Have run, paced and cheered. Great route - topographically challenging with famed rise Laurel Hill…read moreat the end, which has it's own timing mat to cross. Also available is the 4 miler. Very crowded and good support so it is a total fun buzz. DO IT!

FINISHER! Woo hoo, I can't tell you how happy, relived and excited I was to cross the Tar Heel 10…read moreMiler finish line and put that shiny medal around my neck; I DID IT! What you should know about me: I was a collegiate athlete (crew) so I know what it means to train and train hard, I haven't done much since college other then a handful of 5K's and YMCA workouts. I started training for this race one month in advance after a friend (Katherine L.!) had an extra entry, at that point I was running indoors about 3-5 miles at a time. I started training hardcore once I had decided to race, following the Hal Higdon 15K plan. I trained on the American Tobacco Trail, Al Buehler Cross Country Trail, Duke Forest, Duke East Campus and of course indoors at Durham's YMCA. Before race day, my longest run at 7 miles before tapering. This was also my first LONG race. As far as pre-race information, the weekly e-mails that were sent out were very helpful. Everything from parking information to reminders about race bib pick-up, etc. was included and the week before the race coupons to various vendors and races were sent out. Bib pick-up was located at University Mall (technically in Chapel Hill, but convenient to Durham) between 11am-7pm. At an additional cost, you could pick up your bib at another time. Bib pick-up was fast, I was impressed by how well it was organized, and there were plenty of vendors around if you wanted to peruse a bit, I was even able to pick-up an extra t-shirt from the previous year for $5. Which brings me to the actual race... parking was a bit tiresome, but honestly, they did a great job warning people of this, giving them routes to take and times they should arrive. We left Durham at 6am and were parked by 6:45am or so. The 4 mile race began at 7:20am while 10 mile began right on time at 7:30am. When you're running with 4000+ people, you feel some empowerment. It's nice because you don't kill yourself right out the gate (you can't because it's too crowded). Things start to get less congested about a mile into the race and you're running 50/50 sun to shade and mostly flat with some slight hills until about mile 8.25. One of the best moments for me was running up Franklin Street, there are people running as far as you can see, and it's just the greatest feeling. Laurel Hill hits right after mile 8; I'd heard tales and really expected the worst. While it's not a fun hill, it definitely wasn't as bad as I thought, just keep tell yourself you've already got less then two miles and don't stop running! They also time you for the duration of the hill separately. There is also one other "steeper" incline right at the end going back toward the stadium, be warned. Most of the race takes place through neighborhoods in Chapel Hill, so you have families, volunteers, etc. cheering for you the whole way and they've got four or five water/goo stations, about every two miles or so. I really hope they get more volunteers at the water tables, it definitely slowed you down if you wanted water. Also, they should get some more bathrooms next year, I personally didn't need one, but felt really terrible for five or six people deep lines in front of every bathroom I passed on the course! Once you cross the finish line you are corralled into the stadium where you receive WATER, your medal (a magnet too this year!) and your pick of bananas, bagels, pretzels and gummy bears. There's more vendors inside the stadium and lots of room to stretch on the bleachers. I would definitely run this race again!

