These Are A Few of My Favorite Races [Friday Five 2.0]

Happy Friday and welcome back to the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! I’m so excited for today’s topic because it comes from Kim — the Kooky Runner. 🙂 Today’s topic is… drumroll, please… favorite races!

I’ve posted on this topic a few times before, and I’ll link those at the end of this post in case you want to see a bunch of my favorite races (there are quite a few, in fact). But today I’m going to focus on the ones that really top my list. It’s hard to rank these because they all have such amazing (and different qualities) that make them stand out to me. In no particular order, my favorite races are:

These Are A Few of My Favorite Races [Friday Five 2.0]

1. Cleveland Half Marathon

I’m going to start my list with the Cleveland Half Marathon because, coincidentally, Kim signed up for the half a few days ago. Do you guys know what this means? It means I get to meet her IN THE FLESH in the Cleve — and I’m so excited!

Aside from that, the Cleveland Half Marathon tops my list of favorite races for a few reasons. There’s always a surprise on race day and by surprise I mean “the weather.” Cleveland has notoriously wacky weather and we honestly never really know what to expect on race day. Could be snowing, sleeting, hailing, thunder-snowing, water spouting, hot and humid — or it could be just perfect. It’s a toss-up.

Cleveland is also an iconic race. Last year was the 40th running of the Cleveland Marathon and is one of the oldest in the country, in fact. The course last year was fabulous and it really showed off all the awesomeness the city of Cleveland has to offer. Never been to Cleveland or looking for a spring race to add to your roster? Come run with me (and Kim!) in 2018!

These Are A Few of My Favorite Races [Friday Five 2.0] | Running on Happy

Freezing after the 2016 Cleveland Half

2. Rock Hall Half Marathon

I love the Rock Hall Half Marathon, guys. It’s such a fun race. The atmosphere is such a blast. In years past there has been the half and a 5K. New this year is a 10K and relay! It’s coming up on August 20 so if you haven’t signed up or are interested in doing so, don’t wait! I’ll also be running a giveaway for a couple entries (5K and 10K distances) on social media in a few days, so be sure to follow me on Instagram for your chance to win!

Rock Hall Half!

3. Grandma’s Marathon

I feel like any time I try to describe Grandma’s Marathon, I do it a huge injustice. It’s such an incredible race and I’m so fortunate I was able to travel to and run it. The entire weekend produced memories to last a lifetime. The course was magical. The aid stations and volunteers were pros to the core. The town of Duluth is so much fun and I really enjoyed meeting Gina and Kim in person.

4. Marine Corps Marathon

Obviously this tops my list since I’m going back for more in October! Marine Corps is so fantastic. What to say? It’s a big race but not overwhelmingly so. It meanders through my favorite city on the planet. There are Marines everywhere so you truly feel like you’re among greatness. It’s just top notch. Everything about it. I can’t wait to go back! OORAH!

This.

5. Iron Horse Half Marathon

Iron Horse Half Marathon was my second half marathon. I was still very green when it came to racing. I had no strategy, I had no plan. Miles were logged during training only for the sake of logging miles. There was never any tempo runs, track Tuesdays, or half marathon pace runs. I just ran.

In that regard, Iron Horse was easy. But the course was not. Now that I know what to expect, I would want to do things a little differently. The course, though challenging, was beautiful. Just picture perfect. My race day (and weekend) company was some of the best. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Iron Horse was definitely one of my favorite races. One of these days I’ll get back down there and do it again and run it a little harder, a little wiser.

Like to race? Check out @running_onhappy's list of faves! Is yours on it? #runchat #running #FridayFive

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As I mentioned, there are so many races that I just love. It’s hard to pick just five, right? Check out these posts with some other races that may interest you:

Have an amazing weekend, my friends. I’ll catch you back here on Monday!

TALK TO ME!

Do we have any of the same races on our lists?

What’s your one all-time favorite race that you would do again and again?

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