Latest reviews by Dee Kolpak

(2018)
"Dismal Swamp Stomp 2018"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
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This was my third Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon. The race course is pretty (paved trail through wooded areas) and follows along the the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail system, but it is not an “exciting” course. Both the Half and the 5k are out and back races. The race terrain itself is paved and flat. However you cannot count on crowd support for this race because family / friends are not allowed out on the course, there just isn't room for people along the sides of the trail.

The expo was tiny so you can just run in and out to get your bib and shirt. There were a few vendors but nothing like a big race. The short sleeve shirt is cotton so that's why I gave the swag a 4 out of 5. However the medal is fantastic!

The support you do get is from other runners, sadly there was not as much of that this year as there has been in the past. Maybe it was the heat? Temps on race day this year were 20-30 degrees warmer that it had been all spring. 64 at the start 77 at the finish. 81 according to the official race report. The water stops (which were well manned and energetic) did provide for some support out there.

Miles 6-8ish are the toughest as they as the trail runs out from under the shade of the trees. And this year with the heat it zapped the life out of some runners.

The medal itself is pretty sweet. (see picture) The one nice thing about this smaller local race is that the after party food and drinks are always very generous. Nothing says your ran in the south like some Southern BBQ and homemade applesauce post race. Beer and plenty of water was also available. The awards were hand carved bird statues. I didn’t get one, lol, but one of my friends was able to pick one up.

I would suggest the race but maybe not as a first half. I always find that crowd support can go a long way in helping the miles pass by. All in all I would give it an 8 out of 10.

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(2018)
"Run for Beads 10k Mardi Gras Trail Run"
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If your looking for a small mid winter trail race this is a great one! Smithfield is a beautiful town. The 10k loops through the slightly hilly dirt packed trails of Windsor Castle Park. Most of the race is on the dirt trails with a small portion on the paved trail. It was a cold one this year (27 degrees) for Virginia but the scenery of the trails and the trees blocking some of the wind made for a wonderful run. The 10 AM start also let is warm up from the chilly teens earlier in the morning. The volunteers were great and helpful to keep you on the right track through the loops. There was one water table, which you pass twice due to the loops.

The run is timed the old fashioned way with rip off tags you hand in at the end. No timing mats or anything of that sort here. If your plan is to place and go out fast, you need to start at the front of the pack. Everyones time starts when the horn goes off.

This year there was also a 5k fun color run which started at 11 AM.

Packet pick up was the day before (Friday). No type of expo or anything like a bigger race, which wasn't expected.

Swag includes a t-shirt and a free beer/soda at the end of the race. If you wait around for the "party" after the 5k fun color run finishes up (at noon) there is food available FOR PURCHASE and music. You are given one ticket for one free beer / soda.

The reason for the 3 stars for T-shirts / Swag are:
- There is NO BLING. So if bling is your thing ;) all you get here is a few plastic strands of beads in your swag bag.
- No food unless you bring cash
- The t-shirt is nice and colorful and long sleeved but it is cotton

I gave it a 3 out of 5 for elevation because there are hills, nothing steep, but rolling hills throughout the trails.
Parking is literally right by the start line so no issues there.

Showers are available at the local YMCA if you finish the 10k and have time to head over there for a shower and a change of clothes before the noon party and awards. I guess that would all depend on how fast you finish.

Smithfield is lovely and has an old fashioned type of field to it. Nice shops, restaurants and bakery are a short drive from the park.

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(2017)
"Magic for miles and miles"
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This was my first Wine & Dine Half but my 4th Disney Half Marathon. And Disney never disappoints. If you stay on DisneyWorld property all your transportation is included (from the airport and all around the property including race morning) and that is why I gave parking/access 5 stars. I cannot comment on how it would be if you were coming in for the day with your own vehicle.

I got the the expo later in the day on Friday. I have been to other Disney expos earlier and they can be crazy at the opening and the early hours. (don't forget your dealing with both Disney fanatics and the occasional or first time Disney runners) That said this expo was much less hectic than Princess Half for sure! However everything is well marked and the process is really easy. There are vendors of all kinds and options to buy additional race related items as well.

Now one thing you should know about any Disney race is that you have to get up early, like 3 o'clock early. But for me its not an issue. Once I am up, I'm up. And we got the bonus this year of an extra hour of sleep due to the time change. :) Buses run from all the resorts to the race start. Plenty of port-o-potties, gear check and corrals are well marked. Disney always puts on a nice show with fireworks to start EACH corral not just the first one. Entertainment starts even before the race begins with a DJ, Mc's and character photo opportunities.

