Run 13.1 Half Marathon
​This race is one of many put on by the running store, 1st Place Sports. We’ve concluded that 1st Place must be so much more than just a store. There was obvious camaraderie, enthusiasm, training, and talent among the Jacksonvillians populating the race, and that must come from the 1st Place community. While we love living in Charleston, we’ll admit to wishing we were part of this fast, friendly crowd in Jacksonville.

Packet Pickup
Packet pickup was held at the various 1st Place Sports stores across the Jacksonville area. Upon registration, runners chose which location at which to pick up their race packets. As we were were staying near the race start and finish, we chose the San Marco store which was a mere five minutes from Jacksonville Landing. 

Packet pickup was a breeze, and it allowed us to browse the store’s merchandise. Of only a minor inconvenience was that the store had run out of one of our shirt sizes, requiring us to make an exchange race morning. While this was (again) a minor inconvenience, one of us was super happy to see a mountain of shirts still available race morning and leave with the correct size. 

Accommodations
While the race website recommended runners stay at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, we stayed just slightly closer at the Omni Jacksonville Hotel. We literally walked out one entrance of our hotel and into the race finish line. What made our accommodations even more enjoyable: the room rate for our king bed was only $122 pre-paid. 

Places to Eat
For those of you staying at Jacksonville Landing, try not to eat dinner in the area. The pickings were slim. Instead, if you pick up your packet at the race’s San Marco store, there are plenty of tasty options in the area, as well as stops on the Jax Ale Trail. One of us enjoyed two cold beers at Aardwolf Brewery. While there, our bartender recommended eating at any of these four restaurants: V Pizza, Taverna, Bistro X, or the Bearded Pig. We enjoyed lunch post-race at V Pizza, figuring we’d burned enough calories to enjoy a few slices of pie. ​

Post-Race Party
The post-race party was a modest affair consisting of the standard post-race foods: bagels and bananas. Beer drinkers, may rejoice however. Cans of Coors Light and Bud Light were available in abundance. 
Awards for this race were impressive: giant, custom-framed photos with certificates were given to both overall and age group finishers. The generous awards combined with the carefully curated, post-race music playlist made for a more festive atmosphere than one would expect from bagels and bananas. This just goes to show you, a race is so often more than just the sum of its parts.  ​

Final Verdict
This was the second 1st Place Sports event we’ve run, and we enjoyed both immensely. Although we can’t be a regular part of the 1st Place Sports community, we’re glad the company hosts so many races each year. This means plenty of opportunities to rub elbows with the Jacksonville runners. 

Tips for Running a Successful Run 13.1 Half Marathon

1. If there’s a race where you’re going to be ok with forgetting your sunglasses, this one can be it. One of us forgot his, and didn’t regret it. The other one remembered hers, but the glasses spent most of the race on top of her head. 
2. If you need spectators, bring your own. The cemetery is obviously quiet, however the road leading you from Jacksonville Landing to Evergreen Cemetery was also quiet. The police manning each intersection far outnumbered the spectators, as did the volunteers manning water stations. 
3. If you are a back-of-the-packer, beware. We went back out to the finish line three hours after the race start, and organizers had already disassembled some tents. Waters were scarce at this point, as were bananas and bagels. ​

For more information about the Run 13.1 Half Marathon visit: http://www.1stplacesports.com/run13point1.html

Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon
After one of us approached half marathon number forty-nine, we knew our next race would have to be a special one. The Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon fit the bill with its oceanside course, sunrise views, interactive finisher medals, and generous sponsors. ​

Race Expo
You know when a race expo is held in a convention center, it's going to be a good one. While A1A was a medium sized race, it came with all the trappings of a big event, and the race expo was one of them. An email the night before even warned us: "Our attendees rarely leave hungry or thirsty!" While we wouldn't say to hold off on lunch, organizers were correct in hinting at vendors' generosity. Samples were available from Powerbar, Vita Coco, Muscle Milk, Michelob Ultra, Community Coffee, Munk Pack Oatmeal Fruit Squeezes, Go Go Squeeze Yogurt, Yasso frozen yogurt pops, and more. Mission Tortillas was serving quesadillas while a local Mexican restaurant was handing out Margaritas. We may have reaped the most benefit from the Estrella PM samples, which allowed us to fall asleep early enough on the night before the race that waking up for the 6 am start didn't make us question our choice to run. 

Past the vendors, volunteers were handing out race packets to runners who could show ID. Shirts were one table over, and lines were minimal to non-existent in both places. Race shirts were simple and tasteful in design and came in gender specific sizing. Be warned, however. Both the men's and women's tees ran small and we two medium-sized people found our larges to be snug. Consider ordering at least one size up for this race. 

We registered for the race nearly at the last minute, but the only thing we missed out on as a result was having our names printed on both our races bibs and the giant race banner at the expo. In addition, Lexus wrapped runners' names on one of the vehicles on display. We'll register earlier next year just for the novelty of seeing our names printed on a Lexus.

