I used the Parkersburg, WV half as a kick start to my Goofy training. This is a bit of a hilly adventure, but nothing that we on the WISH team would be afraid to handle. There were 2 significant climbs well advertised so you knew coming into the event what you would face. The first long big climb was on fresh legs early on just after enough time to warm up a bit. The second short big climb was toward the end and really was a test. It was a short test, but very much a test.
The event was well supported with plenty of water and Gatorade for every participant front to back of the pack. At just about every place I traveled along the route those cheering and those at the water stops made sure we were all well. There was a bike patrol offering encouragement or assistance as we moved along also.
Participants got a t-shirt in the race packets and free spaghetti dinner pre race day with all the fixings. After the event a pizza party was offered to the participants free of charge included in this was all the pizza you could eat, ice cream sundaes, beer, and a selection of fruit: plums, nectarines, grapes, bananas. There was a large selection of cookies. I think it was impossible to walk away hungry at any of these meals.
Bling also given to all finishers.
I would do this one again and am glad I got it done!