Now you should know if your new to Disney that the course is NOT inside the park / parks at all times. That's just not possible. However there are optional character stops all along the course (both inside and outside of the parks) to keep you entertained along your magical journey. Plenty of volunteers at the water stops and pacers to keep you ahead of the "balloon ladies" (aka they signal your getting too close to the sag wagon if you stop too long for pictures or just fall behind.) The race gives a 16 min/mile cutoff which leaves room for both walkers and runners who choose to stop for photo ops. There are Disney photogs out there if you don't have a camera of your own.

This year the race was pretty warm and humid so be prepared for warmer temps if your not used to that sort of thing in November where you live. Included in the fee was a long sleeve tech tee, virtual goodie bag, a Disney worthy medal (your not going to get a sticker / flimsy medal for a half at Disney) a $15 Disney gift card and a ticket to the after hours post race party held at Epcot the night of the race.

There wasn't a whole lot of elevation this year. The course is usually not the same from race to race. Just a few little rises in elevation. But I gave it 2 stars just because it wasn't 100% flat.

The post race party at Epcot had a DJ and the food and drink from the countries around Epcot can be purchased (it's not included in your race fee) but you can use your $15 gift card there. Also the bigger sit down restaurants at Epcot are NOT open during this time.

All in all it was a great weekend! If your "in it for the BLING" Disney does not disappoint and most race weekends also include challenges where you can earn extra Bling. This year in addition to my Half Medal I also earned my Coast 2 Coast medal for completing the Light Side Half in Disneyland and the Wine & Dine Half in the same year. This commemorative medal features the famous image of Walt and Mickey holding hands. It is adorable.

So if your a Disney fan, looking for a race-cation or just an really fun race Disney won't disappoint!

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(2017)
"A Connecticut Turkey Day Tradition"
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This was my second time running the Manchester Road Race. I grew up in CT but have lived out of state for the last 8 years. My family still lives up there and my brother has run the race for years.

The race draws a HUGE crowd for such a short race. This year there were over 12,000 (the cap is 15,000) yes that's 12,000 NOT 1,200. The course is lined with people from start to finish. Its like the fun of a well run half marathon all rolled into less than 5 miles. As far as I know none of the entertainment is set up by the race itself, the town of Manchester has just embraced this race as it has grown from year to year. From free shots at mile like 2, to bands, to the ever fun theme from "Rocky" being blasted over loud speakers this race is just plain fun. Costumes aren't necessary but are plentiful on the course. For those who are familiar with the race keep an eye out for "Safety Man" I don't know the story behind it but everyone knows him :) He is a "the" race day celebrity. Walkers are also encouraged to participate but asked to place themselves in the back of the race.

Note to those who want to know about the course. There is a loooong steady hill so if your not used to that you might have to train for it or plan to walk some of it. There is also prize money for the queen and king of the hill. The bright side is there is also a nice downhill right after.

If you do want to take the race seriously you must submit a qualifying time to be seeded in a corral. The frontrunners do compete for cash prizes so if that's your thing you just have to plan accordingly.

FYI: There is NO expo, NO medals and NO aid stations. At the end of the race they do hand out bottles of water and a commemorative program.

There are t-shirts but you must BUY them on-line prior to the race. That is the reason for the one star for swag. They are nice technical shirts but not included in your race fee.

If your nearby and looking to "Earn your turkey" this is a really fun race to kick off the day!

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(2017)
"Celebrating 100 years of NASA / Langley "
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NASA/Langley 100 year celebration 10k.

What possibly could be a once in a lifetime race NASA/Langley opened its gates to runners and walkers alike to join in the celebration. The course was entirely flat and ran through the campus at NASA and was very well marked. Most of the volunteers were great and very cheerful. The course went directly through one of the hangers which had aircraft and space memorabilia. After the race runners were invited to stay and tour the hanger and many other facilities in more detail. It also opened its doors the the public after the race.

At the beginning of the race an announcer spoke about some of the history of NASA/Langley but unfortunately the speaker system made it hard to hear. Personally I would have liked to see more signs along the course with descriptions of what we were running by. A lot of the course was around buildings and fields.

All in all it was very well organized. Parking was great with just a short walk to the start. The race was capped at 800 runners. I believe the results listed 600+ finished. Flat out events managed the race and they are always great at cheering even the last runners/walker that come through the finish.

The bling was amazing for a 10k. A triple disc spinning medal (see pic)

I would recommend it if they do another in the future. There were no deferrals etc because there is no guarantee this race will be held again due to it being an anniversary celebration.

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