I would like to commend Diva's Half Marathon for making one of my issues right. I'm a firm believer…read moreof expressing my gratitude or my dissatisfaction to the proper entity. I expressed my dissatisfaction about being charged an extra night at my hotel due to the poor logistical planning of the race. I sent them an email on Monday night, received a response from them on Tuesday and the hotel refunded us our extra night stay the next day. Great turnaround time! I appreciate the fact the Diva's organization is working hard to rectify all that went wrong with the race. I'm sure the race will have improved tremendously next year and I wish all future DC Divas the best. Customer satisfaction is important and given the circumstances...I'm satisfied.

The best part of the race was meeting and running with other duped ladies…read more Their pre and post events were so lackluster that I don't even know where to begin. How about I begin with green bananas?! I ran the 5k and I'm happy about it because I heard nothing but complaints about the hills for the rest of the half marathon route. I was so disgusted with the finish line being on top of the hill that I didn't even look at the men at the finish line!!! The fact that no one was told that we would be running on a dirt road, was rude. Several people fell and there was 2 hour traffic jam because no one within the Diva Run Series thought that there should be bus services for 4000 people on a single country road. The race was scheduled to start at 7:30a for half marathoners and 7:50a for 5k runners. I was 5k runner and didn't start until 10:02a...unacceptable because I scheduled myself for a late check at my hotel and missed the 1pm deadline. I thought the volunteers were great and so was the host in the white shorts. I won't return next year or recommend this race to anyone else.

Maryland again for the 2nd time. Wait, What? Yep, that just happened over the weekend of September…read more24/25, 2016, with the 3rd annual C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon in Cumberland, Maryland of 2016. It was pretty challenging and rewarding. I had not done a double marathon, aka back to back consecutive days since January 2014 and felt I had been rusty with this thing. Add in Maui marathon a week before and the Barnum Trail marathon in West Virginia the day before, and you just have a recipe for insanity in a bottle. I had done my 50 states marathons already, completed in October 2014, but the lure of completing my goal of 100 career marathons/ultras lured me back to the craziness of running long distance again. C&O Canal Towpath marathon is #88 on my completed list and #6 state completed for the 2nd round, whereas West Virginia was #87 and #5th state - 2nd round. The C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon is a small trail marathon that's put on by the good folks at Altis Endurance Sports. The course is pretty much the same as its other race venues, which is multiple states in multiple days, at least in the September series. While running small marathons with multiple loops isn't really my thing, I chose this one because it was more economical to do back to back consecutive days, while testing your sanity meter. I really need to thank the volunteers and the race director who made this happen in 2016. They are a new race series and hope they will grow with each passing year. For the marathon, it's 6.55 mile loops x 4 times. The half marathon is 2 times. The first two times were alright, but after finishing that set, you start questioning your own sanity, since you're seeing and experiencing the same course for more than you want. The good thing about these loops is that you get to see fellow runners and friends who race with you multiple times. They offer encouragement along the way and that's just amazing and incredible. The C&O Canal Towpath marathon and half marathon was held in the heart of Cumberland, Maryland. The physical address of the start and finish line is 13 Canal Street, Cumberland. The price of entry varied from $75-$100, depending on when you register for it. So if you decide on running this one, half or the marathon, try to sign up early to save some $$$. The course itself features running along the canal itself, running along a bridge that connects the city streets with the Canal, running along a path with houses on the other side, and finally a factory that seems to be leaking a strong fertilizer smell on a Sunday morning. The smell was strong when I was on my first two loops, but it slowly went away when I did my last two. There is 2 aid stations along the course, as well as one at the start/finish line. Same as the Barnum Trail marathon in West Virginia. Weather can be iffy this time of year, but we lucked out, since it was the beginning of fall / autumn there in the mid Atlantic. We got some sun at some parts, but largely it was overcast with cool breeze throughout the day. The overall experience here at day two of this race in Maryland was that of tiredness and being able to push through all the self doubt and negativity that your mind puts out. 26.2 miles is a long way to go, regardless of driving it or running it. At the end of the day, I felt relief that I made that final push when I didn't have nothing else physically and I just wanted to be done. It was nice to see Mike, one of the volunteers at the finish line. He handed me my finisher medal and offered me chocolate milk and a soda at the simple aid station set up. There is no fan fare here, as in other major marathons, just a small race that attracts the more hardcore serious runners across the country and the world. The scenery was better than that of West Virginia, since it varied in 4 distinct parts versus just two in WV. I'd recommend this race, if you are a Marathon Maniac or 50 state marathoner or half marathoner needing to pick up Maryland. Or just someone who just love small race venues. I did enjoy running this one, even though loops aren't my thing. Support local! A+ #Yelpmarathons