Post-Race Party
​The race finished at scenic Ft. Lauderdale Beach State Park where crowds of people lined the finisher chute. After volunteers handed runners their finisher medals (a sting ray with movable parts) we were sent on our way to the post-race party, which was somehow even more generous than the race expo. Finishers were plied with all the usual post-race food, in addition to free shaved ice, Bubba burgers, Michelob Ultra, Yasso frozen yogurt bars, Natalie's juices, Powerbars, Muscle Milk, Munk Packs, coconut water, and more. If runners were fish, we could have eaten ourselves to death at this post-race party. Fortunately, Orange Theory Fitness and Aetna were handing out bags to corral all this food. 

In addition to plenty of eating opportunities, there were also tons of photo opportunities. From the finish line it was literally steps to the beach, more palm trees, and the Atlantic Ocean. A giant sand sculpture was positioned along the finisher chute, into which was carved a sting ray and the names of race sponsors, Publix and Colavita Olive Oil. 

Final Verdict
We needed a special race to celebrate running a fiftieth half marathon. Fortunately the A1A Half Marathon was perfect for the job. Runners benefitted from all the perks of a large race without all the hassle. Run this race for the view of the ocean, run it for the clever finisher medal, run it as an excuse to take a vacation... just find an excuse to run it.


Tips for Running a Successful A1A Half Marathon

1. Just because the race is held in February doesn't mean it won't be hot and humid. Be prepared for this possibility.
2. Out-of-towners, stay somewhere near the finish and take the shuttle to the start. The closer your walk to Harbor Dr. the easier your shuttle experience will be. 
3. If you know you will need to use the restroom within 15 minutes of the race start, leave on one of the earliest shuttles, otherwise you may still be in line at the port-o-let's when the gun goes off.

For more information on the Ft. Lauderdale A1A Half Marathon visit http://a1amarathon.com/

Course & Fan Support
One thing we remembered so well from our first trip to Rock n Roll Savannah in 2012 was the fan support along the course. Savannah is a mid-size city, and the nature of the course makes it easy for fans to spot their runners at multiple points along the half marathon route. 

The race begins on Bay Street, and though the first four miles of the race won’t knock your socks off, you will be impressed by the locals who have risen early to cheer runners on. At about mile 5 runners enter downtown’s most beautiful sections and the amount of fan support increases. You’ll pass through many of Savannah’s famed squares and be awed by views of Savannah’s antebellum architecture. This course has something to see at every mile, and someone to cheer runners on at every block. 

Post-Race Party
The race ends at beautiful Forsyth Park, possibly the best place for a big post-race party. After being draped with finisher medals and posing for race photos, runners have the option of loading up on post-race goodies like Gatorade, Power Bars, Cheez-Its, chocolate milk, and the usual fare of bananas and fruit cups. 

Old Crow Medicine Show provided lively entertainment from the park’s main stage while runners lounged in the grass, post-race. This year we missed having lodging near the finish as the post-race port-o-let lines were long. Again, runners with the VIP package had their own restrooms (port-o-lets) and changing tents, in addition to their own beer and cocktails. 

If you’ve never been to Forsyth Park before (or even if you have) you’ll enjoy just walking around and taking in the sights. The Forsyth Park Fountain (which turns green for Savannah’s famed St. Patrick’s Day celebration) is a great place for a photo op (or two or ten). ​

Final Verdict
While Savannah Rock n Roll will always have a special place in our hearts because it was our first half marathon, there’s no denying that its a fantastic race. The course is beautiful, the city is welcoming, and Rock n Roll provides runners with a fantastic running experience. 

Final Verdict
Running the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon will provide you with a getaway weekend, a flat, fast course, and a fun and scenic post-race atmosphere. This is the kind of race where your family can tag along and have plenty to entertain them while you attempt to PR on a fast course. 

Tips for Running a Successful Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon

1. Be prepared for just about any temperature. This weekend in South Carolina is often the first cooler weekend of the season, so the race start could be chilly. With that being said, it’s South Carolina, so it could be warm! 
2. If you don’t show your ID at the race expo, you won't receive a bracelet allowing you entry into the post-race beer garden. Sans bracelet, you can still enter with a photo ID. Beer drinkers, make sure you have at least one of these things. 
3. Bring some cash for the finish line. You’ll finish up on the boardwalk where there are many things you’ll be tempted to purchase: sushi, flip flops, shot glasses, souvenir t-shirts, a soda, Italian ice… We’ve run this race twice and both times lamented our lack of cash. 

For more information on the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon visit http://www.runmyrtlebeach.com

Final Verdict
If you've only driven through Philadelphia via one of its interstate highways, use Rock n Roll Philadelphia as an excuse to stop and see the city. The race will proudly showcase some of the city's most scenic areas, but there will be plenty to do when not racing. Visit Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell, check out Terminal Market and Spruce Street Harbor Park. 

Tips for Running a Successful Rock n Roll Philadelphia

1. Be prepared for any just about any temperature. September in Philly is a beautiful time of year with average lows being in the 60's. With that being said, the record high in Philadelphia in September is 102 degrees while the record low is 35 degrees. Anything can happen! 
   
2. Take advantage of city living and Uber. Parking can get expensive, especially over night. For those flying in, Uber from the airport to Center City and avoid having to drive yourself anywhere while in town.
   
