It was the fall of 1977, and I was a 21-year-old who had wasted away my teen years on cigarettes, beer, and weed. I headed out for my first run in cutoff jeans cinched by a belt, a Budweiser T-shirt, and a pair of old Keds, I ran straight to a bar about a mile away. When I arrived, I celebrated by downing two beers—then I walked home.
It was an inauspicious start to a life forever changed by running. But it was a start nonetheless.
My brother George was a father figure to me, and when he noticed I had started running he goaded me into racing a 10K with him. When I crossed the finish line in about 40 minutes, I knew something was stirred in me.
What I’ve come to realize is that when the gun goes off, we all follow the same course to the finish line, but each of us has taken a different path to the starting line. Sometimes it’s riddled with obstacles of every sort. Other times we are blessed with smooth sailing from day one. But when you line up with hundreds or thousands of others on race day, you will find hundreds or thousands of different goals, expectations, and reasons for being there—all of them valid and important.
My life has been molded and framed by the weekends spent traveling to the starting lines all around the world. It’s been expanded by adventures that have happened on the way to all those finish lines. I wish the same for every runner, and I believe that not matter what your aspirations, it is racing that brings a sense of structure, camaraderie, motivation, and achievement to our running.
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Bart Yasso’s Favorite 5K
THE CARLSBAD 5000
One of my all-time favorite 3.1-mile races is in Carlsbad, California—it’s the world-renowned Carlsbad 5000, where all runners get the chance to line up and compete head-to-head with their own age groups, in separate men’s and women’s heats. The day, usually in late March or early April, turns into a seaside festival of 5K Health - Injuries.
Usually when you go to an event with family or friends, you don’t get to watch each other race. At Carlsbad, you have a better shot at cheering one another on. The day begins with the masters men’s heat, followed by masters women a little more than an hour later. Then men and women ages 29 and under get their chance, followed by the 30 to 39 group about 90 minutes after that. After the wheelchair race finishes, it’s time to watch the elite races. They are really exciting to spectate because Carlsbad draws many of the fastest 5K runners in the world—16 world records and eight American records were set in the first 31 editions of the event.
In the early years, the men’s professional race was contested by Steve Scott, who once held the American mile record three different times, plus earned a 1983 world championships silver medal in the 1500 meters. Beginning at the inaugural race in 1986, Steve won Carlsbad three consecutive times. Later, I got to witness Sammy Kipketer, of Kenya, race Carlsbad, which he won three years in a row as well. In 2000 and 2001, he dipped below 13 minutes, finishing in 12:59.5 and 12:59.6, which were then course records (the course has since changed for the elite races). Meseret Defar, from Ethiopia, ran the fastest women’s time on the original course in 2006 with a 14:46.
But the pro runners aren’t the only ones who can push themselves on a course like Carlsbad. For the recreational runners, it’s a good place to set a personal record, not only because of the mostly flat terrain, but because it’s so spectator friendly that you can’t help but absorb the electricity of the crowd. I’ve raced it several times, mostly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In my division—the men’s 40 and older—you’d see these guys going through the first mile in 5:10 at 69 years old. I was continually blown away by how talented the fields could be, though the concept and the venue are welcoming to all ability levels. In 2000, I did a 17-mile run prior to the start because I was training for a marathon at the time, and I still clocked a 17:18 in the race. That was a fun way to do a long run and a good way to add a fast-finish element to it, which you could do in conjunction with any 5K race.
Bart’s Tips for Racing the Carlsbad 5000:
- Runners spend most of the race next to the Pacific Ocean, so there can be a little bit of a breeze, but usually it’s more refreshing than bothersome.
- As the day progresses, the best spectating spots near the finish get taken quickly. If you want to see friends race or the elites compete, have a plan ready to nab a good spot after you’ve finished your race.
- Like any big race, make sure you’re lining up at the appropriate spot for your predicted pace. If you get stuck behind a lot of people who are going much slower than you, you’ll have a hard time getting past them in the first half mile.
Bart Yasso’s Favorite 10K
MONUMENT AVENUE 10K
The 10K that I most look forward to is Monument Avenue in Richmond, Virginia, which also takes place at the end of March or the beginning of April. As the race organization describes it: “A pep rally. A block party. A race. A gateway to fitness.” That about covers it.
