Last year I linked up with Montana from Pretty Lil Mudder and bunch of other bloggers to give out some awards to the races that I ran. It was fun so I decided to do it again. (Soon it will be 2018 and my posts about 2017 were be over…LOL)
Since I ran 35 races, I had no problem finding a race for each category but it was sometimes difficult to just pick ONE race.
Most Scenic Course –
I loved having views of the Atlantic Ocean while running the Treasure Coast Half Marathon (in Stuart, FL).
Most Challenging Course –
Hills are not my friend so I’d say that the most challenging course was the Shape Half Marathon (two loops in Central Park meant running the hills twice!)
Best Course Support (aid stations, volunteers, people cheering you on, etc) –
The crowds came out in mass along the Vegas strip to watch and support the runners during the RnR Vegas Half Marathon. People were out there cheering during the whole nighttime race and there was an abundance of water stations and volunteers.
Best Expo –
Hands down, the RnR Vegas Half Marathon had the best expo.
Best Swag –
The Wineglass Half Marathon definitely had the best swag.
half zip, bottle of champagne and a wine glass
Most Unique Medal/Award –
The most unique medal I received was from the Wineglass Half Marathon because it was actually made of glass. (The region is famous for hand blown glass.).
I get tons of medals for age group awards so I was excited to get something different. I loved winning a tea cup at the Polar Cap Run.
I also like to get practical things. So winning a drink tumbler at the Tropicool 5K was great. I’ve used it many times.
Best Post-Race Food/Beverages –
Definitely one of the reasons I run the Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k is the food. They have chocolate milk (from a nearby farm), homemade cookies & muffins, chili, pizza, vegetarian rice dish, etc.
Best Race Shirt-
The Wineglass Half Marathon had the best shirt. I’ve worn it a few times and it is so comfy.
My second favorite shirt was the one from the Shape Women Half Marathon. I liked the bright color and the women’s fit.
Favorite Overall Race –
That’s a tough one. I enjoyed ALL of my races this year.
I’d have to say the Freihofer Run for Women because it’s local, I know so many of the runners, it’s all women and this year I actually ran it well.
And of course, the Wineglass Half Marathon. Running and spending the weekend with new and old running friends was so fun.
Race You Are Most Proud of Yourself for Completing –
I am proud of completing ALL my races. None ever seem easy. I am especially proud that I can run 13.1 miles!!
But I would have to say that I am the most proud that I finished the RnR Vegas Half Marathon because of how difficult it was for me (all due to the stupid mistakes I made beforehand.)
It was also my first challenge (two races in two days.)
And the Steel Rail Half Marathon because my GPS watch was not working and I did not feel properly trained for the race. (Yet, I pr’d. Go figure!)
This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup
Happy Running! What awards would you give to the races you ran in 2017?
My First 5K and More... 
That Vegas race does have the best crowd support ever! You had some great race experiences this year
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There’s nothing like Vegas.
I am grateful to what running has added to my life.
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Great list! Wineglass sounds like it was an amazing race 🙂
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It was a fun race. Wish I lived closer so I could do it again.
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Some really great races in there! I agree with the RNR races always having the best support and expos!
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I guess that’s why they are so expensive.
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Yay for Vegas!!! I think we all made a few stupid mistakes (without even knowing it LOL) in the days prior 😉
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Yes we did. I hope we learn from our mistakes.
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All the praises about Wineglass are making me wanna run it now… 🙂
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Me, too, Rachel!
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Well, come to NY!! It may tempt me to do it again.
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You run so many race and get so much swag! What do you do with it all?
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My age group awards are on a hanger with several hooks behind the door ($1 at the Dollar Store).
The half medals are on a wall hanger. I am proud of each one!
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Congrats on all your races! I only ran 3 this year and 2 were virtual. 🙂
Looks like the Wineglass Half was the clear winner.
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But your three were big ones. It’s quality not quantity that matters most.
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What a great year of running for you!
And I totally agree – two loops in Central Park can be really tough!
Here’s to an even better 2018!
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Thanks and you too! And one loop races LOL.
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Wow that’s a ton of races! What a great collection of memories!
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That’s what it’s about. Hope 2018 is good to both of us.
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I want to try that treasure coast half marathon! My grandmother lives in Hutchinson Island at we’re down in that area every so often.
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Oh you should. It’s such a pretty course and great post race food. I have running Singer Island in March. Have you ever done that one??
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RnR puts on great races and Vegas is definitely a great race! And those medals! wow!
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I wish I could run more RNR races.
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Looks like a lot of great races!!! I was just telling my husband I want to run the WInglass, ow I have too!!!!
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Yes. You should. A great race.
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I love this list! The Treasure Coast Half looks like an amazing place to run too!!!
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It was. I love ocean views.
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35 races – wow! Congratulations on all of your races and AG wins! The Wineglass medal is gorgeous and clearly it looks like a great race – I’ll have to keep that one on my radar!
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