How to save time and distance in races by understanding tangents.
Team RunRun athlete running the tangents at the Chicago Marathon.
Are you Adding Unnecessary Distance (and Time) to your Races?
Ever crossed the finish line of a marathon only to realize your watch reads 26.6 miles instead of 26.2? That extra 0.4 miles might not look like much on paper, but on race day, it can mean minutes tacked onto your time. And if you’re chasing a personal best—or even a Boston-qualifying standard—every second counts.
GPS errors aside, that extra distance often comes down to not running the most efficient line. Maybe you’ve heard the phrase “run the tangents” but didn’t know exactly what it meant: read on, you’re about to learn!
What Does it Mean to Run the Tangents?
Running the tangents simply means following the shortest possible path around a course, especially when it curves or turns. It’s all about minimizing unnecessary distance by taking the most direct line from Point A to Point B, such as the start line to the finish line of a race.
While it sounds simple, it’s something many runners overlook in the excitement of race day—and it can cost them.
Courses are measured along the shortest possible route. That means weaving wide around corners adds distance—just like running around the outside of a track lane instead of staying in lane one.
Think of a road that curves to the left. If you stay on the outside edge of the bend, you’re running farther than someone hugging the inside. Multiply that by dozens of turns over the length of a half or full marathon, and you might run an extra quarter to half of a mile. That’s free distance—and time—you’re giving away.
How to Run the Tangents
Running the tangents doesn’t mean cutting corners or breaking course rules. It means staying mindful and strategic as you move through the course from the start to finish. And for those wondering, it is a perfectly acceptable strategy that the pros harness in every race, and you should too!
Here are a few ways to improve:
In training:
Practice running efficient lines. On your long runs or routes with curves, get used to spotting and running the straightest line possible. Make it second nature.
Before the race:
Study the course map. Identify turns, loops, or sections where you might need to adjust your line.
On race day:
Look ahead. Don’t just react to a curve once you’re in it. Keep your eyes forward so you can anticipate and run the cleanest line.
Avoid drifting with the pack. Runners often spread out and take wide turns—don’t blindly follow.
Chicago Marathon course map.
Go Faster, not Further!
The good news is that running the tangents doesn’t require more fitness or effort—just a little awareness. And that bit of additional awareness can be the difference between almost hitting your goal and crushing it.
Elaina Raponi is a coach with Team RunRun based in Kingston, Ontario. Elaina loves helping athletes of all abilities and experiences achieve their goals, while finding confidence and joy in the process!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Crowd support and race atmosphere: The city of Philadelphia always shows out for the big races and with almost 40,000 runners, there was a ton of support and a contagious sense of excitement for the race.
Course: It is a straight shot with a net downhill grade, allowing you to open up your stride and run fast!
“After party”: Once you’re done, there is a lot of variety for post-race fueling and you are able to walk right over and cheer on other runners as they finish!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
To get to the start of the Broad Street Run, most take the Broad Street Line from the Sports Complex in South Philly. These trains are packed like sardines for the 30-40 minute long ride. Then, when you finish in the Naval Yard, you need to walk back to the Sport Complex which is at least three quarters of a mile from the finish.
The expo was a letdown. It use to be better 10 years ago, and I always enjoyed looking around and seeing what “freebies” and “samples” they may be giving away. But in recent years, minus a vendor or two, the expo did not feel welcoming and I had a “This is it?” feeling for such a big race.
The start of the race can be hectic with so many runners. Racers are split up in 7+ corrals that go off 5 minutes apart. The back corrals tend to have the most runners, so you are running very tightly for the first half (if not most) of the race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Runners can take the Broad Street Line train to the race area free of charge when you show your race bib at the station. Unfortunately, our train had mechanical issues and we were forced to walk/jog over a mile to the start line. Luckily, we had enough time before the race started.
