The Thunder Road Marathon offers a full marathon, half marathon, and 5K. My husband and I ran the Thunder Road 5K this weekend- we haven't done any of the other distances so I'll just comment on the race festivities rather than courses. You have to pick up your race number and shirt at the race expo the day before. The expo had a lot of vendors like local stores and other races, but we got there a bit late and people were packed up. That was okay with us because we really just wanted our shirts and numbers, we didn't buy much (I bought a Christmas ornament, I have a weird thing for ornaments, hehe). Also, they validated parking for those attending the expo whether you were doing the race or not. The race t-shirts are great- it's a soft cotton and they had a ladies' cut sizing. The numbers are also cool and I think you can get your name on there if you register early enough, but we didn't. The race the next day was great, and afterwards, there was a cool finish line party. Tons of refreshments, everything from healthy items like Greek yogurt, bagels, etc, to junkier foods like Krispy Kreme and chocolate chip cookies. Local businesses were at the expo giving away food and other stuff as well. Tons of freebies- we made off with a great haul. Free beer at the finish too. We did have to pay for parking the day of the race, but the garages downtown were cheap and most were a very short walk from the race's start and finish. Just a few blocks. If you want to run a 5K and it's your first, this is a great one. Lots of first timers did it. The timing company was awesome and they put the results online along with a video of you finishing the race. Half and full marathoners got finisher's medals. Age group awards for the 5K were checkered flags, pretty neat (I don't know what the half and full age group and overall winners got, did not stay for those awards). I run lots of races and this was one of the best I've done. read more

Charlotte's only marathon is now, Charlotte's marathon! The Thunder Road title has been replaced with the Novant Health's Charlotte Marathon moniker. This was my first marathon, and it was as tough as I had heard. The first half is challenging, but I was able to keep with the pace sign without issue. The second half of the race is harder, much harder. It starts to get really hilly...and the scenery isn't quite as nice as the first half. So here are what I would say are the pro's and con's to this race: Cons: the hills (they are tough, especially at miles 20-24 (really!?) but if you train for them, you'll be fine. *The temperature....Charlotte in November can be down right chilly, so dress in layers. I brought a coat that I discarded after the first mile or two. They donate all shedded clothing to the homeless. It looked like laundry day around mile 5! *There was no 'corral call' or any announcement (that I could hear) to let you know where and when to line up. We were packed in at the start line, and you literally could not walk any farther into the crowd. I was aligned with a much faster finish time for the first mile, than my normal pace. *There was no 'gun shot' start...just someone yelling "ready, set, go!"...thought for a race this size it would be more official. *The course - it was a little wind-y, and you could tell in spots there were just trying to get the mileage, having you run in in/out directions. Pros: the spectators. Hands down, the best part of the race for me! (outside of actually finishing it!) They were kind, funny, supportive, and not the least bit angry about being put out by the hours of inconvenience this race must cause their neighborhoods. There was a monkey costume, I think I saw an Elvis, and lots of signs, kids cheering, cow bells ringing, it was truly a surreal moment that makes me smile months later thinking about it! Go Charlotte! *The bands/live music/DJs...they had the music spread out very well along the course. The music would usually indicate that you were coming up on the next mile. It became more than a welcomed sound! The bands were farther apart and more sparse for the 2nd half, which is really when we could have used it! *The other runners! This race has a 5k, half and the full. So there are folks from all over participating. You will see some interesting sights! One lady that I passed had on pajamas! You go girl! *Seeing Charlotte and experiencing the different neighborhoods and areas. Nothing gives you perspective of an area like running through it! I've been here 20 years, but ran through parts of town I'd never been to. *The snacks/gels/gatorade/water stations - they were placed very well, and the spectators were also handing out food. (I heard that the food could be better, but I found the selection just fine, bananas, bagels, sports drinks). *The party atmosphere - the finish line lands you in the heart of downtown and there are vendors, and lots of picturesque locations to snap those memories. **It's reputation as a tough ass marathon! This was not a 'pro' at first! But once you finish this race, you will see yourself in a new light! Crossing the finish line is an experience like no other. Once you get that Finish Line sign in your sight, it will be something you'll never forget! My husband and 5 kids were there cheering me on. I'll never forget this whole experience and completing something only 1% of the population ever does. Hope you do it, too! read more