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Marathon Details - Chasing the Unicorn

North America Marathons > USA > PA > Washington Crossing > Chasing the Unicorn

Chasing the Unicorn

CrackedBell.run Chasing the Unicorn & Alternative Half Marathon

Washington Crossing, PA USA

August 27, 2023

http://www.runbucks.com/all-event-calendar

Marathon Results

By Year:

2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2015 2014 2013 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

double out-and-back of THE ALTERNATIVE HALF MARATHON COURSE, flat, fast Delaware Canal towpath "trail" COURSE IS USATF CERTIFIED, RACE WILL BE SANCTIONED course has less than 21 feet of uphill per lap

Contact Information

Name:	Pat McCloskey
Address:	runBUCKS 1330 Eddowes Rd. S#2 Warminster, PA 18974
Phone Number:	215-792-7801
Email:	Email the organizers

Race Organizer

REGISTRATION UPDATE (5/29/15)

Pat McCloskey

As of Memorial Day 2015 the field is nearly 60% full, meaning there are just over 100 spots left for Chasing the Unicorn 2015.
And have your family check out the Washington Crossing 15K held then afternoon before Unicorn

Runner Reviews (8)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.6

Spectators 3.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 8

M. O. from Pennsylvania (8/18/2015) "Awesome Last Chance Boston Qualifier" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Using this as both my first ever marathon and a last ditch effort to get qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon, I would have to say this fulfilled all of my above requirements. The course, although repetitive due to the two loop nature of the out-and-back course, was scenic, flat and fast. The trail can be likened to running on a well-packed cinder track, which was very easy on my legs and knees. Again, it's fast and flat. With only two small 'bumps' along the entirety of the course. The trail is still open to the public during the race which makes for some tight spots between those racing, other runners out, bikers, walkers, etc... Just being mindful of this, I can't say I had any trouble navigating the course. The number of spectators is low, but the ones that are there were very enthusiastic and motivating. Because it's the same course out-and-back twice, we passed the same groups of spectators multiple times (at least 4), which makes this a good marathon from a spectator's standpoint. The organization is top notch. There were ample water/aid stops along the course (roughly 2-2.5 miles apart) of which the volunteers were friendly and helpful. The organization on the course itself was well-marked with mile markers, cones when needed, volunteers directing, etc... The post-race spread was fantastic featuring more than just your average banana and sports drink. The only real negative I found from this year wasn't anything that could be controlled - the weather, specifically, the heat. It started in the 70s with high humidity and rose to the high 80s by the end of the race. It's nothing anyone can change, but it's something to consider in a mid-August marathon. All in all, I had a fantastic experience for my first marathon and achieved my goal of qualifying. It's definitely a race to check out when looking for one last opportunity to qualify.
Kevin Brennan from Rhode Island (8/17/2015) "Great organization - a race for runners by runners" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran this race looking to improve my BQ time and the only disappointment was my performance. Number pickup was easy; parking easy; directions/runners guide etc - well done. course support exactly as advertised, post race very generous, nice shirts and medals. The race was 'all business - and that's a compliment - runners were there to take care of business... good pacing, respectful of others, supportive... no tutus, bands etc... highly recommend this.
D. S. from Valley Forge PA (8/21/2014) "Well Organized Race" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Bucks County Runners put on a very well organized race. Plus, the post race spread was impressive as well. Much more than the usual race food - actual cooked meals! There are pros and cons with a Summer marathon as the weather can be dicey but the weather was perfect (a little warm towards the end for a marathon). Overall a positive experience. It is a small field (to avoid congestion on a gravel trail course) so the spectators are sparse and one can be running alone for a fair amount of the time. Plus the double out and back is mentally challenging. Overall a great race for a runner looking for a PR.
M. M. from Lynchburg, VA (8/18/2014) "A small 'runners race' flat and fast." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race is designed for the runner who is fit and fast. On the plus side, it is a flat gravel towpath along the Delaware River and a nice historic park setting for the start / finish. Great food at the finish at a park picnic shelter. On the minus side, one aid station I came by at 3 and a half hours in had already run out of gatorade and the only location handing out gels was just before the turn around at 6 and 19 miles (double out and back course) so plan accordingly. Unfortunately I forgot to pack my gels. There was no bag check area so I had to just lay my bag on the ground near the finish and hope it was there when I finished. I had several personal issues so my performance at this race was not what I expected, but if you are close to a BQ, this course just might do it for you if you don't mind long flat gravel trail to run on.
L. D. from Macungie, PA (8/17/2014) "An enjoyable race!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first time running this race with hopes of qualifying for Boston. I did not make the time I had hoped for, but I actually time better than the previous marathon, which just means I am getting stronger. Beautiful scenery, supportive runners, wonderful volunteers. Thank you for a terrific day!
D. D. from Chicago, IL (1/23/2014) "Great Grass roots marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed running in this race. The course is completely shaded and there are no hills. Plus it's next to one of America's historic sites Each mile was marked and they had enough volunteer support. The organizers put an a great event , there was a BBQ after the race and the swag each participant received surpassed even the larger world class marathons. If your looking for a low key but high quality marathon, run this one!
W. B. from Washington, DC (1/21/2014) "Terrific small, collegial marathon" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the inaugural Chasing the Unicorn marathon last year in the hope of qualifying for Boston. It is a very small race, about 100 runners last year, which I knew and liked. I think they are hoping for closer to 300 this year. It's great to be able to arrive 20 minutes before start time, park without an issue and stroll up to the starting line. The staff is great and very experienced. There are not many people along the route, which is a double out and back, but the other runners were very supportive and it has the overall feel more of a team run than a competition. Having said that, the field was made up mostly of people making a last effort to qualify for Boston or improve their times, so when things needed to be serious, they were...good aid stations, knowledgable volunteers etc... Finally, the route itself is run along the canal. It's very flat and unless it rains well packed.
B. W. from Wilmington, DE (1/21/2014) "Great small race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great small race! 95% of course was along the water. I wish there was more aid stations with more fueling options.



