Half Marathon Recommendations

[mikeiastat]

I am a big fan of the Des Moines half. The more half marathons I run, the more I realize how well that event is planned and organized. Minneapolis half is equivalent -- well organized, good route through interesting neighborhoods in the Mill District. Omaha isn't worth it. Route has about two challenging hills but the race isn't as well organized. Waddell & Reed in Kansas City has a great, but challenging route. Really get to see great parts of the city. Well organized.

One that I hope to do someday is the Sunburst Half in South Bend. You start at the College football hall of fame and finish inside Notre Dame's football stadium. As a college football fan, that would be awesome.

Here is a link that might help you find a half worth doing...
Mapshot: Upcoming Half Marathons

Since others are posting shorter runs. And I hate ND. I'll offer this fun run. The crazy legs in Madison, WI is close. Its only 5K though. It ends at the 50 yrd line of Camp Randal. Unfortuately it doesn't go to a much better cause. WI football > than ND though and it includes a concert in the stands and free beer if you finish fast enough. J/k It is free beer for all runners. It can be hard to get to the front of the line though if you are too slow the lines get longer the later you finish. But the bands are always pretty good.

Lots of Cheerleaders to look at along the way. Often students have beer stops in addition to ample water stops. Football players come out for encouragement too. Usually I just want to punch them in the face though, lol. Nothin like a big fat lineman saying keep running you're almost there.

And though I'm not a big Badger fan. The Jazz band or someting is usually playing at one of the turns and the Big marching band plays at the stadium. Talk about that extra little boost of adrenaline. The last 1/4 mile up to the stadium the band is playing for you. (Just have to ignore the On Wisconsin part) Then hit the tunnel and onto the field. If you have any football in your blood, I almost guarantee that you will PB this 5K.

 

[mikeiastat]

If you are willing to travel for a race I'd recommend the La Jolla Half marathon in the San Diego Area and the National half in DC. Both wonderful for the scenery and terrific springtime weather. Another decent one is the Philly Distance run in the fall. happy training!

I'll second this. SD is awesome. The Naval base is a good way to enjoy the city before the run without getting yourself into trouble. The run is awesome. There are a bunch of Seal sunning spots and surfing spots along the way and boarwalks. Before during and after all make for a great experience.

 

[mikeiastat]

Team In Training (TNT) through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers opportunities to compete in a number of races. You have to raise money, but they provide all the training, your race fee, travel, and lodging. It's a blast and you get to meet new people - and, most importantly, help a great cause.

+100000000.

I haven't been able to commit to this. It was real great and impressive though. Extensive network of training and a great cause. My wife did TNT before we got married when my niece was dealing w/ both L&L. Amaising respect for anyone who gets this done.

 

[synapticwave]

If you're looking for the ultimate 1/2 or marathon challenge then I recommend this: Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon [Home]

 

[alaskaguy]

Better than Pike Peak:
Mt. Evans Ascent

And two more half marathons that I have already registered for and am really looking forward to:

Moab Half Marathon - Half Marathons and Road Races in Moab, Utah - Canyonlands Half Marathon

30th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K

 

[azepp]

Team In Training (TNT) through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society offers opportunities to compete in a number of races. You have to raise money, but they provide all the training, your race fee, travel, and lodging. It's a blast and you get to meet new people - and, most importantly, help a great cause.

Yup. They have a variety of races to choose from and you're raising money for a great cause. I'm not a runner and I'm not the type who finds it easy to go up and ask people for money, but they provided the resources so that I was able to do both. I highly recommend at least calling them and talking to the coordinator in your area to see if it's something you're interested in.

 

[milrtym]

I told myself when I finished the DSM marathon on October I'd never do another one because of how much physical and mental hell it was. Now I can't wait to get started training for this year's to try and drop my time since I didn't really train for last year's.

I feel the exact same way. After the body started breaking down during the race, I realized how many training runs I skipped out on or half-butted.

 

[mikeiastat]

Yup. They have a variety of races to choose from and you're raising money for a great cause. I'm not a runner and I'm not the type who finds it easy to go up and ask people for money, but they provided the resources so that I was able to do both. I highly recommend at least calling them and talking to the coordinator in your area to see if it's something you're interested in.

