Friday Five: Favorite Race Experiences

Thanks to the Friday Five link-up with Mar, Cynthia, and Courtney, I’m offering five races you need to experience! And, don’t worry because I am offering you some races that are still taking registrations and races that you can throw your name in the hat via their lottery systems. Plus, there is a little bit for everyone with a variety of distances!

Beach to Beacon 10k: This is hands down one of my favorite races. I love Maine and the execution of this race is pretty darn close to flawless. You can read my recaps here and here. Plus, in good news, the lottery opens on March 13th!

ZOOMA Women’s Race Series: I was a race ambassador for their Annapolis race for three years and really enjoyed the vibe of this women centered race despite the hot and hilly course kicking my butt year after year. Now that we relocated away from Maryland, I am trying to figure out when I can get my ZOOMA fix! Maybe Cape Cod or one of their new race locations? Hmmm…. Decisions, decisions. Here is a look at my 2014 race recap.

Marine Corps Marathon: I only have one marathon under my belt but, I will say that the Marine Corps Marathon offered an incredible experience and tons of course support. If you have the itch to tackle a marathon, I think that MCM is the way to go as a newbie! Plus, the lottery has yet to open. Here is a link to my race recap!

Iwo Jima Memorial - MCM 2013 Finish

Hood to Coast: This is known as the mother of all relays and the race certainly lives up to the hype. I ran on a team for Nuun Hydration in 2013 and it kickstarted my obsession with all things relay. You start the race at Mount Hood and end up in Seaside, Orgeon. Need I say more? The bad news is that you really need to plan this race a year plus in advance to submit your packet for entry. However, in the game of relays there are always teams looking for last minute runners to fill in! Recap here!

Ragnar Relay: If you have not run a relay, you need to do it ASAP! I’m pretty sure all of the Ragnar race locations are amazing for one reason or another. Last year, I had a blast running Southern California and Napa Valley, California. This year, So Cal and DC are on the agenda and I cannot wait! {PS. I am in need of So Cal runners if you are interested!!!}