Harrisburg Select Medical Marathon - RunMarathon

The start was pretty straight forward as this was a relatively small marathon. Our goal to start this race was to not get swept up in the crowd at the start and to get right into our own pace. This worked well and we settled in nicely at about a 9:20 pace for the first 6 mile out and back south out of the park. I was glad that a fair amount of this loop was on nice cinder path. After reentering the park and doing another loop we headed back out going north along the river. This was mostly on concrete or black top paths along the river which was also nice. A little bit of a head wind kept us cool. About 11 miles in we headed up through some neighborhood streets towards the industrial part of town. This was a little interesting as the road through the industrial park wasn't closed to traffic and the trucks were trying to turn into the warehouses while dodging the runners, but I didn't see where there were any issues.
We hit halfway along this route and I was glad to see we were at about 2:04:00 for the half which meant we were still on target. We then passed through the local community college and circled around all their access roads. Hit mile 15.8 timing mat at 2:30:00 still at about a 9:30 pace so we were still on target. This was about where I first started noticing the calf cramps, but at this point they were very manageable. I knew I needed some salt, but was unsuccessful in getting any before the race (I looked locally at home and my normal source was out and I figured there would be a local sporting goods store at the expo but wasn't one) I did have a couple of pretzels to chew on and took advantage of these.

From here we entered into a nature conservatory, which was good and bad. Great paths to run on, but constant up and downs. In the 2 miles through here I think we went up and down close to 8 times. Some of the downhills were worse than the up hills! This path was open to the public and a lady riding her bike took a header into the woods and was waiting for the medics to walk in a gurney from the ambulance.

From here I headed back towards the river and the 4 or so miles back to the park. The college kids had gotten out of bed and were out along the streets cheering us on. They had even set up an aide station with beer as the main drink. I took a pass on this.

Along the river is where my race took a turn. The calf cramps were just getting too bad to run through anymore and I had to walk them off. Miles 23 and 24 were both over 14 min/mile and 22 and 25 were over 11. Right at mile 26 back in the park I was running along and the right one locked up all together and I almost face planted into the cinders. I got over to the fence, stretched it out and managed to run through the finish with a smile!

I was a little disappointed in the cramps, but the more I think about it, I am still proud to finish the race running with a smile under my control!

Plan ahead with the nutrition. I was good with the gels and the Gatorade Endurance, but I know I sweat like a pig and need to the salt pills on these longer races to keep from cramping. I also realized that I have at least one banana before every race in the past and didn't today. The potasium would have helped as well.

Other than that, getting below 180 pounds would probably help with the pounding of the joints. I also should have done a 20 mile training run, or at least 15 - 17 in between Chicago and this race. My longest was a 13 mile run.

Other than that, I don't know. I completed 2 marathons this fall and that is a pretty good accomplishment!! I am proud of that!

Went through the finisher chute and got a mylar blanket and the medal. Had a couple of bottles of water and some bagels and bananas. Peeled the layers of salt off my face and drove home.


Experience, weight, poor planning.


Very well run race for its size. Aid stations every 2 = 2.5 miles. Not much in community support. Most of the people cheering were in the park. Volunteers were great and very supportive out on the course. I made sure to thank them all!