Country Music 1/2 Marathon - RunHalf Marathon

I felt good the first 11 miles. I actually felt as if I could press a little more, but I was concerned about the last couple of miles and I should have been. In miles 11-13 there were 2 big hills. They were heart-breakers, very tough.

I stuggled some from the humidity. We have not had humid days like this to train on this year. I'm not sure I could have prepared for the humidity.

I was wanting to run a 2:15, but since this is my first 1/2 I knew I would be happy with anything less than 2:30. The course was tougher than I anticipated.

I would have projected a faster race time. The course was packed and many people starting before me had no business being in those corrals. There weren't too many times I was passed (except on my scheduled walk breaks), but it was a struggle to pass others because the course was so full.

I would also do some more hill training. I thought I was prepared for the hills but they were more challenging than I thought they would be.

Humidity, hills, too many people.


There were approx. 35,000 people running in the full and 1/2 marathon. They all use the same course until the split at 11 miles. Many of the roads used are the same for those going out of town and those coming back in. With the number of people running it gets way too congested. The race does start in waves, but you still have to "bob and weave" the entire race to make up any ground.

The streets were lined with spectators and there are bands every mile.

I thought the race was well organized but they need to find a way to solve the congestion problem.