Disclaimer: I received free entry to Runner’s World Festival Half Marathon race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
The Runner’s World Half & Festival was held on October 19-21. The weekend 
was filled with running, running, and more running. There was a trail race on Friday, 5K, 10K, Dog Run on Saturday, and capped off with a half marathon on Sunday. I ran the half marathon and absolutely loved it.
Packet pickup was available on Friday, Saturday and the Sunday morning in the building right next to the start/finish area. It was extremely quick and easy. The Expo Hall was located upstairs. The Expo was rather small but had a nice array of running related items to search through.
At the Expo, I received my half marathon t-shirt. This is definitely one of the nicer ones I have received. I love the texture of it. Really nice job by RW.
I loved the start/finish setting of this race. The steel stacks in the background is just so cool. The historical buildings all around is a sight to see. You just think about all of the history in this location. They had a large stage set up with bands playing. The bag drop off was a quick and simple as I’ve seen at a race.
I was able to meet up with my fellow BibRave Pros prior to the start of the race for a photo, which was very cool to do. Such a great group of supportive runners.
On to the race. One real nice feature was that they kept announcing how much time there was before the start of the race. It was a cold morning, so it allowed most runners to stay in the warm insides before lining up too early. Everyone got in the corrals pretty quickly and it seemed like the race started on time.
The course starts out pretty flat for the first mile, so you can get your legs 
warmed up which is key for what is to come throughout the race. Unfortunately, I had to stop for thirty seconds only 4/10 of a mile into the race to adjust my shorts and tie them tight. They kept falling after I started and I knew this couldn’t go on. Good reminder for the NYC Marathon that I need to make sure they are on securely.
This course featured a lot of ups and downs. Lots of steep inclines but also some pretty steep declines. Your legs are definitely put through a test on this course. I really enjoyed it. I ran this race more at a marathon pace as I was using it for my final tune up for the NYC Marathon. They say NYC is a hilly marathon due to all the bridges, so when you think about it, this is the perfect race two weeks before. It allowed me to get a practice race run in. Work on my hydration. They had plenty of hydration stops throughout this course. Plus, with all of the inclines and declines, it was a good test for my legs and for working on my paces during those stretches.
If you’re told there aren’t any hills after mile 7, think again. I was fine with it, but for honesty purposes, just know there are. You’ll be fine, believe me.
I thought the crowd support was wonderful. You had sponsors out there cheering on, lots of high fives and encouragement. They had a couple of high school bands out at different locations which was really cool. You do hit areas where there are only a few people, but that’s expected in a race like this.
You run through a very pretty downtown at one point and through a college campus which is very pretty. Approximately, the last two miles are done over most of the first two miles. I always kind of like that because you have a really good idea of the distance you have left.
One pleasant surprise was hearing my name as I was about 50 yards away from the finish. You get a little extra burst in you when you hear the MC announce your name and city. I thought this was a really cool feature.
I received a nice finisher’s medal that I was proud to put on. They had water, bagels, granola bars, bananas available. Yuengling had a beer garden area set up where I happily accepted and drank a Yuengling Light Lager. It’s actually the first race I’ve ever drank a beer directly after. I have to say, it did taste good, even in the cold temps.
I got my bag quickly and was able to change out of my sweaty clothes in the building where the expo was. This was awesome to be able to do considering I had an hour and fifteen minute drive ahead of me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this race. They do a really nice job putting this together. I don’t see this as a PR course, but definitely a course I really enjoyed. Great job Runner’s World and Bethlehem.
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Shady Rays has increased frame durability, and these shades featured anti-reflective lens coating, and hydrophobic lens coating to repel liquid. That last part is key. I’ve definitely noticed this feature during my runs. I sweat a ton and have a tendency to make my sunglasses blury due to the sweat that hits the lenses. I haven’t been having that issue with these new 
That is always a concern while running. With keeping your head on a swivel while seeing around to make sure you’re safe, the last thing you need is your shades to move or fall off your face.
If you ever lose or break your Shady Rays, no worries. They will replace them for free. All you have to do is pay the shipping and handling. They also come with a lifetime craftsman warranty.
should tell you what I think about this product. I was so excited to get the opportunity to get my hands on more of this delicious drink. Between my own orders and my two opportunities to test it out, I believe I’ve enjoyed this product over 30 times.
enough to tell you what I think of the taste of 
purified sea salt for improved hydration. Next they added coconut nectar and honey for a low glycemic energy boost. Then, they added a proprietary blend of protein building blocks for an endurance, muscle, and mental boost you can actually feel. It has a light refreshing citrus flavor with no “fake” sweeteners. Ellie-Ade is the new of the flavor which is a naturally flavored Lemon/Lime with just the right hint of coconut. The drinks are certified paleo, low GI and gluten-free. Plus, each bottle is of Detach Coconut+ is only 60 calories.
Are you working on your hydration? Would love to hear your experiences. Leave a comment or any questions you may have.
and a half ago. I rave about them to everyone I know. They are the most comfortable sandals ever and an absolute need for your post-run recovery.
Living in New Jersey, the weather doesn’t allow one to wear sandals outdoors all year long. The brand new OOmg Fibre Low has fixed that problem for me. I now have an OOFOS shoe that I’ll be able to wear outdoors when the weather turns.
training session.
The Men’s OOmg Fibre shoes come in black/grey currently. They retail for $139.95 and are worth every penny. I know these will last, as my slide on sandals are still going strong after a long time of usage.
opportunity to run the Rock N Roll Dublin Half Marathon during our stay in Ireland.
The race had a brand new course this year due to the Pope’s upcoming visit to Phoenix Park, where the race normally runs through and ends. It was nice to talk to a pacer that had run parts of the course before for his insight. I was already made aware of this by another BibRave Pro (thanks Laura!) so I knew what to expect. She was a pacer too and sent me a message letting me know about the hills. It was such a huge advantage for me as I was able to mentally prepare for it properly.
ran a good race. I carried a water bottle that she used throughout the race. There were no water stations, so this came in key. She ended up beating me, so she’ll have that over me for the rest of my life.
Then I made my way to the corrals and waiting for the start. Nice thing was I saw my wife before the start, so I knew I’d see her right at the start line and at the finish.
during this race. This was a race I was going to have fun and enjoy. Really take in the landscape. I’ve ran too many races where I don’t notice half of the landmarks because I’m so focused. This was being used as a practice for the NYC Marathon.
There were a few more challenging hill throughout the course that I ran up. I never stopped. It was a goal of mine. I knew about most of the hills and wasn’t surprised when I saw the inclines. The only one that caught me a little off guard was the last hill about 2 miles or so out from the finish. It was a bit steeper than I was expecting but I felt so good at that point. I felt strong at the end. I welcomed the challenge.
weather otherwise was perfect. It was in the 60s. Felt refreshing versus the weather we had been dealing with in New Jersey.
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The silicone ring fits perfectly. It’s easy to get on and off and doesn’t move around. Since it’s silicone, I don’t have to worry about denting it while I’m lifting or if I was to fall while running. Yes, I have tripped so I’m aware it can happen.
dbased on what it matches with. I’ve been using the slate blue mostly. The core bands are easy to change out and put on the base band.
I’m glad I have the option to wear a ring now while I run without the worries. The Karma Ring is also perfect for traveling, yardwork, or whenever you’re on an adventure and don’t want to take a chance of losing your ring.