I vaguely remember my first race. At a local park in Allentown, Pennsylvania, where I grew up (not far from Runner’s World HQ), I ran a lap of pavement with a bunch of other tweens I didn’t know. I don’t remember the distance, The Best Fall Marathons.
I loved the rush of nerves I got standing at the start, the self-esteem boost I felt from the cheers of my parents watching, and how empowering it felt to cross the finish line—even if I wasn’t anywhere near the leaders.
I have participated in countless races since then, from many 5Ks The Run/Walk Method marathons. And while I find purpose in competing against my past self, setting goals, and checking off a training plan to snag a PR a few times a year, I also just enjoy being in the presence of other runners who put fitness and self-improvement through exercise on the list of life’s priorities.
I truly fell for the camaraderie and energy of races when I signed up to complete the New York Road Runners 9+1 program in 2015, which gets you guaranteed entry into the New York City Marathon. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back marathon one day, and getting more mileage under my feet via races around my favorite city provided the perfect route to the starting line of the iconic 26.2.
I ran most races in Central Park that year, where I also did all of my training. I learned every curve of the main path and exactly where the pavement ebbed and flowed, while still getting lost on the offshoots. It’s where I finished my first half marathon, crossing the line after conquering two sets of gnarly hills and with a newfound confidence not only in my physical fitness but also in my mental strength. (I distinctly remember playing the role of Positive Polly for my friend who needed a pick-me-up between the “longest” mile of a half: 11 to 12.)
But the program took me around the boroughs, too, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island. The vibes of every course felt completely different, but at each one, I could still revel in the nervous excitement and anticipation at the start, the uplifting and supportive atmosphere among both runners and spectators along the course, and the sense of accomplishment that surrounded the finish line. All of those races also gave me a chance to see new parts of my city, and from a view you could only earn on foot.
These days, living back in Pennsylvania, I sign up for races to see old neighborhoods from a fresh perspective, but I also try to travel to a new destination The Best Half Marathons in or Near National Parks.
but what I do remember? The positive feelings intervals and tempo runs to increase my speed and chase faster finishes. But over the years, I’ve uncovered a few other reasons for pinning on a bib. For starters, when I have races booked on my calendar, it keeps me motivated to The Best Half Marathons in or Near National Parks. Marathon Training Plans.
What’s been the most rewarding part of racing, though, has been signing up for and completing events with my friends and family. I’ve been able to trek through several obstacle-course races alongside my brother and a trail race with my brother-in-law, both of whom I rarely get one-on-one time with, thanks to our 16-person immediate family. I’ve run 5Ks with my dad, my running inspiration, and my cousin, one of my favorite humans to have around. I’ve trained for and raced many miles next to my sisters, which always gives us time for uninterrupted chats about our current struggles and successes.
I’ve witnessed three of my nephews and two of my nieces conquer their first 5Ks, and I’ve earned a medal right alongside my childhood best friend after her first 10K and then half marathon.
I’ve been able to cross the finish line hand-in-hand with some of the most important people in my life. And it’s the determination, joy, and pride I see shine on everyone—a unique light that seems to illuminate most when running races—that brings more meaning to the miles.
As I see it, races can offer a ticket to fast times and new records, of course, but they can also provide time to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and collect quality time with loved ones along the way. Plus, who can pass up postrun brunch and coffee to recap with race buddies?
Mallory Creveling is an ACE-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified run coach, who also holds certifications in kettlebell training, sports performance, and more. She has more than a decade of experience covering fitness, health, and nutrition for a wide range of publications, and nearly 10 years of experience as a trainer and fitness instructor. Mallory stays on top of her continuing education in fitness, as well as the latest science in wellness. She has worked with some of the best experts in their medical fields, and regularly interviews researchers, trainers, athletes, and more to find the best advice for readers looking to improve their performance and well-being. As a freelance writer, Mallory's work appeared in Women's Health, Self, Men's Journal, Reader's Digest, and more. She has also held staff editorial positions at Family Circle and Shape magazines, as well as DailyBurn.com. A former New Yorker/Brooklynite, she's now based in Easton, Pennsylvania.
