The Outer Banks held its inaugural marathon and half marathon on November 12. It was a raging success in the view of Emily R (4:08; 11 in her age group; some foot problems) and Jim R (3:31; 4th in his age group; early pace issues). The race was put on in an attempt to bring thousands of families (and their tourist dollars) to the Outer Banks during the shoulder season when there are fewer visitors. The organizers went all out to make the runners and families welcome. Many businesses posted welcoming signs, for example, and the crowd support was fantastic throughout the course (more about that later).
The marathon course was point to point and ran from Kitty Hawk, through Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head, and then over to Roanoke Island to finish at Manteo High School. The course is flat with one not very difficult bridge about mile 21. About a half of the course was on four lane road, the rest of it wended through very attractive residential areas, the Wright Brothers Monument, and a nature preserve. The course was mostly road, but with some trail running composed of dirt, mulch or sand. Very, very scenic.
The race was limited to 2,000 runners; about 1,500 finished. There was no congestion on the course -- even at the start -- given the number of runners and the wide streets.
The weather was iffy and the forecasts changed from day to day. We started at 7am and the day got darker as the rain clouds rolled in. Rain turned from sprinkles to gentle rain to driving rain and back again as the day progressed. Luckily the temperatures were in the low 60s and the predicted driving headwinds (20mph with 38 mph gusts) did not materialize. We did hit headwinds, but they weren't terrible.
Support from the onlookers was fantastic. There were plenty of families along the course and all offered very enthusiastic encouragement (although we could have done without the full-figured guy in the grass skirt and coconut bra). And, they continued to cheer the runners on by staying through the driving rain. We also heard lots of encouragement from the passing motorists.
We needed to be able to drop off one family member right at the finish to accommodate mobility limitations. We stopped by the finish the day before and the organizers agreed to allow us special access. You wouldn't find that at a big city marathon.
We finished the race at a local restaurant with family: pancakes for Emily and grits, scrapple, and eggs for Jim. How can you hate it? Emily and Jim definitely give this race two thumbs up.