The course is basically a giant out-and-back on Monument Avenue, which is a famous stretch of tree-lined road with a beautiful grassy mall dividing it. At this time of year, the blossoms are coming out, which makes the view spectacular. Along the avenue are statues of Confederates of the Civil War, including Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and “Stonewall” Jackson. Arthur Ashe, the tennis star and humanitarian, is also memorialized here—he was a native of Richmond.
What I really enjoy about this race is that the field of 30,000 people is divided into around 30 or more waves based on pace, starting every three minutes, so you’re racingpeople who are of the same ability level. There are waves that require proof of qualification, then there are other groups dedicated to walkers or those who may not have much running experience yet. If you are hoping to race with a group of friends, you can do so just by starting in the wave of the slowest runner. It creates a good atmosphere that accommodates all kinds of goals—from those who are there to clock a personal record to those who just want to have fun or have set a goal to finish the distance. And 20 live bands are out on the course just for good measure and added motivation, which certainly uplifts the atmosphere (20 bands in just 6.2 miles is a lot of music).
The race also offers prizes for subcompetitions. For example, one runner is selected to have a head start on the pro field (based on ability level). If that person beats the winner, he or she is awarded $2,500. The runners aren’t the only competitors, either—the race offers a spirit award to the best group of fans on the course. There’s even a “porch party” award for the people who live on the avenue and throw the best spectating fiesta.
The Monument Avenue race might also showcase one of the biggest arrays of costumed runners I’ve ever seen. Volunteers judge the costumes and award cash prizes for individuals and groups. Often people dress as pop icons or people who are currently in the news, and I don’t always get it, which can be funny when I’m on live television.
All of this together, on a great flat course, makes this a truly unique community event. You can run fast, and you can also absorb the enthusiasm of the crowd.
Bart’s Tips for Racing the Collegiate Records Go Down at BU
- Just beware that for a portion of the race you’ll run on cobblestones, which is not a big deal because they are pretty smooth. You can’t prepare for this, unless you also happen to live in an area that has cobblestone streets, but it helps to know you’ll encounter an uneven surface around mile five.
- Sometimes it’s unseasonably warm and humid. Other times it’s rainy and chilly. Spring in Virginia is a mixed bag. Prepare to be surprised and adjust for whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
- This is a great course to get into a groove early and stay there. As with any race, don’t get caught up with the adrenaline-powered fast starters—remember that you’ll catch them when they start fading.
Bart Yasso’s Favorite Half Marathon
ROCK ’N’ ROLL PHILADELPHIA HALF MARATHON
I have a soft spot for the Philly Distance Run (PDR), which became a Rock ’n’ Roll event in 2010. Long before it was bought by the Competitor Group, it was the beloved PDR, and it was one of the first half marathons I ever ran.
In the late 1970s, the PDR attracted some iconic running talent. It was where Lasse Virén ran and won. He was a legend at the time—a distance runner from Finland who had four Olympic gold medals to his name. Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic marathon gold medalist (the first time women raced the distance at the Games), won it three consecutive times from 1983 to 1985, setting the world record in the half marathon twice. In later iterations of the race, Deena Kastor All About 75 Hard. Kim Smith, from New Zealand, ran the fastest women’s half marathon on American soil here in a blazing 1:07:11.
Bart Yassos Favorite Race at Every Distance half marathon, which usually takes place in mid-September (unless somebody like the Pope is visiting, which he did in 2015, so the Big Sur International Marathon for October), has the makings of a fast race for everybody. And for those who are training for a fall marathon, it’s perfectly placed on the calendar for a tune-up race. If you’re planning to run the Philadelphia Marathon in November, all the more reason to check this one out.
It starts on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, then through a bit of Center City Philly. You run past a lot of history along the way—City Hall, the Museum of Art, and the boathouses on Kelly Drive. It is such a beautiful scene for all these runners to be tucked between the museum and City Hall—it’s so picturesque, in both directions. Philadelphiais where America’s first residential street was named. Elfreth’s Alley, which is between Second Street and the Delaware River, was where the country’s first street addresses originated, dating back to 1702. The Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross’s house—all of these amazing pieces of U.S. history are right there in Philadelphia.
