RACE REVIEW: Kansas City Half Marathon

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Kansas City Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

PRE-RACE: I received entry into this race for being a BibRave Pro, thanks to my pro status. I was able to register for this race nice and early way back in May 2019. In the several months before the race I received a variety of informative emails covering all aspects of the race and multiple FAQs. I also was able to read more into the race through the race website. Social Media for the race was extremely active and clued participants into crucial elements of race logistics as well as this races' many extra fun elements too. This race even has their own podcast and smart phone app!

This race takes place on a Saturday, so the Expo is held the Thursday and Friday prior. The expo is held in Kansas City's Union Station, centrally located in the city with plenty of parking (both short and long term) the expo was extremely easy to access and was open for over 15 hours during the two day span. Although the Expo was smaller than I was expecting (considering the size and scale of this major race) - it was jam packed with a variety of local and national vendors. Packet Pick-Up it self was extremely easy, there were multiple fast moving lines and participants in all the events (5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathons) could jump into any line and quickly get their bib's, participant sunglasses and event t-shirts. I was able to spend about an hour within the Expo, connecting with fellow runners and a variety of vendors and staff. It's important to note that there is NO race-day registration or packet pick up for this event. Though, registration does stay open through the duration of the expo.

In terms of travel and lodging (as this race is a popular destination race and a must-run for those looking to check Missouri off their 50 states list) the race is located roughly 25 minutes from Kansas City International Airport and directly near dozens of hotel and motel options. The kansas city streetcar (which is free) can also transport your from a variety of KC neighborhoods to the expo and the start line.

THE SWAG: The swag for this race was some of the best I have seen in awhile. All participants received an event t-shirt (available in both men's and women's cuts) along with a pair of race-branded Goodr sunglasses. These were such a cool touch! Lulu Lemon also sold a variety of additional race themed merchandise - this was available for pre-order and at the race expo.

THE RACE: This race is one of the most difficult courses I have ever run on. Featuring dozens of hills at a variety of inclines and lengths, this course offers a challenge for all. The scenery and history featured along this course is absolutely breathtaking and provides numerous, numerous photo ops. Runners get front row vantages points of KCs Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Westport, 18th and Vine Jazz district, Sunset Hill Neighborhood, Country Club Plaza, and more! I was consistently in awe at all I was seeing along this race route. Even tho my race day took place almost exclusively in the pouring rain, I was still blown away by the beauty of this course. Relief from almost 12 straight miles of hills (both rolling and otherwise) comes around mile 12.5 - at this point runners run almost straight downhill for the remainder of the race, all with the finish line calling to you in full view ahead.

Course support for this race was in ample supply. Both water and powerade were available about every 1.5/2 miles and often included medical tents as well. Crowds and cheer stations along this course varied from neighborhood to neighborhood, but featured many pockets of decently sized crowds and plenty of energy. Despite being a major challenge for me, there was nothing I didn't love about this course and race.

BLING: Medals were available for all events during marathon weekend. The medals were designed in line with the theme of the race seen throughout marketing efforts and the race tshirts. I loved these jazzy medals and appreciated how they offered medals in unique colors depending on the race length.

FINISH LINE & POST-RACE: The energy at the finish line for this race is electric. After flying down the final hill to the finish, participants are able to celebrate a variety of accomplishments by ringing the races giant gong. This made for a fun moment and a great photo op. The post-race party includes a free BBQ sandwich (YUM) and a variety of local KC beers. After eating, there was plenty more to do as well - including tye-dye t-shirts! I had so much fun at this race and absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a memorial experience.

Top 5 Reasons You Should STILL Register for the Kansas City Marathon

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Kansas City Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

This weekend is the Kansas City Half Marathon and I am so excited to be participating! To celebrate race week I am including the Top 5 Reasons to STILL register for this race and join me (and Team Bibrave!) this weekend in Missouri. 

1. You'll See The Beauty and History of Kansas City

There are numerous Kansas City landmarks along the course including: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Westport, 18th and Vine Jazz district, Sunset Hill Neighborhood, Country Club Plaza, and more!

KC's Country Club Plaza is Featured Along the Course!

