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Latest reviews by Jessica
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Flying Pig Marathon"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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This was my first year participating in this marathon. I had heard a lot of positive reviews, and I was not disappointed! The course was hilly, but not so difficult that one could not handle with having done some hill training. Crowd support was awesome. There were only a few areas that were quiet.
The expo was large and well organized, and there was plenty of race swag. I participated in the 5k and 10k events the day before, so I ended up with shirts for all events, medals for each event, a cooler bag, and a bonus medal, shirt, and medal display for participating in all races.
I highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a fun and challenging course. I plan to run this again!
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Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon"
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The Derby Festival Marathon is one of the many great events that happen in Louisville during Derby time. The race itself seems to become more poplar each year, and since this is in my hometown, I proudly promote this race!
There is a half marathon that runs along the same course. The starting line is in downtown Louisville, and runs through old Louisville and surrounding neighborhoods. The unique feature of this race is that it takes you through the infield of historic Churchill Downs. It's an exciting time of year with the Kentucky Derby right around the corner, so it is not surprising to see horses out for their morning workout during your lap through the infield. When exiting Churchill Downs, the half marathon and marathon split. The marathon continues on towards Iroquois Park. Iroquois park is a set of challenging hills (miles 12-15). Once you exit the park, it is relatively flat to the finish.
Crowd support is good along the course except for the park. You are pretty much on your own there, but there is a nice cheering station as you exit. There are plenty of aid stations and bathrooms along the course as well.
The finish line is back downtown, close to the river. There is plenty of post race entertainment.
I highly recommend this race!
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon"
Overall
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If you love running hills, this is the race for you!
This race was very well organized. The Race Director was the most personable, encouraging, fun of any race I have participated. He kept everyone updated on the planning and progress of the race details months leading up to the race.
The course was described as having "rolling hills". This had to be the hilliest, most difficult course I have experienced. The course took you through the beautiful horse farms of Lexington, Ky. The scenery was beautiful, but it was a constant up and down, with a significant hill around mile 9. This is not a course you can expect to PR, but it is worth the experience.
The race start was at Keeneland, and parking was easy, and very close to the start.
The race start was 9:00 a.m., so a little later than usual, but it was nice not having to get up as early as usual for a race. There was also a 7 mile run along the same course. The aid stations were fun and there were plenty of them. I would say there was not a lot of course support, but it was also cold and raining that day, so they may have had some impact.
The race medal is beautiful! One of my favorites.
Great race, well organized and plenty of entertainment (music) along the course and post race. I will be there next year.