The NYC marathon is an incredible event.

From the expo, to the start line, to the course, to the fans and finish line, NYC is an incredible event that is so empowering and unlike anything else out there.

Growing up just 45 miles from NYC, this race is something I grew up so close to. NYC was my first world major marathon and man did it not disappoint.

This race is contagious energy. You have to run it at least once!

I’ve run JFK twice: 2014 and 2018 where I placed 5th and the 9th.

The history of JFK is super cool and the prestige of the race as one of the oldest ultras in the country and a very competitive event has a nice draw to it.

JFK is a great course! It’s diverse with hilly roads into the rocky Appalachian Trail, the flat towpath and more rolling farm roads. For 50 miles, it’s a fast course and one that if you pace it well, it can be a PR event for you and also a really great experience. Patience is the magic word for this run. If you conserve energy in the first 18 miles of the race through the Appalachian Trail, it gives you the chance to run a solid marathon on the flat towpath which is where this race is won.
If you Push too hard on the course early on, well it usually does not bode well.

The aid stations are awesome, the roar of the crowds off of the Weaverton Cliffs is a combo of a trail race and the crowd noise and support of a major marathon.

My only knock on JFK is the race is expensive to enter into and what you get is not as much as other marathons priced this way. You Pay for the history of this race and the prestige of running a trail race that has been going on for over 50 plus years.

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon was my first ever marathon.

This race is not easy as the weather conditions and wind always make it a challenge in April.

This race combines the feel of a big world major marathon with the vibe of a small town race. As a run to remember in honor of those lives lost from the OKC bombing, this run is inspirational and the state’s best running event.

The course gives you a nice tour of OKC through old historic neighborhoods, parks, and the great city streets.

I’ve run many marathons in my time but OKC will always be remembered as my first and a great debut for me with a 2nd place overall in the marathon.