City Of Oaks Marathon Reviews

  HILLS!!! for Breakfast

By Travis Hicks about 2018

Review

I enjoyed this marathon, but it was TOUGH because of all the hills. 1,300+ ft. of elevation gain!!, with the 21-24 mile section being the toughest, over 200 ft in a 3-4 mile stretch. I finished this marathon with a little gas in the tank, and I felt like I had conquered the world, even though this wasn't my marathon PR. A tough race, but worth it. Did I mention the HILLS?

Race Tips

If possible, train on hills, hills, and more hills. Pace yourself. The first half is urban, running around landmarks on city streets. The second half is almost entirely on a greenway, coming back around to NC State's bell tower for a mostly downhill final 2.2 miles. The whole course has hills, but save up a little energy for that 21-24 mile stretch. Make sure you're comfortable running on wide streets as well as narrow greenways. This year they had plenty of water and sports drink for the first half and then added energy gels to stops on the second half of the course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plenty of hotels and restaurants near the start/finish line at NC State's campus and in downtown Raleigh. Campus parking on a weekend is easy and convenient. Arrive early enough to walk from parking decks to the start line, and make sure you eat and stretch out enough following the race so that you can walk back to your car.

  Hilly race - well organized...except...

By NGR about 2016

Review

Race started on time. You might want to get there early if you want to be in the front to start the race. Lot of porta-potties at start/finish.

Pros - Pretty course, see both downtown Raleigh and lots of Greenway of Raleigh. Well organized. Course well marked. Lots of volunteers. Lots of aid stations which offered gel packs, gatorade/water. Free parking. Reasonable price. Pizza at finish. Beer at finish (though I couldn't find it). Bag drop. Weather is usually fairly cool at start. Times are posted right away. Both chip and gun time.

Cons - Not a lot of parking close by, hard to find parking...causing a long walk to start the race. No pacers showed up on race day 2016. Not sure why. Feels crowded at the start due to marathoners and half-marathon starting at the same time. The course is also shared with 10K and 5K at various parts of the race so there is more traffic on course than the 500 finishers of marathon. Tough hill at end of course about mile 23.

I am planning on doing this course again to improve on my time.

Race Tips

Save some energy for the last hills around mile 23. they are a beast.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

if you can afford to stay at hotel within walking distance of start that will save you time finding a place to park.

  

By ILB about 2016

Review

Well organized, good running weather, and not too crowded.

Race Tips

Be prapred for some hills between miles 20 and 23.

  

By DS about 2016

Review

Disappointing race. Way to many other race distances makes things very confusing. Organization looking to make profit for event production company. Took away all prize $ after 10 years too. Ran many times competing and winning $ but no desire to support any longer.

  

By Anonymous about 2016

Review

Great marathon! It was my first and it went very well. Goes through Raleigh, then out on the greenway and back. Plenty of spectators, music along the way, aid stations every two miles, and great weather. Only bad thing was the big hill at mile 23. Overall great experience.