When you emerge from downtown, you head to the iconic 8-mile stretch of the course along the river, which utilizes Kelly Drive on the east and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive on the west. It’s just classic and the piece that everybody talks about and remembers. There’s a bit of an uphill at the end to the finish line, but you only notice it because you’ve been running on such a flat surface for so long. Your muscles might even welcome the small ascent. You’re almost done, so enjoy it.
Bart’s Tips for Racing the Rock ’n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
- As with any major city race, parking can be a hassle. If you’re not staying in a nearby hotel, plan your parking strategy before race morning and leave yourself plenty of time.
- The half marathon has about 16,000 runners and an assigned corral system. Although it takes quite a while for everybody to clear the starting line, don’t waste your time weaving around people when you finally hit the road. The streets are wide enough to claim your space.
- You’ll definitely want to do your best Rocky To put it plainly, this the movie.
Bart Yasso’s Favorite Marathons
It’s impossible to select just one 26.2-miler to talk about because I truly have a soft spot for so many of them. Here are a few that have a place in my heart.
BIG SUR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON
Everybody always says this one is so hard, but remember that the course offers more downhill than uphill. It does, though, predominantly have a headwind. Some years it’s more of a factor than others. All you have to do is train on hills during your long runs and you can do well here. What Big Sur is really about is the natural beauty running along the Pacific Ocean. The views are truly breathtaking. It’s the only time they close California State Route 1 for a sporting event, which makes it special.
I was interviewed by the local newspaper after I ran it several years ago. The reporter looked me right in the eye and said, “What did you think?” and I told her, “If I was told I could only do one marathon in my life, this would be the race.” It’s the prettiest stretch of road I’ve ever been on in the United States.
CATALINA ISLAND MARATHON
All the runners stay in this little town, Avalon. The morning of the race, 1,200 runners get on a big catamaran that takes you to the other side of the island, called Two Harbors. It is a point-to-point course across the island. You start on a grass runway where private planes take off and land, then turn right, then go 3 miles uphill on single-track trail. You go back down to sea level, then climb again; around the 23-mile mark you look down and see the finish line. It’s all downhill back into Avalon. I’m just drawn to untouched natural habitats. It’s gorgeous and disconnected from the world. You’re isolated 26 miles out in the ocean. I love trails and mountains, so this one is right up my alley.
If you go, try to prepare on some singletrack if you have access, though the terrain is not that technical, so anybody will be fine on the course. It’s not a race to go by time—instead of splits, just go by feel.
ROME MARATHON
I can’t think of another race that showcases the city’s history and attractions better than this one. You run on a lot of cobblestone, which can be a little taxing, but it’s not as bad as you may imagine. And don’t forget you’re in Europe. The course is marked in kilometers, not miles.
Although the course has changed over the years, it still takes you by some of the most amazing sites. When I ran in 2001, we began in the shadow of the Colosseum, then ran along the Tiber River and past the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and Piazza Navona. The last three miles of the race were on the Appian Way, which conjures images of Roman soldiers in 300 BC or thereabouts. But it’s also where Abebe Bikila won the 1960 Olympic marathon, coming through in the dark with lit torches lining the street, 24 years after Mussolini had conquered his homeland of Ethiopia. He was the first African to win an Olympic medal—and he did it barefoot because his shoes didn’t fit correctly. The actual finish line of the race was at the Arco di Costantino. I don’t think you can find a finish line better than that.
My mom came to watch the Rome Marathon the year I ran, and I stopped to give her a hug and take a photo with her at the Trevi Fountain along the way. I didn’t know it at the time, but after she passed away, that picture captured my all-time favorite running moment. I’ll always cherish it.
Adapted from Bart Yasso’s new book, Runner’s World Race Everything: How to Conquer Any Race at Any Distance in Any Environment and Have Fun Doing It.
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The mens elite field at the start of the 2015 Rock n Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Runner’s World magazine and one of the most beloved figures in running, and is the author of Runner's World Race Everything. Unofficially called the “Mayor of Running,” Yasso is the public face of Runner’s World Catalina Island Marathon Runner’s World since 1987 and has been instrumental in growing what was once a very small race sponsorship program to one that has linked the brand with thousands of races and millions of runners. One of the icons of the sport, Yasso has been inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions. He resides in Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
