Horse Capital Marathon

Really nice race this year. I prepared for a hilly race and that is what it was. I personally did not struggle with the hills since none were long or steep but they were consistent other than a stretch at the beginning and end which were pretty flat. The course was not very accessible to spectators but there was a good spot for the start and finish. We got free massages after the race and a great food truck. This was the best medal I have ever received in a marathon. My only criticism was that the drinking cups on the course were obnoxiously small, making water stations a little slower than usual for me.

WOW! What an absolutely perfect marathon for those of us who run for the experience vs. for a specific time! Gorgeous horse paddocks and horses surround you the entire time - the views along the rolling course are absolutely stunning!! I actually was excited to run the course twice (it is a quasi-double loop course), as I couldn't wait to get a second look at the beautiful course again! Plentiful aid stations with great volunteers. Yes, it is hilly, but honestly, the hills are not as bad as cracked up to be - I was able to run up every hill w/ no problem during the first loop. (I did walk up a few hills at the end). Also, the home stretch toward the finish is flat. This race is exceptionally well-organized with a lot of attention to detail! The expo was small but had some fun photo ops. The race shirts were perfect, and OH THOSE MEDALS....outstanding and Huge! Even though 2017 was an exceptionally hot and humid year, it truly did not dampen my experience at all! It is going down as one of my favorites! If you are a 50-stater, RUN THIS RACE for your Kentucky marathon! :)

All the mechanics of the race were well done. Beautiful horse farm country. Plenty of rolling hills to go along with the heat and humidity. Good intervals of aid stations and porta-johns.