Race 13.1 Fayetteville Finisher Medal
After thoroughly enjoying our first Race 13.1 experience in Greensboro, we were eager to sign up for another, and partake in all the race series had to offer. We chose Fayetteville over other Race 13.1 events mostly out of eagerness to get back to racing again, after taking two months off. With that being said, we'll likely be found at other upcoming Race 13.1 events, just because they're so darned fun!
Packet Pickup
Since Justin had to work on Saturday, we didn't arrive in Fayetteville until well after Saturday's packet pickup at the BCBS Blue Store had ended. One of the many things we like about the Race 13.1 series, however, is the option to pick up bibs on race morning, making it possible for people like Justin, who work on the weekends, to run the race regardless.
Packet Pickup
Since Justin had to work on Saturday, we didn't arrive in Fayetteville until well after Saturday's packet pickup at the BCBS Blue Store had ended. One of the many things we like about the Race 13.1 series, however, is the option to pick up bibs on race morning, making it possible for people like Justin, who work on the weekends, to run the race regardless.
Race 13.1 Fayetteville Tech Shirt We arrived at the Cross Creek Mall (site of the race start and finish) on race morning promptly at the 6:30 pickup deadline. There was no line of people to wait through at packet pickup, and in spite of us forgetting our bib numbers, Race 13.1 had things taken care of quickly. At one table, a volunteer looked up our numbers, and from there we quickly jumped to another table where we were given our bibs and I was given my shirt. After running out of men's larges, the race series was mailing shirts to anyone who had requested this size. We've been to many races where once shirts run out, runners are stuck with whatever is left. As a result, we were extra appreciative of the race organizers' willingness to use the mail.
Also with no wait: the port-a-lets. When does this ever happen 15 minutes before a race?! Needless to say, we were right on time for the 7 am race start, all thanks to the smart planning of Race 13.1.
Accommodations & Places to Eat
Options for accommodations at this race were plentiful, reasonable, and close to the start. Within four minutes of the Cross Creek Mall: Courtyard by Marriott, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Wingate Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and more. We chose the Home2 Suites, and were delightfully surprised by the cool factor of this hotel (as well as pleased by the clean factor). Our close proximity to the start meant a later wake up time, which always makes us happy!
Options for a pre-race dinner or a post-race lunch were just as plentiful as hotels. We opted for Carraba's post-race, feeling we had earned the right to consume fried ravioli. Other dining options included Newks Eatery, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Mash House Brewery, and lots more.
Also with no wait: the port-a-lets. When does this ever happen 15 minutes before a race?! Needless to say, we were right on time for the 7 am race start, all thanks to the smart planning of Race 13.1.
Accommodations & Places to Eat
Options for accommodations at this race were plentiful, reasonable, and close to the start. Within four minutes of the Cross Creek Mall: Courtyard by Marriott, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Wingate Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, and more. We chose the Home2 Suites, and were delightfully surprised by the cool factor of this hotel (as well as pleased by the clean factor). Our close proximity to the start meant a later wake up time, which always makes us happy!
Options for a pre-race dinner or a post-race lunch were just as plentiful as hotels. We opted for Carraba's post-race, feeling we had earned the right to consume fried ravioli. Other dining options included Newks Eatery, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Mash House Brewery, and lots more.
Race 13.1 Fayetteville Finisher Medal Course & Fan Support
The course was run almost entirely on Fayetteville's All-American Highway. Half marathoners passed hydration stations a total of five times. Each was well stocked with water and Gatorade, and manned by skilled volunteers. Because the highway had little to see in the way of scenery, and because NC in late summer can still have pretty brutal weather, run this race with a friend, if at all possible. Justin and I both felt like we were running the highway's long gradual hills uphill, both ways. Each of us having a running buddy would have gotten us out of our own heads and kept us entertained on the course. While fan support was limited due to the nature of the course, volunteers at the aid stations made every attempt to be all the fans runners would need by cheering enthusiastically and offering encouragement to everyone who passed by.
The course ended where it began, at the Cross Creek Mall. The inflatable Race 13.1 arch that marked the start and finish of the race was visible for the last 400 meters of the run, and it pulled me like a magnet towards the finish line. After crossing, runners were immediately handed a cold bottle of water, follwed by the Race 13.1 finisher medal. There were a few things that we liked about starting and finishing at the Cross Creek Mall. First, the mall (especially on a Sunday morning) offered plenty of parking for runners. As if there wasn't enough to worry about when running a half marathon, its extra nice to know you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Second, the Cross Creek Mall and surrounding area offered numerous post-race dining options, so there were burgers and fries to be had within walking distance of the finish line! Finally, the mall parking lot offered plenty of space for all the vendors that had set up shop at the post-race festivities.
The course was run almost entirely on Fayetteville's All-American Highway. Half marathoners passed hydration stations a total of five times. Each was well stocked with water and Gatorade, and manned by skilled volunteers. Because the highway had little to see in the way of scenery, and because NC in late summer can still have pretty brutal weather, run this race with a friend, if at all possible. Justin and I both felt like we were running the highway's long gradual hills uphill, both ways. Each of us having a running buddy would have gotten us out of our own heads and kept us entertained on the course. While fan support was limited due to the nature of the course, volunteers at the aid stations made every attempt to be all the fans runners would need by cheering enthusiastically and offering encouragement to everyone who passed by.