Broad Street Run course.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My plan was to go sub-60 minutes, but the weather had other ideas. Despite needing to adjust my plan midrace due to the heat, I did not let the negativity take over. I was proud to gut it out and mentally push through the last few miles when it got really tough.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pro tip: If you park at the Sports Complex, use the porto-potties before getting on the train. They are usually open. Otherwise it’s a 30-40 minute train ride to the start and lines are ridiculously long if you need to use the restroom there.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
No matter what a race may throw at you, stay calm and positive. Accept the challenge that appears and adjust accordingly. If you do, it will still make for a great race!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The Broad Street Run course is a straight shot for the 10 miles (minus the City Hall go around) and is as wide as 7 lanes. Try to stay on one side of the road and avoid weaving in and out of other runners, as this will only add distance (and time) to your race. Personally, I always line up on the right and only drift by a lane because that is the direction you turn to go around City Hall.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The crowd support and hype around this race is top notch. From the Temple Band, to the Philadelphians that show up in droves to support the runners. The Broad Street Run is a 10 mile party!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
A very easy course. The first half is a downhill grade with a couple “bumps” that mainly go unnoticed, then a flat second half from City Hall to the finish.
Broad Street Run course elevation profile.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Yes, well put together. Just expect to be surrounded by swarms of other runners for restrooms, as well as before, during, and after the race.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Runners of all abilities are welcome. You get the fastest of the fast for a 10 miler, alongside many who come to enjoy the fun, party atmosphere of the Broad Street Run.
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.
You must enter your name in the lottery between February 1st to February 15th of that race year. This is the only time window to register for the Broad Street Run.
On race day, arrive early! The start is at 7:00 am, so aim for a Broad Street Line train (EXPRESS) before 5:30 am. The earlier trains will not be as crowded and you’ll have time for potty stops with shorter lines.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard road race aids stations with water and Gatorade every 2 miles, then each mile from Mile 7 to finish.
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather this year was warm and humid: 67 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity levels at 95% at the start of the race. It started cloudy, but when the sun came out, it became more of a challenge!
Typically, the race temperature is between 45-55 degrees. Weather is hit or miss on this day in Philly. I have run in beautiful sunny conditions (2022) and monsoonal rains (2023).
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Maybe an obvious points, but fueling makes a big difference, even in a 10 mile race. I had two gels, one before the start and another at halfway. They definitely helped get me through the second half strong.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It really is! Depending on the runner’s pace, you can view them in the first couple miles, then take the Broad Street Line to watch them finish!
How’s the Swag?
Their tech shirts are always comfy and the medal is decent.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4.5 out of 5 stars! The race itself is a blast, and the after party in the Naval Yard is also a great time, but getting to the start line has proved to be a challenge at times. This might be more on the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and not necessarily the race organizers though.
Jonathan Gooch is a coach with Team RunRun based in Philadelphia, PA. He blends science, strategy, and support to help runners train smart, stay consistent, and believe in themselves.
Wind, Grit, and Smart Racing at Canada’s Fastest 10K
The Toronto 10K race, part of the Canada Running Series, is often seen as the place where fast times happen early in the season. With its flat roads, closed course, and scenic downtown location, it’s a favorite for elites and age-groupers alike.
However in 2025, wind off Lake Ontario turned a usually quick course into a strategic, energy-managing test of patience. This year’s race become the ultimate lesson in smart racing.
TRR Coaches Thomas Nobbs, Brant Stachel, and Teagan Robertson (left to right) at the Toronto 10K.
Wind Wins (and Loses) Races
Runners lined up for the Toronto 10K expecting fast splits. What they got instead was a stiff east wind, with sustained gusts hitting 30 km/h making kilometers 3 to 8 a grind. That stretch, typically the fastest part of the course, became a place where the race could be lost if runners didn’t adjust. For those that have run the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, it’s roughly the same stretch as km 8-17!
As a coach to six athletes on the day, including both the men’s winner and third overall female, I knew the race would come down to who managed the wind the best. We changed plans mid-week to emphasize position over pace. During the race, I rode alongside the course to check in with athletes live, reminding them to stay composed until the final tailwind stretch.
Thomas Nobbs: Racing Smart, Surging Late
TRR Coach Thomas Nobbs had already proven his fitness by running over 30 seconds faster just two weeks prior in Ottawa. We came into the Toronto 10K knowing it wouldn’t be about chasing a PR. Rather, we focused on pack running, conserving energy into the wind, and waiting for the 8K turnaround.
From the bike path, I could see he was executing exactly as we’d planned staying tucked in the front group, relaxed but alert. At the final turn, with the wind finally at his back, he struck hard and surged clear to win in 29:35. No fireworks early. Instead, just patience, awareness, and a killer move at the right time.
Teagan Robertson: Making the Hill Count
TRR Coach Teagan Robertson also came in sharp and ready, but like everyone else, had to reframe her goals once the wind became a factor. She started in 5th place, staying calm through the early chaos. Then, when opportunity struck, Teagan used the hill at 5.5K as a launchpad, not a fear zone.
