The Runner's World Festival is just what it sounds like, a festival for runners. So that means that there is not just one race. There are actually 3 races 5K, 10K and the half marathon. In addition there is a kids race and a dog race which are both FREE. Both of my kids ran the kids race on Friday evening and had a complete BLAST! Everyone has their choice to run 1, 2 or 3 races each coming with their own swag. This year was my 3rd year running all three of the races which is called the Hat Trick. The 5K and 10K are on Saturday and the half is on Sunday. It's a good challenge and so much fun. This year we received a tech shirt, a running hat and a pair of socks for the Hat Trick. Bart Yasso is the race director so of course there is TONS of enthusiasm from everyone the entire weekend. Everyone is super friendly and makes each and every runner feel special. The aid stations are super energized, my personal favorite being the Running Skirt station during the half marathon that gives out free skirts. The races themselves are a bit more challenging than the average road race as Bethlehem is a hilly place. However, it's totally worth the extra effort, as Bethlehem is very historic and very beautiful. I love the whole steelstacks area where the expo is held and the races start/finish. Of course being a festival there is more than just the races going on. There are many seminars/talks on a wide variety of running topics that are all free to attend. In the first two years there were also running movies that were free to attend at the movie theatre at the steelstacks however this year there were none :-( That was really the only disappointment for me otherwise my husband and I have had a great time all three years and plan on attending every year for as long as we can (you know kid permitting!).

Check out my full report here: http://runningmarathonmom.blogspot.com/2014/10/2014-runners-world-festival.html

On Sunday September 28th, I ran the Sloppy Cuckoo 12 hour Challenge. It is basically what it sounds like, you run as miles as you can/want in 12 hours. The course is a 6.55 mile loop in Pennypack Park. There was only about 500 feet elevation each loop (enough for me!) however there were sections of technical terrain including, rocks, tree roots, entire trees across the trail and a teeny tiny stream crossing for fun :-) There were aide stations at the halfway point of the loop and then the main race area where you had to check in at the end of each loop. The aid stations were nothing extravagant however definitely sufficient for the day. I had a lot of fun running this race. Everyone was nice and supportive and the race logistics were perfect as far as pottys, aid and an area for us to set up a tent to keep my stuff for the day. The course is very pretty as it's mostly in the woods and even some very old city walls can be seen as well. The race was well organized and the German swag is awesome! Everyone got a nice tech shirt and a finisher Cuckoo whistle. Everyone that ran at least 26.2 received a German weather station and top finishers received German Cuckoo Clocks (I got one for 3rd place female!). Also occurring at the same time as the 12 hour were the 13.1, 10K, 5K and the triple (half, 10K and 5K).

To read more about my experience go here: http://runningmarathonmom.blogspot.com/2014/10/i-am-definitely-cuckoo.html

The Philly Rock and Roll Half Marathon overall was a great race. The expo was well organized. If you wanted to you could be in and out in 2 minutes or there were tons of great vendors and great deals for shopping. I myself signed up for the Runner's World Hat Trick for early bird price and bought Altra Paradigms for only $55! I took my kids with me who also had a great time.
I read a couple of places people complaining about parking for the race. I'm a local and know that parking in the city on a big race day can be a hassle and pricey if you don't know where to go. However, I did think the race organizers actually had a lot of good info on the website and the emails they sent out about how to get to the race by public transit and places to park.
The race itself was well run. There could have been some extra pottys as lines were horrendous. Bag check was extremely quick and painless and equally so to retrieve bags. The staggered corral starts really helps to prevent any crazy crowding during the race and at aide stations. Aide stations were well stocked with friendly volunteers, water and Gatorade. There were bands scattered throughout the course to lift you up when you were feeling down. The course itself is very flat and fast. Both times I have run this race have been big PRs for me. And this year's race Deena Kastor set the master's world record. The first 4-5 miles take you through the city past city hall and the liberty bell then back past the art museum down Kelly Drive across the Falls Bridge to MLK drive where you wind up finishing back in front of the Art Museum. Very scenic and crowds cheering throughout most of the race.
I do think the cost is a bit steep considering this is a half marathon, well over $100. The shirt and medal ARE nice but there's no other goodies in the race bag. I also think for the amount paid there could be a little bit more offered at the end as far as food for runners. I would love to see soft pretzels or bagels instead of tiny bags of pretzels and granola. The free beer for runners is VERY good though :-)
In general, it is a fun, well organized event.
You can read more about my experience here: http://runningmarathonmom.blogspot.com/2014/09/philly-rock-and-roll-half-marathon.html

Don't be fooled by the shorter distance, this is not an easy trail race! The rocky, technical terrain paired with steep climbs make this a toughie. But the good news is that the Wissachickon is beautiful! The water and trails make you want to keep going to experience all the nature. It's definitely an inexpensive race. Parking and logistics are super easy. You get a nice Wissahickon t-shirt. There are a couple water stations (more than enough) and after words some awesome local food including pizza! It's a very fun morning!