The Rocket City Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners each year, has been named Best in Alabama by RaceRaves.com.
The site said its picks for the top 50 marathons are done by runners who vote. Comments also are provided about the events.
The Rocket City Marathon got a nice nod to the route, overall setup and cool sights such as the Huntsville Botanical Garden and U.S. Space & Rocket Center. What other marathon takes you to a space museum where you see an Apollo rocket, A-12 Blackbird and Space Shuttle? (Answer: no other marathon does this.)
Finishing in the Von Braun Center also is a huge boost, runners said. Being able to eat, warm up, get medical attention and see family or friends is important.
About the Rocket City Marathon, the site said, “Impeccable course markings and exceptional support ensure your focus remains on running, while a finish inside the climate-controlled Von Braun Center promises a smooth landing in the unpredictable December weather. Rocket City will give you the boost(er) you need to end your racing year on the right foot.”
The RCM weekend includes the Front Half Marathon, Back Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and kids fun run. RCM weekend is put on by Huntsville Track Club and presented by the Huntsville Sports Commission. A handful of great sponsors and scads of volunteers also help make it great.
RaceRaves has some cool events listed if your sights are set on a marathon. Likewise, it has older stories with half-marathons (Huntsville’s RCM claimed that title, too) and Boston Qualifiers.
Tennessee’s Best
Tennessee’s best is the St. Jude Memphis Marathon in December. It is billed as the biggest single-day fundraiser for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thousands of runners coming in for the brews, blues, barbecues and running events.
“Expect “top-notch organization” and “outstanding crowd support” (plus a hip-swiveling Elvis or two) in the birthplace of Rock and Roll, starting in the historic Beale Street Entertainment District and highlighted by an emotional visit to the St. Jude campus where patients, their families and onlookers gather to cheer on the runners,” the website noted. “Because no matter how fast or how far you run, you can celebrate a personal best feeling knowing you made a difference in the battle against childhood catastrophic diseases.”
Runner-up to this one in Tennessee is the Rock ‘n Roll Marathon in Nashville, which draws from all over the Southeast.