Race fees. During…read morethese tough economic times some might consider this a luxury item. Anyone can just hop on their bike or throw on some running shoes and get a great workout for free. So what do you really get for your race fee? "a Date". That's right.... you have a date on your calendar. We all say we're going to get up and go for a 6am run on Monday, but how often does that happen? Once you commit to the race, you're much more likely to get your butt out of that warm, comfy bed and put your running shoes on. "the Experience". Sure, you can join various local running or cycling groups, but where else can you meet up with a few hundred other like minded athletes to push and challenge yourself to run or ride your hardest and fastest? How cool is it to give your child the opportunity to watch from the side lines as mommy or daddy races past them, sometimes giving out a high-five as they go by? "aid stations". Multiple aid stations are set up every few miles on the course ready to offer water, Gatorade and medical attention, should you need help while out on the course. Staff and volunteers are set up with radio communication for any possible situation that might arise. "action photos". High hopes to be the fresh face for Nike or Under Armour? Brian Knight Photography is out on the course catching your athletic endeavors.... leaping across a creek, tumbling down shock-a-billy, scrambling up the rocks at Rocky Gap, or your relieved expressions upon seeing the finish line. "a marked course". Feeling apprehensive about checking out a new area by yourself? Afraid you might get lost out in the wilderness? If you're like me, I never trail run or mtn bike by myself solely for safety purposes. Too bad all the trails I ride don't have "XXX"danger signs when approaching a crazy rocky descent! "post race party". Fresh, hot Papa Johns pizza awaits you at the finish. Instant gratification for getting out of bed early in the morning. Fruit, granola bars, yogurt, cookies, M&Ms, and other refreshments are provided at every race. Great prizes such as Ipods and gift certificates to running stores like VA runner, and the Bike Lane are also given out during the awards ceremony. "fond memories". You'll always remember picking up your pace to pass the girl in front of you so that you could get on the podium. You'll remember your off road 1/2 marathon finish time. You'll remember how you felt when you rocked shock-a-billy in front of a crowd of spectators. When you bump into a complete stranger wearing the EX2 hat, or race T-shirt, you'll find yourself curious as to which race he or she participated. I've raced in a few EX2 events, and volunteered for many more. I have had the pleasure to see the race experience from both sides, and I know how much hard work goes into putting together a well run race with high levels of support. I also have experienced the feelings of camaraderie with fellow athletes, the joy of crossing the finish line after a particularly difficult physical challenge, and the satisfaction of knowing I was able to push myself farther than I ever imagined. When you consider all of this, the race fee becomes more of a long term investment in yourself.

EX2 Adventures trail running and mountain biking races are awesome!…read more These races are planned by runners, for runners. This isn't some elementary school fundraiser or overcrowded destination race where all they care about is your entry fee. If you are a runner, you know what I'm talking about. These aren't the kind of races where they charge inflated entry fees for a crappy cheap t-shirt with a hundred logos on it, a couple cookies and a warm bottle of water, and lines around the block for overflowing port-o-lets. Oh no, the people at EX2 Adventures are very well organized and actually care that you have fun. Case in point, in April I ran the final race of the 2010 Spring Backyard Burn series out in Prince William Forest Park, Virginia. The EX2 Adventures sponsors gave away so much post-race food and prizes, I really felt like I came out way ahead of what I paid in registration fees. Beyond gorging myself on pizza and other goodies after the 10 mile trail run, I also randomly won a gift certificate for a half hour massage for having the worst race injury; a set of ridiculously bloody nipples. I've only ever participated in the Backyard Burn races, but have heard great things about the Cranky Monkey mountain biking and Greenhorn Adventure races. If you are looking for a fun and challenging adventure you can't go wrong with an EX2 event.

I am reducing my review down one star because I hate people…read more Not the runners and spectators tho, I love you all, hugs and kisses! I mean the tourists. That's right, the tourists that take a grilled cheese and a banana from the runners. You know like when the runners are waiting in line for Cabot (the race sponsor) to get grilled cheeses and you walk up with your dog and grab the last two and then proceed to only eat half of each and throw them away in front of us. AT LEAST GIVE THEM TO YOUR DOG. That's fine, I just ran 9.46 miles (the race was shortened this year due to an accident), I don't need nourishment. I'll sit here and snack on my saliva. Never mind I have no saliva, I'm dehydrated. Oh wait, are you carrying bottled water that says "Cherry Blossom 10 miler" on it? Where did you get those? Why are there 3 extras in your pockets? Hey you want this t-shirt and medal too? I bet you are going to go home and telling your friends, "you must visit DC they give away free bananas, bottled water and grilled cheeses on the streets." Then more of your moron friends will visit next year and take bananas and grilled cheeses. I hope that eventually the race has a runners/spectators only where people can pick up their after race treats, but as usual, the race course was lovely this year, and the blooms were in full force. There was a last minute glitch this year (a pedestrian was hit and hurt before the race) and the race organizers routed us around it. It cut off more than a half mile, but it's amazing they were so effective and responsive with such short notice. This year was the only year that having a race at the same time as having thousands of tourists in town and I guess this really bothered me because everything became a 1,000x more inconvenient. It's the only time where the race coincided with peak blossom too. It even impacted traffic to the packet pick up as well. Whether you drove or metroed to the pick up at the National Building Museum there was still hella traffic. Next year, I plan on just training hard so I can finish faster and then guard all the post race snacks. I'll be like the race Robin Hood and give to the needy and not the greedy. Despite these gripes, I would still totally do the race again, but this time I would order a medal, so I can use it to knock someone upside the head with it so I can get my grilled cheese on. By the way, whoever said "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy" is a liar.

