Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
The 2022 Valentine's Day Massacre was my full third marathon. I was one of 32 solo runners that year. There are about four uphill climbs, some long, some short, on the loop, so if you are soloing it, you do them 16 times.
The great thing is that at the start of every loop, you run through the relay tent area. After a few laps, the teams realize that you are a solo runner and will cheer you on every time you pass. Very supportive group!
I came in dead last of the solo runner in 2022. Already signed up for 2023. I still maybe last, but I am pretty sure that I am going to knock off at least 10 minutes from last year!
For a soloist, this maybe a little tough. Lot of hill running. I ran the course the day before, and thought that the long hill that curves to the right after the tent area was going to be the toughest, but the tough one ended up being the short hill before the start finish line!
If you do this one, work on your hills!
This is definitely a Relay marathon, unless you're feeling like superman/woman then you can take it all by yourself. The atmosphere is great and people cheer for you. The weather is always super cold so be prepared. It is called Massacre for a reason.
Would not recommend this for a solo. Best to do the Relay marathon. It is not a mostly flat course as it is in the description. Please note this is rolling hills, 15 laps.
The race is best run in with a 4 person team. The first person has to run 2.2 miles then the following laps are all 1.6 miles. The course is rolling hills so it will test your fitness. The hard part of the relay is the wait between runs, you have to stay loose. The music is good, the teams are yelling and the weather is usually a challenge. I love it