3. This race is so big, and there are so many cheering fans it may be easy to miss any friends and family there to support you. Make sure you know what they are wearing and vice versa. Additionally, spectators holding signs are much easier to spot.

For more information on running the Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half marathon visit http://www.runrocknroll.com/philadelphia/.

Accommodations
We highly recommend staying somewhere that is within walking distance to both the start and finish of the race. We lucked out at the Renaissance Downtown (421 W B St). Though it was a 1.7 mile walk to the start, we walked it anyway and were perfectly warmed up for the race upon arrival. The finish line was located a mere three blocks from the hotel, making it easy to shower and change before heading back out for the post-race concert.

Other hotels in the same area included Springhill Suites San Diego Downtown Bayfront and Wyndam San Diego Bayside.

Places to Eat
There's something for every palate in downtown San Diego. If, like us, you prefer to carb load on Italian food prior to a half marathon, check out the Little Italy part of town. We visited the area to meet friends at Ballast Point Brewery, and salivated all the way down India Street, the main thoroughfare of Little Italy. If you're a beer drinker, head to Ballast Point, order a beer and the fish tacos. You will not be disappointed.

Anyone wishing for a meal after the race expo should head through the Gaslamp district where there's a restaurant for everyone.

Course & Fan Support
Rock n Roll San Diego took runners inland and through the more residential areas of San Diego. While we missed out on ocean views, residents of places like Normal Heights and North Park ensured that we had plenty of fan support. Though the course itself wasn't particularly scenic, we found ourselves in debate over our favorite part. There was the Run to Remember section which lined the street with photos of fallen soldiers and American flags (we dare you not to tear up here). Then there were the goofier sections where spectators had their own aid stations set up, offering runners everything from tequila shots to Krispy Creme Donuts to a fully cooked sausage and egg breakfast. We both chuckled at at the sign that read "Sobriety Check Point" which may or may not have been set up near the tequila shots.

The course is composed of flat stretches combined with some gently rolling hills and one serious downhill. To us it was the perfect course, terrain-wise. This hills rolled enough to be interesting and kept our muscles from exhausting as they might on a purely flat course.

What may be most delightful was the net downhill of the last 3 miles of the race. The last quarter mile, from where runners make their final turn to the finish, is a long, gradual downhill allowing everyone to cruise across the finish line like a champion. And, if you're looking for it, you can catch a glimpse of the San Diego Bay just beyond the finish line arch. Continue heading this way post-race, and you'll arrive at the post-race party where more freebies await at the Finish Line Festival at Balboa Park.

Post-Race Party
Before runners even exit the finisher chute, there are tons of goodies to replenish all those burned calories. We're tempted to bring a collapsible grocery bag to our next RnR just so we can carry everything the event had to offer. As it was, our pockets were stuffed with Powerbars, while we juggled Snap Pea Crisps, Gatorade, chocolate milk, fruit cups, bananas, and water. Fortunately, we had enough time between our race finish and the beginning of the Gavin DeGraw concert to saunter back to the hotel, relieve ourselves of the burden of so many freebies, and shower and change before heading back out.

By the time we arrived at Waterfront Park, the Finish Line Festival was in full swing with Gavin DeGraw providing a soundtrack to the day's events. Plenty of food was available for purchase (sausageandmeat.com, anyone?) while the real score of the day was free Suja juice for anyone willing to stand in a short line. We scored a good $20 worth of juice and spent our ride up the California coast the following day trying to drink it all.

Final Verdict
For anyone living in California, this race is a must-do. To have a party like this one in your own back yard is something SoCalifornians must take advantage of. For those tempted to fly across the country for this event, know that you'll get an experience that is a consistent with the caliber with other Rock n Roll events.

Tips for Running a Successful Rock n Roll Half Marathon

1. Find a hotel within walking distance for you to the start and finish of the race. Shuttle lines were impossibly long, and the option to walk wherever you need to go will remove some of the helplessness one can feel at the mercy of such a big race and its massive crowds.
2. Don't waste your money on a shuttle ride to the race start. (See #1)
3. Bring a bag, be it to the expo or Finish Line Festival. This will free up your hands to hold even more free stuff. You'll get lots of it.

Final Verdict
We’d be willing to bet the Asbury Park Half Marathon is one of the most scenic New Jersey races. Coupled with an ideal April race date and stellar organization, this is a race not to be missed. 

Tips for Running a Successful Asbury Park Half Marathon

1. Figure out what you are going to do with your stuff. Gear check was not offered in 2016, so one of us had to carry the rental car keys until he could foist them off on a spectating family member. 
2. Bring a throwaway shirt. It may be cold at the start, and the lack of a gear check will mean you need to wear something warm that you don't mind tossing.
3. Be prepared for wind in your face at some point. Because runners head down the boardwalk  in both directions over the course of the race, and because it is April in NJ, wind is almost a definite.
4. Take some time to enjoy Asbury Park. Take pictures of its iconic landmarks, eat out in the revitalized area of downtown and take in the sites of Asbury Park before the masses descend upon it from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

For more information about this race visit http://runapalooza.info.