7 Reasons to Run the 2018 Annapolis Running Classic, discount coupon code included!

Looking for a great fall half marathon or 10k?  The Annapolis Running Classic is by far one of my favorite races.  Here are six SEVEN great reasons to run it!

1. Great course through a historic town.

Downtown Annapolis is one of the prettiest towns around the Mid-Atlantic region.  It's only 40 minutes from downtown DC, yet it feels like it's a world away. The historic city that also doubles as the State Capital is known as the Sailing Capital of the World.  Part of this is because the US Naval Academy is located there (the US Navy Football Stadium is the start and finish line!), but when you are downtown you can see an endless view of sailing masts.  The course for both distances runs through the downtown/waterfront area in the beginning miles (when you still have enough wits about you to appreciate the view!).  Yes there are some hills later in the course, but you need to earn that beer at the post-race party right?

There are so many great restaurants and bars, we usually get a babysitter for the whole day and night, and stay in a hotel Saturday night so we can continue the post-race party longer!

2. Great Weather

If you are like me, you would rather run a race when it's cool and crisp out.  Yes the weather can vary, but the average high on November 13 in Annapolis is 61F and the average low is 43F. That is nearly perfect racing weather! It's also near the end of autumn, so it's a great time of year to finish off the training/racing season before winter sets in.

3. Post-Race Party is the BEST one we've been to for any race

You've ran the race, you want to celebrate.  Nearly every race says they have one of the best finish-line parties.  But there are none as good as this one!  You get UNLIMITED beer (not just one or two beer tickets), and they always have local microbrews along with the good old refreshing Michelob Ultra.  Last year they had Fordham Copperhead, Gypsy Lager, Bold Rock Cider, and even fresh Old Dominion Root Beer if you don't want the alcohol.  There may be others, it was hard to keep track of them all, and the beer lineup may change this year, so keep an eye on their website for updates on that.  But how cool is it to sample microbrews after the race, as many as you want?!

And they have oysters (grilled and on the half-shell) included for free at the post-race party!

If you don't like oysters, that's ok. They have the usual post-race food along with warm soup and other hearty foods to refill your belly after the race!

Me, my wife Colleen, friends Kara and Magnus celebrating after the race

And then of course, the band will rock the huge tent. The Dublin 5. If you've never heard them play, you are missing out!  You can't help but to dance and sing along and have fun to everything they play.  They are the ultimate high-energy party cover band, with an Irish twist.  Just look how much fun my wife and friend are having, those smiles are legit!

4a/4b. Two Great Distances to choose from / Perfect Field size

Fully-trained for longer distances? Run the half marathon. Or if you don't feel like tackling 13.1 miles, the 10k is great for all runners looking to either tackle a new challenge up from a 5k, or try your speed at a shorter distance if you usually run marathons.  In 2016, I ran the 10k.  I had run the full 26.2 miles of the Richmond Marathon the weekend before and had sore legs, so I didn't want to push a half marathon.  I ended up second overall in the 10k!  Here I was smiling as I could see the Naval Academy Stadium and I knew I was almost finished:

The size of the race is also perfect, it's not too large that's it overwhelms you with logistics to get there super early and get into corrals an hour before the race. But it's also just big enough that -- unless you are in the top 5 or 10 overall -- you always have a significant crowd of runners around you.

5. Inspiration from the Navy

Ok, I'm sort of an aviation nerd, I love planes. But everyone loves getting their photo by the Blue Angel in front of the stadium at the start/finish line!  Here I am with a friend Magnus and fellow A-Team Ambassador after the race:

6. Premium race gear

Each year the race premium differs, but it is always more than just your standard dri-fit shirt. Two years ago, the half-zip cover was awesome and I still use it all the time. Last year was a big comfy hooded sweatshirt (see friend Kara in the Dublin 5 photo above, on the left).

7. Discount Code!

If all that doesn't entice you, how about some money off your registration fee?  Use the coupon code: DAHLEM18 , and get 20% off your entry of either distance!

Go sign up, and see you there in November!

Any questions on the race, course, city, accommodations, etc just let me know below!