She did just that attackinguphill and into the headwind, consequently breaking away from two rivals who had been running stride for stride. From there, she ran alone in 3rd for the final few kilometers, holding strong and finishing in 34:50. It was a bold mid-race move, backed by confidence in her training and trust in the plan.
Toronto 10K Course Breakdown + Tips
Whether you’re racing this in 2026 or just scoping out top-tier Canadian 10Ks, here’s a look at the course:
Location & Start Area
Start/Finish: Just west of downtown Toronto, near Ontario Place / CNE Grounds
Travel Tip: Stay local because driving to the start is a mess with road closures. Hotels like Hotel X let you warm up on foot via the lakeshore path.
Course Layout
Out-and-back along Lake Shore Blvd W
Entirely flat, with just one short hill at ~5.5K
Final 2K after the turnaround is often tailwind-supported
Toronto 10K course map.
Race Day Wind Considerations
A west wind = ideal (tailwind on the way out).
An east wind, like this year’s, means a slog in the middle. Adjust your pacing plan accordingly.
A Coach’s Perspective on the Toronto 10K
One of the best parts of the Toronto 10K, especially from a coach’s point of view, is how accessible the route is. The Martin Goodman Trail runs parallel to the course, which meant I could ride alongside on my bike, offering encouragement, tactical reminders, and quick adjustments on the fly. It’s rare to have this kind of access during a 10K road race, and it made a difference in helping my athletes stay focused when the wind kicked in.
Final Takeaways
The 2025 Toronto 10K was a reminder that road racing isn’t just about being fit — it’s about racing smart. The most successful athletes weren’t necessarily the fittest on paper. They were the ones who managed their effort, read the wind, and made decisions at the right time.
For anyone eyeing this event in the future:
Expect a fast course
Prepare for the wind
And remember, smart racing beats perfect conditions every time
Brant Stachel is a coach with Team RunRun based in Kingston, Canada. He works with runners and triathletes of all skill levels, from beginners to international and professional athletes.
One of the best parts of running a marathon (or any race, for that matter) are the spectators and the reservoir of “free energy” they allow you to tap into. Even more meaningful is having your friends and family cheer you on, and then seeing their smiling faces at the finish line.
Whether you have that one loyal bestie travel to a destination race with you (like I did for the Marine Corps Marathon) or have your whole family meet you at the finish line of a local race, the support of loved ones is essential to powering you through.
TRR Coach Vivian Vassall holding a sign her marathon spectators made to support her.
To make your spectators’ experience as fun as possible, and to avoid missing them along the way, here are 10 tips to ensure support squad success. Feel free to share this article with your marathon spectators!
10 Tips for Successful Marathon Spectating
Runners soaking up the cheers from marathon spectators mid-race.
Before the Race:
1) Communicate the commitment
If you’re running a large race (such as a World Marathon Major), make sure your spectators know it may be an all-day experience! Help them plan out access to food, restrooms, and places to sit, if needed.
2) Download a tracking app
If your race has a tracking app, ensure your spectators download it and set it to track you. They may need your bib number. Otherwise, consider a third-party app such as Find My Friends; just don’t completely rely on it. Phone service may not be great at a crowded race.
3) Plot the viewing spots
If you want your marathon spectators to view you at multiple spots on the course, plot the spots out in advance. Know whether they’ll be on your right or your left. Make sure they can get from one viewpoint to another faster than you can run there!
4) See and be seen
The morning of the race, snap a pre-race photo of yourself and send it to your support squad, so they can see what you’re wearing. Wear bright colors or unique patterns to make it easy for them to find you! Equally important–if you have hopes of seeing them too–is to know what they’re wearing as well.
5) Understand transportation logistics
A funny sign seen during a race.
No matter how big or small your race is, there may be street closures and limited vehicle access (including for rideshare vehicles) to the start and finish line. Public transportation may also be limited on race day. Make sure your spectators know where to go and how to get there. When my bestie traveled to watch me run the Marine Corps Marathon, I bought her a Metrocard and gave her directions to the finish line in advance.
6) Have a meet-up spot at the finish
Agree to a backup meeting place and time, because the finish line area can be crowded and chaotic. Make sure you’re as unambiguous as possible – don’t make the mistake that I made by planning to meet at the “equestrian statue” at the Philadelphia Marathon. There were LOTS of those!
