Adam

I had the pleasure of racing Saturday for the Wicked Marathon. The marathon was exceptional.

Let’s begin with the bus loading and travel. It was seamless. No confusion on where to go or any obstacles preventing me from getting to the start line. There were plenty of bathrooms. 

The biggest and most important aspect to me was the free race photos. They turned out great. It was so nice to have someone highlight my special BQ moment. 

The course was a blast. The ground was firm and easy to maintain a quick pace. I loved the out and back to start actually. It was nice to see fellow runners cheer me on. It was a good early boost of energy. 

As for the finish, CHOCOLATE MILK!!!! A sweet treat to close out the day. Everyone was so kind and I can’t speak highly enough about all the little things that made Saturday so special to me. 

Nadege

I trained and ran this course with my best buddy Heather who also got a BQ! The tree coverage and lack of signal probably worked to my advantage because I kept on getting mixed messages from my Garmin about how fast I was running. As a result I overcompensated and ran 14 miles at a faster pace than planned! I’m thrilled to have qualified for Chicago, Boston with a nice margin, and NYC by one second!

Jesus

I'm a new dad to a beautiful baby girl and running helps me stay focused and gives me something to strive for. Running helps me set a good example for my daughter as well as be the best husband I can be to my amazing wife that supports the running habit. 
On Saturday, September 13th, I participated in the Wicked Fast Half Marathon. Not only was it my best race to date but it was the most beautiful course I've ever been on. There's something about running through nature that just can't beat the city. From the amazing views to the "beware of bears" signs that could have possibly helped me unlock my full potential and helped me run faster, it was a wonderful experience. Not only was the course perfect but everyone was friendly and the event was so well organized. I know I'll be there next year to run the Full! 

Ian

The course on the Delaware & Lehigh Trail is a runner's dream: soft surface, gentle downhill, and incredible views!  Thank you to Lee Ann and her team at USA Endurance Events and Jerry from the Lehigh Outdoor Center for organizing a great event.  I am very grateful to my friend Sangeeta and the Wynnefield Track Club cheer squad who drove to cheer us on at multiple points including Buttermilk Falls, Glen Onoko, Jim Thorpe, and the finish line!  I highly recommend the Wicked Fast Marathon!

Nicole

This adventure is truly priceless. My heartfelt congratulations to all who have been inspired to show up and make the attempt at achieving the feat of running a half marathon or a marathon.. I thank you, Lee Ann, and your entire team, for making this dream become a reality for us. You and your people are salt of the Earth, class act, and the most genuine and kind hearted humans. My heart was again full of gratitude because we were all here together. Helping each other through. No matter what your time, no matter what the outcome… we came, we ran with all of our hearts, and we did it together. We couldn’t have done it like this without each other… The marathon is like life! We keep going, we get back up when we fall, we help each other along the way, bringing each other up and carrying each other through.

David

I was scheduled to be in New York for a high school reunion on September 13. So long as I was in the area, I looked for a marathon that I could do that was reasonably close to the reunion venue. I was delighted to discover the Jack and Jill (Wicked Fast) Marathon, which more than fit the bill. Friday, September 12, was also my 60th birthday. What better way for me to celebrate my 60th birthday than by participating in a marathon that includes my most beloved scenery: trails through the Eastern woods. I kept repeating to myself during the event that this is the perfect way to rejoice and celebrate, and from start to finish, marveled and reminisced of the incomparable beauty of the Poconos. The weather was perfect and the course a complete delight.

I admired the diligence and intensity exhibited by the USA Endurance staff. They were completely focused on ensuring that these races were going to be as well-executed as possible. Their passion in race organization was quite palpable from start to finish. Likewise, Jerry, the proprietor of the Lehighton Outdoor Center, was equally enthusiastic, and his generous allowance of the use of his store property truly enhanced packet pickup, parking, and the finish line area. While the focus of many participants on Friday appeared to be a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon, there were those like me that were grateful to have a marathon on a special weekday. Thank you, USA Endurance Events, for making this extraordinary event possible.

Cindy

A few summers ago in my middle age, I was blessed to meet one of the dearest human beings I've ever known.. It was an accidental meeting that blossomed into the richest, happiest time of my life; he inspired me to run...to run for health, to run for life, and to run for the sheer joy of it.  Three years later, progressing from a  70-pounds-heavier non-athletic type who couldn't run a mile without having to stop and gasp for air, I stood on the chilly starting line at the Wicked Fast Marathon Poconos. My dear friend's hoodie and a mylar blanket sheltered me from the cold.  I could hear the rush of the whitewater on the Lehigh River below, knowing that I would have the privilege of running alongside it for miles and miles. At the simple word "go", two hundred pairs of racing feet began their relentless, gravelly footfalls. My friend's voice was in my head through the miles..."control your breathing, save your speed for the second half. Boston is waiting for you." Thousands of hemlocks were the runners' spectators...a gorge and a waterfall here, a box turtle there...the shunting of a freight train, the chittering laughter of a bald eagle over the river. "Run each mile as its own entity... some will feel painful, and others effortless...just get to the next one," his voice said.  Steady pace all the way, through Jim Thorpe, along the trail, under the trestle, then breathlessly over the bridge and down the hairpin turn into Lehighton. My friend's voice said "Be your own cheerleader and push through." Everything burned, but suddenly I could hear the crowd... it powered my feet and made the blood pump through my heart! I couldn't restrain a "whoop whoop" as I crossed under the arch of the finish line. I PR'd my marathon time and qualified for Boston with a five minute cushion. Thank you to Wicked Fast for such a fabulous race, and thank you to my friend who has made my life so happy, healthy, and beautiful.