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Latest reviews by Aaron Riddle
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"It's Awesome Because PIGS!!!"
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The Flying Pig was a “must-do” race for me when my wife first gave me the idea of a 50 States 50 Marathons challenge, and after running it I am so glad that I did. Not only for the pig theme which encompasses the whole race weekend, but in how organized and well-put together the whole event is.
It is one of the most popular marathons in the United States for a reason (just search up reviews and you will see nothing but positives). The whole city really celebrates and comes together to make it an exciting weekend for runners of all shapes, sizes, speeds, and experiences. Not to mention that we were really impressed with how nice of a city Cincinnati was (clean, friendly, and easy-to-get around).
There is constant communication about the event leading up to the race (from months out), tons of things to do race weekend, a HUGE expo (if that is your thing), and not to mention my favorite race medal I have received so far (not only for having a pig on it…well..ok that’s the only reason).
My race report gives a detailed recap of my whole experience with the Flying Pig 2019 Marathon. 🐷
https://runningriddles.com/races/the-2019-flying-pig-marathon-in-cincinnati-oh/
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Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Nice, Big City Marathon"
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Overall the race was very well organized and I would highly recommend it. You get to run through a working firehouse and the NFL Denver Bronco’s stadium twice!
The course is not super difficult…a couple gradual inclines but nothing a little hill training fix. But be warned that the crowd support is limited. I wondered if many people in Denver even knew if the marathon was going on. This in no way matters to me…but is something to consider if that is a requirement of yours for a race.
However this is made up for the fact that they really reward you after the race with plenty of treats, and even provide FREE high-quality race photos a few days after the race.
I really go in-depth with the whole experience in my race report here: https://runningriddles.com/races/colfax-2019-marathon-in-denver-co/
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Pacing My Brother for His First Half-Marathon"
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I ran this half-marathon as a pacer for my brother (who was running his first-ever half). Overall the race was very enjoyable. The race begins on Assateague Island (by the Atlantic Ocean) and you run from there to the famous boardwalk area of Ocean City.
There was some communication from the organizers leading up to the race, but not much. I had to ask a question or two on their social media account, which they quickly answered. Swag for the race was a really nice t-shirt.
Race day morning there was plenty of parking at the finish line area at the boardwalk. You park there and then take a bus over to the starting area on Assateague Island. On this day the weather was perfect, and we even got to see a beautiful sunrise while waiting for the start.
As for the course, the beginning and end is really nice. Right after starting you run over a bridge across a river which is very scenic. This is also the only hill of the race. The rest is pancake flat! The middle of the race isn’t much…just long flat stretches of road and even going through a community development at one point. The last few miles are great as you run across the Route 50 bridge to the Ocean City boardwalk area…and then the last mile or so is actually on the boardwalk itself.
The finishers medal was cool and timing results were posted shortly after (though I did have to look for them…no results were emailed). My one complaint is that while I saw photos being taken during the race by pro photographers, I have yet to receive a link to view the photos…nor can I find them on the organizer’s website or social media accounts.
Overall this was a good race for a first-time marathoner or someone looking to set a PR on a very flat half-marathon course. Read my full race report at https://runningriddles.com/races/ocmd-island-to-island-2019-half-marathon/.
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Well Organized HILLY City Race"
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While the Atlanta Marathon is not the hilliest race I have encountered it definitely took me by surprise as to how hilly it was for a race in a big city. I would not recommend trying to run the Atlanta Marathon for a personal best, HOWEVER I would definitely recommend running the marathon for a great, big-city road race experience. It was very well-organized, well-set up, easy to get to using the MARTA public transportation system, and full of very friendly volunteers and great course support throughout most of the race. My full details and in-depth review can be read at https://runningriddles.com/races/the-2019-publix-atlanta-marathon-in-atlanta-georgia/
Aaron Riddle recommends this race
(2019)
"Great First-Time Ultra Trail Marathon"
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This race was the perfect choice for my first-ever ultra trail race (I’ve done a 50K before, and a trail marathon…but never an ultra trail marathon ha!). I actually registered for the race only a few days before-hand due to some last minute scheduling issues. I was planning on running a road marathon previously, but I am SO glad I switched over to this trail race as I loved every minute of it.
First off the race communication, instructions, and logistics are all top notch. Packet pick-up was very easy at the local Dick’s Sporting goods, there was constant email directions provided leading up to race day, and parking was plentiful at the local park where the trail run took place. All volunteers were SUPER friendly, encouraging, and willing to help out any runner.
The course itself is a 10 mile or so trail loop around St. Mary’s River Park encircling a lake (3 laps is a 50K). There are some hills, but nothing crazy elevation-wise (I believe my watch ended with around 1,600 ft total elevation). The challenge however comes from the condition of the trail depending on weather. On this day it was extremely muddy, and there were spots where you had no choice but to slosh on through getting up to your ankles in water / mud. I love this type of challenge, but just be prepared going into this race that it is a trail run…so expect to get dirty!
The aid tents were stocked full of so much different food and drinks it was crazy. There were tons of home-made goodies waiting at the trail loop start / finish…so you could easily grab some fuel to get you through the next loop.
I absolutely loved this race and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to enter the world of trail ultra running. Check out my race report regarding details of my performance and how I prepared for and tackled the race itself: https://runningriddles.com/races/frozen-heart-50k-trail-ultra-marathon-in-callaway-md/