During the Race:
7) Be sure to smile
No matter how much pain you may be in, flash a smile to your supporters! They will likely be snapping photos or videos of you that you’ll cherish later, and they may even be holding a funny sign or two. Don’t let them down! If Olympian Molly Seidel can high-five her sister during a marathon, so can you! Just be mindful of the runners around you.
After the Race:
8) Warn your support crew that you may not be “yourself”
TRR Coach Vivian meeting up with her spectating friend post-race.
Immediately after you cross the finish, your friends and family will want to know all about the race. They may also try to give you snacks when you don’t have an appetite, or encourage you to sit down when you know you should stretch. Meanwhile, if you ran your heart out, you may feel a bit dehydrated, light-headed, and possibly even a bit sick. Give them a head’s up that you may not be “yourself” for a while after you finish. I like to tell my friends and family, in advance, how they can best help me at the finish. This usually includes untying my shoes and helping me put on flip-flops!
9) Don’t be too ambitious with post-race plans
Be careful making dinner reservations or party plans immediately after the race. Factor in any resting and decompressing (and even napping) time before any big social activities.
10) Embrace being celebrated
No matter how the race went, finishing (or even starting!) a marathon is a huge accomplishment. Be enthusiastic and proud, and don’t dwell on any disappointing moments. Allow your supporters to celebrate you!
It’s also worth keeping in mind that your spectators’ support is independent of your race result. So try not to let how you felt about your race impact how you interact with them afterwards. They care about you, not your race result.
Vivian Vassall is a coach with Team RunRun based in Seattle, Washington. She loves working with new runners and those looking to breakthrough a plateau, while preventing injury, achieving goals and having fun.
You’re standing on the start line wishing to be elsewhere, or you’re wide awake in bed full of pre-race anxiety and jitters. We’ve all been there before. The night, several nights, or weeks before a big event, an uneasiness occupies the belly. We aren’t sure we’re ready. We second guess even starting, imagining in all sorts of ways to self sabotage. No, I am not talking about taking your SATs all over again. I’m talking about showing up to and crushing that race you signed up for so many months ago!
Runners at the start line of Grandma’s Marathon experiencing pre-race anxiety and jitters. PC: grandmasmarathon.com
Pre-race anxiety is a totally normal feeling, and oftentimes not something we can do much about. That said, there are ways to effectively cope with these feelings and perform our best in spite of them.
4 Tips to Reduce Pre-Race Anxiety and Jitters
#1: Do your homework!
Preparation in the weeks leading up to the race can make all the difference. Start by visiting the race website to find the course map. Study the course and read any information available about it online. Take note of where any uphills are, downhills, aid stations, and other course features. If possible, train on the course.
Grandma’s Marathon course map and elevation profile. PC: grandmasmarathon.com
When I ran the San Diego 100 in 2016, my first 100 mile race, I was scared out of my mind. But what really helped me out was a solid familiarity with the course. I had crewed a friend at this race several times prior, and actually paced some miles on the course once too. A month before, I took a trip to San Diego to log a 40 mile run on the race course. When race day came around, I knew what I was getting into… kind of. You’ll never know everything that will come your way, but doing your race homework will reduce the number of the surprises, alongside your pre-race anxiety and jitters, leading up to and on race day itself.
#2: Get some sleep!
While rest is important throughout any training block, its importance magnifies in the weeks leading up to a goal event. Being fully rested and ready to go unlocks the biggest improvements in your training and racing. Many coaches, exercise scientists, and athletes swear by 8-10 hours of sleep per night, plus a short nap during the day. For most of us, myself included, logging this amount of sleep is both impractical and unrealistic. I acknowledge that I am terrible at napping, and I can’t sleep for 10 hours, but I am really good at sleeping for 8. So getting at least 8 hours of sleep is what I focus on.
A word of caution: Don’t worry about your sleep the night before your race, pre-race anxiety and jitters have a habit of sabotaging that. Your mind will be racing far before your legs. That’s okay! Let your mind race, and use that time to visualize your event going well. See yourself having fun, and pushing hard when you need to. Put a little smile on your face. And, then try to get some sleep!
#3: BYOF, if you’re at all worried about it!
