There are much better half marathons in Kentucky, but if you’re looking for a flat course & a 4-hour time limit…this one is for you. The highlight is being able to run inside Churchill Downs. You would never know this is a kick-off to Derby Week, the lack of spectators or even large signage throughout the city was disappointing. Expo was really just a bib pickup…which is fine but since this is advertised as such a big race, that was disappointing as well.
The course itself was well marked and the police support was outstanding…as well as the number of water stations…even for a back of the packer like me. I was extremely happy to be able to check off Kentucky (I’m a 50 State Half Marathon Club member) with this flat course…but would not repeat.

I’ve done several races along the Jersey Shore, and have always wanted to add this race to my list. I was disappointed after completing this race today. With it being held in mid-July, the race organizers really should’ve started the race an hour earlier...at 7:30, instead of 8:30. For us in the back of the pack, it made the heat unbearable by mile 4. Also, the lack of aid stations was alarming...especially with the heat...and with the heat, at least one aid station with Gatorade would’ve been great. The residents more than made up for it though...with hoses to run under and handing out their own water to runners. Signage after the finish was lacking too...trying to find water and food afterwards was harder than it should’ve been. This was their 43rd year of having the race...you’d think they’d have it mastered by now. Unfortunately, I am one-and-done with this race. But if you’re looking for a local race, in the summer at the Jersey Shore, then give it a shot.

Fun 5K...it was unseasonably humid & warm this year, but still a very fun race. Wished the expo was a little more exciting...and had some shopping for runners instead of just bib & packet pick-up, but it did it’s job. We stayed at the Sands at the Steel Stacks and although they had a race discount code, no one at the hotel knew about the race and the hotel did not have late checkout....which stunk since the race began at 10am..checkout was at 11.. friends stayed at the Courtyard so we just showered there. Anyway, the beer stein you get is huge and it’s filled with delicious Yuengling Oktoberfest beer. The party afterwards is a lot of fun and I highly recommend hanging out and enjoying. I can’t wait to do this race again!