Hey Georgia! Check out our Top Picks for running events in February under our A, B, C, D headings: Running in Atlanta (A), Best Race in Georgia (B), 2022 Georgia Race Calendar (C), Most Difficult Race in Georgia (D). We’ll generally comment on, and provide links to, the events. We also like to showcase running apparel and gear, especially with Made in USA products.
January Recap
Once again I joined the elite runners at the Hogpen Hill Climb in January and once again it insulted my sense of self-worth. Malissa and Jeff used to run this race every year. Malissa probably ran it to tune up for her Ironman competition. Me, I just wanted to “Get the Hell out of Atlanta for a couple of days in Helen, eat German food, order a giant Weissbier at Bodensee” but alas … on to February 2022!
- A (Atlanta) — Hot Chocolate
Rating: Fun 15K and 5K Options - B (Best) — Augusta Half Marathon
Rating: Fast 13.1 Half Marathon - C (Complete) — Yeti NIGHTmare Trail Run
Rating: Cool Night Time 10 and 5 Mile - D (Difficult) — Atlanta Marathon
Rating: Hard 26.2 and 13.1
A (Atlanta) — Hot Chocolate
I’ve never run the Hot Chocolate, but I’ve come close a couple of times. It just looks like a really fun event for people who want to get out on a cold Sunday morning and hang out with their friends afterwards. This is one of those Big City races whose organizers have made it easy for you to park your car and remove one of the biggest hassles to Big City events. Hello Centennial Olympic Park.
For the Best of Running in Atlanta, be sure to check out our new 2022 Georgia Race Calendar
(Photo Credit: ExploreGerogia.org
B (Best) — Augusta Half Marathon
The Augusta Half Ironman is absolutely one of my favorite events, and I’m excited to be training to run the Augusta Half Marathon this year. This is a 13.1 race with 10K and 5K alternatives. I was hoping it was the same run route but it’s not. The organizer say the Half “takes runners on a course through some of the Garden City’s most scenic areas.” And they have done a good job showing you where you will be running with good route maps, plus where to park etc. They even have Spectator Information on their website with recommendations where best to wait, watch, grab a coffee. That’s nice. Gives the Babe an alternative to heading back to the hotel and setting the alarm for two hours. The Start / Finish is at the Augusta Commons not far from the Savannah River, and I remembered a really nice hotel nearby: The Augusta Marriott and Convention Center.
For those of you who don’t drive Beemers, there are other more plebian inns nearby.
C (Complete) — Yeti NIGHTmare Trail Run
The Georgia Yeti NIGHTmare Trail Run should easily satisfy those of you who got a new headlamp for Christmas and are dying to try it out. Here’s a chance to run wild through pitch darkness with a reasonable chance of enjoying that Michelob Lite at the end of the run with your new friends. Looks really fun for younger runners who aren’t afraid of falling, breaking, and dying in the dark somewhere near Lithia Springs.
D (Difficult) — Atlanta Marathon
I’ve run the Atlanta Marathon many times, but this is the new course in a new month. Why they moved this event from the former spring-like March date to February is a mystery to me. But anything the Atlanta Track Club is involved in is generally done well. I’ve run the new 13.1 course and really enjoyed it. It goes up, it goes down, it goes all around Downtown, Midtown, Piedmont Park, and Georgia Tech before returning again to Centennial Olympic Park. Do your homework: Lots of places to stay, eat, and park plus Marta Rail and Buses all within walking distance of the Start / Finish lines.
Personal: I just can’t run the full 26.2 in Atlanta because the new marathon course runs past the old finish line at 13.1 and I really don’t think mentally I could make myself do this…
Runners’ Gear
Several years ago I unloaded my car after running in Helen sans my favorite running vest. This year Beverly bought me a new vest for Christmas. The Brand is IllumiNite. And mine is the Endeavor Packable.
Here’s what I like: It’s ultra-light weight. The front and the back are reflective. The sides are mesh to disperse condensation. The double front zippers allow me to zip up the bottom of the vest to easily access my race belt, cell phone holder, gel packs etc.
Dad said to never buy anything without a YKK Zipper. These zippers are good, not perfect.
The race vest has four zip up pockets: Top right, bottom left and right, plus a big rear pocket like you see on cycle gear that has a tightening belt so your folded up rain gear doesn’t bounce around.
It’s Made in YOU KNOW WHERE. But what really impressed me was the product, the price, and the FREE Cap that they threw in the box. Will you get one, I don’t know? Beverly had no clue it was coming, but the cap is light, well made, warm, and reflective.
I wore my new gear at Hogpen this year. Didn’t help my time, but I was absolutely comfortable on the climb. Oh, and I wore blister-free Wright Made in USA Socks.
Be sure to check out our new Gear Page.