Don’t let the race day fueling options add to your list of worries. Choose one of two options: either train your gut, as well as your mind and body, to handle the variety of different nutrition products available at your event, or make sure you bring your own fuel (BYOF) on race day. Racing successfully is all about avoiding disaster, and a bad tummy can quickly ruin your day!
#4: Practice makes perfect
TRR Coach Kyle Fulmer running on the race course ahead of his event. See tip #1 to reduce pre-race anxiety and jitters.
Even if your A race is several months out, sign up for some intermediary races along the way. Put yourself in the race environment to warm yourself up for the big dance and become more familiar with pre-race anxiety and jitters. Using a 5K or 10K to fine tune for a half or full marathon is great practice. Similarly, a 50K or 50 miler before a 100K or 100 mile race will aid your preparation for your goal event.
Use these intermediary races to create and dial in a racing routine that you can take into future events. Consider your night-before meal, race day breakfast, fueling before and during, gear, shoes, travel, navigating the race expo/ pre-race registration, logistics like getting to the start with enough time, carrying your nutrition and hydration on-course, pacing, and more. The more work you put in before the goal event, the better off you will be when the A race finally rolls around.
Pre-Race Anxiety and Jitters: Will They Ever Go Away?
Although we will never be able to fully shake the pre-race anxiety and jitters, there are several actions we can take to lessen the worry. Start by checking off some of the suggestions above and I can almost guarantee you’ll be feeling much better walking up to your next start line. Remember that old sporting adage: if you’re nervous before a big race – GOOD! – it means you care!
Hopefully this will be only one race of many, so while some of the same pre-race anxiety and jitters will always be there, at least you’ll know what to expect and how to handle it better than before.
Kyle Fulmer is a coach with Team RunRun and our social media manager extraordinaire. He is an experienced trail and ultra coach and athlete based in Boulder, Colorado.
Everything you need to know before you race one of Canada’s premier 10Ks.
Start of the elite men’s race. Elite runner and TRR Coach Thomas Nobbs in the center wearing bib 193.
There’s something unforgettable about racing in Ottawa. The energy, the layout, and the chance to run alongside Canada’s best make the Ottawa 10K one of the most electric and accessible races in the country.
“By the time we hit the Bronson bridge at 5K, I knew it was one of those rare days cool air, smooth legs, and the buzz of a big race on a perfect course.”
This year, I had the chance to coach three athletes in the Canadian National 10K Championships, and all of them walked away with massive personal bests. But whether you’re gunning for the front or just hoping for your fastest time yet, this course delivers and I’m going to tell you why.
Ottawa 10K Course: Fast, Flat(ish), and Fair
The Ottawa 10K race course is essentially a curving out-and-back that hugs the scenic Rideau Canal. If you’re into races that balance crowd energy with PB (or “PR” for our American friends) potential, this one checks all the boxes.
Here’s what to expect:
Start to 5K: Slight downhill, packed crowds, easy to go out too fast. Soak up the energy, but check your watch.
Bronson Bridge (~5K): Short incline over the overpass—the only real climb on the course. Stay relaxed and know you’ll get it back soon.
Back half: Flat and honest. Focus on running the tangents as the course curves alongside the canal.
Pro Tip: If it’s windy on the way out, you’ll likely be shielded or helped on the way back due to the layout of the canal path. Stay patient early and aim for a negative split.
Race-day soundtrack: Optional, but if you run with music, expect it to get drowned out by the crowd noise through the first 2K in a good way.
Ottawa 10K race course.
The Conditions: Cool, Crisp, Perfect
This year brought ideal racing conditions–a cool spring evening with overcast skies. If you’ve raced the Ottawa 10K before, you know it can get hot, but 2025 gave us one of the best setups in recent memory. No excuses. Just fast racing instead.
Real Results: What’s Possible on This Course
Three of my longtime athletes (and TRR coaches) used the Ottawa 10K as part of their spring speed series before heading into fall marathon prep. They were in different phases of training, but all walked away with PRs:
Elite runner and TRR Coach Elaina Raponi racing the Ottawa 10K.
Thomas Nobbs – 6th in the men’s national field in 28:58
These are athletes I’ve coached for years and what this race showed again is that when you combine great prep with the right course and competition, magic happens.
Ottawa 10K Logistics: Stress Free and Spectator Friendly
Expo: Quick in and out. Bib pick-up took under 10 minutes.
Gear check: Efficient and easy to access post-race.
Bathrooms: Ample, never a long wait.