It was the first time signing up for a Race 13.1 half marathon series, so I didn't know what to…read moreexpect. They're a relatively new race series that have set up shop in various race cities across mainly in the central and Eastern Time zones. I thought that I should give them a try, especially when it's a half marathon. A little surprised that there's no previous reviews posted on Yelp for Race 13.1 Raleigh, but there are previous photos for Race 13.1 but for Fayetteville, NC, not in Raleigh. It's kind of weird and disappointing, but what can you do really? I entertained the notion of racing a half marathon in Raleigh, NC as an integral part of my own personal goal of running a half marathon in all 50 states, especially when I've done a marathon in all 50 states already. I love new goals and the extensive traveling, so I was like, why not grab North Carolina for my 50 states half marathon goal in 2016? Race 13.1 series is a growing brand with some name recognition there, which is how I got to choosing this race. They kind of operate like Competitor and the Rock n Roll marathon race series, in that they tout themselves as being awesome and superior to other races out there, promising a great experience to everyone. Then they offer bonus bling aka finisher medallions to those participants who do 3 or more races in a calendar year within their series. They operate in 11 states right now, but surely as the years go by, they may be in more and more places as popularity in the half marathon distance continues to grow and mature. For me, it was just another half marathon event for me in a growing list of achievements that started back in 2007 with my first half marathon and first marathon. Pretty cool on where life takes you when running leads the way. Race 13.1 Raleigh sets up shop at the 4120 Main at the North Hills shopping mall complex, at least in the 2016 edition of the race. I The race venue is the surrounding areas that included bike paths at Shelley Lake Park, which was very picturesque, scenic, and beautiful. Running around a lake and shaded bike trail / walking path was quite nice and very quiet. You never know a race was going on there, unless you are a local, who happened to know what was going on that day or are a participant in the race. Race 13.1 offers their signature headline half marathon, as well, as offering a 10km and a 5km race distance. There was the long out and back from mile 6 to mile 11, which I didn't particularly enjoy, but it was scenic and quiet to tend to my thoughts. While I was out there, I met up with a dude who was sort of struggling and I ended up chatting to him. Turns out he was doing his very first half marathon event and he had gone only 10km this far, so it was inspiring to see him go 13.1 miles for the first time. We both made it, of course, but the weather conditions were borderline warm hot and the hills didn't make it seem anything but easy. We had to work those miles to get to the finish line, which we did. Race 13.1 registration fees are reasonable for a half marathon, averaging around $50-$65 per person. Everything is usually online registration nowadays, so they do accept major credit cards, which is always a great thing. They did offer late registration at packet pick up, which was at the Omega Sports store inside the North Hills mall complex. Not too shabby, but all I cared about was finishing and getting another half marathon under my belt. I believe right now, it's 28 half marathons so far and just 5 states for my 50 states half goal. There is plenty of parking for race morning. The race advises participants to park inside the underground parking garage, which I did, arriving around 5:30am for 7:15am start to secure prime parking. You never want to be that guy or gal to a race and there's no parking to be found. Better to have that piece of mind rather than scrambling around that morning. For what its worth, this race has plenty of hills to be shared with everyone. Be wary of the weather conditions, since it's in early June and can get warm really fast, even though the morning temps can be a soothing low 60's. It can climb up fairly quickly. The finisher medals were nice and quirky. I don't mind it, although the cardinal was kind of cute in a way. While I've race in better venues, I did enjoy the mile around the lake front here at the Shelley Lake Park. The bike / walking trails that serve half of the course miles were safe and you would only have to worry about those rogue cyclists who think they own the road when they zip by you at a fast clip. I'd rate the Race 13.1 as a 3.5 stars, bumped up to 4.0 stars. Scenery was great, but please try to have less hills! Maybe move race day to early May so that it'll be in cooler weather? Just a thought though. Race more! Support local! B-

Race 13.1 is really does a great job... I've run both Raleigh races and Wilmington. They say that…read morethey provide 'Big Race Perks with a Local Race Feel' and I think they do just that. Their customer service is better than any other race I've ever experienced. You can actually call them and talk to someone on the phone!

In my limited racing career, the Florence Forth Road Race definitely ranks at the top of the list…read more This is a very local race with not many bells and whistles, but that's what makes it so great. Sign up early for a discounted rate but the most you'll ever pay is around $50.00 after fees (for the 10k). Registration is quick and easy and this year, in addition to the athletic tee, they included post-race metals. Race options include a 5k and 10k, both starting simultaneously at 8am on the first Saturday in March. The weather is usually chilly, but very manageable for the later morning start and the course is wonderful. With small rolling hills and a path that takes you through some of the hot spots around Durham including Trinity Neighborhood, Duke East Campus (running parallel, not the actual trail), past Brightleaf Square and into Lakewood passing by Lakewood Montessori School and up past the Nasher Museum and Sarah P. Duke Gardens. You begin and end the race on Ninth Street and it's hard not to feel part of the great community that comes together each year to remember a little six year old who lost her battle to autoimmune encephalitis disease and may others who are still fighting. As you race you'll see your fellow racers in capes and super-hero gear, because we're fighting this disease together. Race-packet pick-up takes place at the Hilton Gardens Inn just off Ninth Street, where you're in and our with nothing fancy (no vendors, just bibs here). Post-race you'll find a small assortment of vendors (Big Spoon Peanut Butter, H&R Block and some fitness studios). This is one of the best organized races I've attended, I was able to easily arrive and park within less than 30 minutes to race time and the course is lined with volunteers and police officers. Two aid stations at mile 2 and 4 offer water and power-aid and you can even choose to compete for the USATF NC 2016 10K State Championship. Highly recommend the Florence Forth if you're looking to be apart of a great community race!

Smaller turnout, less glitz, and fewer vendors than the SPCA's K9-3K, but a wonderful event all the…read moresame. Held each May, the walk is a fundraiser to benefit Durham's APS. I've participated the last two years and love it for a few reasons. Despite being a die-hard Tarheel, even I will begrudgingly admit that Duke's campus has an evident beauty about it. The walk rendezvous point is Wallace Stadium and walkers take a directed path through campus that's both scenic and shady. The path veers for folks who choose to do the 1K option as opposed to the full 5K. Registered walkers get a tee-shirt and a breakfast before the walk starts. Enter your pooch in a competition or watch the Flyball team (rescues who compete in relay races). Browse the vendor tables and score some free dog treats. Bottled water is provided and there's a nifty poop-mobile that makes rounds during the walk to collect your bagged doggie droppings.

