I completed this race virtually in 2021, but I have ran this course in person as well. This year the virtual option included some of the sweetest swag! The medal was top notch as well as the zip up hoodie (does run a tad small). The event did a great job on race day pumping racers up virtually with giveaways and video posts. I highly recommend this race for anyone who is looking to kick off their spring race season!

If you’re a marathon runner you need to run Philly! The crowd support is absolutely amazing as you run through the entire city of Philadelphia. The medals are absolutely epic every year! The only downfall is parking ( a bit hard to find any. It’s easier to just stay at a hotel and walk to the start). The course is excellent as it is mostly flat with a few hills sprinkled in.

This was just the race I needed during the pandemic! While I’ve run a 50k before I’ve never done it like this! The start and stop aspect was definitely challenging as well as the lack of sleep. Swag was nice. T-shirt design was great and the wooden medal was great ( I wish it was included in registration price though).

This race was absolutely hands down one of my favorites. I completed the Riesling Challenge (8k,5k, marathon)! The race is held in the town of Corning. It’s a great little town and the expo is held at the glass museum. Tons of swag to choose from and few vendors but nothing great. The race swag was excellent, I relieved a mini bottle of champagne, a nice zip up and chocolate.

The race morning I suggest getting on the buses early! Also pack throw away clothes! You sit in a tent until the race start on top of a hill so it is quite cold! The race itself is super flat probably almost too flat and honestly got a bit boring towards the back half of the race. However, there are several spots of the race that goes through surrounding towns that have great race support! Beware of the windy head wind! This totally took a ton of energy to get through on the back end of the course.

The finish line is amazing! Tons of wine and celebrating and therefore I highly suggest staying until Monday so you can celebrate your race! The medals were also amazing as they are made from real glass from the art museum.

Aid stations were very minimal water and limited fuel options.
BONUS: I got to meet Meb at this race!

I absolutely loved this race! It was my first time to Chicago and this race did not disappoint. The course is super fast and plenty of aid stations and crowd support ! The medal is the biggest medal I own and it made the race experience! Getting to the race was a bit difficult as you can really only take public transportation. Also the expo was not that great.