I love to research. All of my friends know that if they need an electrician or a particular baby product or want to vacation in a certain spot, all they have to do is ask. If I don’t already have an answer because we’ve needed the information, I’m likely to be willing to do their research for them. (I was, afterall, a research librarian before I started this mom gig).
So, here I sit in front of the computer. I have a U.S. atlas on one side of me, our calendar on the other, and “Running in the USA” website open on the computer. This year, we have a fair number of “required” travel: TX in January (same weekend as the Houston Half, but it’s full and it’s a little too far from where we are going), probably Key West in early April (so far all I’ve found is 5Ks), Maine in the summer (right now I’m looking at the Beach to Beacon 10k), Wisconsin in the summer (I’m sure I can find something, I just have no idea of our travel dates) and then Minnesota in October (I can’t remember the weekend, but I saw a couple of cool looking races). Hopefully, I can knock out at least two states this year that way. Any other states I manage will have to be much more short term notice and/or nearby. Pennsylvania and Delaware should be doable this year.
So, what’s your favorite website for race listings and is there a “must do” race in your state (not a marathon, though)?
3.5 miles on the treadmill today, so only 46.5 left to go! Part of me would like to just do a couple of 20 milers and get it done already LOL.
That whole multiple state thing is much easier when you live where states are smaller in size, I imagine. When you’re ready to come to New Mexico, give me a holler for some race ideas. 🙂
Yeah, here in FL, in April, races become slim pickins because it is getting hot then. To race anything longer than a 5K in FL, you have to visit Nov-March. Although Disney has some races in May and Oct that are pretty cool.If you do the Beach to Beacon 10K, you will have to decide quickly; I hear it fills in a matter of a few hours.As per MN in Oct, there is the Twin Cities Full/Half Marathon. I believe that is either the first or second weekend in Oct.Good luck as you begin to plan this calendar — how fun!
We have a great race in my area that is FREE! If you could work it out to be in New London, Connecticut on the first Saturday in August, the John & Jessie Kelley Ocean Beach 11.6 Mile Road Race. (Named after John Kelley, the younger, Boston Marathon winner and his wife. He lives around here.) This year will be the 47th Annual. The beach allows all runners (and their families if you come in at the same time) free entry and afterwards besides the place prizes, the local running club sponsors a huge raffle so almost everyone walks away with something. Plus if it's a beautiful day your family can beach while you're running. Since everything is completely free, there's no t-shirt.Of course we also have the world famous Manchester Road Race – a 4.75ish race but that's on Thanksgiving Day, which is why I've never managed to run it yet.
I usually just use the Runner World, Active.com and Cool Runnings listings with an occasional random Google search thrown in for good measure.Good luck in your search.
I use these sites:http://www.halfmarathons.net/http://www.marathonguide.com/
I use the Running in the USA site (and the Run Washington site of course). We blog readers are lucky you’re doing this– I’m already looking forward to the race reports!
There are some great races in MN during October. The Run for the Apples 5 mile in White Bear Lake is one of my faves.
I am like you… I love to research things too. My friends love it and hate it.You didn’t mention California, but there are some great races here. One that I want to do someday is the Bay to Breakers in May (http://www.ingbaytobreakers.com/registration/rwp.html) and it sells out super fast. There are some great half marathons here too (three in San Diego spaced throughout the year, Nike Women’s Marathon/Half Marathon and the San Jose Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon to name a few)When you are ready to come to California you might check this site: http://www.raceplace.com/I love your quest! If we traveled more, I would love to do something like that. Right now I like vicariously through my traveling blogger buddies.
Nebraska! Just kidding. Go to Florida. :o)
A must do…There’s the ING in march though I don’t run on Sundays so that’s out for me. But the Thanksgiving Half will be my baby until I move from here. Run it and then Turkey and lots of pie later. Perfect combo.
The Philadelphia Distance Run is an awesome half marathon held in September every year. It takes you through the historic district before winding the banks of the Schuylkill River, and finishes right in front of the art museum (AKA the Rocky Steps).Good luck!