The course ended where it began, at the Cross Creek Mall. The inflatable Race 13.1 arch that marked the start and finish of the race was visible for the last 400 meters of the run, and it pulled me like a magnet towards the finish line. After crossing, runners were immediately handed a cold bottle of water, follwed by the Race 13.1 finisher medal. There were a few things that we liked about starting and finishing at the Cross Creek Mall. First, the mall (especially on a Sunday morning) offered plenty of parking for runners. As if there wasn't enough to worry about when running a half marathon, its extra nice to know you don't have to worry about finding a parking spot. Second, the Cross Creek Mall and surrounding area offered numerous post-race dining options, so there were burgers and fries to be had within walking distance of the finish line! Finally, the mall parking lot offered plenty of space for all the vendors that had set up shop at the post-race festivities.
The Race 13.1 "wallpaper." Post-Race Festivities
We lingered at the Race 13.1 post-race festivities for the same reasons we lingered in Greensboro: Justin had placed in his age group, so we stuck around for the awards ceremony. Also, a large prize was being offered only to runners who stuck around. There was enough to do to keep us busy between my 9 am finish and the 10:30 awards ceremony. A Race 13.1 photo-op area was set up where runners could snap photos of each other in front of the series' "wallpaper." The BCBS Live Fearless trailer was back at this race, and we spent a few minutes telling our Live fearless stories, snapping photos in the trailer's photo booth, and answering trivia questions. Newk Eatery was providing unlimited free sandwiches to all runners and spectators, while Red Robin offered Dixie Cups of lemonade and brownie bites.
By the time we changed into dry clothes and made our way back to the race start, the awards ceremony had begun, and we arrived just in time to hear Justin's name announced. Winning first place in his age group earned him his first cash running prize, which we later put towards lunch at Carraba's.
We lingered at the Race 13.1 post-race festivities for the same reasons we lingered in Greensboro: Justin had placed in his age group, so we stuck around for the awards ceremony. Also, a large prize was being offered only to runners who stuck around. There was enough to do to keep us busy between my 9 am finish and the 10:30 awards ceremony. A Race 13.1 photo-op area was set up where runners could snap photos of each other in front of the series' "wallpaper." The BCBS Live Fearless trailer was back at this race, and we spent a few minutes telling our Live fearless stories, snapping photos in the trailer's photo booth, and answering trivia questions. Newk Eatery was providing unlimited free sandwiches to all runners and spectators, while Red Robin offered Dixie Cups of lemonade and brownie bites.
By the time we changed into dry clothes and made our way back to the race start, the awards ceremony had begun, and we arrived just in time to hear Justin's name announced. Winning first place in his age group earned him his first cash running prize, which we later put towards lunch at Carraba's.
The most exciting part of the post-race festivities was when race organizers called random bib numbers of runners, earning them a chance at winning $10,000. The race emcee called two bib numbers of runners not present before finally calling a gentleman who was still enjoying the post-race party. He was directed to choose from one of ten envelopes. One envelope would earn him $10,000, while the other nine offered him a generous $500 consolation prize. While he didn't choose the grand prize envelope, his wife and the audience cheered like he had been selected for The Price Is Right!.
When all was said and done, we left the race $25 richer thanks to Justin's running skils, and having enjoyed another Race 13.1 experience.
Final Verdict
You can't go wrong with choosing a Race 13.1 event. Everything they do is fun and well-organized. Fayetteville had plenty of options for eating out and staying at a hotel for a reasonable price, close to the race start. With that being said, if you choose this particular race, be prepared for highway running. This won't offer runners the chance to see Fayetteville as a city, unless they choose to explore later on.
Tips for Running a Successful Race 13.1 in Fayetteville
1. Be prepared for some warm weather. This might make PR’ing difficult.
2. Be ready for very long gradual uphills.
3. Stick around for the awards ceremony and the potential to win a generous prize. Even if you don’t win, it’s worth seeing the reaction of both the crowd and the winner. It’s like everyone’s won the grand prize!
4. Try to run this race with a buddy. This will make running on the highway on a hot day more bearable!
For more information visit https://race131.com
When all was said and done, we left the race $25 richer thanks to Justin's running skils, and having enjoyed another Race 13.1 experience.
Final Verdict
You can't go wrong with choosing a Race 13.1 event. Everything they do is fun and well-organized. Fayetteville had plenty of options for eating out and staying at a hotel for a reasonable price, close to the race start. With that being said, if you choose this particular race, be prepared for highway running. This won't offer runners the chance to see Fayetteville as a city, unless they choose to explore later on.
Tips for Running a Successful Race 13.1 in Fayetteville
1. Be prepared for some warm weather. This might make PR’ing difficult.
2. Be ready for very long gradual uphills.
3. Stick around for the awards ceremony and the potential to win a generous prize. Even if you don’t win, it’s worth seeing the reaction of both the crowd and the winner. It’s like everyone’s won the grand prize!
4. Try to run this race with a buddy. This will make running on the highway on a hot day more bearable!
For more information visit https://race131.com
RSS Feed
