This was my first half marathon. Why I picked on that goes up a mountain, I don't know. Maybe because after that, any half marathon is a PR! This race starts downtown Tucson, which means parking is awful. We tried to arrive early to find parking but didn't have much luck and ended up walking about 1/2 mile to the start line, leaving no time to use the porta johns before the race started. There were a few areas of the race going from downtown towards A-Mountain that had a little too much traffic for my comfort level, but there were lots of police out to manage the traffic at least.

The first water station wasn't until the base of the mountain, which was almost half way into the race. I was glad I carried my own water, and recommend that others do the same. You go up the mountain for about a mile and half, then back down the other side. After you come down the mountain, the course gets a little confusing. There are a few little out and backs where you're passing people going the other direction on a relatively narrow path. I didn't enjoy the second half of the race much.

Overall I recommend giving it try - if for no other reason to say you did a half marathon that went up and down a mountain.

Think Ragnar type relay, but through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Starts in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA and ends in Asheville, NC for a total of 208 miles. The terrain is actually a mix of road and gravel/dirt roads through some of the most beautiful countryside you can possibly imagine. There were 155 teams that ran (limited to 156 teams), and like most relays you can have a team of 12, or ultra teams. Lots of fun to be had decorating vans and interacting with other teams. Unlike many relays, there is a minimum pace requirement for this one. Team has to average 10 minute miles or faster or be disqualified. Some of the legs are really tough... categorized as easy, medium, hard, very hard, and mountain goat hard. The mountain goat hard legs are insane - think steep inclines, or 10 miles UP a mountain!

There are only 3 transition stations that offer food/water. Teams should plan on having their own food and drink throughout the relay. Most of the same rules apply here as in the Ragnars regarding headlamps, reflective gear, etc.

If you enjoy relays, this one is a must do! It's one I plan to do every year - even when it means traveling across the country to do it!