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Latest reviews by Aaron Riddle
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Flat, Fast Course at a Golf Resort"
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The Kiawah Island Marathon is a flat, fast marathon that is optimal for setting a PR. While the area is not the easiest to stay in due to higher prices and availability of lodging, the organizers put on a wonderful marathon with great organization targeted towards making it a really enjoyable experience for all runners.
TRAVEL TIP: There are limited places to stay around Kiawah Island, so if you plan on running this marathon, make your hotel reservations early!
Communication leading up to the race was top-notch and I received updates via email for several weeks prior to the race with clear instructions. Packet pick up was located on the island itself, which is privately-owned, so you need a guest pass to enter. Luckily the race planners are very organized and sent out a pre-authorized parking pass to all runners allowing them entry onto the island for packet pickup.
If you stay off the island, there are shuttle buses that pick you up and take you to and from the race. We stayed close to the shuttle bus area, but parking looked to be plentiful in the grassy fields nearby (though they did seem to get a bit muddy).
The course itself was pretty, but honestly I was a little disappointed. It ran mostly through the inner-parts of the island along community roads and golf kart paths near the golf course. Despite being right on the coast, I was only able to see the Atlantic Ocean for roughly 30 seconds around mile 20. That said I have been lucky to run some of the most beautiful marathons in the country ( Mount Desert Island Marathon 2018 in Maine and The 2019 Kauai Marathon in Hawaii to name a few), so if this would have been my first marathon, I may have thought more of the scenery. Aid stations were plentiful throughout the course, but since I carry my own drink and gels via hydration pack, I did not make use of them.
Overall the experience was a positive one. I would give the Kiawah Marathon a “thumbs up” and recommend it to someone looking to run in the Charleston area of South Carolina.
More details at my full race report: https://runningriddles.com/races/the-kiawah-island-marathon-in-south-carolina/
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Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Somewhat Flat Course on the Boardwalk"
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Atlantic City was personally not my favorite place to visit (my sole opinion), but the marathon itself was a good one to run and cross New Jersey off the state list.
Several reviews online stated the course is “pancake” flat. This is not the case. Yes, MOST of the course is flat, but there are a few portions towards the beginning that take you up a few highway ramps that are a bit of a challenge. My Garmin noted a total elevation gain of around 200 ft by the race’ end. Not hilly at all, but not completely pancake flat.
Packet pickup was held at Bally’s Casino’s Grand Ballroom. Parking was easy (there were several lots and garages around…thought the area doesn’t seem that nice to walk in), and I breezed my way through the slot machines and card tables towards the expo area. I am not a fan of gambling, so I immediately got my bib and exited the building. I will say the swag they gave you (a hooded long sleeve shirt) is one of my favorites from any race I have run.
My only complaint about the race start was that it was position right on the boardwalk in front of a few of the casinos which constantly played loud advertisements from their speakers. Apparently the National Anthem was sung, but the speakers of the casinos were turned up so loud, that many of us not realize it until it was almost over. That made me sad and believe that should be addressed in future editions of the race. Luckily we were able to hear the starting gun and made our way down the boardwalk to begin the first mile of 26.2.
The experience as a whole was a fun one though. The pacing group was very good and it was fun to run along the boardwalk for 6-7 miles of the race. I'd recommend running it for New Jersey...just stay out of the Atlantic City area other than on race day.
You can read my whole race report at https://runningriddles.com/races/2019-atlantic-city-marathon-in-new-jersey/.
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Tough Marathon on an Amazing Island"
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The Kauai Marathon is well-organized, well-run, and a true incredible challenge due to the hilly course and humid Hawaii climate. One of the biggest pros to this marathon is that you have to travel to Kauai to run it…and that alone is an incredible experience where you will see scenery that is unlike anywhere else in the world. My wife, who has been all over most of the world, even commented she had never seen such natural beauty in all her travels.
I myself cannot stress how naturally wonderful of an island Kauai is. If you choose to run the Kauai marathon travel to the island several days ahead of time so 1) you can adjust to the time zone difference and jet lag / rooster crowing and 2) you can make plans to enjoy the natural wonder of this paradise. They call it the “garden island” and it lives up to that name.
It’s hard to sum up the whole experience in a few paragraphs, so I encourage you to read my full detailed race report at https://runningriddles.com/races/the-2019-kauai-marathon-in-hawaii/.
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Underestimated Trail Marathon"
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Who knew Indianapolis, IN had a trail marathon?
I live in the mountains of Virginia and frequent Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian trail with my family. We are used to steep trail ascents and descents hiking up and over the Appalachian mountains. With the Eagle Creek Trail Marathon being held in the Indianapolis area, I was anticipating mostly flat, well-maintained trails for the 26.2 miles. However I would be in for a challenging surprise.
The course would wrap around the perimeter of Eagle Creek Park running from the west side of the Eagle Creek Reservoir over to the east side, looping around a small lake, and then heading back to the starting point. One lap would be a half-marathon distance, so that meant the marathoners would be looking at two laps. As for terrain it would be mostly dirt trail in the woods, with the lap portion around the lake taking place on a gravel road. Only a mile or so of each lap would be on paved surface where runners would cross over the reservoir via a 56th street bridge.
The trail was fairly narrow but made of well packed dirt, and with no rain for the past few days, the traction and footing was good. However every few minutes it seemed like there was a tree down across the trail in which you either had to jump over, or for several of the larger ones, stop and actually step over one leg at a time. The trail took us continually up and down hills, some of which had wooden crafted steps to get up them, and some of them did not.
I definitely underestimated this trail marathon and was not anticipating the heat and humidity to affect me as much as it did. As it turns out I was not the only one to have a tough time with the trail, as I finished 35th out of 66 runners. Come to find out 136 people signed up for the marathon…88 actually started it (meaning most switched over to the half-marathon distance prior to the start)…and only 66 actually finished. Despite my slow time, it made me proud that I completed the race under tough conditions and played it smart to ensure a finish to add another state to my list.
I highly recommend this trail race for trail runners looking for a nice challenge during the summertime! Read my full race report at: https://runningriddles.com/races/the-2019-eagle-creek-trail-marathon-in-indianapolis-in/
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Flat Marathon (Watch for Mosquitoes!)"
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The Whitefish Point Marathon in Paradise, MI is a small town race that is well organized and full of many friendly local volunteers. While it does not have the excitement or fanfare of a large city marathon, it is run smoothly by the wonderful race director and an excellent, flat course to attempt a BQ (Boston Qualify) or a PR.
My word of warning is that if you plan to do this race bring deep woods bug spray! The mosquitos will most likely be out when the race is held. Thankfully they only ate me alive when I was standing still at the start and walking back at the finish (they left me alone while running). However I did hear stories of some of the slower-paced runners really fighting with the pests. I might even suggest carrying a small portable container of bug spray with you when running if possible.
Yet despite the mosquitoes we really enjoyed our time in Paradise, MI (be sure to see the Shipwreck Museum and visit Tahquamenon Falls). I’d recommend the Whitefish Point Marathon to any runner looking to cross Michigan off their marathon state list.
To read my detailed race experience please visit https://runningriddles.com/races/2019-whitefish-point-marathon-in-paradise-mi/