-
Asheville,
North Carolina,
United States - June
- 13.1 miles/Half Marathon
- Road Race
- Event Website
Jessica Loudermilk
Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was my first race since COVID, and I really wanted to like it even after reading previous reviews. I believe only around 750 people ran the half this year (looking at the results). There is very little social media presence or updates about the race, though we did get a couple of emails the two weeks beforehand.
Packet Pickup: Very small. Just showed up to a tent at a local brewery to pickup t-shirt and bib. Earlier in the week they mentioned that there were some issues with a supplier and they wouldn't have enough pint glasses for the half marathoners. So t-shirt, bib, and neck gator was the swag.
Race Day: After reading the reviews and the email reminder to not get water bottles before the race or there wouldn't be enough for everyone at the end I was a little worried about the planning. The race only shut down one lane, which is fair, but which lane was never clearly marked or communicated. What REALLY concerned me was at one point in the race where cars were driving on BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD and having to yell ahead at a runner that a car was pulling up behind them (in the middle of the runners!!!). I didn't feel quite as safe after that. There was even a major intersection that had a cop car but no cop was directing traffic. They did have a cyclist who would chase down and direct some cars on the course, and a runner near me (who I'm assuming was a member of organizing staff) had a walkie talkie to communicate issues.
The course itself was a challenging, hilly route (hello giant hill at mile 4). I only saw water at the aid stations, but they were every 2 miles and had lovely people cheering and handing out water.
After race party - I'd signed up for a beer bash afterwords, but COVID cancelled that, which is understandable. The week before the race, they were able to get some of the breweries to offer deals for the runners (free beer, or pint glass with purchase of beer, etc) which was nice.
I think this race has potential, but the planning and safety concerns would lead me to not recommend to friends. The biggest issue for me was the course safety.