5 Races to run in the U.S ( that we don't often hear much about)

 
For this Friday Five we've selected 5 place that we wouldn't mind running. I guess some of these you could consider a "bucket list" race, but each of them are unique in their own way and are races that we don't often here people talking about.
 
1. Hood to Coast- The other week I watched the movie Hood to Coast. It follows 4 teams during a 197 mile relay race taking place through 36 hours. Starting in Portland Oregon at Mt. Hood and traveling down to the Pacific Coast line. Each team has something they have overcome and their reason why they are running. It is such an inspiring movie and a must see for any runner. Just be sure to have the tissues near by. I think this would be the ultimate relay race to run. Of course, like many great races, it goes by a lottery system to get in. Did you ever see this movie or have you heard of this race?

2. Vegas Marathon- I know most of you have probably heard of this one. But I had to mention it. I have never run this, but am signed up for it in November. A few reasons why I think this is a good one. There are several race distances during the weekend-Full Marathon, Half marathon, and half of a Half ( I guess this would be a quarter marathon, but they call it half of a half) So whatever distance you prefer, they have that option. In addition to that, it is a night race. How cool!  The Strip at night! That's right, it takes place running down the strip, so it is closed off for all the runners. When else are you going to have the whole strip to yourself? Well you, and thousands of other runners, but you get the point. In addition to that, it is just a fun city. Last year I went to Vegas a few weeks before the marathon took place. While I was there I received a massage. There were so many great spas to choose from and many were advertising specials for marathon weekend. This is something that I will definitely be doing after my marathon this fall. Ever run Vegas? What did you think?


 
3. CXB 5k & Paddle Board Classic- We all know about triathlons that incorporate biking and swimming with running, but what about paddle boarding? I recently ask my friend what's a race she would like to run, and she mentioned this. I then Googled this being curious and found out that it is right in Virginia Beach. It is the 1st Annual(wouldn't that just be called the inaugural?) Anyways, it's right in Virginia Beach and I actually have off that day. I tried paddle boarding for the first time last summer and thought it went well. Not sure how I would do in an event, but it sure sounds fun. I may have to take a shot at it. Ever hear of a race like this? You can find more information about this event at raceit.com
Source
 
4.Tussey MountainBack- This is a 50 mile relay and ultramarathon, located near State College Pa and held in October. It is a trail run up and back down the mountain. There slogan is "just for the hill of it". I have run the relay two times with people I worked with at the gym when I lived in Pa. It was a lot of fun. I remember thinking back then it would be such an accomplishment to complete the whole race yourself. During the race there are several transition points that had food for the runners. Some of them were only offered to the ultrarunners and I thought well I need to run this so I can get all the things that are being offered to those runners. I hope one day I will be able to run this race. I think I need to start with a 50k first before a 50 miler. Have you ever run an ultra or have any desire to? You can find more information about this race at tusseymountainback.com
 
 

5. San Francisco Women's Nike Marathon- This has been one of the races on my bucket list. As much traveling as I do, this is one of the cities I have never been to. Instead of a finisher's medal you receive a Nike Women's Tiffany necklace. How cool is that? A race where we receive a piece of Tiffany's jewelry, sign me up! Unfortunately this is another great race that is based on a lottery system to get in. I wonder if it's because of the necklace or getting the necklace handed to you by handsome firefighters at the end of the race? Either way, sounds like a great race to complete. Anyone fortunate enough to get in to run this race? There is also a Nike Women's race in DC, which probably would be more convenient for me since it is on the East Coast but I'd still like to go to San Fran!  
 
Don't forget that this is the last weekend to enter our fabulous Giveaway! You did enter, right?
 
Also, our Summer Run Scavenger hunt is still going on ( you can win prizes for this too). Thank you to all who have been playing along. We've seen some really creative pictures come through! If you have no idea what we are talking about, you can still play but make sure you sign up HERE. Also, just a reminder to everyone who is already playing along, make sure that you comment on the Scavenger Hunt Post to let us know you are participating. This post will serve as our official list of participants and in case of a tie, we will use random.org to select winners, so please make sure your name is on the list ( if you want to be eligible for prizes).
 
 
 
             


    75 comments:

    1. Hood to Coast is definitely on my bucket list! Have you seen the movie about it? I loved it!
      Karen @karenlovestorun

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      1. Yup! I did mention that I saw the movie the other week! Have you?

