Race: Seattle Rock n Roll Half Marathon
Runner: Annelie Stockton
Race Date: 06/10/2018
Location: Seattle WA
Results: 1:26:12, 47th overall out of 9,066 runners and 14th female out of 5,359 women
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1629839715
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Well organized, beautiful course, lots of water and gel along the course
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
SO MANY HILLS!!!! At one point there was a hill so steep almost everyone was walking up it.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
I’m not a fan of them changing the course every year. I ran the Seattle rock and roll half two years ago and remember it being hilly but not as hilly as this year.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
It was a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, and I felt good during this race. Although I didn’t get a PR (off by a minute), I took 4 minutes off my Seattle RnR time from two years ago.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Practice hills! Work on running strong up a hill and then picking up the pace once you reach the top and it flattens out.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Add in more hills to training. There is one final small hill at the finish that I wasn’t prepared for.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is a big loop, starting and finishing at the space needle.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Beautiful course- views of the water, city and space needle, Interlaken Park is gorgeous (although this part was hilly, it was very green and gorgeous trees lined the way).
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
This was by far the hardest course I have ever run on. Brutal hills from the start.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized! Definitely a fun race, awesome atmosphere, and pretty course. Although this race is challenging I will continue to run this race in the future and recommend it if you are ever in Seattle for it!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Lots of good competition. There are multiple corrals so it doesn’t feel too crowded, but because there are so many people you are never really running alone.
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 have family in Seattle so stayed with them before the race. My husband dropped me off at the start line which was easy to get to. If from out of town there are tons of hotels close to the race. I would suggest singing up early for the race because the prices do go up quite a bit!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Tons of aid stations, water, and gel.
Weather and typical race conditions
Originally the forecast said rain but it turned out to be a great day. The weather this year was perfect, sunny, with a little breeze. Two years ago when I ran, it was cold and rainy. Seattle weather is hit or miss so you never really know how this weekend will be!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nothing special- wore shorts and a tank. Since it was sunny, I wish I would have also worn a hat or sunglasses.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes! Lots of places for people to watch.
How’s the Swag?
Cool t-shirt and medal, lots of food and drinks at the finish.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 stars- well organized, fun, and a pretty course, however I really did not like all the hills!