I have found a fun little running activity in Tennessee. There are road races at many of the state parks over the course of the year. The races range from 5K to a half marathon. Many races on city streets cost upwards of $75 for a half marathon. There are bands and "goodie" bags and finishers medals for all participants. The entry fee for these state park alternative races is $6. If you want a race shirt, the fee jumps to $19. For $6 you get a race number which gets recycled at the end of the race. No bands. No goodie bagsI did my 2nd state park race today. It was a 15K run (9.3 miles). Half of the race was along the rim of an incredible gorge and the other half of the race was on a paved path in the middle of the woods. I may spring for a cabin rental next year. The best part of races in Tennessee is that in place of a commemorative medal, they hand out Moon Pies at the finish. I don't bother hanging my Moon Pies in the closet with the rest of my medals. I enjoy it on the drive home. yum
