Rocket City Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Melanie B.
LaVergne, TN

  (03-20-2010)

"I enjoyed running this event for the second time.

The course can be a little boring at times, but it is definitely flat.

It's also fun running in December because 1. the weather is usually on the cooler side and 2. people have their Christmas decorations out for you to look at as you run by.

I ran with three friends this year, so we were able to enjoy chatting as we ran along.

The medals this year weren't quite as good as previous years because the coloring made it where it was hard to read, but I think everyone was talking about it so I bet they fix it next year.

The expo is super small, but it's easy to get in and get your stuff quickly. The Nike tech shirts were nice.

The post-race food was pretty good."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Melanie B.
LaVergne, TN

  (08-13-2009)

"I LOVED this race!

It's a small race with only about 1500 runners. This means that there aren't a lot of spectators on the whole course, but at the same time it wasn't as lonely as some other marathons I've run.

The race is organized incredibly well and for $50 (early registration) it's an excellent deal! Not only do you get a tech shirt, certificate and medal, you also get a finisher's hat, a free photo of you crossing the finish line (it was actually excellent quality and a 5x7!!), and a free 10 minute post-race massage!

The race offers a pre-race pasta party, but I didn't attend.

The race expo is nothing like expos at large races, but for a small race it was decent. There are a few local vendors offering deals on all sorts of running shoes, clothes and gear.

The course is FLAT! It could be a little dull in the middle, but I still really enjoyed the entire experience. Huntsville isn't a cool looking city like San Francisco or Boston, but it's still a fun little city to see on foot.

The spectators that do come out (many who live in homes along the course) are enthusiastic and cheer for everyone who comes by! Your name is on your number, and I found it incredibly encouraging to have people calling my name out throughout the race.

There was ample aid along the course, and I never found myself wanting for anything (except for the finish line to be around the next corner a few times!)

After the race, you can get a free massage from students of a local massage therapy school. Then, you help yourself to a nice little buffet of food. In addition to bagels and fruit, they also had an assortments of hot soups.

When you're done, the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center is really cool to visit and explore for the afternoon.

The race also offers a post-race dinner the evening of the race. I believe this was about $10, and the meal was well worth it. After dinner, the meal turns into more of an honors ceremony for the various committee members who planned it. I'm afraid I wasn't interested in that and slipped out early to get home and sleep.

I intend to run this one again in 2009!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

Albie W.
Atlanta, GA

  (07-15-2009)

"Overall a great small race. The organizers did a great job and the weather cooperated (if a little on the cold side). There were around 1500 participants and the course was relatively flat (a great course to PR). It was a pretty cold morning (40's-50's) so not many spectators were out, but the ones that were, thanks for coming out.

When you finish the race, there is an individual handler to give you your medal and finisher's hat and help you with anything you might need after the race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008