Oh and I think the Detroit Free Press half is a TNT event. It was in 2004 or 2005 anyway. I think The year Rita hit fla the Disney Triathlon was canceled for us and a ton of those people came up to Detroit to do the Free Press with TNT.

 

[IsUaClone2]

Here are my two favorite half-marathons in Southeast Michigan:

May 1st trailmarathon - Home This one used to be really difficult before the trail bike craze started in the 90s. Now the trail is still narrow but smoothed out by the bikes. Still has hills though; lots of fun.

June 5th Dexter-Ann Arbor Run Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in Ann Arbor, MI
This one is all paved and relatively few hills (comparatively speaking) but it is a beautiful run along side the Huron River. Here is a better link http://dexterannarborrun.com/

 

[StLouisClone]

St. Louis marathon is coming up soon (April 10th). It keeps getting bigger and better every year. This year they're expecting 15,000 for the half and 3,000 for the full.

 

[dmclone]

Never ran it but what about the Bix 7?

 

[Clonegrad07]

I ran the Indianapolis Half Marathon last year and am doing it again this year. It's the biggest half in the country and is a really cool event. 2.5 of your miles are inside of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The Louisville one is really good so I'm told also. It was better in previous years due to scenery but the size of it has pushed it out of the park and into downtown. Still a great half marathon from what I am told.

 

[synapticwave]

Better than Pike Peak:
Mt. Evans Ascent

And two more half marathons that I have already registered for and am really looking forward to:

Moab Half Marathon - Half Marathons and Road Races in Moab, Utah - Canyonlands Half Marathon

30th Annual Steamboat Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K

I think the Pikes is more challenging than the Evans Ascent. Evans' elevation change is only 2500ft-ish, Pikes is 8000ish?. I've trained high altitude before and it sucks, but I'd rather run at high altitude on a more/less level course than going uphill the whole way! That said, both are unique runs and would be fun in their sadistic way.

I haven't heard of the Moab race before, but it looks fun! Have a good time on that one.

 

[dmclone]

2.5 of your miles are inside of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Do you have to adjust your toe for the banking?

 

[Clonegrad07]

Do you have to adjust your toe for the banking?

We run down on the Apron so no... there's no banking.

 

[alaskaguy]

I think the Pikes is more challenging than the Evans Ascent. Evans' elevation change is only 2500ft-ish, Pikes is 8000ish?. I've trained high altitude before and it sucks, but I'd rather run at high altitude on a more/less level course than going uphill the whole way! That said, both are unique runs and would be fun in their sadistic way.

I haven't heard of the Moab race before, but it looks fun! Have a good time on that one.

I have done the Mt. Evans Ascent twice and I am registered for it this year.

I have never registered for Pikes.

I'm sure that Pikes is more of a challenge since much of it is a trail race while Evans is on the road.

 

[alaskaguy]

The difference between running a half and full marathon is incredible. I have never had to train for a half marathon and they don't tear me up.

I've only ran two full marathons and trained for both. In both instances I suffered.

I'll stick with the half marathon distance.

 

[alaskaguy]

Has anyone participated in this type of events:

Tough Mudder - probably the toughest one day endurance race on the planet

Warrior Dash | Home

Hell Run | The Most Kick-Ass Mud Run on Earth

Just curious what the experience was like since I am considering registering for ToughMudder or the Warrior Dash.

 

[ericlambi]

For you guys that run full marathons, how many miles a week do you put in? I run 30 to 35 a week in the summer, but don't think I could handle a full. I have kept my mileage at 20 to 25 in the winter and most of it has been outdoors.

Every once in a while I run 80+ miles in a week. When I'm marathon training I consistently do around 60. You certainly don't need that mileage to start out though, I've built up over time. I think that 35-40mi/week would be the minimum if you want to be really prepared. That would be a consistent week-in-week-out mileage. I'd guess if you stick with your current path, run consistently (4+ times/week), and eat a good diet, you'll improve enough that you find you can up your mileage without too much fuss.

 

[azepp]

Never ran it but what about the Bix 7?

I like it, but I'm probably biased because I'm from that area. This year it's the same day that RAGBRAI rolls into town so it should be a blast if you're interested in the after party.