This week, I'm linking up with Courtney, Mar and Cynthia for their Friday Five Link Up to tell you about my favorite fall races.
I wish I had more DC races on this list but you'll be shocked to know that the only races I've run in DC are the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon. I've lived in DC for just shy of 3 years and have been injured pretty much since I got here, so I haven't had the opportunity to run any of the local races but I hope to change all of that next year!
For now though, here's a list of my five favorite fall races.
Marine Corps Marathon - I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011 as my 2nd marathon. I loved this race. I was training for the 2013 race when I got hurt. I didn't want to run it this year because I really wanted to try my luck with Chicago, but I'm already planning to try to get in for 2016. This is a race with excellent crowd support and when you're running alongside the military, especially those with combat injuries, it's impossible to feel like you can't finish.
Richmond Marathon - They call Richmond America's Friendliest Marathon. I had no idea what that meant until I made my way to Richmond after the 2012 NYC Marathon got cancelled. Leaving New York where New Yorkers were threatening to throw garbage at runners if the race didn't get cancelled, it was refreshing to see signs welcoming 'displaced' NYC runners to Richmond. This was a great race. I had a lot of fun running it and had a smile on my face for the entire 26.2 miles (well, except for Mile 21). It's where I set my current PR and if all goes well at Chicago next month (!), I'll be there in November to take on the Half.
Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon - I know that there are a lot of Rock 'n' Roll haters out there, but I think every race is different. Rock 'n' Roll Philly is one of the best races I have ever run. Philadelphia is an amazing city to run in. Seriously...everyone should run at least one race there. It's a flat, fast city and as bad a rap as Philly sports fans get, they're pretty awesome when they're cheering you on.
NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5k - Even though I've boycotted the New York City Marathon, the Dash to the Finish Line 5k is a great race that finishes on the Finish Line of the NYC Marathon. I ran this as part of the 9+1 guaranteed entry program. The race starts at the UN and takes you through Midtown right down 6th Avenue and into Central Park and I have to admit, there's something pretty amazing about running the empty streets of New York before the city has really gotten busy.
Grete's Great Gallop - I love this half-marathon. It's only 2 loops around Central Park, which as a former resident of New York, wasn't worth the entry fee, but it's in mid-October, after the leaves have turned and the weather has turned to that perfect running weather, where it's cool in the morning and warms up for the afternoon. The race takes place in honor of the late great Grete Waitz and corresponds with NY's Norwegian Festival...which means an awesome after party. This race is perfect for a beautiful run in the fall and then parking on the Great Lawn for the rest of the afternoon. I haven't run in NY since I moved, but I definitely want to go back for this race.
I wish I had more DC races on this list but you'll be shocked to know that the only races I've run in DC are the Cherry Blossom 10-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon. I've lived in DC for just shy of 3 years and have been injured pretty much since I got here, so I haven't had the opportunity to run any of the local races but I hope to change all of that next year!
For now though, here's a list of my five favorite fall races.
Marine Corps Marathon - I ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 2011 as my 2nd marathon. I loved this race. I was training for the 2013 race when I got hurt. I didn't want to run it this year because I really wanted to try my luck with Chicago, but I'm already planning to try to get in for 2016. This is a race with excellent crowd support and when you're running alongside the military, especially those with combat injuries, it's impossible to feel like you can't finish.
Richmond Marathon - They call Richmond America's Friendliest Marathon. I had no idea what that meant until I made my way to Richmond after the 2012 NYC Marathon got cancelled. Leaving New York where New Yorkers were threatening to throw garbage at runners if the race didn't get cancelled, it was refreshing to see signs welcoming 'displaced' NYC runners to Richmond. This was a great race. I had a lot of fun running it and had a smile on my face for the entire 26.2 miles (well, except for Mile 21). It's where I set my current PR and if all goes well at Chicago next month (!), I'll be there in November to take on the Half.
Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half-Marathon - I know that there are a lot of Rock 'n' Roll haters out there, but I think every race is different. Rock 'n' Roll Philly is one of the best races I have ever run. Philadelphia is an amazing city to run in. Seriously...everyone should run at least one race there. It's a flat, fast city and as bad a rap as Philly sports fans get, they're pretty awesome when they're cheering you on.
NYRR Dash to the Finish Line 5k - Even though I've boycotted the New York City Marathon, the Dash to the Finish Line 5k is a great race that finishes on the Finish Line of the NYC Marathon. I ran this as part of the 9+1 guaranteed entry program. The race starts at the UN and takes you through Midtown right down 6th Avenue and into Central Park and I have to admit, there's something pretty amazing about running the empty streets of New York before the city has really gotten busy.
Grete's Great Gallop - I love this half-marathon. It's only 2 loops around Central Park, which as a former resident of New York, wasn't worth the entry fee, but it's in mid-October, after the leaves have turned and the weather has turned to that perfect running weather, where it's cool in the morning and warms up for the afternoon. The race takes place in honor of the late great Grete Waitz and corresponds with NY's Norwegian Festival...which means an awesome after party. This race is perfect for a beautiful run in the fall and then parking on the Great Lawn for the rest of the afternoon. I haven't run in NY since I moved, but I definitely want to go back for this race.
Have you run any of these?
DC Runners, what local fall races should I be adding to my list?
What are your favorite fall races?
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