4 Miles 4 Water's first annual race was this year. Multiple things going on with the race so here we go:

Registration/packet pickup: all done race day, something a tad different than other Hermes events where you can pick up early. Mostly because we were trying to go for a world record (most people walking a certain distance with a water jug on their head) so everything was handed out day of. Glad I got a water bottle instead of a shirt

Guiness Book of World Record Attempt: Most people walking a certain distance with a jug of water on their head (at least 20 oz and you can't drop it)- previous/current record was 475 people. We may have convinced park peoples to join in to help us with this one!

The race: first 2 miles were a mile loop and decent. Along the bike paths and Lake Erie. Mile 3 starts off by going up a ridiculous hill that was painful followed by a mini loop. On the way down the hill you had the option of grabbing a gallon jug of water for the last mile to see what it's like lugging your water for the day with you for a mile. Last mile was a reverse loop of miles 1 and 2, finished in the grass

Post race: food trucks, music, bananas, oranges and a beer garden. Enough Said!

This year was the first year for the HOF Half and Full Marathon, so there were some pluses and minuses. The race is 7 AM, with a 4 hour 1/2 Marathon time limit and a 6 hour Marathon time limit. You have the option at registration to have your bib and shirt sent to you, a huge relief if you can't make the Saturday expo. The expo is throughout the HOF and on the HOF football field and you get free access to the HOF on Saturday.

On Sunday, runners parked at the Fairgrounds and were shuttled to the start in front of the HOF. One issue is the lines getting into the parking area. Even though I was within 1/4-1/2 a mile, it took 10 minutes to get in and parked and another 20 ish minutes to get to the start, so 2-3 busloads were running to the start with 2 minutes to spare. A decent course throughout Canton with some residential and park views. Expect some hills on the course. Water/Aid stations every 2 miles starting at mile 2.5. One issue I had was that despite having visible paramedics occasionally on course, there was no medical tents with the aid stations, so if you needed them, sorry out of luck! You finish inside the stadium after the half and full split at the 20K mark. Good bling and finishers blanket at the end with a good amount of food and massages.
Bag pick up took awhile and was set up in the bleachers. Felt like there needed to be a better way to organize that part of things. Also, no clear signs of where to exit the stadium.

Shuttles continued to bus back and forth to the fairgrounds. An issue I had leaving was that after you leave the fairgrounds, you're left trying to find the few roads opened that will get you to I-77. It took me a good 20-30 minutes just to figure out how to get 20 I-30 to connect to 77. Think some course alterations need to be done

This was my 4th year running the Cherry Blossom 10 miler. My first year, I got in off the lottery and since, I've volunteered at the expo in order to get guaranteed race entry for the next year. The course is pretty set in stone and hasn't changed since I've run it, and is a fairly flat course.

The Expo: Friday/Saturday and they've improved picking up your packets since my first year running Cherry Blossom. It's at the National Building Museum which is easily accessible by the Metro. Pretty standard vendors there and the opportunity to sign up for other races

The course: Don't bring a car. Take the Metro to the National Mall and find your way to the Washington Monument. Race typically starts at 730 AM and is a wave start. You see a good chunk of scenery and a good amount of Cherry Blossom Trees, although the Cherry Blossoms are hit or miss. It is on the congested side of races I run, they really can't add any more people. Aid stations every 1-2 miles depending on the part of the course. Flat and good for times

Finish: Ends on a slight hill, but no big deal. They keep you moving through the chute and good access to food and water after you leave the finish. Medals have their own booth (order/ pay for separately). Nice this year was Race Joy so you could check your time asap and argue when your time was 14 minutes off (changed pretty quickly)

Good race to run!

St. Malachi Run 2014- my first time running this race since moving to Cleveland

Bib Pick-Up: done race day at St Malachi Church. Run well and easy to get bibs and register day of if they have spots available. Also, you can pay cash/check to participate in the Hermes Race Series

Parking: I parked close to the church (1/4 a mile away or so) at one of the lots, that happened to be free. I'm not complaining!!

The Course: Starts on the Veteran's Bridge and takes you through Cleveland, out to Browns Stadium and back to the church. It was a grey day this year running the race, but it's Cleveland. We were sent off by bag pipers at the start. Expect some inclines, especially on the bridges, but there's a nice little downhill at the finish which gives you a nice kick at the end.

Post race: enjoy some cabbage soup, green bagels and some drinks afterwards. There's also a post race party and meet up at a pub down the street

A good little Cleveland Tradition to partake in!

Seriously, they have a race for everyone here, a 5K on Saturday and the Half and Full on Sunday, so take advantage (and watch the mascot dash on Saturday too!).

The Expo: not huge, but not small either. I'm a half marathon fanatic member and they work with Route 66 Marathon so they have a booth set up there to boot (and we get a post race tent!). Volunteer at the expo if you can, free shirt and food if you do. The dude with the bullhorn (a Marathon Fanatic) was calling out first time marathoners whether they liked it or not!

The Course: periods of flatness, periods of hills, periods of speed bumps while doing back roads through a school. Enjoy the later parts (of the half that is) where you finally hit some of route 66. Stop and take a picture if you feel like it, well worth it!

The weather: freezing this past year for some reason! I was so not prepared for that part

Post Race: if you're a Half Marathon or Marathon Maniac, sign up early enough as a Fanatic and stop by their expo booth for a wrist band- you get a specialized bib and access to the post race tent for food and a special medal!

Apps: yes, they have an iPhone/Android app- take advantage. Good for tracking yourself or so others can track you!