Latest reviews by Megan Sullivan

(2017)
"Awesome close to a fabulous series"
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I don’t normally race for medals, but when Space Coast announced their series of shuttle medals, I was in. And I’m so glad I signed up. This race has a small town feel with a big number of runners. It’s my favorite sort of race.

First and foremost, everyone is insanely friendly. The aid stations are awesome. I’m not sure which one is my favorite. There are youth groups, a Jimmy Buffett Fan Club, and more, all trying to make their aid station the best. And then there are the unofficial aid stations, people sitting out in their front yards offering drinks (I swear there was a full bar out there), fresh cooked bacon, pancakes, and more. Yes, while you run! It’s such a fun atmosphere.

The course is an out and back, but that’s something I enjoy because I can watch for the other runners and I can see my friends who are running, no matter if they are faster or slower than I am. Plus then I know what I’ve got coming for me on the course. Of course, this course is fast and flat, so there isn’t too much to worry about.

Post race, in addition to the fabulous medal, there is a great pancake breakfast, pizza and beer, and awesome towels, great for sitting on while you eat, and then taking to the pool later.

Even though this race ended the five year series, you had better believe I signed up for the next one!

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(2017)
"Excellent race, always improving"
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Any race managed by a military branch is guaranteed to be incredibly organized and the Army Ten Miler is no exception. This ten miler is huge, and yet they manage to get all of the racers across the start line in a clear and efficient manner.

The 2017 race was unusual in that the DC area was experiencing extreme heat, and to get people off the course faster, around a mile was cut off for runners in the later waves. I was not affected by this, but was surprised to learn the race had been altered when I reached the finish, as there was no discussion of a change for safety while out on the course. That said, the aid stations were amazing and soldiers were throwing water at people who wanted it. They did everything they could to keep us safe, which is the ultimate goal.

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(2017)
"A Candy Themed Event and a Surprise PR!"
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The Little Rock Marathon and Half Marathon are known for their medals. These things are HUGE! The theme changes yearly, but you can be guaranteed a sweet medal. I had heard this was a great race so I decided to sign up.

Race morning dawned cold and rainy but that didn’t stop the volunteers or the spectators! I was so impressed by all the people out there. It definitely kept me motivated to keep moving. The course itself ran by some amazing historic locations in Little Rock, but I was so focused on the race I missed most of them! The course was fast, and by mid-race I realized I was on pace to destroy my 5-year-old PR! I was so excited when I finished, and one of the race directors stopped me after the race to congratulate me on my finish, and when I told her that I had just PRed, she pointed me to the PR bell, which I rang with gusto.

Best of all, the post-race food was in the convention center, so we could all be warm and dry! The food was delicious, the chairs were comfy, and I even got to color a llama while I drank a beer. Definitely a fun race I want to run again!

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(2017)
"Ten Years of Giving Bacl"
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As someone with multiple family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, I'm often wary of these sorts of races. Where does the money go? Is it a sappy sort of event or is it more about empowerment? I am glad to say that this race meets all my requirements and more.

Far from being a sappy sort of event, this race is filled with lots of laughter, great costumes, and amazing spectators. Plenty of women (and men) who have been affected by breast cancer race, and they have the option to wear special "survivor" bibs. Lots of high fives for those folks, and it's always awesome to see people who are going through chemo and still getting out there.

This is a great race to push for a PR or to run and enjoy the scenery and the spectators. With the exception of the end of the race, it’s fairly flat. If you are a new half marathoner and aren’t sure how fast you can finish, this is a great race to try, as it’s got a 7 hour time limit for both the half and full, so no 3.5 hour time limit here. And if you want to see how much you can eat and drink during a course, these spectators have you covered. I’m pretty sure you could very easily get drunk while running this race if you wanted to.

Race morning was cool, but not cold. I was comfortable in my short sleeves. The pre-race area is great – plenty of porta-potties, a warming tent, and free coffee and donuts! Amazing!

The race starts with a wave-start, but the waves are self-seeded based on your estimated finish time. Half and full runners start together, which I love. And the best part? Each wave got its own cannon of confetti that just kept blowing. It’s great that everyone gets the fun of the start line, not just the fastest runners.

There were so many spectators out for this race. I loved it. Neighborhoods really get into it and it’s almost as if they’re competing to be the best neighborhood. The spectators cheering you up and over the bridge are absolutely the best.

Post race area was also awesome. Soda, water, beer, snacks, hot dogs… yum.

I continue to adore this race. I’ve gotten much more picky in the races I run, and this one will definitely stay on my schedule. It’s the sort of race where you can make it whatever you want, and runners of all levels are welcome.

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