The Bird In Hand Half is a race I did not think I would be able to run this year. It had sold out the day that I went to register, but I got placed on a wait list and got off the wait list in August. This race is popular due to the uniqueness of running with the Amish and the very cool custom-made horseshoe medals. If you are thinking about running it next year (like I am), my advice is register early.

I drove up on the eve of my 9th half marathon (a 4 hour drive to Amish country) with high anticipation of what promised to be a great race, and it did not disappoint.  I got there a little past the 7pm packet pickup closing, but the “expo” is at the race site under a tent and is where the pasta dinner is, as well as the 5K race held that evening. I knew it wouldn’t be a problem being a little late because they said it would be fine to arrive later on.

I picked up my race packet and then did a quick tour of the vendors. Christopher McDougall was there, and he and I have a mutual friend (that I was actually visiting with on this same trip), so I went over and introduced myself. It was quick and easy to pick up the packet and get out.

The next day I arrived about 40 minutes early. The bathroom lines were short and plenty of them for the number of runners in the race. It was overcast but never rained. The hot air balloons were set off earlier than they planned, maybe because of the rain.

One of the three hot air balloons.

This was just a training for me, so I didn’t care if I finished over 2 hours. I thought I would run with a pace group to ensure I wasn’t running too hard because I was still having problems with my ankle in one leg and sartorius muscle in the other leg and didn’t want to make them worse.  The pacer was Amish and wearing Amish clothes with Nikes. The race started on time.

As usual, I felt a little crowded for the first couple miles but eventually runners spread out, and I had plenty of room.  There were obstacles on the course – “road apples”, otherwise known as horse crap, because in Amish country, there are lots of horse and buggies on the road.  But it was no problem to avoid road apples – just look down fairly often.

A common sight in Amish country.

There was only one turn-around –not bad at all.   There were more water areas than advertised and was never an issue.  All the water stops had Amish children handing out the water or Powerade.  I thought the course was fairly hilly and a good challenge.  My mistake was that I did not have any energy gels on me and there are no gels at the water stations, that I saw. I still held a consistent pace and finished around 2:01, decent for a training run.

There was lots of food afterwards, including ribs, hamburgers, etc., all free for runners and their families.

The medal is unique and this race is very enjoyable. I may be back next year.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars