I wish times were simpler before COVID. I ran the Bird in Hand half marathon in September 2018. And of course, I met Caroline in Lancaster, PA for the experience. I heard a lot about this race from other runners: "the medal is a real horse shoe" "it is something you have to experience" "the Amish can run" "some run in their filed boots." All of those statements are true but cannot help you feel the experience that is the Bird in Hand half marathon.
The race takes place in Lancaster county, PA as a series over a weekend, starting with packet pickup and other race expo festivities on Friday afternoon and a 5K on Friday evening. This 5K was a PR for me: 28:53. Don't forget, this was pre-exercise induced asthma diagnosis. My goal was to beat a young little boy who ran quite well.
Caroline and I headed toward the race the next morning. The weather wasn't so great as it was a little muggy, wet, and we were not sure how long the rain would last. Thankfully, the rain stopped prior to the race start. Port-a-potties were ample at the start and each had a motivational phrase inside. I thought it was a great start to a race and what a smart idea. Trapped in the 3x3 plastic portable toilet with a motivational phrase.
The race course takes you through rolling hill farmland in Bird in Hand, Pa. There were plenty of corn fields throughout the race course as well as many of the community members providing support at the water stops. Many of the community members participate in the run, too. And wow! They can run! Some are in running shoes, field gear. Women are wearing dresses and men are in their field gear. This race is something to experience.
The entry fee for the race helps to support the Bird in Hand volunteer fire company. 5K participant race swag includes a t-shirt; half marathon race swag includes a t-shirt and medal; firehouse challenge participants receive a bonus item: race hat.
Staying in the area is affordable and more so when the cost of the hotel stay is split. Parking on race day is ample - just make sure to go early to make it to the starting line in a timely manner and enjoy the race day.
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| Post Race Selfie. Check out that medal! |
5K Time (a new PR): 28:53
13.1 Time: 2:22:15
Travel Expenses:
Gas: two tanks full with the six hour drive.
Lodging: Shared, Roughly $100 per person.
Dining: $200-ish over two days of travel.
Fire Company Challenge Race Fee: $110
Miscellaneous Expenses: I bought a pair of Louboutin heels. Just happened to be near King of Prussia. Oops. Amount not disclosed here.
Estimated cost sans fancy red bottom shoes: $500. Much less than previous travel since I drove to the destination.
Curious about the gear, pros and cons? Here is a readers digest synopsis of my experience with this race:
Shoes: Topo Flylite 2
Compression: None
Pros: Rolling hills, easy to follow course, supportive community, great race medal, chill crowd, firehouse challenge
Cons: Humidity
Race injuries: None :)
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 running shoes. I would travel to participate with friends.
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