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M. O. from Pennsylvania (8/18/2015) "Awesome Last Chance Boston Qualifier" (about: 2015) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Using this as both my first ever marathon and a last ditch effort to get qualified for the 2016 Boston Marathon, I would have to say this fulfilled all of my above requirements. The course, although repetitive due to the two loop nature of the out-and-back course, was scenic, flat and fast. The trail can be likened to running on a well-packed cinder track, which was very easy on my legs and knees. Again, it's fast and flat. With only two small 'bumps' along the entirety of the course. The trail is still open to the public during the race which makes for some tight spots between those racing, other runners out, bikers, walkers, etc... Just being mindful of this, I can't say I had any trouble navigating the course. The number of spectators is low, but the ones that are there were very enthusiastic and motivating. Because it's the same course out-and-back twice, we passed the same groups of spectators multiple times (at least 4), which makes this a good marathon from a spectator's standpoint. The organization is top notch. There were ample water/aid stops along the course (roughly 2-2.5 miles apart) of which the volunteers were friendly and helpful. The organization on the course itself was well-marked with mile markers, cones when needed, volunteers directing, etc... The post-race spread was fantastic featuring more than just your average banana and sports drink. The only real negative I found from this year wasn't anything that could be controlled - the weather, specifically, the heat. It started in the 70s with high humidity and rose to the high 80s by the end of the race. It's nothing anyone can change, but it's something to consider in a mid-August marathon. All in all, I had a fantastic experience for my first marathon and achieved my goal of qualifying. It's definitely a race to check out when looking for one last opportunity to qualify.
Kevin Brennan from Rhode Island (8/17/2015) "Great organization - a race for runners by runners" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Ran this race looking to improve my BQ time and the only disappointment was my performance. Number pickup was easy; parking easy; directions/runners guide etc - well done. course support exactly as advertised, post race very generous, nice shirts and medals. The race was 'all business - and that's a compliment - runners were there to take care of business... good pacing, respectful of others, supportive... no tutus, bands etc... highly recommend this.
D. S. from Valley Forge PA (8/21/2014) "Well Organized Race" (about: 2014) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 The Bucks County Runners put on a very well organized race. Plus, the post race spread was impressive as well. Much more than the usual race food - actual cooked meals! There are pros and cons with a Summer marathon as the weather can be dicey but the weather was perfect (a little warm towards the end for a marathon). Overall a positive experience. It is a small field (to avoid congestion on a gravel trail course) so the spectators are sparse and one can be running alone for a fair amount of the time. Plus the double out and back is mentally challenging. Overall a great race for a runner looking for a PR.
M. M. from Lynchburg, VA (8/18/2014) "A small 'runners race' flat and fast." (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This race is designed for the runner who is fit and fast. On the plus side, it is a flat gravel towpath along the Delaware River and a nice historic park setting for the start / finish. Great food at the finish at a park picnic shelter. On the minus side, one aid station I came by at 3 and a half hours in had already run out of gatorade and the only location handing out gels was just before the turn around at 6 and 19 miles (double out and back course) so plan accordingly. Unfortunately I forgot to pack my gels. There was no bag check area so I had to just lay my bag on the ground near the finish and hope it was there when I finished. I had several personal issues so my performance at this race was not what I expected, but if you are close to a BQ, this course just might do it for you if you don't mind long flat gravel trail to run on.
L. D. from Macungie, PA (8/17/2014) "An enjoyable race!" (about: 2014) 2 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This was my first time running this race with hopes of qualifying for Boston. I did not make the time I had hoped for, but I actually time better than the previous marathon, which just means I am getting stronger. Beautiful scenery, supportive runners, wonderful volunteers. Thank you for a terrific day!
D. D. from Chicago, IL (1/23/2014) "Great Grass roots marathon" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I really enjoyed running in this race. The course is completely shaded and there are no hills. Plus it's next to one of America's historic sites Each mile was marked and they had enough volunteer support. The organizers put an a great event , there was a BBQ after the race and the swag each participant received surpassed even the larger world class marathons. If your looking for a low key but high quality marathon, run this one!
W. B. from Washington, DC (1/21/2014) "Terrific small, collegial marathon" (about: 2013) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I ran the inaugural Chasing the Unicorn marathon last year in the hope of qualifying for Boston. It is a very small race, about 100 runners last year, which I knew and liked. I think they are hoping for closer to 300 this year. It's great to be able to arrive 20 minutes before start time, park without an issue and stroll up to the starting line. The staff is great and very experienced. There are not many people along the route, which is a double out and back, but the other runners were very supportive and it has the overall feel more of a team run than a competition. Having said that, the field was made up mostly of people making a last effort to qualify for Boston or improve their times, so when things needed to be serious, they were...good aid stations, knowledgable volunteers etc... Finally, the route itself is run along the canal. It's very flat and unless it rains well packed.
B. W. from Wilmington, DE (1/21/2014) "Great small race" (about: 2013) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Chasing the Unicorn COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Great small race! 95% of course was along the water. I wish there was more aid stations with more fueling options.

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Marathon Details - Chasing the Unicorn