Warm-up space: Tons of room around City Hall, as well as along Elgin Street and the Canal.
And if you’ve got friends or family coming to cheer? They’ll love it. The canal path makes it easy for spectators to see you multiple times, both by bike and foot, and the finish area is super accessible from both sides of the city.
Mental Notes: Strategy Tips for First-Timers
Don’t get greedy early. The downhill start and crowd noise will tempt you to go out too fast. Hold back.
Stay smooth over Bronson. It’s the only climb, and you’ll get rewarded with a downhill right afterwards.
Run the tangents! The curves along the canal are deceiving, therefore running the tangents can save seconds.
Save something for the finish. You’ll hear it before you see it, and there’s nothing like closing strong with the crowd going wild.
Final Thoughts: Should You Race the Ottawa 10K?
100% yes!
The Ottawa 10K is a course that rewards smart racing, attracts deep competition, and offers a smooth, exciting experience from start to finish. Whether you’re chasing your first 10K finish, your fastest, or something in between, you’ll have everything you need to run your best.
So when you’re planning your 2026 race season, mark the Ottawa 10K down.
Brant Stachel is a coach with Team RunRun based in Kingston, Canada. He works with runners and triathletes of all skill levels, from beginners to international and professional athletes.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The train – the 7 miler start was accessible by a scenic train that drops you off 7 miles from the finish. Marathon runners (and I think half runners the day before, but can’t speak to it since nobody in our group ran the half this time) could also take advantage of the train, but had other options available. Riding the train through the Lehigh Gorge State Park just after sunrise on the way to the race start was a really cool experience.
The race director – it’s a pretty small race, but you could tell they put their whole heart into it. I had to transfer from the marathon to the 7 miler, and the race director was so helpful. We ended up running into him at lunch on Saturday after they finished up the half marathon, and he was just a really cool guy who clearly loves his community.
Jim Thorpe – what a cool town! It’s a small, historic mountain town a little over an hour outside of Philadelphia, and it was so nice. The race had three restaurants and cafes involved in the weekend where runners could get discounts, and the two we went to were amazing!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The bathroom situation – it’s not the race’s fault. The nature of the course is that it’s a point to point, net downhill, along a rail trail. Really cool! But few access points (and even fewer accessible by car) meant few opportunities to bring out porta pots. The good news: there was a bathroom on each car of the train, so you weren’t totally out of luck. But there also just wasn’t really room for emergencies along the course — even the woods were pretty much entirely visible from the train riders that pass while you’re running.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
No bears??? Was really hoping to see a bear. Alas.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I haven’t raced in a long time and haven’t had the most consistent running lately. BUT – I was able to kick hard at the end and close out my race with my last mile over a minute per mile faster than my average pace, and still had more of a kick in the final 50 meters. It was so fun and I’m super proud of it!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
If you take the train to the start, you can leave things on it and they’ll leave everything together at the finish for you. I was nervous about the bag check situation and didn’t bring anything with me, but it’s so good to know!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
If you run the full, know that the last ~8 miles are much less shaded than the first 18: wear a hat!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Gorgeous. The scenery is pretty similar the whole time, but still really really nice.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not at all! It’s net downhill and they mean it. Just a smooth cruise along a rail trail.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well-oiled machine, surely. It’s a small race, but honestly I’d say a well-orchestrated train ride to the start is a pretty impressive feat. There were a ton of logistics for the race, but they did well.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The Jim Thorpe 7 Miler was largely recreational, but the marathon had a pretty competitive (albeit spread out) field!
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.
Jim Thorpe is a small town, so if you want to stay where the race ends, book your hotels early. If you’d rather stay near the start, that’s an even smaller town. Less tourism, so it’s easier to get a hotel near the highways, but also fewer amenities and cool surroundings.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They had UCAN at some of the stations, water, and bananas (as far as I could see on the Jim Thorpe 7 Miler course)
Weather and typical race conditions
April in the mid-Atlantic could range from 30-80, so watch the weather, haha!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Some marathon runners found that shoes with mesh uppers, or more porous shoes in general, got lots of rocks and sand in them. It’s not a paved course. Some runners ran with ankle gaiters, but that could feel really hot on a warmer day.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not particularly. There’s very little access along the course. But the finish line is great!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4/5 stars! I’m glad I ran it, I had an absolute blast, I don’t know that I need it to be a repeat race.
