1/2 Sauer 1/2 Kraut Marathon

This is a tough race that is definitely not for beginners. The hills are challenging, and the trail section is somewhat treacherous (think about navigating mud, rocks, sticks, tree stumps all while going down a pretty steep hill in the woods). There are hills spread through the paved section of the course--some worse than others. And since you're doing the paved section twice in the full marathon (out and back, then out and back again) you're hitting some of these crests 4 times. Thankfully you only do the trail part twice, but in total it is roughly 10% of the race. It will definitely slow you down, especially the second time. What I liked about this race: * The race takes place in a big city, but there is no traffic. You won't see a car at all. Pennypack Park is pretty nice. The weather wasn't too bad in 2022--the sun stayed behind the clouds--but on a sunny day this race would be mostly shady. * I like the 'no frills' approach of the race. Example: I appreciate not having to waste my time being herded through an expo of vendors I don't want to talk to. Packet pickup the night before was quick and easy. The race is inexpensive, which makes you wonder what exactly you're paying for when you drop >$100 to run most other marathons (and you still get a nice zip-up shirt and medal). * This is a small race and I take it a lot of people drop out at the half because it's so challenging. Consequently, I placed in the top 3 of my age group (which I have never done before). What I wish could have been different: * Like I said, this is a very hard race. This is coming from someone who hails from the flat-as-a-pancake Midwest. If you don't like hills or trails, this isn't the race for you. * The start time could have been pushed up at least 30 minutes. The weather wasn't too bad, but a warmer than normal June day would have made this race brutal. * It seems to me this was a half marathon that they just doubled and made a marathon as an afterthought. They didn't even have markers for miles 14-26.

I had a blast at this race. Beautiful course that I didn't mind at all running twice for the full. Well shaded, well organized, well supported, very easy logistically. Fun people, friendly director. After party was not to be missed. So glad I chose this race!

The course is shaped like a lollypop that you repeat inside pennypack park. The course is not closed to other people but there was very little traffic on the course other than the runners. There were multiple water stops with one stop having lots of snacks. There is about a mile of trail on each loop but nothing technical to worry about. The post race party is fantastic and I highly recommend you visit after the race. You don't see a lot on the course but still a lot more scenic than the second half of the philly marathon and a lot less expensive with easy parking.