So many factors go into making a race a stand out: a plate-size finisher’s medal; brag-worthy swag; loads of high-fiving spectators; a connection you make with another runner on the course. For me (Sarah), it’s the scenery that stays with me long after I’ve donated the race tee to Goodwill.
I’m a sucker for a race with watery vistas: waves crashing against Stanley Park Seawall at Vancouver Marathon; sunlight dancing on Lake Harriet in Twin Cities Marathon; the Willamette River from numerous bridges during Portland Marathon.
So I was curious what race-day scenes stand out in the minds of my Another Mother Runner colleagues. Here’s an album of their answers.
The North Face Endurance Challenge—California
“This 50K was my first ultra event, and I chose it specifically for the views. This race had everything: the ocean, the forest, a staircase on the Dipsea Trail, hills and elevation galore, and a final mile across the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, the race hurt, but some of my best running memories come from that day.”
—Cathy Engstrom, Train Like a Mother Club website manager
“You run the whole island along the coastline and in the city through Duval Street. So you get the beauty of the coastline, then the town’s party atmosphere. Plus, you are at the tip of the continent!”
—Brandi Dockett (center), Many Happy Miles strength instructor
“This area of Utah is breathtaking. The hoodoos are unlike anything you can describe and must be seen in person to appreciate them.”
—Christy Scott, Train Like a Mother Club Trail + Ultra Coach
“The course starts in a state park, the centerpiece of which is a historic fort that sits right in the middle of Newport Harbor. The first mile runs through quiet neighborhoods filled with beautiful homes, then you turn on to aptly named Ocean Drive and run with the ocean on your right for the entirety of miles 3 – 6. Miles 7 and 8, you run alongside the famed Newport mansions, then the final two miles lead you back to the state park, where you run through a stone tunnel to finish inside the walls of the fort. So many beautiful things to look at all along the course—it’s a stunner.”
—Michelle San Antonio, Community Supporter
“So sue me! This Southern gal was awed by the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Each borough definitely has its own flavor.”
—Ellison Weist (right), podcast co-host
“The wind blowing through the silent, black lava and the winds whipping across the Pacific Ocean, all while trying not to melt due to the heat on the Queen K [highway], running the marathon—it helps!”
—Jennifer Harrison, Heart + Sole and Triathlon Programs Coach
“Gorgeous ocean views that make you forget about the big hills you are taking on. I also loved running through the oceanfront neighborhood to get a little glimpse of how the other half lives.
—April Hopkins, Train Like a Mother Club customer service
Grandma’s Half. Lake Supior sits on your left shoulder the entire race. And it is just gorgeous. There is so much to be said about the third coast….
The Columbia Gorge Half & Full Marathon. Held in early October, you get to see the beautiful fall colors as you run the Mosier Tunnel Trails as well as the Columbia River and beyond. Regardless of whether it’s a rainy or sunny day, this races views do not disappoint. And the organizer’s are great. There is such a great atmosphere as you wait for your group to start and the after party is a lot of fun.
Aspen Golden Leaf half marathon. The golden aspen’s are insane and the trail is covered in golden leaves.
The Madeline Island half or full marathon is on an island in Lake Superior. You have to ferry there from Bayfield, WI and the water is so clear, the island is sprinkled with cabins but is mostly untouched, and there is a lively finish line in the Main Street area of the island. Stay in a vrbo and ice bath in the lake afterwards or sit in the shoreline by a fire. Heavenly!