I need a run worthy of an adventure

[rutgers1]

I am already signed up for the Disney half in November.

A friend and I want to visit another part of the country to take part in something that we will tell our grandchildren about.

Does anyone know of such a race? I am talking about something I can't find here in New Jersey --- something with neat views, cool terrain, an awesome vibe, or something else to make it worth the trip.

Thanks!

 

[beltwaybarry]

I am already signed up for the Disney half in November.

A friend and I want to visit another part of the country to take part in something that we will tell our grandchildren about.

Does anyone know of such a race? I am talking about something I can't find here in New Jersey --- something with neat views, cool terrain, an awesome vibe, or something else to make it worth the trip.

Thanks!

I would go do the Missoula (MT) Marathon, one of the nicest races around (ok, I used to live there so I'm a little biased, but it did get named by Runners World a couple years ago as the best overall marathon), then follow that up a day or two later with a drive through Glacier Park.

 

[Reifsy]

I am already signed up for the Disney half in November.

A friend and I want to visit another part of the country to take part in something that we will tell our grandchildren about.

Does anyone know of such a race? I am talking about something I can't find here in New Jersey --- something with neat views, cool terrain, an awesome vibe, or something else to make it worth the trip.

Thanks!

Well it's too late for this year but you could look into trying the Mt Washington road race in New Hampshire. Don't know if you are looking for painful though. However it would have good views, cool (even cold) terrain, and as the race site says " only one hill". It would be memorable for sure.

 

[kmg148]

If you're looking for day trip, May 12th is the Preakness 5k at Pimlico Race Course near Baltimore. You get to run around the race track! Also the Hershey half marathon in October runs through the park I believe.

I know those aren't exactly what you mean, but they are different than regular road races.

 

[1slowdaddy]

I recommend the "American Discovery Trail Marathon" in Colorado Springs on Labor Day. You run south on the Santa Fe trail from Palmer Lake, through the Air Force Academy, to downtown Colorado Springs with fabulous views of the Front Range and Pikes Peak throughout most of the run. It begins at 7500 feet and ends at about 6300, but with a few good hills and rollers. While in Colorado Springs, ride the cog railway to the top of Pikes Peak, hike in the
Garden of the Gods, tour the Air Force Academy, and visit the Olympic training center. My favorite race thus far.

 

[rutgers1]

Great ideas! Keep them coming!

I like the Pikes Peak one the most so far. I am running a half marathon the week before, so not sure that one will work. I definitely have to file it away for future reference, though.

 

[FireDancer]

I'd go with the Wine Country Half Marathon.

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

I don't have any experience with this race myself, but you might consider looking into the Big Sur International Marathon. I've heard a lot of great things about it.

 

[jmasgat]

I was looking at these two here in Michigan. And Mackinac Island is a pretty little spot.

http://www.runmackinac.com/17th_Annual_Mackinac_Island_Great_Turtle.htm

http://greatlakesendurance.com/grand-island-trail-marathon.html[/URL

The other one that sounded interesting--albeit quad-busting-- was The Scream:

[URL="http://www.thescream.blueridgemultisports.com/home.html"]http://www.thescream.blueridgemultisports.com/home.html

I have never run any of them, but it's fun to look!

Maura

 

[MouseDogMom]

Maura - I'm signed up for The Scream this summer with a group of friends. We're really looking forward to an adventure! You should join us...

Jackie

 

[FFigawi]

Why stay in the country? For a truly unique experience, go run something like Comrades in South Africa or Athens where it all started.

 

[rutgers1]

I will definitely check those out.

I am signed up for the Super Hero Half in Morristown, NJ in May, as well as the Disney Half in November. I just decided today to do the Goruck Challenge. You can find that at goruckchallenge.com. It is apparently pretty insane, and it definitely seems like an "adventure." I am going to do the one in NYC in September.

 

[baileys]

How do you feel about running with "zombies?"

Check out the Run for Your Lives 5K at runforyourlives dot com (sorry, can't post links until I get my post count up). I think this looks like a lot of fun. Definitely an adventure!

 

[StarGirl11]

Its a bit early for you this year but maybe next year you might want to consider the San Francisco Marathon? The one at the end of July I mean not the other dozen or so other races held in San Fran. Gorgeous course, run across Golden Gate Bridge and back, and get to see a good portion of San Fran too.

 

[geaux_half]

I just registered for the 13 miler at Crater Lake Rim Runs

Altitude and hills will be a challenge for this sea level flat lander!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I give a big thumbs up to the North Olympic Discovery Marathon (and half marathon), if you don't mind traveling all the way to the northwest corner of the country (northwest Washington State). The course wanders through mountain meadows of wildflowers, through the woods along a river, and finishes off with a 5 mile stretch along the beach on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. When I ran it, there were grey whales just off the shore and bald eagles perching in the tall pines. The race is capped at 2000 people, so it has a very intimate feel - no overcrowding, and a very friendly vibe. Definitely my favourite race I've ever done, and I actually normally prefer huge urban races.

 

[princessbride6205]

I'm looking at running a half sometime in June as a destination - use some frequent flyer miles. I came across one in Alaska (Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon and Half in Anchorage) that I'm toying around with. It is on the summer solstice, so there should be 24 hours of daylight.
My other motive is that there are only 9 states in the US that I haven't visited, so if I can check off another one with a destination race, that would be fun.

 

[PrincessRhi]

I have the Tromsø Midnight Sun Marathon and the Polar Night Half Marathon on my list of things to do before I die. I'm sure Alaska would be a lot cheaper, but I'd rather my first trip to Alaska be a little more relaxing

http://www.msm.no/midnight-sun-marathon.9866.en.html

http://www.msm.no/polar-night-half-marathon.9702.en.html

 

[scoolover]

I second Mt. Washington. I have run some marathons and two Goofy's but to prove that I am a "real" runner I tell people that I ran Mt. Washington.