| I am considering the DC rock n roll half in March. This will be my first half marathon. I have read conflicting reviews regarding the suitability of this race for newbies (e.g. too hilly, poorly run--inadequate staffing at water stations, etc.) Thoughts/advice from those who have participated in prior years would be appreciated. |
| Don't do it. Very poorly run. Think about Frederick. Don't even consider baltimore as it is a brutal course. |
| I did the Rock n Roll half in VA beach for my first half. Very good experience, although I don't have others to compare it to. Definitely super flat course, though. |
| Course is fine. Ran sooooo poorly though. In the first 30% of runners and by mile 6 water stop they were filling cups with a hose. Bag drop issues, shitty finishers chute. |
| my husband ran that as his first half and loved it. |
| Ran it this past year in DC...absolutely the most poorly run race I have ever encountered. My favorite is Parks Half Marathon with a course from Rockville to Bethesda. It is well run with the best finish line food! |
| For those who have run this race, beyond being poorly run, how is the course? I keeping reading comments about it being too hilly. What do you think? |
| I ran the full marathon last March. The only tough hill was around mile 6 when you have to run up Calvert to get to CT ave. I didn't think it was a big deal because I ready for it. Otherwise I didn't think the course was that tough. I did think it was poorly run and they were out of chocolate milk when I finished. I did enjoy the course because we were in DC the entire race and I got to see other parts of the city. That said, I probably won't do it again especially since the marathoners got screwed on finish line refreshments. |
| I am signed up for Baltimore next October. What's the gripe with that course? I've done different legs in the relay in years past and yeah, it's kind of hilly, but not awful. And it is SO well done. I love that race! |
I'm the PP who said it was brutal. I think it's a great course but it is very, very hilly. I also think it is extremely we'll run. I just wouldn't run it as my first. |
| Huh. I ran it this year and don't remember it being hilly. Maybe I blocked it out. |