If you are looking for a fun filled event, this is it. I am no sports fan. Hate all sports, never…read morewatch any on tv - not even the Superbowl. However, watching the Carolina Rollergirls was an all new adventure. Must admit that seeing "Whip It" got us to investigate local roller girl teams. We did our research, became fans on facebook, and headed to the arena. The following was impressive. We waited in line for our tickets and headed inside the arena. People passing out books were friendly and helpful in giving you pointers on where to sit etc. Definitely come early and sit ringside, right on the concrete floor right beside the track. Yeah, you might get a skate to the face, but it is totally worth it. These ladies are fierce competitors. The battle we watched was amazingly intense and ended with everyone on their feet cheering on the 1 point deciding victory. It was unbelievable. Next time the Rollergirls are rolling out, make sure you get your a** to the arena and cheer these women on! You will not regret it!

I have always loved the Carolina Rollergirls. When we lived in Raleigh a few years back, we rarely…read moremissed a bout, and now that we're back in the Triangle, we were excited to head back to Dorton Arena and relive the spectacle. It TOTALLY didn't disappoint, and it was really like old times again. We ate some junk food, browsed the names and bios of the new skaters who've joined the ranks over the years, geeked out over the evolution of the game and new strategies they were employing, and (per the usual), I started fantasizing about my future as a roller girl. Seriously, though, this is some of the best, most wholesome entertainment I can imagine. The Carolina Rollergirls have always done a great job at making roller derby an event for an entire family and for an entire range of ages. They've got plenty of great half-time events, mascots, and crowd interaction, and then on top of that, they're just awesome athletes competing at a really high level. These women are flat-out amazing. The best part about the Rollergirls, though, is how congenial they seem to be. Despite the high level of competition and the bruising nature of the sport, I've always gotten the impression that off the rink the teams hang out and really support each other. Derby-girls stick together. It's encouraging to see a group of women who a) kick ass at their sport and b) have each other's backs. Maybe the word I'm looking for is sportsmanship. And if I had a daughter (or a son, for that matter), I'd take them to see the Rollergirls set a great example.

I'm part of a cycling meetup, and today they hose to meet here. My GPS said it would take 90…read moreminutes to get here via Third Fork Creek trail. It took 30. Park has loads of tennis courts, a ball field with good seating/stands, and lots of shaded parking.

Not quite ready to head back to the hotel room and maybe needing a little walk to help my excessive…read moredinner digest, I headed to Southern Boundaries and found a good spot to enjoy their walking trails. The large park features a baseball/softball field, basketball courts, tennis courts and some spots for sitting in the shade. The walking trail, at least the part of it that I enjoyed, was smoothly paved. [Review 11834 overall, 1616 of 2019.]

We organized a kid's birthday tree climb with Piedmont Tree Climbing and had an absolute blast. All…read morethe kids were thrilled to climb the HUGE tree, and the several adults who chose to climb had a great time as well. The adults who didn't climb still had fun enjoying the beautiful surroundings, tree swings, etc. I highly recommend this activity not just for kids, but for adults too, whether for a date, a party, or a team building exercise, or even just for a fun and uplifting experience.

We attended a private climb up a 75 foot high Chapel Hill oak tree near Gimghoul Castle, for a home…read moreschool group. BLLAST. Patrick, the owner, also runs public group climbs at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, the NC Botanical Gardens, and many local parks. Though a new service, word has gotten out and his climbs often fill up quickly and are waitlisted. Truly a fun, unforgettable, and very Carolina thing to do :)

This place has excellent service from the staff, and a great mix of paintball arenas. There are 5…read morebattle areas in all, including a mini-city (more tactical), 3 Speedball varieties, and the woods (which has forts), where you can play capture the flag. The latter was my favorite, because it is the biggest area, and who doesn't like battling it out in the woods, just like when you were growing up?

My son, who is generally respectful, well-mannered and easy going visited the Raleigh location to…read moreask about repairing his marker and buying a new one. The older gentlemen in the shop was unprofessional, condescending and reacted very immaturely ("childish" according to my son). He told me he was so upset by the man's behavior he had to leave the shop and calm down in the car. The man insisted that my son had to prove he owned goggles (or buy them from him) before he would sell him a gun. My son showed him a picture taken the day before of his equipment that included goggles. He even offered to facetime his brother that was at home with the equipment, but the man refused. Disappointing. We'll gladly take our business and money elsewhere.