First time in the Cherry Blossom but it won't be my last…read more Parking: People that ran the 10 mile race had to find their own transportation. Thankfully the run happened on a Sunday, so it was free parking on the side streets. Park a little early, because it does fill up with people coming from MD and VA. What I found strange, was they had their own section for the medals. You had to walk through the crowd and find a tent for the medals. Overall, it was a great race. The cherry blossoms were bloomy and the tourist was hyping and cheering the racers pass the finish line. It was a great experience.

its canceled because " it's too cold" even thought it will be 40 sweatshirt weather. the new owner…read moreis the worst always cancels for no reason. I went to one last year it was 30 and windy and it was just fine didn't cancel then.

My wife had never been to a dirt race before and between her uncle and I we talked her into it. We…read morecame for the world of outlaws race and she had an absolute blast. She loves all the access you have to the drivers and cars. As for the facility l, it's a top notch dirt track in Pennsylvania. You have many food and drink options for purchase (alcohol is not for sale) or you can bring your own. The infield is huge with two entrances. One is a bridge on the back stretch the other is a tunnel in the front. Parking is abundant and getting out was a breeze. Ear Pro is highly recommended if you attend. The seating is just bench seating. So I recommend bringing a cushion if your not used to that. We did go to the concession and get a couple burgers and hotdogs which were basic but good. They have plenty of other food options also. My wife picked a driver based off his hauler decals and wanted to get a tee shirt. When she found one she liked I asked her "don't you think it would be cool if he signed it?" She said yes and I told her "well he's right there". Brock Zearfoss was so polite and talked to my wife and I like he knew us forever. He signed her shirt and when she told her it was her first dirt race he told her "you'll love it and you'll definitely be back". She did in fact love it and can't wait to go again.

Went to my first run in August and it was a great event. The raffle prizes are terrific and I…read morewalked away with The $500 prize of great runner gear to include new running shoes. I will definitely be at the next event in August. Great group of friendly runners of all abilities! Have to add, our Columbia RR staff are still tops!

One time. That's all it took. ONE Adventure Run and I'm hooked. (First Thursday of the month, April…read more- October. Run starts at 6:30) My fiancee, neighbor, and I went to the August '16 AR, each for our first time. We got there probably 20 minutes before the "run" part started and had to park a few businesses down since it was so busy. Also, the vendors use space in the parking lot. The vendors there were really relevant. Running groups, race representatives (like Ragnar), shoe specialists from New Balance, and more. Each vendor gave more tickets for the soon-to-come raffle as well. We all decided to get the AR shirts because they were only $8 each (price drops when there are only 3 runs left for the year). Even if it was the last run I would have bought it. That thing is comfortable! Anyway, time for the race to start. The MC drops a giant rolled up map on the side of the building, revealing where all the ticket stops are around the Rockville area. Everyone snaps shots with their cell phone (BRING YOU CELL PHONE - or a friend that has one) and takes of running. I had no idea what was going on. I also later found out that the initial sense of urgency wasn't needed. Overall it was about 3.5 miles of running and you have a full hour to do it. Some of the stops include a quick workout, like pushups or squats. Each stop gives you tickets for making it there and double if you're in the AR shirt. One of the locations (Silver Diner) didn't exactly understand the concept of the tickets and gave the first dozen people only half of the ticket, which makes no sense based on the way the raffle works later. Another runner later corrected him and it went smoothly from there on. While running, we just happened to notice another runner near us. We invited her to join our mini-group and made a new friend in the process. It was her first run too. Everyone there is super happy, friendly, and inviting. Great way to meet new people that are into running. By the end, we had hit all stops over the 3.5 miles and had about 20 minutes to spare. We tore off all our ticket stubs, dropped them in the large raffle bucket, and just chilled while eating watermelon. It was great. The raffle itself gave away around $3,000 worth of items, including a few pairs of new New Balance running shoes. Other items included a free entry with MDA running group to run one of 6 different major races, including the Marine Corps Marathon or NYC Marathon (and a technical tee for the team) - we actually won that one :) . There were a TON of giftcards too. We won a few bags of those, which included about $30 at silver diner, $30 at tutti fruti, and more. Seemed like there were lots of small groups at the end and I think at least one person from each group won something. Lots of giveaways. After the raffle, there was an after party at TGI Fridays. We all got 20% off our bill and they gave away another pair of shoes to people that went there. In hindsight, I could have skipped this part. Not because it wasn't organized well, but I'm just not a huge fan of Friday's and big groups are always tough on restaurants. Takes extra long to get food and drinks, but I don't put that fault on Road Runner Sports, so no points deducted. My only warnings: be careful when running! That area of Rockville has a lot of high-speed roads and people need to make sure they're careful when crossing streets. A giant group of 50+ people just taking off in the middle of rush hour traffic in Rockville has got to be infuriating for the drivers when the runners aren't respecting the road and traffic. Also, get there early if you wanna park closer. Wear shorts with pockets so you can easily carry your tickets too. We'll be going back for September!