Race: Bull City Race Fest Half Marathon
Race Date: 10/16/2022
Location: Durham, NC
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Nice and Friendly Volunteers
- Great Weather
- Awesome Snacks post race
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The course was insane. That’s all really
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My coach gave me 3 goals to meet. Either a 2:30 finish, a 2:50 finish or just a completion. I got a 2:50 finish.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Train with more hill repeats if you’re going to ever race in Durham.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Even as a new runner, you don’t need a camelbak for this race. I went back and forth about bringing a camel back or just a hand bottle to my first half. I am someone who would probably be considered as over hydrated most of the time I drink a lot during runs, it’s something I’m working on, and I didn’t need more then my bottle and a few aid station cups. The camelbak would have been unnecessary weight and back pain lol.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It is not new runner/ first half marathon friendly. I would not recommend this race to anyone who isn’t used to running half marathons or versed deep in hill repeats. I do not quit and I do not give up. I ran a 10k in this location a few months ago and it was hard but I finished. Some of the hills in this race were insane I couldn’t do them. The entire group of runners that I generally stayed with during the race ALL stopped running the hills around the 9 mile mark. That specific hill took around 5 minutes just to get up. It was very hard and very intense. There are little to no flat straightaways where you might have time to catch your breath or loosen up your legs a bit before the next huge hill. The rougher hills began around mile 5 but were manageable. Mile 9 onwards I just couldn’t do them despite how well my training went up to this race. It was mentally discouraging and made the last bit of the race difficult to complete. I was not ready for that. So I tried my best to keep a good fast pace during whatever straightaways were available because of how much time I lost finishing the rest of the hills.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Extremely difficult. I talked to some ladies after who said they have run multiple half marathons and they considered this one extreme as well. I guess that’s kind of a positive in itself that I completed something so difficult. ????
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very organized
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The first male was on his way back from the half marker at around a 5:50 pace. Only 4 males were in front of the lead female. It was cool to see how strong they were.
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.
No. Easy registration
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
5 total about every 2.25 miles
Weather and typical race conditions
Great weather
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
No.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes
How’s the Swag?
Nice shirt and medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5 I recommend it to experienced runners only, honestly.