Race: Buffalo Creek Half Marathon

Runner: Coach Matthew Bigman

Race Date: 10/15/2022

Location: Cabot, PA

Results: 1:11:05

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7966815863/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

The race was well organized with easy check in, gear bags, and accessible. The size of the race is also manageable and makes for a convenient half marathon! Lastly, it’s largely downhill with over 700ft of loss, so it’s FAST!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The end has a sharp turn into a steep hill that kills your momentum at the worst time.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I got out into the lead from the very beginning with nobody behind me. Despite racing alone, a pace bike led me the entire way which was great company! I fought incredibly hard to maintain a fast pace and delay slowing down until only 2 miles to go. Even then I only slowed a few seconds.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Don’t get out too fast! The beginning is the steepest, so it’s easy to start too quick.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

This course is gorgeous! It very well might be the fastest course on mostly trail during the gorgeous Pittsburgh fall.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

This course is difficult in a different way. It’s almost entirely downhill and fast, but this means you may be running at a quicker pace than you’re used to. This made it an incredibly hard effort but with a big reward!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I was able to sign up just a couple weeks before the race, driving up is easy as well as parking. It’s point to point, but the shuttle back was quick and easy to catch.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Aid stations every 2-3 miles with water, gatorade, and gels!

Weather and typical race conditions

This year’s weather started in the 50s and ended in the low 60s while partly sunny. Though slightly warmer than I would have liked for fast times, it was still great. This time of the year is likely cool and good weather.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

A spectator with a car can see runners at multiple points at which the trail crosses roads.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 out of 5 stars!

Matthew Bigman is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.