2. You'll Get A Pair of Goodr Sunglasses!

Every runner participating in the Half or Full Marathon will receive their own pair of KC Marathon branded Goodr Sunglasses!

3. You Can Save 15%!

Use code BIBRAVE2019KCM for 15% off!

4. You Could Win A Garmin Forerunner & AfterShokz!

When you see signs for the Garmin Segment Challenge — near mile 8 — run your hardest for the next quarter-mile. Each male and female segment winner for the full and half-marathon will take home a Forerunner® 245 Music device and a pair of Air headphones from AfterShokz.

5. You Can Enjoy Pulled Pork and Beer Once you are Done!

All runner can enjoy a post race pulled pork BBQ sandwich provided by Operation BBQ Relief plus, each participant 21 years and older can enjoy a complimentary beer at the finish line! This years beers include Miller Lite, Boulevard Wheat, and a seasonal favorite, Bob's 47 Oktoberfest.

It's not too late! I hope to see you there. 

Oktoberfest 4 Miler: A BEER-y good time!

Post-Race Celebration! Photo Credit @rmfickfack

PRE-RACE: I first learned about this race when I was visiting the Mighty Squirrel Brewery (who hosted the entire event) with some co-workers. I was able to find ample information about the event online via the registration website and facebook. We received an email somewhat late in the evening (certainly could have been missed by those who are early to bed) with a lot of information regarding the next mornings race. A highlight of this email for me was the fact that they describe the course as "a brutal hill from mile 1 to 2 which kinda keeps going up past mile 3." This incredibly honest description cracked me up but also had me feeling pretty nervous for the race. Another quirky part of the pre-race experience was the fact that packet pick-up was advertised to end 30 minutes before the race began. On-site however it did not appear to be largely enforced. Grabbing my packet was easy and despite the event being sold-out, I never waited long in any line.

THE SWAG: There was no swag included in this race, but you certainly can get your money's worth of free beer at the after party. Shirts were available at packet pick up for an additional cost. All proceeds of this race and merchandise went directly to charity, which was a nice element.

Starting Line! Photo Credit @rmfickfack

THE RACE: They were not kidding when they described the hills of this race as BRUTAL. I actually happen to live along the race-route of this event so I had a general idea of what I was getting myself into and signed up anyway. The hills seem to never stop, which isn't far off from the truth when you consider that hills are at least 3 if not 3.5 miles of this entire race. The course is one large loop which starts and ends at the home of race hosts Mighty Squirrel Brewing Company. Passing through the campus of Bentley University and through several neighborhoods of Waltham the course is largely residential and takes runners both on roads and sidewalks throughout. A downside of this course was how close cars got to runners a few times, I never felt unsafe directly but certainly felt spooked on more than one occasion. I was never really made aware if their were aid stations along this course or not, but there were two staff water stops every 1.5 miles or so.

BLING: Medals were initially available for runners at this race for an additional $5 donation. Unfortunately, they were misprinted and ended up being unavailable for the race.

Riley and I at the starting line!

LINE & POST-RACE: The after party for this race makes the whole hill ordeal worth it. Two free beers and Mighty Squirrels amazing pretzel sticks are available for all runners. I had heard that there was pizza being delivered at 11am, but I never actually saw it or had any. The entire taproom was open for runners and fans and the atmosphere was extremely lively and fun. It was really exciting to spend time with a Fellow Bibrave Pro Danielle who's boyfriend had run the race (we spent much of the course together!) we hung out for several hours enjoying beer and swapping race stories. I had a great experience with this race overall despite a few kinks in their organization and process. For an inaugural event I would consider this a huge success. I look forward to next year!

Me and Fellow Bibrave Pro Danielle! @RunInRedSox

Marathon #2: The Journey Ahead

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Vermont City Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

It's official - I'm running my second marathon!

On May 24th, 2020 I will be joining Team Bibrave at the Vermont City Marathon. 

A sneak peak of the course!

I am truly excited to be running my first New England full marathon and to have a weekend to explore one of my favorite cities. I will be bringing my running bestie Riley with me for the weekend and we are already scouting out some Burlington adventures. 

