Latest reviews by Kristin Gansor

(2019)
"Pittsburgh Themed 10 Miler!"
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This was my 4th year running Pittsburgh's EQT 10 Miler. After the first year I knew this race would be one of my favorites. This year the city decided to add themes for every mile having military members at mile 1, to a mister rogers theme, a pierogie and a pickle mile and even Pittsburgh Dad! Even if you didn't stop to take pictures or to eat the cookies, drink the pickle juice, etc. It still gave runners something to look forward to and something to take your mind off of how sore, or how tired you might be!
The medal this year was probably my favorite of all 4 that I have, and new this year P3R did a special medal if you ran the Pittsburgh Marathon (or half), the Liberty Mile and EQT so if you like your race bling, this was a definite plus!
I am a fan of fall and cool weather running and the beginning of November is the best time to run (IMO) in Pennsylvania!
Perfect temps, perfect course, great atmosphere, awesome medals. If this is a race you haven't done yet. DO IT. If you haven't heard of it before.. put it on your list and check it out soon!

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(2019)
"Local small town race"
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This is a local race that is put on by a wonderful race director who hosts 3 other small races throughout the year on the same trail.
This year I opted to do the 10k (was originally the half but due to me dropping out of my full marathon, I stepped this one down to the 10k).
It is on the Boston Trail, a crushed limestone course, which is mostly flat, there are a few small hills but nothing major. The only thing hard about this race is that the last two years it has been VERY hot.
The half marathon starts early, but the shorter races don't start until 9, which makes it a struggle in the heat. There are a few water stations set up. This year there were some energy gels set up as well, but if you are doing this one I strongly suggest that you bring your own water and fuel as well. (even for the 10k!)
For the half marathon everyone gets a medal, and he has a different theme for each year. For the smaller races there are only Age group awards.
There is parking on site at the ball field or down the road in the church parking lot. No expo before as this is just a small town race. But a lot of people do participate in this one as opposed to the others, so arriving early for parking and bib pick up is a good idea.

If you haven't ran any of these races on the Boston Trail I would recommend looking into them for the 2020 season!

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(2019)
"Small and hilly"
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If you are looking for a challenging race with a small field I highly suggest this one. I love the town that in, pick up is easy. Indoor area to meet up in and eat after and to stay warm in before. I did not run the half but have many friends who have and I know they say how difficult the course is.

The medals are hand baked and made. Which adds to the charm.

Theres an option to do a 1 mile, 5k, and half. Or 1 mile + 5k. Or run all 3!

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(2018)
"Hot, not a lot of crowd support. "
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I did this race in 2017, but I did the 12k(which despite being cold and rainy.. I loved it). I decided to do the half to support a friend.
The first half part of the course leads you into the trail.. which isnt anything spectacular and once you are on the trail.. it gets mighty boring.
After the trail you come out into the actual town where there is absolutely 0 shade.
Water stops are minimal. And the last water stop had no water and hot Gatorade 🤢
The best part about this course is running through the tunnel. But that's about it.
I would never do the half here again but would opt for the 12k option again.

The post race is well done though. Lots of food. Beer. A nice pint glass. And of course a medal.

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(2018)
"Hilly but beautiful and friendly!"
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I went into this race with a lack of marathon training behind me, but even still, I loved it.
I heard from several RTB veterans that the course was "hilly"... but coming from Pittsburgh, I figured it couldnt really be THAT bad. WRONG.
Now, granted, I severely undertrained, but it was way more hilly than I ever expected. But the course scenery made up for it. I quickly threw out any time goals and just made sure I listened to my body, pushed as much as I could, but took that time to enjoy the course!

The expo was small, but well put together. Everyone was super helpful and friendly. I stayed at the race hotel which was older, but gorgeous, and close to everything!
(If you are looking for a phenomenal breakfast or brunch.. check out First Watch!!)
The medal was huge and paid tribute to American Pharoah (which was really cool for me since I followed all of that). The race gear was also in his colors. And you could upgrade from the hoodie to a really nice Columbia jacket.

I will be back to do this one in the future!

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