Latest reviews by Nick Burger

(2021)
"Virtual Miles, Real Life Chocolate!"
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It's been 11 months since I've ran an in person race. Last summer everything going virtual was an exciting and new way to keep the running community moving and engaged with each other. Like many others, now a year in, it's beginning to lose its appeal. I crave the lined streets, the crowded start, the noise, the expo, the added fun and thrill of everyone. That being said, the Hot Chocolate 15k is up there with the best virtual races I've ran. My swag came in a week before race day - my bib, a super comfortable full zip hooded sweatshirt (with detachable hood), a Nuun Sport tablet and a Honey Stinger waffle which I gladly paired for some pre-race nutrition, some chocolates, a finisher medal shaped like a chocolate (that opens to reveal an actual chocolate), and of course, two packets of double dark chocolate hot chocolate! They really went all out on the swag and I'd give it 6 stars if I could!

One of the great things about running a virtual race is that location doesn't matter. Living in Syracuse, NY made this run a little sweeter (hard to imagine given a CHOCOLATE run!?). Temperatures in the teens and a light snow made that post run hot chocolate taste even better! The proceeds are also donated to St Jude's Children's Hospital which is reason enough to add this race to your calendar! With 22 cities/dates to choose from it couldn't be any easier to join in on the fun! I will definitely be running this race again in the future and would even travel to run in person if the opportunity arises!

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(2019)
"Fast and flat 5k"
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This is a great race for anyone who has never ran a 5k before or is looking for a fast, flat run through a really cool part of Syracuse! Starting at the Inner Harbor and running through Franklin Square the views are nice throughout and there is almost zero elevation. The shirts and medals that come with your entry fee are amazing and the management is awesome! There is plenty of parking and easy access in a huge parking lot right along the start/finish line!

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(2019)
"The Whole Town Shows Up!"
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This is a really great race in terms of how many people show up to line the streets during the race! The entire town of Utica shows up to spectate and cheer on the runners. Its very crowded at the beginning but thins out within the first mile. There is no shirt or medal that comes with entry but I did get a neat pint glass with the boilermaker logo on it. The finish line puts you at the Saranac Brewery where an amazing afterparty is thrown. Free food and beer for everyone and some really great entertainment!

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(2019)
"Scenic 10 Miler Through Syracuse!"
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This is an absolutely beautiful run through Syracuse. The city sits in a valley which offers some great to the east and west. Starting downtown in historic Clinton Square, the race starts with a climb to the west side through the Strathmore area, offering some gorgeous views of the city below. Looping down through the south side you get some ascension relief, nice downhills until the course flattens out through mile 5. The toughest portion of the course comes at mile 7 as you hit the Colvin Hill climb. A steep and long hill that brings you up through the Syracuse University neighborhood. The beginning of the hill is lined with drummers pounding away in unison, helping to give you the strength of tackling the elevation ahead! Before heading back into downtown this course offers one more steep but short climb as you enter Thornden Park for a spectacular view. The course is lined with spectators in front of their homes cheering, partying, playing music! There is entertainment at every mile and the after party, located right at the start/finish line is fantastic! There are many bars and restaurants within walking distance of Clinton Square for afterwards. Overall one of my favorite races in all aspects for the Syracuse area!

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(2019)
"First Half"
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This was my first official half marathon experience. Over 3,000 runners flooded onto State Street in downtown Syracuse to begin the run. The first 2 and a half miles are a steady climb up James Street. As you trickle back through the suburbs and into the city you get some pretty great views. There are a lot of great and well placed aid stations and people cheering and lining the streets. I found mile 12 to be the most difficult portion of the course due only to the lack of pretty much everything that makes a race great. It's a stretch of closed businesses, no houses or people, no aid station, no one cheering. It's a pretty desolate stretch towards the end where you'd hope to see literally anything to help you make it to the finish line. The expo is great the after party, the space, the management, the volunteers are all amazing. I would definitely recommend this race and will be running it again in the future!

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