Ben & Jerry's Factory allows tours - YUM!

One of my favorite Ciders is brewed in Burlington!
Visiting their tasting room is a must for me. 

There are also some highlights of this race I am already looking forward to.

The average temperature in VT during this race is a perfect 71 degrees

Any and all race day information (plus runner tracking will be available via the racejoy app.

Overall, I am really looking forward to this experience. Any advice for my second time toeing the Marathon starting line?!

State #8: Kansas City Marathon

Disclaimer: I received free entry to the Kansas City Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

In a little under two weeks, I am thrilled to be traveling to Kansas City, MO to participate in Garmin's Kansas City (1/2) Marathon. This will be state #8 on my 50th Half Marathons in 50 State adventure (I will be running a 1/2 marathon in RI next week!)

This race has been reported by fellow Bib Rave Pros and other fans as an "up and coming" one-of a kind experience. I am so excited for this races, especially the numerous Kansas City landmarks along the course including: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Westport, 18th and Vine Jazz district, Sunset Hill Neighborhood, Country Club Plaza, and more! I have had friends who lived in Kansas City in the past, and they have assured me this city provides a weekend I will never forget. Have you traveled to KC before? What were your highlights?

I've gotten a lot of feedback that this race is hilly, so I am a little nervous for parts of race day. Overall though, i've heard that the ending to this race is fast and downhill - so things are sure to end on a positive note. I have been trying to keep up with workouts and other physical activity since my cross country move, so I hope to perform decently well during this race. My current job is located on top of a hill, so I spend a lot of my days trecking up and down the numerous campus staircases, I am hoping this gives me some advantage on KC's hills. ;) Overall, as long as I stick to my 1/2 marathon standard of under 3 hours I wont be upset with myself. I know this race wont be a PR for me, but I am still happy to be there.

Another fun element of this race that i'm looking forward to is the theme and the medals! This year there will be a medal for each race distance. What your favorite medal you've earned?

If you're still interested in joining me, it's not too late! Register today and use Promo Code: "BIBRAVE2019KCM" for 15% off your race registration.

15% off registration

"Lawn on D Inaugural 5K!" - REVIEW

PRE-RACE: I first learned about this race via Facebook events, I thought I would be busy with prior obligations but I realized the morning of the race I would be able to participate. The logistics behind this race were simple, with on site packet pick up and nearby pay-stations for parking there was no information needed that I couldn't easily get form the races' website or Facebook event. The Lawn on D itself is relatively accessible and is a short drive right off the Mass Pike. I had no trouble arriving early and registering onsite for this race.

5K Participants!

THE SWAG: For a $10 race, I was pretty happy with the swag that was included at this 5K. A long sleeve dri-fit shirt with the race logo came with entry. The shirt was good quality and comfy! Anyone who participated as a member of the Citizens Bank team also received a short sleeve Citizens Bank t-shirt. You can see several participants wearing the long sleeve in the group photo!

Me and the Finish Line after the race!

THE RACE: I struggled a little bit with the actual race part of this event. The course was two laps around the adjacent Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) followed by a PAINFUL almost one mile snaking loop through the BCEC parking lot. This section of the race was so awful it almost tarnished the whole event for me. I would make a strong recommendation to race organizers that a third loop around the BCEC would be much more welcomed than a back and forth "pacer test" style final mile across sun-drenched asphalt. Aside from that however, I did enjoy the views of Boston that the back-side of the BCEC afforded to runners. There was one water stop on the course ( I think two may have been appropriate) and ample staff present to assist you, since the entire event took place immediately next to "The Lawn" itself, you were never far from where you started. The race advertised up to 1,000 open spots, but I was surprised to see that their were fewer than 200 participants (150 to be exact.) I think that this event can gain popularity as it returns for it's second year and beyond.

BLING: The medal for this race was simple but a nice touch! It included the race's logo and was a nice aspect to a shorter and more cost effective race.

LINE & POST-RACE: The finish line for this race was a lot of fun! The race ends right on the lawn, with a DJ, food and plenty of activities for everyone involved and their friends. I had fun taking pictures on the Lawn's famous swings and hanging out for a bit before heading home.