Latest reviews by Katie Fox

(2019)
"Nice local half!"
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I have run the Philadelphia Half Marathon twice and really enjoyed it both times. The expo is nice; lots of vendors and branded race gear, and bib pickup is a breeze. The start line can be crowded, and lines for porta-potties can be long, but there has been a heated tent in the past for keeping warm and waiting for the race to start.
The race loops through the city, showing runners the best parts of Philadelphia, before heading out to West Fairmount Park. Crowds can be thin outside the city, but local running clubs have big cheer zones and there's never a stretch without support. Aid stations are frequent and well stocked with water and electrolyte drinks, and some with gels.
The race ends by running past Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive and up past the Art Museum. The finish line is a party! Lots of spectators cheering and an enthusiastic announcer.

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(2019)
"Tough and technical trail race!"
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The Charlie Horse Half Marathon is a trail race outside Reading, PA. Bib pickup is the morning of the race. Bib pickup happens at the finish line, and there's an option to take a bus to the start or get dropped off. Bib pickup was easy, and the race tech tee shirt was nice! The race starts in a park where there's an immediate water crossing - fun! It's a true trail race with lots of climbing, water, and mud. The aid stations were well stocked with treats (oreos FTW!) and basics, and the volunteers were very friendly. The route ends at another park where there was a BBQ, live music, and a hose to wash off the mud. This is a fun and small trail race that I would recommend to anyone who doesn't mind getting a bit dirty!

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(2019)
"Dirty German 25k"
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The Dirty German Endurance Fest is one of the best race experiences in the Philadelphia region. The RD, Stephen, works hard to provide a terrific race with outstanding support! I ran the 25k distance, which is one loop around the park. The 50k is two loops, the 50 mile is 2 loops plus a little extra. Bib pickup is the morning of the race, at the start/finish line. Parking at the park is relatively easy, so it was quick to pickup my bib. The race shirt was a high quality long sleeve tech zip up shirt, with the Dirty German logo.
The only downside to this race is that it's very popular and can be crowded for the first mile or two as folks settle into their paces on the trail. After that, it's terrific! The aid stations are better than any race; hot food, snacks, homemade PB&J sandwiches, etc. Everything trail and ultra runners love!
Pennypack Park trails aren't super technical, but the woods are nice and it's a pretty course. The race ends where it started with a live band and hot food.
This is one of my favorite races for a reason!

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(2019)
"First west coast marathon did not disappoint! "
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The LA Marathon was my first West Coast marathon and it did not disappoint! I traveled to LA after a week of skiing in Utah, and I was nervous about running such a big race, but was excited for the experience.
The expo was large but very well organized. Parking was relatively easy, and the expo was set up in a logical way to get your bib and shirt first and then shop. The marathon sponsor had lots of branded gear, and I ended up with a nice running jacket and some smaller swag items to take home.
The morning of the race was truly the only downside; I greatly underestimated the time to drive from Venice Beach to the start line at the stadium, and we sat in traffic for an hour. I should have taken one of the shuttle buses! I ended up hopping out of the car and running to the start with only minutes to spare. The bright side to this method was missing the long lines for security and porta potties!
The course was so fun! I hadn't spent much time in LA, so it was such a cool and unique way to see some of the famous landmarks! I fell in with a pace group and the pace group leader acted as tour guide, shouting out the famous places and people. It was a blast! The course is a bit hilly, but I expected that.
The last few miles, while the most painful for me (lingering injury), were the most beautiful. I loved running along the ocean down to the finish line! Despite the crowds, I was able to find my boyfriend quickly, grab a snack, and get moving.
I would definitely recommend this race as a fun city marathon!

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(2018)
"Best local marathon!"
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The Philadelphia Marathon is my favorite east coast marathon, without a doubt. It was my first marathon in 2016, and running again in 2018 was like coming home. The expo is pretty good; lots of vendors, and the official Philadelphia Marathon branded gear is expansive and high quality. Bib pickup was fast, and the free tech shirt was nice!
Race morning can be tricky if you don't live in the city, but there's plenty of parking within a mile walk, so you just have to plan ahead (as in any big city!). I live 1/4 mile from the start line, so I may be a bit biased, but it's relatively easy to get through security, drop a bag, and get into your corral within 10-15 minutes.
The course itself is excellent; you run through historical sections of the city for the first 7 miles or so, and then climb up out of University City, past the zoo, and into West Fairmount Park. Crowd support out here can be lacking, but once you get down to MLK, around the Art Museum, and then to Kelly Drive, the crowds are huge. Kelly Drive is a ~10 mile out and back along the Schuylkill River. This can be windy, but beautiful! Aid stations are plentiful and the local running groups cheer like they know you personally.
The race finishes right past the Art Museum, and the crowds are huge and supportive. The finish area can be congested, but it's easy to get a snack and water and get out.
Overall, the Philadelphia Marathon is well organized, well supported, and well loved.

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