Latest reviews by Paul

(2013)
"Awesome run in the City of Raleigh"
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This local event was displaced recently by the a Rock 'n' Roll Raleigh coming here and stealing this events weekend in April. Because of this, the popular half marathon now has a new date, and new name and is run in October.
Run Local! The fourth running of this event will be October 2014. Expertly organized by friend, and race director Paula O'Neal of RunRaleigh Races.

Race course is challenging, yet doable for beginners. A few hills mixed in, but does have a downhill finish into Cameron Village. Parking is plentiful in Cameron Village, where the race also begins.

This event supports local charities which is a huge draw for locals. Pre event packet pickups are easy, and well organized. The tech shirt offered to half marathoners always is of great quality, with logo unique to the race.

The race course winds around Cameron Village, heads over toward NC State, down past Pullen Park, and out onto the Raleigh greenway for a peaceful run through a beautiful part of the course. Racers then head back to Cameron Village for a fast finish, and awesome post race festival. Plenty of water, snacks, music and even a beer garden for those runners 21+. It's a very relaxed atmosphere enjoyed by all who run it.

I've run it all three times, and plan on being there race morning this October.

Here is a race recap of the most recent running of this event last October. http://wp.me/p3u1nG-yU

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(2013)
"Run with the Bulls"
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A big event, with growing popularity, the Bull City Race Fest offer runners a great overall experience. Located in downtown Durham, the races start next to the American Tobacco campus, so parking is plentiful.

Race distances include: Half Marathon, 5 mile, and 1Mile

I ran the Half marathon, which is run through downtown, Trinity Park and Duke's campus. Beautiful Fall weather, and foliage abound during this challenging run. The course is not flat, and will challenge your legs with gently rolling hills.

There is a expo and carb crawl the evening before the event. There is also packet pick up on race morning, which is always important to me. The race shirt was awesome!

This event ends with a post race festival on the lawn at the Durham Performing Arts Center. This whole area has undergone a revitalization are is the perfect spot for a race and gathering with family and friends afterward. There is a Food Truck Rodeo as well, for enjoying some of delicious food that Durham offers.

Race medal was very cool, and the event was organized in top notch fashion. 2014 will be the second running of this event, and you will not be disappointed to run in it. Get some hill training in if you plan on going for a PR.

Read my full race recap here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-Fg

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(2013)
"Independence Day Run"
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This race is a long standing race put on by Bearfoot Sports out of Bluffton, SC. It is one of the 10 biggest races yearly in the state of South Carolina. Loads of fun, a great race to run if you happen to live in the area, or are vacationing Hilton Head over the July 4th holiday weekend.

Packet pick up/Expo was in the Mall on Hilton Head, which doesn't exist anymore. Not sure where packet pick up will be in the future. Quick in and out, a few vendors, tech t-shirt and bib pick up. Quick and simple. No real swag other than the shirt.

The race course is flat as a pancake! Makes for gunning for a PR possible, depending on the heat that morning. Last year the temp was not horrible, but it was humid. The course is relatively crowded as this race draws over a 1,000 runners annually. So get out quick, and be ahead of the pack.

Parking is a breeze. The race begins and ends in Jarvis Creek Park, and parking is across highway 278 at the High School. Plenty of police officers will be directing both traffic and runners, so you don't have to be there ultra early, which is nice.

Tons of post race festivities, including food, drink, beer garden, music and even fun for the kids. This is a great race for families, and a great way to kick off Independence Day.

A link to my recap of our running of this event in 2013 is here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-7a

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(2013)
"#RunBlueRidge Rocks!"
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I ran this marathon in 2013. Touted as "America's Toughest Road Marathon", I completely agree. With over 7,000 feet of elevation change, this marathon is not for the faint of heart or legs. With each mountain you climb however, an amazing view awaits you at the top.

A great destination race, Roanoke, Virginia is just beautiful. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will traverse three of them during the course of this 26.2 mile journey. Roanoke Mountain, Mill Mountain and Peakwood will challenge you beyond your wildest imagination. My finish time of just over 4:04, I consider a huge accomplishment.

Everything about this event, barring a fairly small expo, was amazing. The race has a hometown feel, yet big event atmosphere. There is tons of support from the locals on the race course, and the run itself is majestic and ethereal. A real treat for those who love a challenge, and beautiful scenery. Run this one without the headphones, and soak in the sights and sounds of nature on what has to be one of the most beautiful race courses I have ever had the pleasure to run on.

If you run for bragging rights, or great swag you won't be disappointed either. My medal and shirt were awesome. I was chosen as an official blogger for this event, and will include a link to my recap here.

http://wp.me/p3u1nG-i

Here is another blog post with some pictures I took during the event in 2013.

http://wp.me/p3u1nG-gR

Although I couldn't attend the event this year due to hamstring issues, I plan on going back next year to conquer those mountains and get that sub 4.

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(2013)
"Asheville Marathon is majestic and magical"
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I ran the first running of this event in 2013. That year it was only a marathon distance race, but a Half Marathon was added in 2014.

I spent a few days in Asheville (a destination for lovers of the mountains, and foodies alike), for race weekend. Other than having an extremely cold day to race on, this event was absolutely amazing. I had never been to the Biltmore Estate before, so it was a no brainer to sign up for this unique opportunity to run in America's Largest Backyard.

Great Expo, great swag from numerous generous sponsors. One of a kind race course, traversing the rolling hills, vineyards and farmland of the Biltmore Estate. Plenty of hotels in the area offer runner discounts, too. Spend a few days there, you will not be disappointed.

The race course itself is a mix of road and trail. Runners of the full marathon get to run on both sides of the Estate.

With plenty of awesome views, your run will be packed with eye candy.

Read my full race report here: http://wp.me/p3u1nG-ai

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