        Have a great weekend Karen! Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Ok, I have been dying to do the strip at night, but I hate that it's in November....great for the weather, but i cant seem to convince my hubby to agree to several long distance races in a row...may have to skip MCM one year to do that instead? And I would LOVE to do Hood to Coast!

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      1. I am so excited to do Vegas. Like I said, when I was there last year a few weeks before, I saw all the signs up and was hearing a lot about it. I knew I just had to do this year!
        Hood to Coast would be awesome!

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    3. San Fran is definitely on my bucket list! I would have to train for hills like crazy though, lol. I know another blogger who is doing it through team in training, and I briefly considered it with them, but I just don't think I could raise that kind of money so maybe the lottery system one day!
      Never run the Vegas race, I did run a night race in Florida and it was the most horrible experience ever. Lol. I am sure Vegas would be better because no humidity, and it's November.

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      1. I do know others that did San Fran through a Charity. But I agree with you, it was so much money to raise. By the time you raise all that, it's probably the price of the ticket and hotel: )I was out in Vegas in November before and I remember it being much cooler than I thought it would be. I was disappointed then. But now that I am going to be running a race at that time, should be nice!

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    4. I want to run a Nike race too, but I can't sign up for SF this year. Too many other travel plans this fall. My other bucket list races are the major marathons (before I am too old to run them) and Marine Corps (got in this year, Yay).

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      1. I know! There are so many great races happening in October. It's hard to choose which one. So glad you got in to Marine Corp. I've heard that it is on many bucket lists. I hope to run in one year.

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    5. Ooh that paddle boarding race sounds awesome! I've never tried paddle boarding so I doubt I would do the race, but maybe I'll come spectate. :) I have so many races on my bucket list, it's hard to remember them all! -C

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      1. Yes I thought so too. My other running buddy suggested it. Not sure if I will do it but it sounds fun. I actually have off on weekends in June. Yay! So let me know if you plan on doing any smaller races close by or even if you want to get a long run in:)

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    6. Vegas is on my bucket list too. We couldn't make it happen for 2014, but maybe we'll be able to make it a reality in 2015.

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      1. I am so excited about doing this race! We are all going out as a family to run. I'm running the full, my sister and mom are running the half, and my dad is running the half of the half. Should be a great time!

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    7. My brother got 3rd place at the Tussey Mountainback in 2009! He was a machine! :) Also... I thought of your scavenger hunt yesterday while I was on my run. I saw a huge loaf of french bread with one bite taken out of it laying in the grass on the side of the road. WTF!?

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      1. That's great to hear about your brother! I ran the relay in 08' and 09'. I remember seeing the ultras and thinking Wow! Yeah that is so odd about the bread. Maybe they took a bite and didn't like it so they threw it out. I am always seeing random things. The other day on my run I saw a pair of jeans. How does that happen...lol.

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    8. I did the RnR Vegas half last November it was so much fun. Perfect temps and totally flat. The people watching was great the 13 miles flew by. One of my favorite races by far. Have fun! Deborah @ Confessions of A Mother Runner

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      1. Great to hear that! I heard that the half is more fun because the whole course is up and back the strip. The full goes out into the desert where there may not be too much to see at times.

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    9. I love San Fran! So much to see and do in and around the city.

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      1. That is one of the cities I've been wanting to visit for the longest time. And being able to run a race there, would be a win win for me! I hope I get to do this sometime!

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    10. All these sound fun, especially the Vegas one! I haven't done the Nike Women's SF but did do the one in DC. Amazing race!

      I have recently decided I'd really like to do a ragnar relay someday. We should find one and team up with some of our blogging friends! How fun would that be?!

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      1. I heard that the DC is similar because you get the Tiffany's necklace as well. I wonder if it's the same one? I would love to do a Ragnar Relay Race sometime. I think it would be hard to get a team together to actually commit to it, since you have to signed up so far in the advance. But they do look like so much fun!

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    11. I have a friend in Portland who puts together a Hood to Coast team each year. They use the team name ORCA to stand for Oregon and California, since the members are from both states.
      I did Vegas several years in a row. Two before Competitor took it over and made it a Rock and Roll race, twice with the R&R series in the morning and the first year it was a night race. The first night race year it was a disaster of epic proportion. There were too many people on the road, cold rainy weather, and it was so late that by the time people got done, it was hard to find someplace open to get food. In Vegas. Who knew? It was my worst experience ever and I haven't gone back. I've heard they made some fixes, but it's still in a cooler part of the year and I hated running in the dark. It's too bad, because up until they moved it to the evening, it was one of my favorites. Can you tell I'm very bitter about the whole thing? :(

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      1. Sorry to hear about your experience. One of the reasons I am excited to do this race is because it's at night and I have never done a night race. The race starts at 4:30pm, so I am hoping by the time I finish there are plenty of places to get food, I should be done by 8:30. Maybe the starting time was one of the changes they had made.

