Post-Charleston Review

Since I am going to experience so many races this year, I thought it would be worthwhile to review the races & locations we visit.

First stop:  Charleston, SC

I totally love Charleston.  It is a favorite destination of mine, since the city has a lot of charm and personality.  There is a lot do, from sightseeing and tours to nightlife and fine dining.  Having said all of that, this was not my favorite visit to Charleston, through no fault on the part of Charleston itself.  I just did not get a chance to do much beyond the race.

I did enjoy hanging out in North Charleston after the race.  Shout out to Evo Pizzeria.  Who can resist a place where you hear the phrase, “I’m sorry, we don’t have Bud Light since we only serve craft beer, but you might enjoy . . . “



A sight for sore eyes . . . for a sore body, at any rate



After the race, we were so wiped out, that dined at the hotel restaurant (which was still excellent – thank you Marriott Charleston) before heading back to our room to rest our aching bones.

 

Race Review:  Charleston Marathon & Half Marathon

Let me start with the good:

• The race shirt is one of the most attractive race shirts I’ve ever received in a nice long sleeve technical tee
• Access to indoor bathrooms at the start and finish was also very nice.  I am sure some runners appreciated access to showers at the finish, although I did not take advantage
• This finish party was pretty cool.  They closed off an entire downtown area, had a band & DJ, and quality refreshments (free beer, shrimp and grits, fruit, danishes, water, etc)
• Great announcers at the finish line calling out the runner’s name
• Personalized bib numbers
• Some of the course was really very scenic

Jeff enjoys a post-race beverage

 And now, the not-so-good:

• I’m just going to say it . . . Worst. Race. Support. Ever. (in my experience)  Specifically:

  • Mile 1 (where according to my Garmin I was a full two minutes ahead of pace) -  workers were already pulling down caution tape.  Barriers were still up, so no biggie, but . . . 
  • Mile 2 – I was moved to the side-walk in Battery Park so they could reopen to traffic.  There was some pedestrian/pet traffic, but wide sidewalks here, so still, not too egregious, yet . . .
  • Mile 3 – briefly caught up to closed course, only to be moved back onto sidewalks within .25 mi.  This was a downtown retail area with narrow, uneven sidewalks and more pedestrian traffic . . . getting frustrated, now
  • Miles 4 & 5 – still on the sidewalks, now in a high traffic generic commerce area.  At this point, not only did they not have police officers manning the major cross roads, they did not have race volunteers, either.  This hit me when I was almost run over by car when the light changed as I was mid-intersection.  For obvious reason, runner safety is very important to me.  By this time I was outraged. 
  • Miles 6 – forced to hug the side of the road (where there were no sidewalks at all) that was not quite closed, they had slowed/stopped traffic that filled the road beside me until I finally rejoined the closed course after Mile 7
  • The first and second water stops were packing up as I passed rather than still serving
  • There was no sign of the promised Jelly Beans at the 5.5 mile water stop, as had been promised – I guess they were out?
  • Stages set up along the course featured either invisible, sound-free entertainers or I did not make it by in time to be entertained.  Jeff experienced the same level of entertainment, so it must have been meant for the superfast people
  • This was all during the first 8 miles where, I want to reiterate . . . I was within the ^%*#% pace limit!!!  I BEAT the ^%*#%  by almost a full minute per mile!!!
• Other than poor race support, some of the course was just industrial and ugly . . . disappointing for a city as scenic as Charleston
• Not a very good Expo, which could have benefited greatly with some signage.  It was on a large, multi-building high school campus with just ONE open entrance.  We came onto the campus on the wrong side and meandered until we figured out where to go.
• Lost & found consisted of clothing scattered on the side of the road (to be fair, maybe it was better organized before we got to it)

Here is the thing . . . I don’t really care about the Jelly Beans or being entertained on the course.  I just feel strongly that races should provide a full race experience to all participants who meet the race requirements.  Furthermore, there is no excuse for lax safety.  

I will admit my perspective may be a little skewed since I am a back of the packer (that means I am slow).  Knowing this, I always check pace requirement prior to registration.  There are many races whose pace requirements I know I cannot meet.  I totally respect that and I do not register for those races. 

If you are going to publish a minimum pace/time, then for goodness sake, HONOR it!!!!

Phew.  End of rant.  Thanks for letting me get that off my chest.