Running the Holiday Half

Jennifer Clark (MM15623, DA3643, HF16743) – Half marathons 261 and 262 are in the books!!
We traveled to Fort Worth, Texas for the Holiday Double December 23 and December 24, put on by Cox Racing. This is the first year they have had marathons and half marathons, though they traditionally have a 5K and a one miler on Christmas Eve.
The races were held on the Trinity Trail. This is a large trail system that goes by the Trinity River, and I have done several races there. The races this weekend started and finished at the Crystelle Waggoner Trailhead, adjacent to the Woodshed Smokehouse. They were on a hike and bike concrete path, though there was a gravel path next to it.
Bib and shirt pickup was at the Woodshed both mornings. Incidentally, David and I ate at the Woodshed after the first race. We had great barbecue and a good beer.
The course consisted of four out-and-back loops for the half marathon. Having done a number of Mainly Marathon races I was familiar with that format. There were two aid stations, one near the start, and one near the turnaround. They both had water and Gatorade, and also chips and bananas near the end of the race.
Instead of finisher medals they gave out small personalized acrylic plaques. They also had similar plaques for the age group winners, which were in blocks of five years, and also for the overall winners. I got 3rd in age group on Day 1 and 1st on Day 2!
This is a solid low frills option if you are looking for a race series to round out your races for the year. In spite of the rain the second day, I will put this on my list of races to attend again.
Next up? Half #263 and #264 in Allen TX, the New Year’s Double Double, Dec 31 and Jan 1!