Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon Finisher Medal
Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon Tech Shirt The Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon was a race of firsts for both of us… literally. For me, it was my first small half marathon (just about 100 runners participated) and the first time I would place in a race of this distance. For Justin, it was the first half marathon where he literally placed first overall. For both of us, it was our first half marathon run in Tennessee, and though we were initially hesitant to register, we are certainly glad we did.
We selected this race for four reasons:
1. Justin’s weekend off rotates and this was one race that fit into his schedule.
2. The course was flat… for eastern Tennessee.
3. We were able to drive to the race rather than plunk down $1000 to get us across the country to a half marathon in the Northwest for just two days.
4. Justin has decided that he’d like to run a half marathon in all 50 states and this race would mark Tennessee off the list.
We selected this race for four reasons:
1. Justin’s weekend off rotates and this was one race that fit into his schedule.
2. The course was flat… for eastern Tennessee.
3. We were able to drive to the race rather than plunk down $1000 to get us across the country to a half marathon in the Northwest for just two days.
4. Justin has decided that he’d like to run a half marathon in all 50 states and this race would mark Tennessee off the list.
Swag bag contents at the Tellico Half We arrived in Knoxville, TN, just in time to pick up our packets at the Runner’s Market. This was truly a packet pick-up at a running store, and not a race expo. With that being said, swag was generous for a small race: our goodie bags each contained a tech shirt, Hammer Gel, Hammer Endurolytes Fizz, a sample packet of Advil, and some advertisements for Hammer products. After about 20 minutes in the store, we proceeded to the Holiday Inn Express in Lenoir City, TN, the host hotel for all the Tellico Summer Solstice events, including our half marathon and Sunday’s triathlon. Holiday Inn was the closest we could get to the starting line at Tellico Dam Recreation area, and that put us about 10 minutes from the start. After checking in at the hotel and checking out our room, we drove the course out of sheer curiosity. Prior to registering for the race, we’d read someone else’s blog where her feelings were evident: she felt mislead by the course being described as flat. That blogger was right… the course was not flat, but keep mind that Justin and I live in The Land of No Hills, so the slight rolling hills of Tellico are hills to us, but wouldn't be to a resident Ashevillian or Coloradan. While it was obvious we weren’t in for a truly flat course like that of Palmetto Bluff, we weren’t too concerned having just run the rolling hills of Greensboro.
The start and finish at the Tellico Half After leaving our self-guided tour of the Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon course, we stumbled upon Gondolier Pizza & Italian where we loaded up on pre-race carbs. For less than $11 each we were treated to breadsticks, a generously sized salad, and pasta dish (I haven’t gone wrong lately with the pre-race chicken Parmesan, so I made this my order). The food was perfect for what we paid and service was quick and friendly, so we recommend eating at Gondolier if you are ever in town for the Tellico events. We headed back to TRA to walk off some of our meal and spend some time along the water with a good view of the Tellico Dam.
Holiday Inn was a good choice for a hotel and we recommend it to anyone staying in the area. It was conveniently located to our event, in addition to being just off I-75. Even with the typical restless race night of sleep, we didn’t hear any barking dogs, slamming doors, or noisy guests as we have at other hotels. We slept a little easier as a result.
We woke up at 5:45 am on race morning to give ourselves enough time to get ready for and arrive at the race for its 7 am start time. Parking was easy as volunteers directed us into a grassy area designated for cars on race weekend. Having left the hotel and arrived at the start so late, neither of us had any need to inspect the two port-o-lets available to runners (where there was no line), or to use the flushing toilets (also no line) open to runners and spectators. We walked about 100 meters to the start where other runners were already gathered and ready to go. The race director shocked some of us when he announced 1 minute before the race that headphones were not allowed on the course, and anyone caught wearing them would be immediately disqualified. With not enough time to return to our cars, many runners left their headphones with him, while I received permission to leave my new wireless headphones draped around my neck, as long as they weren't in my ears. With that, the air horn signaled the start of the race and we were off.
Holiday Inn was a good choice for a hotel and we recommend it to anyone staying in the area. It was conveniently located to our event, in addition to being just off I-75. Even with the typical restless race night of sleep, we didn’t hear any barking dogs, slamming doors, or noisy guests as we have at other hotels. We slept a little easier as a result.
We woke up at 5:45 am on race morning to give ourselves enough time to get ready for and arrive at the race for its 7 am start time. Parking was easy as volunteers directed us into a grassy area designated for cars on race weekend. Having left the hotel and arrived at the start so late, neither of us had any need to inspect the two port-o-lets available to runners (where there was no line), or to use the flushing toilets (also no line) open to runners and spectators. We walked about 100 meters to the start where other runners were already gathered and ready to go. The race director shocked some of us when he announced 1 minute before the race that headphones were not allowed on the course, and anyone caught wearing them would be immediately disqualified. With not enough time to return to our cars, many runners left their headphones with him, while I received permission to leave my new wireless headphones draped around my neck, as long as they weren't in my ears. With that, the air horn signaled the start of the race and we were off.
Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon Finisher Medal Runners ran mainly along the generous shoulder of Tellico Parkway, which was not closed to automobile traffic (hence the outlawing of headphones). Fueling stations were set up approximately every two miles, and for a small race, the fueling options were generous: water, Gatorade, and Hammer Gels were available at each stop. Tellico Parkway was rural and composed of very gently rolling hills with occasional water views. We entered a residential neighborhood at just about the halfway mark where there were some short, but more serious hills until we exited and returned from whence we came. The out and back nature of the course meant that from there on out we knew exactly what lay ahead and behind us, and when we climbed that last long, but gentle hill at mile 11, we knew the course would remain flat until the finish line. As I approached the finish line (still feeling good and enjoying the race) I learned that Justin had not only PR’ed, but had come in first place. I breezed over the finish line, myself, where I received a finisher medal from a race volunteer. Post-race festivities were being held on a tiny peninsula, complete with a view of the water from all three sides, picnic area, and actual flushing toilets.
Finish area at the Tellico Half We were lucky that the weather stayed under 80 degrees and overcast for this late June race, making it very manageable. With that being said, my running clothes were drenched with sweat, as were Justin’s, so we changed into the dry clothes we had left in the car before hanging around at the finish area for the awards ceremony. During our hour wait, we chowed down on all the snacks Endurance Sports Management had supplied for us: grapes, bananas, oranges, cookies, crackers, and more, and re-hydrated with Gatorade, water, and Cokes. We also got the chance to talk more with some of the people we had chatted with during the race and learn all about their race experiences, both at Tellico and beyond. As a result, we’ll add Tennessee to our list of Friendliest States in Which to Run.
Award certificate for the Tellico Half Marathon When it was ceremony time, we didn’t have to wait long to receive our awards. I was the third person called, and it was a delightful surprise to me to have not only placed in my first half marathon, but to learn I had placed 3rd overall. Justin was called shortly thereafter as the first male finisher, and we and other award winners received framed certificates and our choice of either a backpack or duffel bag, both of which were impressive looking items (these were not the freebie drawstring bags runners typically get at races). Age group awards winners were called, along with random door prize winners. Anyone who didn’t receive an age group award at this small race had a chance to win a door prize, which made hanging around for the awards ceremony well worth everyone’s while.
Final Verdict: For a small race we had lots of fun. Tellico was well worth running as it was easier to receive an award, either age group, or overall. Other runners at the race were super friendly and willing to talk before, during, and after the race. Only one person seemed mildly disgruntled, and that was the race director, who must have been having a stressful day. The course was relatively easy and scenic, making for an enjoyable 13.1 miles.
Tips for a Successful Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon
1. Don't plan on running with headphones...unless you don't care if you get disqualified.
2. This might be a good race to train well for and run a PR. Your odds of winning an age group award are good since the field of runners is so small (about 100).
3. Make sure your training includes some hills or intervals. Get your heart and lungs used to working a little bit harder than they do on flat terrain.
4. Be ready for some heat. We were warned that there was no shade on the course, but this year got lucky with the overcast weather. Future runners should be prepared for some full sun.
5. Some volunteers were very quiet. If you don't know where you are going, ask as you approach a volunteer on the course. If you want Gatorade vs. water at one of the fueling stations, yell out what you want as you approach.
Final Verdict: For a small race we had lots of fun. Tellico was well worth running as it was easier to receive an award, either age group, or overall. Other runners at the race were super friendly and willing to talk before, during, and after the race. Only one person seemed mildly disgruntled, and that was the race director, who must have been having a stressful day. The course was relatively easy and scenic, making for an enjoyable 13.1 miles.
Tips for a Successful Tellico Summer Solstice Half Marathon
1. Don't plan on running with headphones...unless you don't care if you get disqualified.
2. This might be a good race to train well for and run a PR. Your odds of winning an age group award are good since the field of runners is so small (about 100).
3. Make sure your training includes some hills or intervals. Get your heart and lungs used to working a little bit harder than they do on flat terrain.
4. Be ready for some heat. We were warned that there was no shade on the course, but this year got lucky with the overcast weather. Future runners should be prepared for some full sun.
5. Some volunteers were very quiet. If you don't know where you are going, ask as you approach a volunteer on the course. If you want Gatorade vs. water at one of the fueling stations, yell out what you want as you approach.
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