National Marathon and Half Marathon

[marathonmommy]

Thought I'd start a thread for those registering, thinking of registering, or wishing they could register for the National Marathon or Half Marathon.

I am so excited to do this race - apparently the only Marathon and Half Marathon entirely in DC boundaries. Next to Disney, I think this will be one of the greatest places to run! So much to see as I run by - what a great feeling! I am thrilled to be a part of this race. I even bought tickets to the pasta party. (I did this early because I missed the boat on the Philly one as it sold out!)

 

[crewmatt]

I'm signed up for the national half marathon. I've done it the past 3 years, from back when it was a tiny race with maybe 1k people total. Its grown several times over. Its a very fun course, some hills, etc, on a usually nice relatively cool day in the spring. Its not just a monument tour tho, so you'll be going through the various neighborhoods in DC. Are you doing the full or the half? Do you have any questions about it?

 

[marathonmommy]

I'm signed up for the national half marathon. I've done it the past 3 years, from back when it was a tiny race with maybe 1k people total. Its grown several times over. Its a very fun course, some hills, etc, on a usually nice relatively cool day in the spring. Its not just a monument tour tho, so you'll be going through the various neighborhoods in DC. Are you doing the full or the half? Do you have any questions about it?

I am doing the Half.
Where do you usually stay (or are you local)?
How early do you have to be there before the start?
Other than the end, what's your favorite part of the course?

 

[FireDancer]

As I said in that thread about favorite races this half is my favorite non-Disney half so far. I hope you like it as much as I did. I am trying to plan another trip to DC to visit some friends and might do it the weekend of the National if it works out for everyone. If so I'd run it again provided we decide before it closes. We may also do the Frederick half just to do a different race.

I stayed at a friend's brother's apartment in DuPont Circle so I can't help but as long as you stay at a hotel near the metro you will be fine. They run them early the morning of the race. The expo and start is just off the Stadium-Armory stop which is on the blue and orange line. It is a bit further west but you may want to check out the Tyson's corners area. The orange metro goes out there.

 

[marathonmommy]

As I said in that thread about favorite races this half is my favorite non-Disney half so far. I hope you like it as much as I did. I am trying to plan another trip to DC to visit some friends and might do it the weekend of the National if it works out for everyone. If so I'd run it again provided we decide before it closes. We may also do the Frederick half just to do a different race.

I stayed at a friend's brother's apartment in DuPont Circle so I can't help but as long as you stay at a hotel near the metro you will be fine. They run them early the morning of the race. The expo and start is just off the Stadium-Armory stop which is on the blue and orange line. It is a bit further west but you may want to check out the Tyson's corners area. The orange metro goes out there.

Do this one, Frank! I'd love to meet you again! I'm trying to convince Shannon (bounceliketigger) to join me!

 

[crewmatt]

Any metro accessible hotel would work. I'm local. Driving into this race can be a little annoying as the marathon does a figure 8, so the roads around the start/finish stay closed longer. The metro stop is literally right at the start/finish line making it very convenient (same place for the expo), but like Frank said its a little out there.

I really like this course, its great when you round the turn at mile 9 and just look on the nice 2 mile straight down hill stretch to the Capitol.

 

[geaux_half]

I ran the National 1/2 this year; would definetely recommend it. I stayed at the host hotel which was in DuPont Circle (nowhere near the expo/start/finish but easily accessible by metro).

For those of you chasing states running 1/2 marathons, the Caesar Rodney 1/2 in Wilmington is the next day and is an easy drive.

 

[bounceliketigger]

I'd love to do the DC! Just don't know if I can qualify. Will give it my best shot @ the upcoming Bridge Run or try to use my ToT time. A lot depends on the knee too.

You may want to try a hotel in Rosslyn, VA. It's on the other side of Key bridge from Georgetown & a major Metro stop. Only a few stops from the start I think. You'd probably have better luck w/availability & a better rate than staying downtown.

 

[verticalchaos]

Yeah, it would be a great one, but I'm far too slow to qualify.

 

[fashionista311]

ohh thanks for this! does anyone know how fast it sells out? i would def be interested in doing this race, but my name is already in the lotto for the nyc half marathon and i won't find out about that until late november. i'll be coming off of doing the full ny marathon this november so i'm nervous to sign up for two half marathons two weekends in a row until i see how i recover

 

[crewmatt]

You'll be able to register for this one into 2011 most likely. It usually only sells out as it gets closer.

 

[FireDancer]

I had dinner tonight with the people who I would travel to DC with for this half and it looks about 90% likely that we will be doing it again this year. We'll know for sure by the end of November.

 

[marathonmommy]

Don't know why I jumped the gun booking a room, but I did. Guess I am afraid of being blocked out of good rates. (trying to volunteer for NYC marathon but can't get a room.) I bid on a room and got the westin city center for $85. Supposed to be a 3.5 star hotel, but some reviews read differently. About 3 blocks from the metro. No indoor pool ...if I decide to bring the kiddos, this is a bummer. For those familiar with dc, is this a decent deal or should i try to get out of it? I know it's pretty close to everything...

 

[FireDancer]

I think under $100 in DC proper (at least an area worth staying in) is pretty good.

 

[bounceliketigger]

Don't know why I jumped the gun booking a room, but I did. Guess I am afraid of being blocked out of good rates. (trying to volunteer for NYC marathon but can't get a room.) I bid on a room and got the westin city center for $85. Supposed to be a 3.5 star hotel, but some reviews read differently. About 3 blocks from the metro. No indoor pool ...if I decide to bring the kiddos, this is a bummer. For those familiar with dc, is this a decent deal or should i try to get out of it? I know it's pretty close to everything...

Good spot & a good rate. Not familiar w/ the specific hotel though.

 

[marathonmommy]

BUMPING!
This race is coming up in just a little over a week!

For those of you registered (or those just interested), please commence chatting!

I need build up!

 

[faith-hope-joy]

I've never heard about this one. If my sister is still living in DC, I'd like to go up for it next year. She lives in the district so no need for a hotel. Woo Hoo. Since I've started running, she has picked it back up again. Kills me that while she hasn't run in ages and is only 2 years younger than me, she is a lot faster than me. It would be nice to do this run together. The half, that is.

 

[johde]

This is one of the races I'd like to do "some day". I still need to get a little bit quicker first. My goal for April is 2:50-2:55 for a half marathon. Looking at the qualifying times, I think the half marathon is the easiest for me.

 

[cloudnut220]

I'm doing the half as part of a relay team. I have the first (easy and flat) leg, so I'm looking forward to running past the Capitol, Mall and White House! I used to work down there, so it will be nice to revisit.

 

[fashionista311]

i'm in for the half! i'm actually really nervous about this race...i ran 10 three weeks ago and it was good, but my knee blew up on my planned 12 miler last week and i couldn't finish my mileage...i was afraid i was doing more harm. i've been able to do some short runs ok...not really sure what my plan should be for this weekend (i usually do a short taper before a half). i plan to take it slow and enjoy the scenery instead of racing the clock for a change...i just want to finish healthy, happy and injury free!