this is an inexpensive race with no registration fees even. They start the race in waves of 20 - I started in the 4th wave due to my age group and was soon being passed like a third-tier NASCAR driver since many faster people started behind me. The run itself was beautiful; it was all on dirt, small crushed stone or pine needled so bring the cross country shoes. The first and last mile (it's an out and back) has railroad track down the center of the trail, everything else, the track was pulled up. The race goes largely through forest with tree cover. It was a beautiful day and it warmed up 20 degrees from start to finish so selecting the right gear was a challenge.

My splits were about usual for me - started off around 10 minute miles and slowed down pretty dramatically around mile 9 or so. By mile 11, it was like the usual nightmare that one has of being chased, trying to run and going noplace, but I kept running and pushing through albeit slower. The highlight of the race for me was when someone tried to pass me at the finish. Every spot is precious for me given that I am on the slower side so after 13.05 miles, with dead legs, we engaged in a Usain Bolt style sprint duel for the spot and I kept it :) There were finisher medals - small medals with a train on them - but given the cheap cost of the race, I'm glad to have received a medal.

A wonderful atmosphere - very nice people all around - both fellow runners and volunteers who love the trail. Everyone encourages you and people greet you as they pass by on the trail. Considering my speed or lack thereof, I received quite a few "good mornings." I give this race the highest recommendation!

This was my first half. I was originally registered for the 10k and upgraded to the half spur of the moment the Thursday before the race, which was very easy to do. The park where the race starts was very accessible and parking was easy. I liked the 7 AM start to the race, better to get the race started as soon as possible. Race day packet pickup was easy and was very close to where I was parked. The race organizers were super responsive via email, they answer quickly and pleasantly.

The course: The first out and back through industrial Canton....meh. The race map (which was linked to the tracking app) said it was two miles, when it was really one which through my tracking off - had to call my girlfriend and tell her I'm really not THAT fast :) But then the course got really good going through the Westside and Fells Point and lots of running along the Inner Harbor, I loved that part. The laps around Rash Field could probably be replaced with some more road running. The course goes down Key Highway and to Locust Point for the turnaround - at least half the race was around the Harbor with great water views (right next to the water) There were I think six total water stops which had Gatorade as well and the local police were very supportive.

Swag: decent, not spectacular, but I wasn't expecting spectacular. One thing - a black technical t-shirt is difficult to run in when it heats up outside for obvious reasons. I liked the race medal alright, could probably be a little more distinctive, but all in all, I was happy.

Recommendation - a well-organized, mostly scenic course run by nice folks, hopefully two of the less scenic miles can be replaced next year. I definitely plan to run again.