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      2. That's much earlier. I think it started at like seven or eight that first year. I can't wait to read your report on it. I'm curious about how it has evolved.

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    12. I so want to do the Vegas half/full!! I am officially putting it on my race bucket list! I also want to do the Nike Women's marathon!! This was a fun list.

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      1. I'm glad you enjoyed the list! I hear the half is more fun since the whole course is on the strip. The full we go out towards the desert. Oh well, still should be a fun race! At least the Vegas one you know you can sign up. I wish the San Fran was like that instead of going into a lottery system:(

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    13. I would totally do Vegas and LOVED Nike in DC last year. Great list!

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      1. Thanks! Yes, I am so looking forward to Vegas. Does the DC one go into a lottery system like San Fran?

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    14. I have the H2C movie - it looked like such a blast it got me thinking about relays even though they're not really my thing. My husband thinks I should do one just because I could do multiple shorter legs, which would be a different experience. I've seen the ads for Tussey in Ultrarunning mag, looks tough. I'm going to start my ultra journey with an easier one, and one that's more like road racing (I have no trail running experience). I'm looking at Across the Years in December in Arizona. It's a timed race, so I'd sign up for the 24hour and do at least 50k. It's loops on a track. Some day I might want to do JFK 50 Miler - that's a tough one. I've loved reading & learning about ultrarunning.

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      1. Since I have run several fulls, I am getting more intrigued about Ultras. That's the nice thing about relays, there are so many legs with different distances, so you can do a leg your are comfortable with. It seems like all ultras I have heard are a trail run. I'm always afraid I'm going to trip over a tree branch and wipe out. I've heard about the 24 hour run. I don't think I could continue around a track for that long!

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    15. I saw the H2C movie with a bunch of other runners (our theater showed it for one night only) and we were all PUMPED to get a team together and do it. However, none of us are organized enough to actually get the ball rolling...but still. Would be so crazy and fun!

      I'd do the Nike race in SF, but I'd also like to do the Bay to Breakers in SF. That one sounds insane on the fun register!!!

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      1. It would be so fun to do a relay race like that, but like you say, it's so hard to get everyone to commit so far out. I never heard of the Bay Breakers in SF. I will have to look that one up.

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    16. One day, I will run the Nike Women's Half! My immediate bucket list race is Zooma Napa Half. Looks like so much fun!

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      1. Yes, me too! One day I will hopefully run the Nike race. I've heard about the Zooma Napa. I actually know a friend going out to run it this year. Wine and running...count me in! Sounds so much fun!

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    17. I want to do the Nike race in DC (Closer) ... I want a Tiffany's necklace is why... I love bling like that :)

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    18. Yes, it is much closer for us East Coast ladies, but I never have been to San Francisco! I have the signature Tiffany's heart necklace that I wear all the time and love to get another one! I think it makes up for not receiving a medal:)

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    19. I love this list!! The Nike Women's Half in DC gives out Tiffany's too (as I think someone mentioned above) but it's so expensive! One day I'll do it though ;)

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      1. Thanks! Yeah that's what I've heard. I'd like to do that one some day too. I'm sure it's less than if you would buy a piece of Tiffany's jewelry though:)

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    20. This is a great list. Man, my bucket list keeps getting longer :) I have never heard of Hood to Coast, but that sounds interesting. I know I've said I'd never do a relay or Ragnar type race, but when I say things like that I usually end up doing them anyway, lol! And how fun would Vegas be?!

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      1. Thanks! I know me too! The more races I hear about the more I want to run! I couldn't find Hood to Coast on Netflix so I rented it on ITunes. It was work the $3.99. I would love to do another relay race, they are so much fun. Never say never! I never thought I'd run a marathon, and now I have completed 7. I hope Vegas holds up to my expectations:)

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    21. I live near SF and have wanted to run the Nike 1/2 for the Tiffany trinket myself! What a great motivator!! ;-)

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      1. Yes it is! Well I hope you are lucky enough to get in one year, since you already live close:)

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    22. Great list! The last one is the only one I'd heard of, though! I definitely want to find a way to do Nike DC, because I need one of those necklaces (and I want to dress up like Audrey Hepburn!). :)

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      1. Thanks! Glad to fill you in on some different races. Yes, I definitely want to do the Nike Women's run and I've never been to San Francisco so that's why I chose that. But being from the East Coast(only a few hours away from D.C. actually) it would definitely be more cost efficient to do that one.

