Sunday, December 4th was the eleventh running of the Half N Half Marathon by RunnersWorld Racing. Participants got to choose between running a road half marathon, trail half marathon, road marathon, and--the race's namesake--a half trail, half road marathon. Compared to the previous year, average times were slower in 2022, but there were a lot more racers in 2022! The trail half marathon saw the greatest increase in participants across the race options.
Race Day Conditions
Conditions on race day were nearly perfect for runners and probably too cold for volunteers. Just another reason to thank our amazing volunteers! The forecast called for a chance of rain and did not deliver (thankfully).
One of the most exciting and unique parts of this race is the start (featured in the above photo). Trail half marathon and Half 'N Half runners start one way, and road half and road marathon runners start in the opposite direction! It made for an enjoyably chaotic start.
One of the most exciting and unique parts of this race is the start (featured in the above photo). Trail half marathon and Half 'N Half runners start one way, and road half and road marathon runners start in the opposite direction! It made for an enjoyably chaotic start.
The Course (Trail)
The trail half marathon course took racers around the east side of Turkey Mtn before heading northwest into what can only be described as a "spaghetti" section. It was fun! There were plenty of ups and downs for racers to test their legs and lungs.
The trail was a nice mix of fairly groomed rollers that lull you into false complacency followed by rocky, technical segments that require fancy footwork and forward thinking. Most importantly, it was full of smiling (or grimacing? Hard to tell) runners encouraging each other onward.
The trail was a nice mix of fairly groomed rollers that lull you into false complacency followed by rocky, technical segments that require fancy footwork and forward thinking. Most importantly, it was full of smiling (or grimacing? Hard to tell) runners encouraging each other onward.
The Course (Road)
The road course started down and out of Turkey Mountain to 71st and across the Arkansas River to the Riverside trail. Road half, full, and half 'n half racers then followed Riverside up to 41st Street Plaza before turning around and heading back. There was plenty of room on the path and the aid stations--as always--were delightful.
After crossing back over the Arkansas River, runners had to do what I think was the hardest part of the race: pass the finish line and do an out-and-back! Not only was this section mentally and emotionally challenging, but it also was an intense physical challenge. Immediately after passing near the finish line, runners went down two hills for an elevation loss of more than 100 ft in less than 0.2 miles.
That might not sound like that much vert, until you're almost at the finish and have to go BACK UP THOSE HILLS! As tough as it was, that road finish was definitely worth it!
After crossing back over the Arkansas River, runners had to do what I think was the hardest part of the race: pass the finish line and do an out-and-back! Not only was this section mentally and emotionally challenging, but it also was an intense physical challenge. Immediately after passing near the finish line, runners went down two hills for an elevation loss of more than 100 ft in less than 0.2 miles.
That might not sound like that much vert, until you're almost at the finish and have to go BACK UP THOSE HILLS! As tough as it was, that road finish was definitely worth it!
The Details
After finishing their prescribed course, runners could hang out around Turkey Mtn and eat delicious tacos courtesy of Masa Tulsa food truck. And, of course, there was plenty of celebrating fellow runners as they crossed the finish line.
There were a total of 6 aid stations on the entire course, all operated by hard-working volunteers. Other volunteers were at crucial turn points to make sure runners didn't get lost or accrue too many bonus miles. Thank you so much to all our volunteers!
There were a total of 6 aid stations on the entire course, all operated by hard-working volunteers. Other volunteers were at crucial turn points to make sure runners didn't get lost or accrue too many bonus miles. Thank you so much to all our volunteers!
What's Next
Now it's time to Race Into The New Year! Check out our events page for more info or head straight over to the registration site--you won't regret it! This New Year's Eve race is definitely in a league of its own!