Here is the race recap for the Tulsa, OK Route 66 Half November 2016
Registration:
I registered online. Nice and easy. Like most of them that I have seen, it had a tiered pricing based on time. The earlier you register, the cheaper it is.
Fee:
$110 plus a service fee of $9.70 = $119.70 total
The Expo:
I had to go to the expo for this one to pick up my bib. It was quick and easy. It was in a convention center and along the far wall was the bib pick-up area, alphabetically by last name. All I got was a bib a bag and four safety pins. I was supposed to go get my jacket, which was on the other side of the expo hall. I forgot. I have contacted them and they are going to send me one, but it apparently takes a couple of months. As I walked through the expo hall, I noticed several vendors, but did not stop and look at any of them In retrospect, that may have been a good idea for me to see what was available, but I was focused on finding my room... my airbnb.
Shirt:
The shirt was a jacket, which I forgot to get.
Race Day:
Sunday
Race Start Time:
8:00am -- started right on time
Course Map:
The blue course is the half and the red course is the full. Everybody ran the half and those that were running the full split off just after the finish of the half and they continued on.
Race Type:
Road race. This was called the Route 66 marathon/half-marathon, but we spent very little time on Route 66. We crossed over Route 66 at the start and touched on it during mile 11. Just found that interesting.
Accommodations:
EVERYTHING was full -- ALL the hotels had no vacancy. This is where I discovered Airbnb. I checked the race map to see where was the start and finish, and chose a place in the middle somewhere so I could walk to the start and walk from the finish -- easily. I had a four block walk to the start, but the walk back from the finish was about 1.7miles. I limped back. It was still cold. They had shuttles to and from hotels and the expo center, but I thought I was much closer, so I just walked. It worked out fine for me.
Transportation:
They had shuttles, but I just walked.
Weather:
It was 32 F. Warmed up to about 50 F. I got warm about mile 8. I was not prepared for 32 degrees at the start, but it did not affect me that much.
Race Morning:
It was dark and cold. There were people everywhere. The corrals were manned by security and they would allow you into your respective corral only if your bib showed the correct corral letter. I waited in corral A for 30 min. Mostly waiting for the sun to come up and warm me. There was a DJ, good communication. A large corral system with plenty of room. They let the handicapped racers go 3 minutes early after the National Anthem and some local groups chanting, then we were off. The corral was large enough that it was not terrible to get started, and it widened out even further after the start.
Race:
There was a lot of uphill. The first mile was downhill, then it seemed to climb, then climb, then climb again. We ran through some nice neighborhoods. There were lots of people out in their yards and on their streets with signs and cheering. They were dressed much more warmly than I was. Many of them had fire pits and hot chocolate, coffee, etc... They offered me none. On one area, we passed by a crossfit gym. They brought all of their exercycles outside and they were blaring their workout music and conducting a spinning class and cheering. That was kinda fun to see. Then a right turn and uphill again. At the end of mile 13, we split. The half racers went left and the full racers went right. It was not confusing for me, but when I was walking back a couple of the racers asked me if they should go right or left... so at least two were confused. One lady walked through the parking lot. I think she was getting in her car and driving part of the way?!?!? I dunno what she was doing.
Water/Food Stations:
There were plenty of water and Gatorade stations. I did not notice any food, but I was not looking for it either. I bet there was bananas and probably some other stuff. One station even had Jello shots. Of course, I thought they would be made with energy drink or something. They had Vodka in them. I found that very interesting. I am not sure that was race sanctioned, but at the time I was just shocked, then thought maybe this will help me not feel my leg pain. It did not help.
Scenery:
The neighborhoods were nice. The race started and ended in downtown, so if you like the historic thing, then you would enjoy. There was one stretch that was on the water and a park for a bout 3 miles.
Race Entertainment:
Several local bands were playing at different locations. I heard none of them again.
Finish:
The finish was a blocked off area with a large FINISH inflatable arch banner. Lots of spectators and photographers. Volunteers everywhere giving finishers medals and foil coverings, HeatSheets. Plenty of drinks Gatorade and water and Pepsi and bananas and energy bars. There was even a post-race meal supplied by Spaghetti Warehouse, which was right next to the finish. I did not have any, but it looked good. I grabbed a couple of drinks and an energy bar for the walk back. I wish I had taken a HeatSheet.
Bling:
Misc:
There were timers clocks and chip timer mats everywhere. I got stats that showed me how many people I passed and how many passed me, how many women I finished before and after, how many men, what age groups, etc., etc., etc... There were lots of stats.
This race was well organized and mapped out well. There were no traffic issues with automobiles or pedestrians. All the spectators were nice and encouraging. The roads were completely closed off leaving plenty of room for the racers. There was a full marathon on the same course, but they turned off right before the finish of the half, relatively no confusion.
Post-Race:
I have received 8 emails so far with instructions to purchase photos, register for next year, and for race results. The race results are full of stats. More information than I need, but some of you, and you know who you are, might like all of the detail.
NEXT RACE REVIEW -- Kiawah Island, SC -- "Kiawah Island Golf Resort"
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