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    23. I ran the NWH DC and it was a blast. Seriously the best race I've ever ran! I highly recommend it to anyone!

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      1. I have heard so many good things about this race. I wish it wasn't based on a lottery system:(

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    24. The Nike Women's is at the top of my bucket list. And I must admit, it's mostly for the Tiffany's necklace. I'm girlie like that.

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      1. I think that would be everyone's main reason to run that. It is definitely mine!

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    25. Great list! I would love to run the strip at night! I forgot about that race... another to add to my ever growing list ;) I also have the Nike Women's Half on my list. I would love to do both the DC and SF at some point. Have a great weekend!

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      1. Thanks Heather! There are so many races I would love to run! And to get that necklace for completing them is awesome! I wonder if every year there is a different design. Have a great weekend as well. I will be out flying the friendly skies(well let's hope they are over this crazy holiday weekend) :)

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    26. This is such a great idea for a post! I gotta say, I'd be totally on board with the Vegas AND the San Francisco races...I'll just go ahead and add those to my list right now... :-D

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      1. Soon enough I will be able to cross of Vegas on my list. I have a feeling San Francisco may be on there for awhile, since it's based on a lottery system.

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    27. I'm with you on the Women's Nike Marathon. I heard their swag was out of this world! Tiffany necklaces and e'erthang.

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      1. I know right! I have heard so many great things about these races!

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    28. I would LOVE to run the Nike Women's Marathon!!! I also think the Vegas marathon might be coo. :)

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      1. Me too. I think Vegas will be fun since it's a night race!

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    29. What a great list! The paddleboard race sounds amazing!! I've organized my Hood to Coast team over the last three years, it's such a great experience, I'm sad I have to miss it this year! I've also run the NWM in SF (though I did the half) and the NWH in DC. I liked the DC race a little better, but they both organized well and a lot of fun to do.

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      1. I would really like to do the paddle boarding but heard it is 2miles on it. Not sure if I am up for that challenge. Maybe I will just do the 5K. I am sure the D.C. Race is a much flatter course:)

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    30. I ran the Nike Women's DC half, it was awesome. It is my favorite race ever! I want to run San Fran now.

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    31. I have heard of hood to coast and I'll bet the scenery is spectacular! I'll have to watch the movie, I didn't know it existed.

      I ran the NWM in SF last year. I love it. It was so beautiful and peaceful in places. The full really thinned out after the Hal split. I was able to get entry as a college (grad) student and am really glad I did it last year. They cut the full this year and are only focusing on the half. I also read a very vague comment on someone's page that eluded to the fact that the finisher necklace may also be omitted. Like I said, it was vague, so I'm not sure it's true...but if it is, boo!

      Great list!

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      1. You are so lucky that you got in! I hope that it is not true about the necklace. I think that is the reason why everyone wants to run it. You should def watch the hood to coast movie if you get a chance. So inspiring!

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    32. Hood to Coast would be awesome along with any race handing out Tiffany's. Great choices!

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      1. Yes I agree! It seems like all the great races go in a lottery system:(

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    33. I hadn't heard of that movie, thanks for pointing it out! It definitely sounds likomething I'd like to watch.

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      1. You should. I have never heard of it until my friend I was running with mentioned it. I rented it on ITunes.

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    34. Awesome list, the Hood to Coast has always been one that intrigued me and the Nike marathon would be amazing, I mean, who wouldn't love to get a little blue box after a race? ;)

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      1. I know! That little blue box I would be so motivating:)

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    37. Last year I was obsessed with reading Hood to Coast relay race reports - I was a new blogger and it was SO amazing sounding to me! (And excuse my typo in a comment, deletion, further typo, deletion, and finally posting a coherent comment!)

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      1. It is definitely a race that intrigues me. Maybe they will come out with another one and follow different teams along the way.

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    38. My guess is that the San Francisco Women's Nike Marathon is hilly. Sounds like a tough challenge!

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      1. Yes it does. But the reward at the end I am sure is worth it:)

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    39. My 5 would be: Marathons in NYC, Chicago, Paris, London, & the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim hike.

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